Meal Prep

Sunday is for meal prep for me.  I don't do it as often as I should but it helps me when I need to keep my count for the day.  Also save money that way.

First, oil your muffin tin.

So, I get the prosciutto to line the muffin cup like I would with a muffin liner.  You can use any cold cut you like.  As much as I like prosciutto, it is hard to separate them from the pack.  So you can do cold cut of your choice.  I don't do bacon because it takes a bit longer than I want to invest for the eggs.  

So, if you do full egg, you can either break open an egg per cup.  Or I broke 6 into a cup, seasoned it to my liking and then I put some spinach in there for kicks.

So, for full eggs - I bake for 15 mins at 320 degrees

For egg whites only - I bake for 25 mins at 375 degrees

An egg has 70 calories, depends on what type of meat you're putting there, then do it be slice.

Let's face it, you can't just eat one, which you'll need to put that into your allotment.

Some variation, you can add different kind cheese, bacon bits, chopped up veggies, different seasonings.  The key is to fill the up 3/4 full, if you do all the way full it's guarantee to spill, which I've tried both eggs and egg whites.

Hu's Cooking

Finally got ourselves into Hu's Cooking since they had the new owner.

The place is nice and bright and super busy by 6pm.

Steamed pork dumpling - it is ok.

Dan Dan Noodles, not too spicy but don't get me wrong, it has a kick to it, but even a weakling like me can handle it.

My favorite: Ma Po Tofu - just because I'm the girl who can sit there and eat this with rice all day.  Dish has decent amount of spice, but I'm missing the pork chunks that were mentioned in the menu...

Stir Fried String Bean, nicely salted and fried to a bit of crisp.

This is my first time to have Sweet Skin Duck, pretty good.  This is half a duck and the skin is coated with sugar crystals, not too thick of a layer, but just enough to add to the crisp.  The chili sauce helps enhance the flavor.  Highly recommend.

This is the first time for me to have Corn and Salted Egg Yolk, basically the yolk is the sticking agent and they have salt on it and fried.  So, it's a snack item, but they're doing it as a side veggie dish.  It's ok, I'm not a fan of corn, so I'm not a good gauge on that.

Like I said, they turned over an existing Chinese restaurant, renovated it and added more life to a previously drabby place.  That said, the food is not bad and authentic, which draws a big crowd.  With that comes parking issues.  They do have a few spots at the back of the building.  You need to read the signs.  There are also alot of folks that park on the street and walk down.  And there are a few spot at the front, again, read the signs. 

If you do come for dinner, I highly suggest you get that by 6p, otherwise, it fills up quickly.  For weekend, you should try to do either an early or late lunch both for seating and parking sake.

Hu's Cooking

2502 W. Holcomb Blvd

Houston, TX 77030

713-660-0020

https://www.huscooking.com

Mendocino's Farm

Been meaning to check out Mendocino's Farm a while.  Finally got a chance.

I just love how bright and silly they are.

You don't see the kids menu on their site but here it is... 

They were talking up their deli sides, so had to check that out.  Since it's hard to decide, you can ask the staff to let you taste test before you stick to one choice.

I love how kitch they are with the bright colored cow.  

I originally was set on a salad, but decided last minute to get the "Not So Fried" Chicken.  Just sounded interesting.  So, technically, its not fried chicken at all, it is roasted chicken with crips and make that crunchy texture.  Then it has tomato, slaw, onion in a ciabatta bun.  That came with bbq sauce, and you can add as you see fit.  For my side, I got the Curried Cous Cous.  I'm already a fan of cous cous already the curried flavor is so mild, just give it a good flavor, not spicy at all.  But it is truly so good that I basically cleaned the bowl.

This is a very cool space, they even carved out some spots for kids, so adult and kids can enjoy a meal and the kids can draw on the blackboard all they want.  Of course, the place has alot of very Instagrammable lights, decor, and all, so it's fun for grownup and kids.

Mendocino's Farm

5510 Morningside

Houston, TX 77005

713-487-0965

https://www.mendocinofarms.com/locations/rice-village

Amille's

Another Monday, another cup of coffee.

Learned about Amille's when I was doing the Latte Art Class at the Common Ground.

Also learned about couple of drinks that I don't usually get.  One is the Lavender Honey latte.  They use local honey and local lavender (which is out by Chappel Hill).  I like that aspect of it because that means if you need to fight against any allergen, using local pollen helps with that.  My coworker just thinks is such an oxymoron because lavender is known to be a calming agent, yet it's in a latte with caffeine.  

