Leven Bakery

Been meaning to go try Leven ever since I know about their opening.

There's plenty parking all around, super easy.

You walk in on the left side is the coffee bar, so you don't have to wait thru the main ordering line to get your coffee.  But if you want a pastry to go with that coffee, you would need to go thru the main line.  And you can see they have alot of cookies for an afternoon treat.

Pound cake galore!

They are known for their pastries all gluten free certified.

I got a slice of their apple pie.  While totally understand that the pie crust won't be the buttery one that I know and love, but also didn't realized that the filling would be so tamed in taste.  Usually with granola on top, it enhance the flavor palette as whole, but this one was plain and not up to flavor at all. 

Overall, while the space is nice and they do look like they have really good pastries, the apple pie was a no for me.   Compare to Awesome Bites, I feel like it lacks creativity to create good-tasting, gluten-free products for all to enjoy.  I know Leven also serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offering GF alternatives, hopefully those are better. 

Leven Bakery

4191 Bellaire Blvd

Ste 125

Houston, TX 77025

https://www.levenbakingcompany.com/

 

Awesome Bites Co.

Been following Awesome Bites Co. on Instagram for a bit.

They are located in the Heights behind the art district.

Even their flavors are artsy.  They are known for allergies friendly ice cream.

Another artsy flavor....  they are also known as N'ice Cream.

Awesome Bites are known for not using added sugar, lots of fruits and veggies

Made in-house from scratch, you couldn't tell that there are no milk, eggs, nuts, soy or sugar.

So, what did it taste like?  It's definitely got a consistency of ice cream.  I got the Lavender Earl Grey, which I would say that there's more lavender honey than Earl Grey.  I can tell because I drink enough Lavender Honey Lattes.  You can tell the nodes on the flavor fairly easily.  

This is a cute and small shop.  They also sell donut cupcakes (combo of best of both worlds), muffins, beanie brownies, I've also seen some granola for sale too.   I got 2 little muffins, literally finished it in 2 bites (not pictured).  One was Lemon Blueberry - which to me was a tad dry.  The other was Apple Spice, which you do have chunks of apple in there and the muffin is moist and leave you wanting more.  Instead of sugar, they use fruits and veggies, they don't even use honey or agave as sweetness.  Not all muffins are gluten free, so do double check or ask the server for help.  Oh by the way, the muffins come in 2, 4, dozen pack at the store, which is different from the website.

Basically, if you have any kind of allergies in food, this is a super friendly place for you.  Do note, while everything is Vegan friendly, it's not Kosher and not Halal, even though looking at the ingredients you would think it'd be ok.  It's not, if you're strict to those dietary guidance.  They do have gluten free options, but not all things are created gluten free.  I do appreciate that they do treat items in separate kitchen to avoid cross contamination.  

Awesome Bites Co

2313 Edwards St

#185

Houston, TX 

https://awesomebitesco.com

 

Candelari’s Pizzeria

Been a while since we've been back to Candelari's.

I love that this is still a hot spot for high school kids to come here for their date before a dance.  So adorable.

Besides that, the place is super family friendly.  The servers are also used to it.  When they see a kid at your party, they automatically brought us a kids cup with water and offer milk when we order.

This is the T-Rex (aka meat lover) on a gluten free crust.  It has pepperoni, bacon bits, Canadian Bacon, Italian Sausage, ground beef.  It looks like a lot, but it really isn't.  I felt it's evenly spread out, every bite you get a little bit of everything.

This is the Big Pepperoni also on gluten free crust with no jalapeños.  As you can see, the layer the mozzarella on there bigger than the pepperoni's.  If you're not a fan of cilantro or onions, make sure you let your server know.

As I mentioned, the servers here are experienced in serving families, they're very thoughtful in that area, which makes me appreciate the effort.  They also have buffet and sometimes have live music.  Go to their site to check their schedules.

Candelari Pizzeria

2617 W. Holcomb Blvd

Houston, TX 77030

713-662-2825

https://candelaris.com

Eight turn crepe

I basically just find any excuse to head out to Katy's Asian Town.  So much food to try, not enough stomach to go around.

I've been eyeing this creperie for a while... well when I go get my puffs at Beard Papa, because they're directly across from each other.

