Milk - Las Vegas

So, next to Momofuku is Milk.

Milk is the brainchild of Christine Tosi, which is part of the Momofuku Restaurant group.  They already has 9 Milk locations in NYC.  Only fair that we get one out West in Vegas.

Since we just had dinner at Momofuku, I only have room in my purse to bring sweets home.  So, I got Crack Pie and Chocolate Chocolate Cookie.  

The Chocolate Chocolate Cookie (not pictured cause I ate it), is super chocolatey which is awesome for any chocoholic.  But it's not too sweet, it also has a hint of salt in there.  Not particularly rich for someone who has high tolerance of chocolate goodness.  But it is dense like an almost-brownie but still a cookie.

Here's the famous Crack Pie.  The crust is really their Oat Cookie base.  It can fall apart when you cut it.  But you can't go wrong with butter and sugar as your main ingredient on the crust.  It'll hold everything.  The filling is pretty much more butter and sugar.  How can you hate that, if even.  As simple as it sounds, it comes together beautifully.  If you want to try baking it, you can find the recipe here.  They also have other favs recipes and how to's here.

It is literally right next door to Momfuku by the walk bridge which is the 2nd floor of Cosmopolitan hotel.  While you're waiting for a seat at Momofuku, you can start looking at the dessert.  Their Milkquake which is milkshake on steroids.  So, don't stuff your face too much before coming here.  It is a walk-up setting, so no seating per se, but the hotel does have some seating for their 'lounge'/bar area.

If you don't know, Christine Tosi is one of the pioneers that does the naked cakes, where the layered cakes that are not frosted on the side.  It has totally became a trend in the wedding industry.  Not to mention her creativity in dessert is unlike any other.  Not only trend setter, also a James Beard award winner.  You know me, I like to know that they have achieve that success but at the end of the day is how it taste to me that matters.  And I'd say, it was pretty damn good.

Milk

inside Cosmopolitan Hotel

3708 Las Vegas Blvd S

Las Vegas, NV 89109

855-333-MILK x10

http://milkbarstore.com/main/

Momofuku - Las Vegas

Sunday night, walked over to Cosmopolitan and went up to Momofuku's.

Not hard to find, it's at the skybridge level and in a corner.  Or during prime time, just follow the crowd.

You can sit at the ramen bar facing the kitchen, or like us, sitting at the bar bar and they also serve the full menu.

For starter, we got the Pear and Burrata. What I like to do is to wrap burrata cheese around a slice of pear, and top it with some truffle and then chase it with the lettuce after.  It gives it a full body taste and you can also taste the hazelnut that was sprinkled on the pear.  I liked it, very different but yet yummy.

Brussel Sprouts and it also comes with fried cauliflower, soaked in fish sauce.  So naturally, the bottom part is saltier than the top part.  There's a pepper in there, I tasted it but can't see it. 

Here's my black truffle ramen.  The noodle was nice and thick.  Instead of a 60 degree egg, they have an egg yolk.  Soaked in chickpea miso which gives it a full body taste.  Topped with black truffle, it helped enhanced the flavor.  Though, I will say, I expected to mix my truffle well into the noodle, but perhaps they stuck together or I didn't mix it up really well.  They tend to lump together.  One thing I will say was that it would've been great to have some pork in there, so...

... here's the pork bun.  I really missed the protein in my noodle, so pork bun was just right.  The pork was tender and the pickle is house-made.  It already came with hoisin sauce, so not sure if the SSAM Sauce (super hot sauce) was really necessary.  But hey!  When in Rome, right?!  So I tried it, it was thru the roof hot!  So, I shall abstain.  

Overall, between seating and the meal, it didn't take more than 45 mins.  We didn't have a reservation and knew it'd be busy because they do have a lunch service, happy hour, and dinner.  Luckily, we seated at the bar, and the food pretty much all came out at the same time.  So, we got to people watch and enjoy a meal.  Our bartender/server was super friendly and made sure we were well taken care of, which is totally appreciated.

Momofuku - Las Vegas

Cosmopolitan

3708 Las Vegas Blvd S

Las Vegas, NV 89109

702-698-2663

https://vegas.momofuku.com

Morimoto - Las Vegas

So, ended up at Las Vegas earlier than my friend...

In that case, what does one do by oneself?

Go eat some good food, of course!

Been dying to go back to Morimoto.

Haven't been there since New York's experience.

Needless to say, I was dying to go back and have some yummy goodness.... Omasake style!

1st Course: Tuna Tartare the six little sides are: soy jam, wasabi, mayo, chives, avocado, boba crisp.  What you do is that they have a mini scraper, you cut some tuna, dip it in one of the sides or mix it up, then dip it into the mini cup of soy sauce.  In the front, is a warm mini toast with caviar.  