The other is Golden Milk, which is turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon with milk of your choice, in mine, I added a shot of espresso.  One of the owners was telling us that when he was sick as a kid, his grandmother makes it for him, so it's a comfort thing.  I actually like it quite well, you don't typically see this around and it's very mild.  On top of that, when I feel my immune system is going down hill, besides Zicam, I do this, and it makes me feel better.  It's mostly the turmeric, but whatever helps I'll take.

Amille's Coffee

in the tunnel all around downtown Houston and Williams Tower

1301 McKinney St

Houston, TX 77010

Agu Ramen

Was hanging out in Sugarland Town Center, so decided to stop by Agu for some yumminess.

This is the location that makes their own noodles, you can see that thru their kitchen window.

This is their Fried Agu Gyoza.  It is pretty meaty, of course, it's fried, it's just delicious.

I got the Garlic Kotteri Tonkotsu, which the broth is darker, has garlic oil, garlic chips, 60 degree egg, melt in your mouth pork, bamboo, scallion and of course the noodles.  The noodles has more elasticity than the Sun Noodles that a lot of people uses.  I guess not soaking in the broth too long also help with that too.

I always get an enjoyable meal there, even though parking is a challenge it's worth it!

Agu Ramen

2130 Lone Star Dr

Sugar Land, TX 77479

713-588-5601

http://www.aguramen.com

Tropicales

Finally made it to Tropicales for Happy Hour.

Been seeing lots of very Grammable photos from here.

Like this sitting area, very chic.

The menu reminds me of scrabbles.

I was dying for some chips & salsa, they come in red and green sauce.  By the way, one is not any spicier than the other.  Weakling like me can handle both.

I love Yucca Fries, and of course the Chimichurri sauce too.

Here's the Salmon Ceviche, the slices are pretty big like a sashimi slice, has some onion, mango, jalapeño, coconut milk, sprout and to be eaten with the plantain chips.  Turned out pretty yummy.

I love how they incorporate coconut into their drinks too, which really does make you feel like you're in the Tropics enjoying a beverage.  

The place while small is not over crowding.  They have bar seating as well.  They do the pay first and they deliver the food to you type service.  Very self-serve, you grab your own water and utensils.  You're free to pull tables to accommodate larger parties, of course make sure you don't block the walk ways.

Don't let them fool you, they serve a pretty decent list of coffee and breakfast food and baked goods too.

Tropicales

2132 Bissonnet St

Houston, TX 

832-649-7974
http://tropicalestx.net

Siphon Coffee

It's Monday morning, you need coffee, right?!

I like to stop by Siphon Coffee when I get a chance.

They have lots of counter space.

I got a regular latte with soy milk and look at the lovely art.  I didn't even have to tell them and they made it drinkable temp.  By the way, any coffee place they can do that, you just have to tell them to do it kids temp (at $tar&ucks) or technically it's between 100-120 degrees.  The more you do that, the more you'll know the temp by touch.

Anyway, I saw that they also sell breakfast taco, but since I didn't have time, I'll just have to come back for it.

Siphon Coffee

701 W. Alabama

Houston, TX 77006

281-974-4422

https://siphoncoffee.com

Lick - Austin

After dinner, one of my request is to get ice cream.

Lick Honest Ice Cream has been known for using local ingredients, which is one of their selling point.

They do come up with some creative flavors, like Shishito Pepper & Plum (hint: it has a kick not a lot of plum).  Or Chocolate Zucchini Bread.

They also have some dairy free and vegan version as well.

As true to Austin's lifestyle, getting ice cream at 9 o'clock the place is jammed pack.  Folks getting some dessert after dinner or just chatting before leaving.

So, what did I get: I got the Ranch Road - which is their version of Rocky Road.  Instead of chopped nuts, they have toasted pecans.  The other one is the Fromage & Fig.  It does have a hint of the cheese, but not too over empowering over the fig.  The fig is in there, and it's not super strong.  Overall very mild as far as ice cream goes, but creative for sure.

Like I mentioned earlier, every part of the ice cream is from somewhere Texas.  Not only are they using what's available locally and supporting the local farms and vendors, they also give back to various Food related charities in the Austin area.  Go check them out.

Lick Honest Ice Cream

6555 Burnet Road

# 200

Austin, TX 78757

512-608-8029

https://www.ilikelick.com 

Fixe Southern Cuisine - Austin

Saw another blogger (not food related) was going to brunch here...

All the dishes they posted was super awesome looking, figured why not come here for brunch.

This is a very unique deviled eggs, it has smoked trout roe and grated ham on top and fermented cabbage on the side.  It is pretty flavorful, I can order more and eat them all in one sitting.

