Amy's Ice Cream

It's been a while since we've been to Amy's for ice cream.

Last time we were here, there were the staff and us.

This time there's a line, and they are also doing mixin's which they weren't for the longest time.

So, I got Coffee mixed with Oreo cookies.  It's been a while, so went crazy.  The impressive part, they did the ice cream flip for us, so that is always appreciated!  Check out is cash free, so easy in, easy out.  They also does curbside too.

Amy's Ice Cream

3816 Farnham

Houston, TX 77098

https://amysicecreams.com

 

Side Dough

I don't usually see the Side Dough bus open during the weekday.

I love how cheeky their staff are, they were the one to suggest doing this pose.

If you don't know what Side Dough is, it is another concept from the food folks at Woodshed & Love Burger Shack.

This is a quick stop to the beer and wine and some nosh.  They do have little containers of protein box, and chicken salad and what nots.  This is a good way to grab a drink, enjoy the space instead of having to go to the kitchen.  The offering is limited, but if you need a quick fix, this will do.

What did I get?  I got a cup of coffee.  As much as I love the staff there, coffee is not their strong suit, alcohol is really their jam; especially when you have Slowpokes right across the way.   I think the bus concept has potential, especially when you offer muffin and donuts.  But I think they need to step up on their coffee game if they're going to do morning offerings.  That said, I get that you wouldn't want a $5000 espresso machine in a bus that can get vandalize out in the open, in the middle of the night.  BUT! I also didn't care of a Kuerig espresso even if the staff took the care to froth up some good foam for my latte.

There are room for improvement, but not sure if they will open the bus on more hours than the weekends, which was what they have been doing thus far.  The day I went happened to be a fluke the they open.  I do look forward to more fun concepts coming from this group.

Side Dough

3728 WAKEFOREST AVE

Houston, TX 77098

https://sidedoughhouston.com

 

Lemongrass

Got take-out from Lemongrass.  We haven't been back since they renovated the shopping center.  Since we were nearby it was a quick jaunt.

I really liked their Thai Tea, it has a real tea flavor to it.  As opposed to the other ones that are made from powder, and you can tell the difference.

Figured we give the Sweet Potato Fries a try.  I do recommend this a side, it's pretty good with and without the sauce.  

The very same sauce appear again for the Plantain Chips.  While the sauce is good, I still prefer the plantain chips with Chimichurri sauce best.

So this is not something you see in a Thai Restaurant.  This is Lemongrass Pizza.  It is on thin crust but not the true flat bread type thin crust.  More like traditional old school thin crust.  It has chicken, tomato, mushroom, but what throws me off is the flavor.  It comes off with a bit of the Tom Yum, spicy and sour nodes, with mozzarella.  As foodie called it the mind-____.  It really messes up with your mind because you really eat with your eyes.  Visually, you see a mozzarella covered pizza with tomato, white sauce base, you are not thinking the flavor will be sharp and sticking out.  I applaud the concept, but will look to going back to the basic.

Order to-go here is the old fashion way, pick up the phone and call.  Give them a 20-30 minutes leeway.  I have started to place an order, and wait for 5 minutes get a drink of water, then head out to pick-up.  If you're out and about, plan ahead.

Lemongrass Cafe

5107 Bellaire Blvd

Bellaire, TX 77401

713-664-6698

https://www.lemongrass-cafe.com

 

Love Burger Shack

Last time I was at Slowpoke, I saw Love Shack and was curious.

By looking at the menu, it's a nice to-go option from Woodshed.

I got an Arnold Palmer.  Beautiful day for that!

Also got a little afternoon snack.  What's inside?

I got some Crazy Good Onion Rings.  It's been a long time since I had any, so thought I'd go for it.  They weren't boastful when they said Crazy Good.  It was indeed great.  The batter is not too thick, onion is just right.  I did see at the bottom it's a tad greasy.  But by then, I've already finished, so oh well.

They also have 'picnic basket' with fried chicken and sides for 4.  Of course they have burger, hot dogs & floats.

Love Burger Shack

3709 Eastside 

Houston, Tx 77098

346-227-6250

https://loveburgershackhtx.com

 

Bao Shi Yi

Went back to Bao Shi Yi again.  Mainly because their online order system is easy and fast.  By the time I arrived, it was all set and ready to go. 

The silly part? You cannot order Bao on their system.  I bought these in person.  They are actually pretty good.  I did ask the counter staff how come you can't order it online.  They said that it depends on what they have that day to sale and they just decided it's easier to leave it off online.  So if you don't see it online try in person.

I got Braised Beef Noodle.  I love how they package everything.  The soup is in this plastic container that reminds me of my liquid detergent.  The to-go bowl is very sturdy too, after you pour in the soup, the container didn't get all wobbly like it'll fall apart any moment.  

