Landmark Diner

Goal was to find places that have kid food that also have grown up food, so ended up here.

This is a Diner in the Buckhead (Atlanta area).  They are open 24 hrs.  And once you walked in you realized they must've had a party room, which is now become a Comedy Club that sometimes has magic shows.  I guess whatever it takes.  

They do have a bar here beside the diner fares.  But I will say majority of their food besides the burgers and stuff, the dishes has Mediterranean flavors. 

Have had mozzarella sticks in a long time.  Not realizing that they put in extra fries on there.  Dang it, I can't eat them all.

I ordered a slice of lasagna.  This thing is heavy duty, it has multiple layers and came with a side of Greek Salad.   I love feta and onion as a combo, but not exactly sure how that mesh with Italian food together.  More so because the lasagna's cheese is different from feta.  There's tons of meat, tons of pasta on that layering and definitely tons of cheese.  But that's also translates to tons of food.  Don't forget they have array of pies, cakes, and cookies on the dessert display.  I didn't even have the room to eye it.

We were there while folks were stuck in traffic, so not alot of people.  So service was attentive.  The pricing is high for the diner, but given the operating cost for 24 hr restaurant, I can see why.   They have Chicken Fried Steak, Chopped Steak, and Veal cutlet, in additional to Greek and Italian dishes.  We were really there for the kid menu, so that worked out. 

Landmark Diner

Buckhead

3652 Roswell Rd, NW

Atlanta, GA 30305

404-816-9090

https://www.landmarkdiner.com/

   

 

Johnny Rocket's

When you travel with a kid, you're bound to tied to eating kid food.

Since I haven't been to a Johnny Rockets at least a decade, I decided to sacrifice myself on that one.  Plus our server gave us this cute ketchup smiley face, why not. 

The kid got Grilled Cheese and a plate of fries with another smiley face.

What did I get? I got chili dog (yes if you're counting this week - it's my 2nd one).  Plus tater tots.  I'm always a tater tot fan first, then onion rings, then fries.  Of course, fries are everywhere so I have that more, but if they offer tots, I definitely get it.

As you know, their gimmick is the 50s style diner.  The whole decor and music does get you dancing there.  This location is actually in a very high end mall in Atlanta, but because there are so many offices near by, it does get super busy with lunch crowd.  Plus, there's a Lego Discovery Center directly across, the kids bound to want soda and fries, which makes this perfectly situated. 

Johnny Rockets

inside Phipps Plaza

3500 Peachtree Rd

Ste G9

Atlanta, GA 30326

404-233-9867

https://www.johnnyrockets.com/

 

Cheesecake Factory

I haven't been to Cheesecake Factory in forever.  

I got their Guava Sprakler - which Guava and Pineapple with lime soda, zero proof.  I love their bread, always fill up on them before the food gets there.

Since it's Friday, I got Fish and Chips - they fried battered cod.  Got the fries at the bottom and cole slaw for a measure of veggies.   The fish is pretty fresh, at the end of the day, fried food is fried food.

The space looked pretty as part of Cheesecake Factory signature.  The service was tough because there's a huge conference in town and where we went there were alot of offices buildings around, so you see the servers running around like crazy.  

Cheesecake Factory

at Lenox Square Mall

3393 Peachtree Road NE

Ste 3076a

Atlanta, GA 30326

404-816-2555

https://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/

 

Varsity

One of my MUST STOP when in Atlanta is Varsity. 

They've been featured on alot of food travel shows but I came here as a tourist/working 16 yrs ago and it just have history and fun atmosphere. 

They are not serving anything fancy by any means, but it has history.  

So what did I get?  Chili Dog, Onion Rings, and Fruit pies (which comes in Apple & Peach).  And their famous Varsity Orange Shake.   If you imagine orange Fanta but more like a creamsicle-slushy - that's Varsity Orange Shake.  They also have a non milk shake version too. 

Honestly, they only serve burgers and hot dogs, they have to be fast to accommodate for students at Georgia Tech and before the game.  So fast and volume is the name of their game.  They used to be the largest Drive-In, but now people just order to go.

My Fav - the fruit pies.  They are nice warm and fresh.  Truly designed for you to hold on to it and eat while watching the game.  The trust is thicker, so it is less likely to fall apart as a food to go. 

Don't underestimate this diner, Clark Gable visited here, multiple Presidents came here, and it was even a backdrop of movies.  If you couldn't go to the location, be sure to catch them while you're at the airport but just a heads up, they do not have fruit pies at the airport location. 