Very cute wall art.  Don't forget to stop for your IG pic.

They have gelato if the crepe dessert is too big for you.

But you're here anyway, why not?!

I got the Azuki Berries.  How cute is the Pokey sticks to go with the dessert!

Looking from the top: you have obviously the crepe as your cone, but it's floppier than a cone.  Azuki (sweet red beans) beans at the bottom, whip yogurt in the middle and the strawberries around.  They have the green tea gelato on top with some almond and a bit of the azuki beans and Pokey sticks.  

To be honest, now that I'm eating less, having this dessert seems like a lot.  This is really good enough to share, though if you want to or not is a whole different story.  Overall, it is really good.  Taste is not super sweet even though all components are sweet-based.  That is way easy-going on the tastebuds than overwhelming sweet desserts.

What I'm surprised about was that they also have savory ones too.  I was eyeing on the salad they have, the lox and the omelet I would like to come back and try (not at the same time).  Anyway, it comes to be $9 per crepe and watch out for the add-ons they are not cheap.  That said, they use rice flour which means this is wheat free for my gluten free friends who can finally enjoy something yummy, that's what you're paying extra for.

The only thing I would say is that the staff are pretty green, I hope that'll change over time.  Otherwise, the food is good enough for me to come back for them.

Eight Turn Crepe

23119 Colonial Pkwy

Suite C-8

Katy, TX 77448

832-913-3461

https://eightturncrepe.com

Downtown Disney - La Brea

Went back to La Brea after a long day at Disneyland.

It helps that this is the restaurant right in front of the tram stop to the parking garage.

Started out with an Arnold Palmer (half tea and half lemonade).  Yes, that's my Pooh ears!

Shared a Pizza, which was good for 2 people share.  

Saw that they had onion soup and just had to try it.  I just love the cheese all over the bowl.  Wish it crusted a bit more, but the bread in there soaked up the soup nice and dandy, no complaints here.  They can also make some dishes gluten free, just ask them for the gluten free menu.

So the trick about going there end of the day: most people want to go to there before hopping on the tram.  Cut your day short and go to dinner.  If you ended up going during peak hours, make sure you put your name down asap, leave one person in line and take the little to check out the kiosks, fountains, and there's a big o' Disney Stores to keep everyone busy.  Frankly, they are pretty quick on the seating.  They have more seating outside, but they do have heaters all around, so no worries.

La Brea

1556 Disneyland Dr

Anaheim, CA 92802

714-490-0233

https://www.labreabakery.com/cafes/downtown-disney

Disneyland - Red Rose Taverne

Alright, finally at the Disneyland proper and caught the parade on our way to Fantasyland.  (psst, the key to catching the parade is know when it's starting and hang out behind Matterhorn before you get to Fantasyland but can see the Small World, the parade has to go pass you and not much traffic and nice seatings on the sides)

Fantasyland is the most popular part of the park, all the classic rides are here.  Tea Cup, Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio, Dumbo, Snow White, the Carousel, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, and Peter Pan.

So, it's appropriate to see the Red Rose Tavern in the middle of the park.  (Tip: if you sit outside, that's near the characters entrances, we've caught Gaston, Alice & Madhatter, and Merida). 

I got the kids gluten free pizza.  Knowing all good and well that the kid will never finish eating it, which I'll end up having.  I didn't even bother to get an entree, it'll just mean that I'll have to eat mine and his together.  Anyway, I wanted to save room for the Gray Stuff. 

Tip: if you have dietary condition, as you walk up to any of the quick service, let them know, they do have a separate menu that list out items for you.  And no, the Gray Stuff is not gluten free.

So, as the song goes, try the gray stuff they're delicious, don't believe me ask the dishes.  That song just kept running thru my head.  Oy!

Anyway, the gray stuff is really gray colored butter frosting.  The little pearlized balls are like Sixlets, they're crunchy, but that's mixed with the red crunch and some Oreo cookie crumbs.  The inside: it has raspberry, which is held up by red velvet cake and standing on top of a cookie at the bottom.  As pretty as it looks, it's a lot of butter frosting on the cake.  I like red velvet fine, but not sure about that much frosting.  