Even though it's not with the scallion oil, which is usually spicier.  The regular noodle's soup is mild spicy.  I was in tears and my kid thought I was crying... yes, kid, I was crying from the soup.  LOL.  But the beef was good, the noodle came out well.  I only wish they added one more thing of veggie.  That one strand of bok choy was literally all it was.  

Of course, I have to get a drink from them.  I decided to not go crazy and only get a grapefruit tea.  It worked out, as it even out the tastebuds after the spicy soup.  Paired out nicely.

Bao Shi Yi

Medical Center

2328 Holcomb Blvd

Houston, TX 77030

832-530-4635

https://baoshiyibunhouse.com

 

Epicure Cafe

Wow, haven't been to Epicure Cafe for a long long time.

I stopped by the former River Oaks Theater, just to take a few good-bye shots.  And then remembered that Epicure is right next door.  Back in the day, we would go to Epicure for dinner then hop over to catch a movie. Or go there for a brunch.

One of my favorite cookies are the checkerboard cookies.  You don't see this at regular bakeries easily.  Most of their cookies and cakes are not your typical bakery stuff, which makes them unique.

The checkerboard cookie has a bit of cinnamon taste to it.  

Got an eclair for my afternoon pick me up.  It's sweeter than I remembered.  Definitely creamier than regular eclairs, which only has it in the center.  But still yummy nonetheless.

Not pictured: I must pick up the Strawberry Lemonade.  I will say that is a crap shoot sometimes, because sometimes the fruit a nice and ripe and some times it can get sour.  But today's was delicious.  So, it's great after walking around.

Epicure Cafe

2005 W. Gray

Houston, Tx 77019

713-520-6174

https://epicure-cafe.com/

 

Jollibee's Pie

Bless my mom for knowing that I'm a sweet tooth.  She was by the Jollibee and got me a pie.

Basic concept copied a page out of McDonald's.

Even the shape and package is a page from MickyD's.  Anyway, the inside is different, I tasted more peach than mango.  But there's definitely chunks of both in there.  It's much like the apple pie concept, it's cooked fruit inside and it is ooey and gooey with the fruit syrup dripping.  It was delish.

They now have online order for delivery (thru Doordash), pickup, curbside, or to go.  Easy and fast.

Jollibee

8001 S. Main

Houston, TX 77025

713-665-8914

https://jollibeeusa.com

 

Mia's Goodies

I decided to drive 30 minutes to get some dessert.

I'm just addicted to their goodies.

They have at least 6 flavors on display.

More on the cream puffs - I want one of everything please.

Of course, one of the main reasons for coming here.... Mango Sago with diced mango. I love that they mix everything on the spot like they do for bubble tea.  It's yummy, highly recommend.

Look at that giant mochi.  This is green tea mochi with red bean paste in the middle.  Very traditional Japanese taste, though not sure if they have that in Japan.

Here's the yummy puffs, come to mama.  I got chocolate, vanilla, and black sesame.  I think black sesame is one of my favorites here.  

The shop is kinda hidden inside Jusgo Supermarket.  You have to walk pass the shops by the front door to see it on the right.  There are a few other cafes and restaurants there to try as well, that'll be good for another exploring venture.

Mia's Goodies

3412 Hwy 6

Sugar Land, TX 77478

832-532-0661

https://www.miasgoodies.com

 

Torchy's Taco

This will mark the 3rd time I've been out dining in a year.  That's just crazy!

We ended up at Torchy's because it's close by our activity, and plus we got a coupon.

They are not shy about their confidence, I'll say.

Here's what our coupon got us, free queso.  Originally was a free 1/2 order of queso, but our server said he made the regular one by accident.  Oh, ok, more queso?  Twist my arm.

I think the only thing that can make this better, is to add meat to it.  YUM!

I went simple on the main meal.  I knew how much food it would've been, so I went easy.  Anyway, I got the Crossroads which is because of the brisket.  I love me some of them brisket! It comes with lots of cheese (as you can see here), avocado, grilled onion, and they give you the tomatillo sauce.  I love all of that.  The avocado definitely bulk up the meat, onion, cheese.  This is my go-to.

Torchy's Taco

1555 Lake Woodlands Dr

Ste 435

The Woodlands, TX 77380

346-413-2501

https://torchystacos.com/location/woodlands-mall/

 

Melange Creperie

It's truly been a long time since I've been to Melange.

I miss watching them make my crepe and the friendly staff. 

Of course, the cute space inside helps keeps the place cozy.

Here's the Patty Special... ahhh so good to even say it after all these years.  For those who are not familiar, this is Nutella with Banana and add Strawberries.  If it's super hot, summer time, you can see that they mix different fruit.  My second favorite is with peach.  Somehow it just works. 

The area has gotten so much more busy now that all the stores have been filling up the space.  So finding a parking takes a little work.  But it wasn't so bad once you go towards the back.  As usual, support your local business.