I will say the tuna was a tad fishy.  The boba crisp was one of my favorite.  I'm not typically a mayo fan, but it was delicious.

2nd Course: Wagyu Beef carpaccio.  It has ginger hot oil splash over bed of sprouts.  The lovely thing is that the beef was lightly seared, but the soy has a mix of yuzu in it.  According to one of the chefs, they have a mix of yuzu and soy sauce a 60/40 mix.  It's super refreshing and not too oily, not even the hot oil splash.  Totally love it.

3rd Course: open faced crab leg.  It is baked, hot mayo mixed with tobiko.  It's actually pretty messy to eat.  But it was good.  You do have to work for it to get out it of the thin leg, but it's good once you got it out.  The upper right corner is a mango slaw, amazingly, it's pretty good on its own.

4th Course, sushi sampler.  We have Toro, Yellowtail, Mackerel, Uni, Madai, Tuna/Tamago Roll.  

The toro was so good that it melts in your mouth.  That's how high quality fish taste like.  The uni (sea urchin) was not fishy or slimy at all - kids, that's how uni is supposed to be - nice and smooth.  Then the mackerel was a surprise, it was a bit floral.  I have never had any mackerel like it.  Lastly, is the roll, it's super pretty and just beautiful work of art.  It's tuna and egg as the checkers, so cool, like a stain glass window.

5th Course is Surf & Turf - NY Strip and lobster.  While I'm started to get full, the strip was very delicious.  The lobster isn't bad at all, but the beef I can't stop eating.  It was so nicely done on the sides and the beef, though cooked medium, wasn't super chewy.  The lobster is already done well, so no complaint from me.

6th and last course: dessert.  It is the Fiery Chocolate Tart.  It came with a pour of flaming alcohol - spiced rum.

After they melted the sphere, it looks like this.

But once you cut it open, it's marshmallow on top and dark chocolate mousse at the bottom.  The light brown ball is the salted ganache.  The white bit is cream, not ice cream, but it does help balance all those chocolate out.

Even the coffee dish it came with was unique.

Can't miss the Morimoto art piece, he's smiling at ya!  In case you've been under a rock.  Chef Morimoto was one of the original Iron Chef, the Japan version, then expanded to the US version.  Of course, their good quality is good can't hurt either.

So, here's the thing about coming here.  As soon as you know you're coming, you need to book a reservation.  The bar opens at 4:30p and you can wiggle your way in that way.  The main restaurant part doesn't open until 5pm for dinner service only.  That said, they do get packed even with a spacious store front.  What one of the hotel concierge told me was that if I show up right at the open, sushi bar is open for seating.  That's their allotment for walk-ins in the event the reservation is busy with reservations that night.  Of course, going by myself helped, it's easier to grab a seat.  

I was seated at the end of the sushi bar, and the door to the kitchen.  So, you do get to see the actions. All of the staff saw that I was by myself and every one went out of their way to check in on me.  From the head sushi chef, to the runners, to the head waiter, to the manager.  Everyone stopped by.  I felt special!

Morimoto - Las Vegas

MGM Grand

3799 Las Vegas Blvd S

Las Vegas, NV 89119

702-891-3001

https://www.mgmgrand.com/en/restaurants/morimoto.html

http://ironchefmorimoto.com/Restaurant/morimoto-las-vegas/

Aka

Rare occasion that I get to go to Aka on a weekend. 

Started with Iced Green Tea.

Agadashi Tofu - nice and hot.  Fresh out of the fryer.

Stewed Pork Belly, the egg was too cold for my taste.  But the pork belly was flavorful, just wish it's stewed for a bit longer, and be softer and more tender.

Had a spicy salmon roll, with salmon skin handroll, and eel handroll.

Everything I had was delicious.  We didn't get my favorite server, but the other server are up to snub too.  I like that on Saturday, Sunday they have Happy Hour all day.  While not the entire menu on Happy Hour menu, but alot of yummy dishes are, so have no fear.  Show up and eat some good food.

Aka Sushi

2390 W. Alabama

Houston, Tx 

713-807-7875

http://akasushi.net/pages/home.html

Pho Binh

Went down the street to grab lunch with a co-worker, and ended up at Pho Binh.

We shared the Grilled Pork Spring Roll, it's grilled pork, vermicelli, lettuce, cucumber, carrot, sprout and you dip it in the fish sauce.  Bit of sauce will go a long way, so go easy on the fish sauce.

I got the pho with eye round, brisket, tendon, and tripe.  It was packed with lots of beef.  Noodles is at the bottom.  The soup is tasty enough, but I think they put some MSG in there, I can feel it.  It was good, but definitely something in there because I got a huge headache right after.