The inside was once Gaston's Pub, so it's still very pub-ish feel.  However, there are murals of Beauty & the Beast, and stain glass from the story, quite nice.  Plenty of seatings inside and outside, and as mentioned before, the outside seating is right near the entrance for characters, so we have seen a lot of them coming and going.  The Tavern is set to be temporary, tentative till February 2018, but no confirmation as of yet.

Red Rose Tavern

Disneyland

Fantasyland

1313 S. Disneyland Dr

Anaheim, CA 92802

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disneyland/red-rose-taverne/

La Brea

First day at Anaheim, and decided to walk around for a bit.

Right as it gets dark, there's an Italian/Bakery with a small line.  Figured everything else has a line, might as well give it a shot.  Majority of the seating is on the outside patio area, but they do have heaters, no fear.

I got the Penne Pomadoro, penne pasta with sausage.  You can request for gluten free pasta, and that bowl of pasta is plenty.  Nice and warm under the heater with some pasta.  They also offer pizza, assorted salads and huge bowls of soup.

I will say, when it's dark is when people exit the parks.  Since the restaurant is situated across from the tram that people take to go back to the garage, they do get a longer line in the evening.  So, either beat the crowd or be prepare to wait.  That goes for all the restaurants in Downtown Disney, besides the crowd that comes to hang out, you also have to consider the folks that exit the parks too.  Bring patience or entertainment for the little ones.  They also have sandwiches to go, if you want something quick and not sit down.

La Brea Bakery

Downtown Disney

1556 Disneyland Dr

Anaheim, CA 92802

714-490-0233

https://www.labreabakery.com/cafes/downtown-disney

Taverna

Came here for a work dinner.

They are super accommodating for large party, and that's appreciated.

To start, got the cheese and meat plate.  It has salami, prosciutto, and mortadella, with parmesan, mozzarella, and pickled veggies and flatbread.

Brushetta, good for 4 toasts and tons of tomatoes for more...

Before meal, I got a Ceasar Salad.  It came with fried anchovy.  It's ok, not awesome, but definitely fresh.

The first time I came here, the lobster was so fresh that you can smell it before it get to your table.  This time, they let the lobster bolognese sat for a bit and you can tell the sauce started to congeal and the pasta started to harden.  So sad.  Doesn't even matter that it is made with gluten free pasta.

The time before, I got the ahi tuna, and that's very fresh, but not filling.  I was hoping there's more veggies to go with it.  But still better than the lobster bolognese.

For dessert, we ordered a few to share.  I got tiramisu, truly awesome, not too much coffee, but not too sweet.

Got the Budino, mini chocolate donut holes with powdered sugar on top, you need to dip with the vanilla sauce, which is warm and just make your night.  Again, these are better shared.

Both times our service was so-so.  Not sure if the servers are green, or they just didn't have a good game plan.  We see the busser come by to check in on us more than the servers.  And sometimes the orders were crossed or dishes thought was served, wasn't.  They were not so on top of their game as we thought they were.  The chef was super nice, came out to check in on us, but then went back to cook as soon as he was done.  I think I'll stick with coming here for lunch since it's easy to park and seems like service is more attentive and food is fresher.

Taverna

4444 Westheimer Rd

Suite A-120

Houston, TX 77027

713-871-0902

http://tavernabylombardi.com/

Pronto

Ran in for a quick lunch at Pronto.

My favorite go to dish: Rigatoni Pomodoro.  I just love the fullness of their pomodoro sauce and while I do douse it with a lot of cheese, it is just a thing of beauty.  They do have gluten free version, just keep in mind that it takes a tad longer.  Unlike their non-gluten counter part that they've got them pretty much made and ready to go, they don't get too many gluten free request to keep them on hand.  So, take a little bit, but worth the wait.  (Don't ask me why they gave me bread with my gluten free pasta).

Even though I live right down the street from one, I don't usually go there.  Not that I don't like them, just that they're always packed.  So, the best time to go is between meal times on the weekends.  Once you're in, you're getting good food fast, can't wait for the weather to get warmer so I can enjoy their soup.  YUM!

Pronto Cucino

3191 W. Buffalo Speedway

Houston, TX 77025

713-592-8646

http://pronto-2-go.com

The Cheese Course

I was in the Woodlands looking for a lunch spot and came across this.

