Ginger Kale

Quick post on drinks...

Went to Ginger Kale for a quick latte.  I got the Matcha latte iced, and there's no frills to it.  They did added a bit of vanilla to it, so it's not non-taste.  Since the milk portion outweighs the matcha shot, it gets washed out easily so having a shut of vanilla is great.  

Also ordered a hot chocolate and it's a great morning to to walk around Hermann Park these days with beautiful weather.  Stop by and grab a drink before you stroll.

Ginger Kale

in Hermann Park

6104 Hermann Park

Houston, TX 77030

832-539-8988

https://gingerkale.com/

 

Desseire bakery

First time back to Desseire after they changed owners. 

They added this cute area, and I do know they offer tea service.  The problem is that that area can comfortably seat 4, but the minimum for tea service is 6, which is your own private party but the space doesn't look like it can do that comfortably.   Just for consideration, it's $50 pp + gratuity. 

Back to the cakes.  Look at all those beautiful colorful display.  They do have a lot of cupcakes and choux.

I got the Mango cake.

It has a layer of cake base, coconut, and mango on top layer, and coconut shreds on the outside.  It's actually pretty nice.  Not too sweet with everything together. 

Got the Chocolate Tart again, just because I'm a chocoholic. 

Also got a Financier.  Which is almond flour based not regular flour based.  Has fresh cream and fruit on top.  And the almond cake is not too dense.

I got the pineapple matcha latte.  The picture looks like it would've had 3 colors, but since they put the pineapple last, really 2 colors.  Milk and matcha shot, with pineapple mixed in.  It was interesting.  I didn't feel like I was having a matcha latte, and also don't feel like having any pineapple latte, but I know it's in there somewhere.  And yes, I did shoke it all up before drinking.  Oh well, I tried it, checked the box.

So this is interesting, the quality of the cakes still the same as before even after change of ownership.  They did add more stuff - like drinks with fruit because the new owner runs a fruit place.  That said, so far everything still feel very much like before, and as long as cakes are still good, I would be coming back.  Before you go, go to their IG and see what specials they're running.  You might get a good deal the day you're heading there.  

Desseire

10600 Bellaire Blvd

Houston, TX 77072

832-434-2780

https://www.instagram.com/desseire/

 

d'Alba

Came back to d'Alba for breakfast. 

I started with a Mocktail - this is called Starfish Island.  It has pineapple juice, lime juice, honey, mint and club soda.  Not too sweet or sugary, the club soda balance it off very well. 

Got the Alba Breakfast Plate - came with 2 eggs any style, I picked Sunny side up.  Side of bacon and veggie+potato.  It originally came with a gluten free muffin, but just can't fit it all in.  I swear the last time I was here, there were more potato than this.  But it worked.  

So basically, the restaurant is truly a great patio place.  Needless to say, beautiful weather leads to lots of people sitting outside.  Plus, the outdoor has a playground, and they also added game machines, I think I spot a skee ball over there.  So more kids are here for that.  The other thing I saw alot of, was the parents coming inside to order drinks.  There's a bar by the playground on the outside, but for some reason it wasn't opened.  So the parents kept coming inside to get drinks. 

The place does get busy, and they have a small parking.  They have parking across the street (where the fighter jet is) and also street parking.  Please check the signs before parking.

D'Alba

3715 Alba Rd

Houston, TX 77018

346-319-5790

https://www.dalbahtx.com/

 

Ramen Jin

Haven't been back to Ramen Jin for many years. 

It's a great fast good Japanese food stop.

Their menu has lot to choose from even if it's quick and fast.  If you want a full meal, you do have appetizer, rice, noodle, and dessert all there. 

I ordered some takoyaki - which are the ones with octopus with bonito flakes on top.  They have a bed of mayo and nori thin strips at bottom.  Don't underestimate this it is pretty filling.

For my entree, I ordered a bowl of gyu-don - which is beef rice bowl.  It's beef and onion simmer in soy sauce and supposed to be sake, but I couldn't taste much of that.  But it is nice and warm and soft, and the base is nice and soft and makes it very flavorful.  Super nice when the night wind blows and you want something quick and warm in your tummy.