It is a casual place, you walk up, order at the counter, grab a number, then grab a seat.  They turn around is pretty fast.  I think it took us a bit more time to park the car than to get our car. During lunch time, lots of office workers nearby come here.  It started to get busy as we were leaving, so it could be the hole in the wall in the area.

Pho Binh

5901 Westheimer Rd

Houston, TX 77057

713-781-8881

http://www.phobinh.com/westheimer

Maison Pucha

Super awesome Moms Night Out... landed us at Maison Pucha.

Been hearing news about them, since the Sous Chef came from Phillippe, after all, he held down the fort very well after the owner Phillippe left the Uptown restaurant few years back.  Always want people to succeed in this difficult industry.

Amuse bouche - Pao De Queijo - Brazilian cheese bread.

Lobster Bisque - they do pour it in front of you, but where is the lobster???

I got the Duck Confit.  It's definitely different, it's a crispy fried duck, on top of potato slices with a side of frisee salad.  Amazingly, the duck was not dry, but also don't have a lot of taste.  I actually liked the sauce on the frisee salad, I actually finished the entire thing.

At least there was a redeeming round of dessert.  This is the coffee creme brûlée with 3 Madeleines.  The coffee brûlée was different, not something you get anywhere.  Mixed with the fruit, it is actually pretty good.  The madeleines are orange flavored, so you can mix your orange with your coffee.

We came without reservations, but since we were early, they were able to seat us.  But reservations are highly recommended.  The service was great, though our server charged us on an item that was never delivered, but no problem taking it off.   We did see table side steak tartare and that is a show to itself.  The place is impressive, but the food unfortunately was not living up to it.  I can only hope over time they find a level that live up to their reputation.

Maison Pucha

1001 Studewood

Suite A

Houston, TX 77008

713-637-4976

https://www.maisonpucha.com/

Biryani Pot Express

My friend and I were out in the boonies visiting a fellow mom friend.

Since we were both hungry, and I haven't had Indian for a long time, decided to stop in.

This is a unique store.  This is an Express, which they expect you to order to-go.  It is as a matter of fact in the back of a grocery store.  

I got the Masala Dosa.  This is a giant crepe, which is wider than the tray it comes in.  The crepe is made of soaked lentil.  Inside there's potato mix in there.  I forgot that they can be spicy, so needed my mango lassi to balance things out a bit.  They give you 3 dipping sauce. The red chutney sauce wasn't bad, the left one, I was hoping it'd be more curry-like, but it's not as thick as I'd hoped.  The last one, which I haven't figured out, was the best.

They have Biryani Pot all around town give them a try.

Biryani Pot Express

26440 FM 1093

Ste 470

Richmond, TX 77406

832-437-7057

http://www.biryanipotexpress.com

Bokksu review

I'm telling you, I am such a sucker when I see an ad for subscription boxes.

 I just have a weird fascination to see what they have in the new box and compare to what they had in the past.  

One in particular is the Kit Kat box from Japan.  Japan is known for having regional Kit Kat flavors, and if there's a box full of different Kit Kats, sign me up!  I'm not necessary a huge Kit Kat fan per se, but if there's a chance to try something we don't normally get, why not?

Talk is cheap, let's see what's inside!

Whoa, look at all these Kit Kats!  They are all snack size, or in US, party size.  Let's see what they have here.... The are Cranberry & Almond Kit Kat, Matcha (Green Tea) Double Berry & Almond, Dark Chocolate, Dark Matcha, Matcha, Strawberry, Matcha Leaves, Hojicha (roasted green tea), Amao Strawberry, and Purple Yam Kit Kat.  Every box also comes with tea for you to pair with your snack, this time is White Peach Tea, which goes well with milk and Kit Kat.  As a bonus, they have a bag of Heart Shaped Japanese Senbei (rice cake) spiced with Pepper.  

So, first look, I was very surprised by how many variation of Green Tea there are.  In this box alone, there are 4 types, not to mention one mixed in with the Berry & Almond.  I do like the Dark Chocolate, and grateful that they give you 2 of each, so you don't get bored with a big bag of the same flavor.  The Strawberry apparently is more tart than the Amao Strawberry, which is sweeter.  I have yet to try the Purple Yam at the time of the post, but happy to post about it later.

Basically, how they group their selection is that they have the Luxury Edition, which they have higher quality of ingredients.  Adult Edition (mind out of gutter), is less sweet and possibly more intense flavor which is not made with children in mind.  Limited Edition, which was what I was thinking that they are only available in specific region of Japan.  I do remember seeing various flavors at Narita Airport's gift shop.  That's a huge seller for them, since Kit Kat is a well known brand, so different flavors are such great novelty.  I do know in Tokyo they even have a Kit Kat Chocolatory, where you can select different flavors like a high end Chocolatier shops.  Definitely an experience.  For now, I'll order snacks from a subscription box.