Melange Creperie

711B Heights Blvd

Houston, TX 77007

713-393-7578

http://www.houstoncrepes.com

 

Slowpokes

Been curious about this shop when we go to the Levy Park.

And it's really a nice hang out.

Half bar and half coffee shop.  It's decor is kitchy and fun. 

Some unusual latte flavors.

First trip, I got a Purple Rain, which is an ube latte with oat milk.  What happens with oat milk is that it enhance the nutty-ness of the ube.  I won't say it taste ground, but it's definitely nutty from a latte.  Of course, it's just cool to drink something purple.

By the way, the sign says I'm a Slowpoke.  But anyway, this round I got the Honey Rose flavor.  They really do pour honey mix with rose syrup before putting the espresso shot on top to melt, mix, and blend all the flavors together.  I again asked for oat milk and have it a shake, and there you have it.

I like the place, it's casual, hip, and the staff are friendly.  I asked for a recommendation, they are more than happy to show off what they have to offer.  They also serve food here, maybe we'll try it here one day, which requires better planning on my part.  In terms of parking, depends on when you go.  If you go on a weekday, even though Houston has re-opened its parks, parking is not too horrible.  But on the weekend, you'll have to plan accordingly.  Of course, parking at the garage is always an option.

Slowpokes

Facing Levy Park

2925 Richmond Ave

#120

Houston, TX 77098

346-406-3985

https://www.imaslowpoke.com

 

Beard Papa

Back to supporting small businesses by having yummy desserts.

Have to get my Beard Papa's fix.

This time I got Plain with Vanilla filling, Chocolate shell with Green Tea filling, and Creme Brûlée, the filling is already on top.  Of course it was all delicious.  Don't worry, I didn't have all of these by myself, I shared.  But this was an easy order for me, by doing the entire order online. 

Look at the beautiful shell and the puff... one of the best ones in town, I tell you!

I ordered using their online system on their site.  You can pick Delivery or Pickup.  My only thing is that the menu is limited than if you were there in person.  That said, I place the order before heading out, and confirm with the staff, she goes to the back and it was already packed and all ready to go.  

Beard Papa

9393 Bellaire Blvd

Houston, TX 77036

https://www.beardpapas.com

 

Two Hands

Been seeing lots of pics on Instagram for this place, so that got me interested.

Two Hands sell Corndog - Korean style.   I ordered on line and when I arrived, they pull up my ticket, put the order together and move to the next station.

Happen to be a little warm during the day, and grabbed a lemonade slush.  It is more zingy than my taste, it could've been less tart, it'd be perfect for me. 

At the next stage, they go with your order and ask you what you want on each of the dogs... this is where they douse ketchup and fired Cheetos on top.

This last one (L) has their special sauce.  To be honest, I prefer the ketchup one much better. 

For the filling you can pick hot dog sausage, half sausage/half mozzarella, all mozzarella, or half mozzarella/half cheddar.  I just picked all hot dog sausage. 

Here's the final product.  (L) Classic Dog with ketchup (you can do only mustard or both).  The middle one is Potato Dog, which is corndog with tater tots on the outside, drizzled with Cheeto powder.  The last one (R) is the Two Hands dog with their signature seasoning and Ranch Sauce.  My favorite is still the good old Classic.

Here's the Dirty Fries - Tater tots with Fire Cheeto powders and their dirty sauce.  Frankly, this is my favorite of my order. The sauce is not too spicy, the flavor is just right.  I definitely will come back for this. 

Overall, the ordering process is easy if you do it online.  But once you arrive, you still need to stand in line to the cashier to let them know you're there to pick up the order.  Once you get them to acknowledge, you walk to the next area where they put your order together., this is where you tell them how much and what sauce to put.  That is a much better options than to wait in line, then wait for them to put your order together.  This is truly and American Classic take on a new twist.

Two Hands

9393F Bellaire Blvd

Houston, Tx 77030

713-239-0929

https://www.twohandsus.com

 

7 Leaves

I saw 7 Leaves opened by me, so decided to stop by.

I caught them right at the open.

I ordered House Coffee.  Originally, I had asked for boba, but since they were just opened, they were still cooking the boba.  While inconvenienced, I appreciated, that way I know they are serving fresh ones daily.  Which is not the case at a lot of the bubble tea places.  You can tell they mix the left overs and or just kept using one batch until it's done.

Anyway, the coffee tasted good.  Lots of foam on top.  So, if you don't want to zip full of foam at the end, I'd suggest you mix it up.  If you haven't stab your straw yet, feel free to flip it upside down couple of times.  Then stick the straw in and twirl to mix.

7 Leaves

3825 Richmond Ave

Houston, Tx 77027

713-814-8149

https://7leavescafe.com