One thing that needs to be mentioned, they have a long history but also has their own lingo.  As you walk up, no one will greet you; but they will say What'll Ya Have, What'll Ya Have - that's really their greeting.  So you can order then.   Great place to go, plenty seatings, keep your eyes peel. 

Varsity

61 North Avenue

Atlanta, GA 30308

404-881-1706

https://thevarsity.com/

 

Brian's Bitchin' Bakery

So happy to get to order from Brian's Bitchin' Bakery.

This time he came up with a new flavor of Teamisu. 

Sorry for the sideway picture. You taste the jam and you taste the lychee.

 As usual, it's nice and moist, every layer is done with care.   No dried lady fingers here. Sooo good - I finished it in one day.

Then there's a cupcake.

Vietnamese coffee flavor.  I just love the mascarpone on top.   The flavor is so rich that the cake totally balance it off.  So flavorful. 

This is what I'm most excited about.  Been checking it out on his IG for a while and was curious about this.  Never had I seen this combo in food in Houston before, so I was highly interested in trying.  

So this looks like a regular cookie but with the Gochujung powder on top.  I smelled it and then worry would it be spicy.   So, I did what I usually do with his cookies, put it in the microwave for 10 seconds.  He has the Gochujung powder - which has a tad of kick in my mouth.  Sugar and caramel, kinda reminds me of snickerdoodle, but with a kick.  It's definitely unique and glad I got a chance to try that.  Totally look forward to more of his yummy concoction.

Brian's Bitchin' Bakery

https://www.instagram.com/briansbitchinbakeryofficial/

https://briansbitchinbakery.com/

 

River Oaks Donuts

Needed a quick pick-me-up 

Ended up at River Oaks Donuts.

I love how colorful the display is.  If you want Rodeo, Unicorn, or St Patrick's Day goodies, they're all here.

I just went with my usual.  I got Fritter Bites which are mini Apple Fritters, and Piggies, which are mini kolaches.  That is more than a meal.  But it hits the spot for my sugar needs.  I also got an Americano, it's not a big deal or anything but that helped with an afternoon perk.

River Oaks Donuts

3601 Westheimer Rd

Houston, TX 77027

713-961-9458

https://www.riveroaksdonuts.com/

 

Love Croissants

Happened to be in Midtown, so drove over to Love Croissant to have some.

This time, at their store front instead of farmers market.  They share the same door as Weight & Measures.   Literally, you walk in, it's at the door.

They show off what they have to offer for the day... one of each please!

Obviously cannot have them all, just 2.

So pretty, I don't want to eat it.  It's blueberry lemon tart.  I love the berries, a little tart on the custard.

Also got the Ham & Asiago.

Truly your ham and cheese.  There's lot of meat in there too, definitely no skimping here, totally justified the price.  I know $11 for a croissant is high, but seeing how much case they put in and how much ingredients are in there, it's worth while. 

To get here, go to Weights & Measures.  Parking can be a challenge because WM is also a popular spot on its own rights, on top of a yoga place in the complex and a cowering space is around the corner.  So don't be afraid to park on the street the area is pretty safe, just pay attention to the signs. 

My tip: go early, there's more offerings and more variety to choose from.  They are known to sell out, so be prepared.  There's not alot of space to sit per se, there's 2 sitting down, 2 bar table and couple out front.  If you ended up 'borrowing' from WM it's kinda ok but definitely frown upon. 

Love Croissant

2808 Caroline

Houston, TX 77004

832-353-0825

https://www.lovecroissants.com/

 

Egg Haus

Checking out another breakfast joint.

Parking lot was a tad packed near the store, was also wondering how pack it is inside.

But first, food: nice display of pastries. 

Cute decor too. 

I did get the blueberry loaf, which was nice and cute. 

I ended up getting the Butterfly Lemonade, it's actually pretty good, not too sweet not too zingy.  It has agave nectar, butterfly sweet pea tea.  Worked out pretty smooth.

Also got the Ranchero Toast, it has toast, layer of salsa ranchera, avocado on top, egg on one side, micro greens and cilantro, and queso fresco.  You cut into it, and taste all the layers together is really the way to go.  I wouldn't mind coming back for the other sandwiches next time.

Back to the space, there really has somewhat limited seating inside.  They do have seating and tables outside.  BUT! The beauty is that you can use the back way and cut across to King's Bierhaus and sit at their hall to have your breakfast.  So no fear on the seating limitation, you can move over next door.