Everything is made to order, so it's nice and fresh.  It is made for a quick stop in and out, so you don't see too many guests linger around.  You walk up to the counter and order, and they'll bring it out to you.  The water station is right by the cash register/where you placed your order.  This is not full service.  But promise to be good and fast.

Ramen Jin

11181 Wesheimer Rd

Houston, TX

713-278-8702

https://ramenjhoustontx.com/

 

The Custard Box

Been following Custard Box on Instagram for quite some time.

Super excited to catch them at a Lunar New Year event.

How cute and tiny are these little guys!

First up: I had the orange one I love it's not too strong and the flavor is just enough to have it thru the canele cake, not too thick or dense, very nicely pair with coffee.

This is a Pistachio one, super nutty as you can imagine.

This is Ube, which is very lightly flavor.  As you know in Filipino cuisine ube plays a huge part of the dessert, so it's only right to have one.  The cake consistency is spot on, it's small but definitely mighty.  Not something you have all in one-sitting, but worth the calories nonetheless.  

The Custard Box

https://www.instagram.com/thecustardbox/

 

Local Tables

Went to Local Tables for brunch.

They definitely have alot of dishes to choose from.  For brunch, there's a few listed. 

But first, coffee!

A very very full plate, cannot really finish I it. 

I got the Huevos Rancheros - On the side it has fingerling potatoes, and tortilla chips with jalapeño sausage with tortilla chips, beans and cherries tomatoes. Don't think that's a tortilla, it's actually 3 fried eggs formed a giant circle, with pico and avocado.  The the wrapper again is not tortilla but pita bread.  Basically, that's a lot of food.  Would venture to say this is good for 2 meals. 

Didn't realized they are part of the Hungry's network of restaurants, but still very unique as their own.  Definitely will come back for dinner or lunch another time.  

Local Tables

2003 W. 34th Street

Ste E

Houston, TX 77018

281-867-6257

https://eatatlocaltable.com/locations/garden-oaks/

 

Rice to Meet You

Weather started to turn cold, so we went to have clay pot rice.

Honestly, the last time I had Rice to Meet You was around early Covid and we had delivered, and I've always wonder if the dine-in quality would be better.  Mainly because the deliver you can't get the pot flavor through and through. 

This is the Clay Pot Rice Noodle Roll - it does have the Cheung Fuun texture like the ones you get from dim sum.  This one is Beef Brisket flavor but there's more fat pieces than true protein.   But love the texture and flavors, nonetheless. 

Got the Cantonese Cured Pork Belly with Chinese sausage.  It came with half and egg and bok chop over a bed of rice.  The lovely thing about it is how it's cooked, so the bottom of the pot is supposed to be a tad sticky and possibly crispy, but since it was so late, they basically had it cooked and that's about it.

So here's the trick of coming to eat it here, which I didn't know last time.  Is to ask for their special soy sauce.  A, the sauce breaks up anything that sticks to the pot.  But B, it really add more flavors to it than you can imagine.  Literally made it all more delicious.  Needless to say, I was enjoying the leftover much more the second day.

Rice to Meet You

9888 Bellaire Blvd

Ste 138

Houston, TX 77036

713-777-8838

https://www.ricetomeetu.com/

 

Killens STQ

Finally went back to STQ.

Menu has alot of neat items on there.

We got Ravioli and Burnt ends.

The Ravioli has cream corn inside, truffle on top of parmesan and sage butter sauce.

Burnt Ends - which is my favorite.  I love the ends they're nice and crispy and the sauce is great.  I wouldn't mind ordering that for the meal.

But here's truly the meal!

First, we did a flight of waygu beef.  They are from Texas, Indiana, Japan, and Australia.  The verdict is: Japan is nice and smooth, Australia is second good.  The domestic one are too chewy, so now you know.

Creamed Corn - it's one of the better corn dishes.  I actually enjoyed it alot even for a non-corn person.

I love their Gouda Mac & Cheese.  I can have the entire thing there.

This is not for my birthday, but we got the bread pudding.  It's croissant based bread pudding, it has candied bacon, nuts, and tres leches sauce.  It was so delicious, not too sweet just because the bacon does the leveling out with its butter-like flavor. 