Bokksu

https://www.bokksu.com

Agu Ramen

It's a rare occasion that I'm down on Westheimer for lunch.

Decided to stop at Agu, which I do occasionally dream about their broth.  Mmm...

Quick start - Iced Green tea.  The place is not big at all, some seating at the bar, couple of big tables and bunch of smaller tables and booth.

Appetizer: takoyaki.  I like theirs ok, not too much batter, and you do get some squid/calamari in there.  Sauce, is of course why we get it... is delicious.

I got the Tonkotsu Shoyu ramen - broth has been seeping for 24 hours, nice and tender pork, 60 degree egg, bamboo, scallions, some black sesame paste.  

I will say, the broth is the most layered and complex all across town.  The other one that tops it is the Agu Kotteri, which you can almost taste every hour they've put into the broth.  Noodle itself is nice, not too soggy, everything taste nicely together.  You don't feel like the pork was cooked separate from the broth where you can really taste the difference.

I will say, despite the place is small, they have enough tables to keep 2 servers and a bartender busy.  I was there for lunch, place wasn't seated fully but between getting my servers attention and wait for food, it did took an hour for one person.  Granted, I wasn't in a hurry that day, but since there's alot of offices around, I bet they do get crowded during lunch time.  So, time yourself accordingly.  

There are side parking on the side of the building, but there are additional parking at the back and next door.  Take advantage of that.

Agu Ramen Bistro

9310 Westheimer Rd

Houston, Tx 77063

713-588-6889

http://www.aguramen.com

Mkt Bar

Whenever we go to a show downtown, it's easier to grab some good at Mkt Bar.

Got a yummy and refreshing Sparkling Lemonade.  SO good....

I am totally addicted to their plantain chips.  It comes with mango salsa and chimichurri sauce.  Both good, or if you're not a dipping into sauce person, the chips by itself is pretty good too.

This is my Fish and Chips.  Fish is lightly battered, so you're not eating nothing but batter.  The cod is pretty fresh too, it all went very well together.  Instead of fries, they give you chickpea fries, which is not heavy and sink you in.  As you can see, they give you pretty big pieces and it will fill you up, but you don't feel like going to a nap afterwards.

For those of you who've never been, Mkt Bar is pretty casual.  But check in at the front in case that night is busy.  Typically you just seat yourself and the server comes and get you.  Otherwise, the rest of the process goes pretty smooth with service, food delivery and what not.

Mkt Bar

1001 Austin St

Houston, TX 77010

832-360-2222

http://mktbar.com

Eclair Paris

In Houston, you don't get a lot of casual French faire.

Newly opened Eclair is such a place.  They really do try to have a little French in the midst of the Medical Center.  No arrogant air to them whatsoever.  Don't get me wrong, doesn't mean that their decor or food are sloppy, just simply want to provide a nice cafe for all to enjoy.

I got the Eclair Eggs, which has 2 eggs (scrambled), Paris Ham and Swiss cheese, baguette and jam.  It is so ever European.

But since my kid is so opposite of European, we have to have hot cocoa and bacon... 

Funny story, my kid thinks chocolate milk, as in the cold ones.  The owner was so kind to make this pretty cup for him, but hot.  Kids are funny, I tell you.  Since it's warm chocolate milk, he won't drink it.  So, the owner was kind enough, again, to make another one with cooler temperature.  But since you cannot logic with a kid, we ended up with both  They really didn't have to do that, but they did, and while my kid doesn't appreciate it, I do appreciate servers and owners that goes the extra mile.

Eclair Paris

2278 W. Holcombe Blvd

Houston, TX 77030

832-623-7753

https://eclairparis.com

House of Pies

Some times you just need some 'junk' food.

My goal of coming here is pies, always.

BUT!  We still need to have some kind of 'proper' meal.  

Got the stuffed chili potato... kinda regret getting it because I forgot that their Chili's has beans.  Bleh!  The rest is fine, just beans... bleh!

Here comes the dessert!  Chocolate Banana Bavarian pie.  You get chocolate, yum!  You get banana, double yum.  And the awesome crust, what more do you want?!

Coming to eat dinner here is a very quiet diner feel.  The servers are energetic because they are still fresh for the shift.  They are more attentive and make sure we get what we want the way we want them.  (Minus the beans in the Chili since it's pre-made).  That said, service is still pretty darn good.

As usual, they have so many types of pies, you will have a hard time picking just one.  But make sure you share, that way you can have more!

House of Pies

3112 Kirby Drive

Houston, TX 77098

713-528-3816

http://www.houseofpies.com