Sure, I like cheese, why not?!

This is just a portion of their menu, the entire menu here.  They have a half soup, half sandwich combo for lunch, that's the one I went with.

I got the Mushroom & Brie Bisque.  Obviously, it has mushroom, brie & swiss cheese, potato, onion, chives.  Nice and hearty for a cold winter day.

Since I'm a Proscuitto fan, I got the sandwich of its namesake.  It has mozzarella, tomato slices, pesto, basil, balsamic vinegar.  The baguette is a gluten free baguette.  You can ask for that at the time of order.  

They do have some seating for dine in.  You basically order at the counter, they'll give you a number.  But seating is limited, don't be surprise if you have to wait.  They also have a small market area to buy cheese to go.  I saw that they even have events and tasting, wouldn't mind trying them out one of these days.

The Cheese Course

1501 Lake Robbins Drive

Suite 110

The Woodlands, TX 77380

832-236-8884

http://www.thecheesecourse.com/the-woodlands 

Company Cafe

Another place we went to in Dallas was Company Cafe. 

The look and feel was entirely different than the last time we went.  Well, duh, they moved down the street as opposed to the original cafe area.  No wonder.  Service and food, however, has not changed, but I love the extra parking in the back of the building very much.

I got the BBQ pork sandwich on gluten free buns.  Look like they made their pickles, they're nice and crispy.  The BBQ sauce is nice and sweet.  I will say though, towards the end, I was frustrated with the bun and just ate the pulled pork by itself, which is just as good.

My dad got the fish and chips and are very decent.  Not too greasy and fish is not full of batter.  Saturday brunch was easy to get a seat, we tried to go back on Sunday for brunch, however, no such luck.  It was packed with people with at least 40 mins wait.  So, plan early kids.

Company Cafe

2104 Greenville Ave

Dallas, TX 75206

214-827-2233

http://www.companycafe.com/

Origin Kitchen & Bar

So, we were in Dallas and David's friends were recommending Origin.

This is a super family friendly restaurant, so with little ones, you can get them some healthy food and you can also get some decent food yourself.

Yep, we feed our child fries.  It's not too salty, and little one gobbled them up.

I got the Cornish Game Hen, not too gamey.  The bottom has rice, lentil, almond, raisins and these little sprouts.  Frankly, I love the hen alot, it's not too dry, skin is a bit crispy but not liked fried or anything.  The rice mix, however, not so much.  It was super dried.  I liked the almond and raisins put in there, but the entire mix was dried.  I basically just had the hen and gave up on the bottom part.

Was talked into the dessert.  When our server was telling us about a fruit infused custard, we didn't quite know what that meant, until we got it.  It has the fruit paste in the custard and they still put that sugar for you to crack on top, but they also have the same fruit paste as well.  So, when you dig in, you get the fruit paste on top, sugar, custard, and fruit in one bite.  It's nice, unusual, but nice.  Not too sugary.

Parking is plenty, depends on the hour, you may have to fight parking with the nearby shops or restaurant, but it's not horrible.  Easy to get to, definitely go back!

Origin Kitchen & Bar

4438 McKinney Ave

Ste 150

Houston, TX 75205

214-484-3970

http://originkitchenandbar.com/

P. F. Chang

Went to have lunch at PF Chang. It's been awhile since I've been here, and definitely don't ever come here for lunch ever.

Coworker introduced me to Crispy Green Beans.  It's actually very good with the sauce.  The sauce is a tad spicy, so things have a kick to it.

We also got pork dumpling, super yummy.

Got the gluten free Mongolian Beef lunch order with fried rice.  Like I said, it's been a while since I've been to PF Chang's.  So, I don't remember that lunch portion was super small.  Put with the appetizers, this was just right.  But had I just had the lunch portion alone, it wouldn't have been enough.

Lunch was fast and easy at PF, just because they know they need to do business men's lunch quick and delicious.  They got that done.  Luckily, you don't have to make a reservation for lunch.  But for dinner, I wouldn't make that bet.

P.F. Chang's

4094 Westheimer Rd.

Houston, TX 77027

713-627-7220

https://www.pfchangs.com/