As usual, for a place like this, a reservation is needed.  Judging by how pack the parking lot is and how busy the valet was, reservation anytime is always a good idea.  Our server was awesome, really pay attention to our questions and made great recommendations.  Definitely recommend going not just for dinner, their bar has awesome drinks at their bar and you can eat all the yummy food there too.

Killen's STQ

2231 S. Voss Rd

Houston, TX 77057

713-766-6987

https://www.killensstq.com/

 

Simply Coffie

Finally got a chance to visit Simply Coffie.  Yes that is how it's spelled.

One of the newer coffee places, which as you know, on weekends are super popular.

They have an upstairs for roasting coffee.  In terms of seating, there's a few, but gets filled up quickly. 

They have some offerings but they are not baked there.  Wherever it's from, it's unique.  When was the last time you saw anything squared? 

Got to try Oolong Cappuccino.  I've never seen that offered before, so thought to give that a try.  It is less coffee tasting and you get a tip bit of tea, but not like taking over.  It was very mild, if anything it even out the acidity you get from espresso.  With the milk, it's even more nice and smooth. 

Finally got to try the cubed croissant.  It was nice a crispy and it has cream inside and super flakey.  It's nice to give it a try.

It's a pretty unique building, you can miss it.  The parking is kinda challenging, since there's not too many spots around and weekend morning is where everyone come out for coffee and leisurely enjoy their day.  So keep your eyes peel, there are street parking, but do pay attention to street signs.

Simply Coffie 

733 W. 24th St

Houston, TX 77008

281-369-7722

https://www.instagram.com/simplycoffie/

 

Annabelle Brasserie

During Christmas time, I kept seeing this place on my feed.  

Got super curious, mainly because...

These giant bears sitting out front.

Also, super pretty decor inside and on the details.  Took our server's recommendation and ordered the Margnorita - that's a mocktail that Agave Blanco, mango syrup, lime juice and club soda.  I liked this, unlike other places who usually give you a virgin mojito, this is a true zero proof cocktail.  It's not all sugar and it is not overpowered by citrus.  On any o'l day I would've ordered this.   2nd round, I ordered the Strawberry Refresher, and that was way too sweet, and I have a sweet tooth. 

For starter, we ordered the Raclette Baguette with Jamon.  The quality of meat is excellent.  The cheese is definitely delightful and make you drool on the spot.  The baguette however, it's hard and not easy to cut or tear apart.  As a matter of fact, others in the party were wondering if it was day old bread.  We'll never know.

Let's check out the sides.  Macaroni Gratin - Look at all the delicious cheese and breadcrumbs.  It was so nice, I can eat a whole bowl by myself.  Of course, I shouldn't.

We also got Brussels Sprouts.  As though someone was reading my mind, they piled on alot of parmesan on top.  Love it!  Of course, if the Brussels sprouts were to be fried in soy sauce or something, I won't hate it.  LOL.

I ordered scallops, which has 4 giant scallops.  The little orange piles are butternut squash puree.  Each scallop has mustard seeds on top, not too spicy.  Also have some veggies and pumpkin seeds to go with the dish. 

Gateau au Chocolat - it's supposed to be a mousse cake but when you cut inside it feels more like a flourless cake.  It has hazelnut, and the top layer is quite deceiving because it looked like a layer or soft cream, but it's hard top.  Flavor is nice, but the texture is totally not what we had expected. 

Got a creme brûlée to share as well. That is full of vanilla taste.  My only request was that I had wish the brûlée was colder and the top layer of sugar would've been great.

So here's thing about this place.  Reservation is a MUST.  Read alot of review where if you don't have one, you're likely seated at the bar.  Once you're inside, however, is very pretty.  But the seating is also very tight.  So think thin!  Parking is also a tad awkward, the parking garage is around the corner from the restaurant because their entrance is not near the driveway.  You can opt to valet at the garage, or you can go to another entrance and self park.  Parking is $7, tip or not, up to you.  But the day we were there, it was raining, and they have complimentary umbrella at the garage and you can leave it at the hostess stand, and also can use whatever they have at the hostess stand to go back.  Definitely a dress up place, and dress code minimum is business casual.  Plus the ceiling is worth taking photos of.

Annabelle Brasserie

811 Buffalo Park Dr

#100

Houston, TX 77019

713-844-8111

https://www.annabellebrasserie.com/