Something they're known for, Lobster & Crawfish Pot Pie.  You do get a decent amount of crawfish and lobster meat in there, not a bad deal at all.  Of course, the buttery crust helps too.

A side to share for the table... Duck Fat Breakfast Potato.  I just got lured by the description of duck fat.  Though, that said, it is pretty yummy on the fat part.  It really gives the potato more flavor than the regular methods.

Main entree - we got the Fried Chicken as the Signature Southern Cuisine is known for.  It is not dry at all, as a matter of fact, pretty juicy through and through.  It is battered with buttermilk and the sauce with spicy honey.  It is so wonderful.  The side comes with kale and green apple slaw, which I don't see often.

The place is an upscale place as far as Southern Cuisine goes.  So, make sure you do make a reservation.  They do have valet out front, but next to the building is also a parking lot, and there are street parking as well.  Just make sure you read the signs and park accordingly because Austin downtown don't mess around in terms of parking.

Fixe Southern Cuisine

500 W. 5th Street

Austin, TX 78701

512-888-9133

https://fixesouthernhouse.com

Jo's Coffee South Congress

One of the long standing landmark on SoCo is Jo's Coffee.

It's just a small stand, and there are seating at the side and the back.

What else puts this location on the map is the ever so instagrammable wall.

Of course, they take advantage and have merch to sell.

What did I get: I got their Turbo which is their signature sweet and creamy coffee.  It has chocolate, hazelnut, coffee and cream in the big o' thing.   If that sounds too sweet to you, they also have half Turbo and half Iced Coffee, which is called the Belgian Bomber.  And I wouldn't pass up the chance to have breakfast taco, which is again from Tacodeli.

Jo's Coffee 

1300 South Congress

Austin, TX 78704

512-444-3800

https://www.joscoffee.com/south-congress-jos

Odd Duck - Austin

Heard alot of good things about Odd Duck, so happy that we can squeeze in there.

They have a small parking lot, and even the valets know if you don't have a reservation, chances are you are not getting in.  So, call ahead, otherwise, the valets won't even bother.

Started with the Watermelon Fresca, which has tequila, Aperol, watermelon, lime, tarragon, and bubbles.  Since it's still scorching outside, this is perfect refreshed drink.  Though I do know they changes the cocktail frequently.

We got seated at the bar, which is pretty awesome, because you get front row seat to their kitchen and prep.

This is the Crab Pimento, which has green chili in the mix and sits on top a peach gazpacho.  And they give you the chips that is like a everything bagel, very yummy.  Light and not heavy.

This is ceviche with redfish the mix has some mango, tomato, onion, and there's some squash curry.  The chips is house-made purple yam.  Very unique and we cleaned that plate.

Now, don't think it's just a cute presentation of pretzel in a mug, inside is actually squash queso that's already warmed up.  It has a texture of mousse, and dipping and scraping the bottom of the mug is encouraged!

This is shrimp with Cornbread with Corn relish and shishito crema.  I've never had crema like that before, but it does neutralizes the shrimp nicely.

This is Pork Belly with burnt rice, tamarind sauce and slaw.  Not a big fan of the slaw, but the rice, sauce and pork belly went very well together.  It's like the North Chinese dish, where they purposely serve the burnt rice from the bottom of the pot to give it the crispiness.  

This is their Housemade Soda, but Lemon-Lime with Ginger Ale, not too gingery.

Piece la resistance: Fish Head.  Chicken fried Fish Head with caramel fish-bone sauce, chili, cantaloupe and cucumber.  Man, I don't usually go for Fish Head, but this was a MUST and it was stupendous, both in taste and presentation.  Just get it!

This is their Nachos - I'm not sure if it's because by this time we've stuffed ourselves silly or what, but it's one of the lesser impressive dish for me.  It has grilled mushroom and chili and herbs.  Sauce was good, but like I said I'm stuffed by this point.

That said, we probably shouldn't have but we did... This is the Mesquite Bean- Peanut Ice Cream.  It has brownie, berry mezcal, and marshmallow.  To me, bits of it tasted like a Heath Bar, some peanut buttery and some toffee like flavors in there.  Of course we didn't finish because even gluttony has a limit.

Overall, it's one of the more impressive meals I've had in a long time.  There's no wonder that you have to have a reservation before the valet will get your car.  So, don't chance it, make sure you do.  Cost-wise is reasonable given the creativity and the work they put in there.  Some of the dishes I'd expected them to charge more but it's not, which I'm ok with that.  I will chalk it up as a MUST TRY for any visitor to Austin.

Odd Duck Austin 

1201 S. Lamar

Austin, TX 78704

512-433-6521

https://oddduckaustin.com