Egg Haus

2042 T.C. Jester Blvd

Houston, TX 77008

713-489-6719

https://egghaus.com/

 

 

La La Land

Went back to MKT and decided to go to La La Land to get a cup of coffee.

I just love that they put some nice positive messages on the side and remind people to cheer up.  I got a Perfect Latte and just get some coffee in.  It is a very nice latte, not sure if I'd go so far to call it Perfect, but I had soy milk and they apparently has some kind of secret sauce.  No idea what it is but it does smooth out the taste.  Will definitely get it again.

La La Land

600 N. Shepherd Dr.

Ste 140

Houston, TX 77007

https://lalalandkindcafe.com/

 

Magnol

Went back to Magnol for breakfast.

On Saturdays the line is long and it does go out the door, so bring patience. 

Let's see what I got: a very thicc chocolate chip cookie, which is more cake-like than cookie-like.  Got a plain croissant, and a pear danish.  Never had a pear danish before.  It's kinda nice, not too sweet and not like it has no taste or overly soft because of the pudding based.

Also got an eclair and a Paris Brest - both are flakey choux.  Cream is good but not sweet, so it's a nice treat with a nice cup of coffee.  

I love their pastry so much, it's such high quality and flakey on the croissants, and they have a lot of offerings besides bread, they also have cakes too.  Definitely worth checking out. 

On weekend the line is long so bring patience.  The place is not big so it easily get out the door, but don't give up.  If you can find a parking spot, you will get thru the line in about 20 mins or so. 

 Magnol

1500 N. Post Oak Blvd

#160

Houston, TX 77055

281-846-6661

https://www.magnolfrenchbaking.com/

 

Koi

Went to Koi for dinner.

Even though, this is somewhat new, looks like they already made this their old haunts.

I started with a Cucumber Mocktail and Ikageso - which is fried squid.

Also had cucumber salad to boot.

I was being 'flex' and ordered Uni & Waygu nigiri - talk about rich. It's pretty decent quality and while uni fell apart easily from Santa Barbara, it was a nice combo.

We got Tara and Truffle, which is black code with truffle and mushroom.  The sauce is pretty good and you can definitely taste the truffle.

I ordered the Tokyo Seven, which is a mini Omakase sitting at the bar.

To start, we got Madai (Japanese Sea Bream)- they definitely grounded some wasabi root for this, you can taste it's really fresh with the fish.

Then Hiramei which is flounder

Kanpachi - which is Amberjack - I actually quite like the flavor on this one.  It was surprising because I often overlook Amberjack but the saltiness came in nice and smooth it was a nice taste.

This is Baby Seabream, it's also something I've never tried before, so it was neat to try.

Kinmadai - which is a golden eye snapper.  This one came in a hint sour.

This is my first time to have Chutoro (medium fatty tuna) this way - rolled up in nori.  Usually it's over rice as nigiri, but this is nice too.

Lastly, is tamagotchi - also never had it this way.  But it's pretty good.

Having a reservation here is recommended, but if you want to sit at the bar, I don't think it's a big deal.  That said, the service was a tad hovering.  My friend and I were chatting and what not, I swear the server must've stopped no less than five times to ask if he can take our plates even with there's food on there.    We left as soon as we were done since they seem to be in a hurry to get rid of us.

Koi Houston

240 Westheimer Rd

Houston, TX 77006

832-645-0008

https://www.koihouston.com/

 

Citizens of Montrose

Been meaning to check this place out for a while.

It's nested in Montrose.

Right across from Uchi and right underneath Velvet Taco.

They have parts that looked very spacious.  

Something I noticed recently is that when you order OJ, places started to ask if you want fresh squeeze and not finish that sentence.  Like what is the alternative?  They don't make juice from concentrate anymore, do they?

Just a plain breakfast plate, 2 eggs sunny side up, bacon, and hash brown.  Never seen hash brown slices that big.  But definitely yummy. 

If you go shortly after 7am, you'll see alot of medical professionals getting off work and grab breakfast on the way home.  I was more expecting some business breakfast meeting but most of all of them are not.  They do have a small parking lot behind the building, but if you have to park on the street, please do read the signs and respect the neighbors. 

Citizens of Montrose

907 Westheimer Rd

Ste C

Houston, TX 77006

832-203-8527

https://citizens.coffee/citizens-of-montrose