Sweet Paris

Well, for breakfast, we went for Sweet Paris.  They promote that they have gluten free batter, so we gave that a try.

I had the Nutella, Strawberries, and banana.  It was nice and thick on the batter, as a matter of fact, it's super thick to cut thru.

Yes the filling is full, but because the batter is thicker, it doesn't have the true crepe feel.  But that's a better than nothing for those who are gluten sensitive.  The batter is not any smoother, and get toasted quite easily = dry.  

I have friends who hired them for a catering job, and they charge a decent price and people enjoyed it.  Don't know if that includes the gluten free batter or if that cost extra.  But if you're hosting a party, that might be the trick.

Now, I've said it many of times, I'm bias towards Melange.  I know it is like comparing apples and oranges, sit down place vs. food kiosk.  But the food does speak for themselves.  That aside, I do have my bone to pick with Sweet Paris, the utensils were not clean, I had to pick thru the entire bin of knives and forks in order to pick a couple that are not stained or not have food stuck on it.  They also have these weird signs on seating.  At first, you're asked to not sit down until you place your order.  That I can understand.  Now, they are asking you to only have 3 or more to sit on a 4-top table.  When we walked in, there was a big party sitting in the booths, which were designated for the 2 or less party, but if they also block out the 4-tops, where on earth are you asking people to go?  I think it's kinda annoying that they are being so restrictive about that.  And they are not kidding.  I saw 2 ladies waiting for their friends and one of the workers immediately walk up to them just to make sure they saw the sign.  That's just not friendly business practice.  

Personally, if it's not because they are the only game in town that does gluten free batter for crepe (aside from my own home), I would rather go somewhere else.  Crepe is more accessible in town now than say a few years ago.  Alas, I go with David who is sensitive, and choices are severely limited... won't someone else do a gluten free batter please?

Sweet Paris

2420 Rice Blvd.

Houston, TX 77005

713-360-6266

http://www.sweetparis.com/  

Phamily Bites

If you ever if a hankering for food truck gourmet, one way to catch them is to go to Rice University...

Yes, I said Rice University.  They have a mobile food dining option added to the campus.  Now, it's not exactly easy to find, but follow the map on the Rice's website, it'll get you there.  They have different food truck every night, and it's between 5:30p thru 8p.  Perfect for picking up your dinner on your way home.

Tonight, I went for Phamily Bites.  I just love their logo... so clever, and yes I'm a nerd.

I MUST have their RoyBeezee, which is their spam and egg masubi.  Had I found out about the 2 Hawaiian places in town before they closed, I wouldn't have to jones for a masubi and track down the food truck on twitter like crazy.

I got the pho tai - beef round with vermicelli to go.  The soup is pretty awesome.  The guys took really good care of me, since I had it togo, they gave me the noodles and soup separated so they won't be sloushing around in my car.  Still tastes good.

Rice Mobile Dining Options 

to see food truck schedule:

5:30pm - 8pm

outside of Mudd Building by entrance #21 on Sunset Blvd.

http://dining.rice.edu/mobiledining.aspx

Phamily Bites

http://www.phamilybites.com/

follow them on Facebook & Twitter to track their schedule

Saltgrass Steak House

For a friend's birthday, he chose to go to Salt Grass Steak House, and I haven't been there forever.

Sorry the photo is side ways, but you get it....

I fondly remembered their baked potato soup was yummy... it's not that it's bad, just tasted different.  It's not as thick as I remembered it, and there's not as many bacon bites as I remember too... Hmm...

I got the top sirloin with fried onions... the sirloin was good, but the onion rings were cold.  I was looking forward to it too.

One thing to remember about going to Saltgrass is that they participate in Landry's Signature Club.  If you're a member, and for $25 you can be, you can take advantage of being a member.  They give you points for every dollar you spend at one of their chains, and you get priority seating (and better tables too), if it's your birthday they give you extra points.  If you have sufficient points, you can apply to your meal, which I've done free meals there before.  So, definitely make the $25 back in no time.

Saltgrass Steak House

520 Meyerland Plaza

Houston, TX 77096

713-665-2226

http://www.saltgrass.com/location-map.asp?loc=SGMP

Laduree

Friend of mine was kind enough to remember me while she was in NY.

She stopped in Laduree of course, to pick up some macarons!!!  Squee!

She got me a designer box, so very chic!

It had 6, I can't wait and ate one... That was the chocolate one.

Also in the box: Apple, Salted Caramel (super yummy), Coconut, Vanilla, Lime.  What's so impressive is that after a week, it is still fresh.  The shell didn't break and it's nice and chewy.  That's just goes to proof that there are great deal of skills in making these delicate little gems.  Applause goes to the crew.  Now, just if they would have lasted longer before I devour all of them in one sitting....

Laduree

864 Madison Ave

between 70th & 71st

New York, NY 10021

646-558-3157

http://www.laduree.fr/

Jenni's Noodles

 I'm on a hot noodle soup kick, so Jenni's Noodle has to be a must!  They very much has all the Vietnamese style noodles, but they have egg noodles and ramen noodles too.  I ordered normal pho, but asked for beef cooked on the grill instead of normal.  Normally, they have the soup hot enough to cook the raw beef, but you can request them to grill it first.  Keep in mind, they're not supposed to be marinated, so it's just really cooked with no special taste.

Jenni's Noodles also have a gluten free and a vegan menu too, so when you walk in, ask to see those menues, they're by the register.  Their dessert is ok, would save the calories for elsewhere.  But they have Vietnamese style coffee, and they give you a big generous cup of it.  So, definitely worth the price!

Jenni's Noodles

3111 Shepherd @ W.Alabama

Houston, TX 77098

713-523-7600

http://www.noodlesrule.com/index.php

Sushi Wabi

I love going to Sushi Wabi, it got a neighborhood joint kinda feel.  Too bad that the strip center has limited parking... otherwise, I'd go more often.

Remember, kids, if you go there, and leave you car there to go to the movies or go somewhere else with your friends, they do tow, and they're serious about that.

For starter, I got the Agadashi Tofu - really fried tofu in ponzu sauce with bonito flakes.  It freaks my friend out because it looks live and moving... I always laugh about that.

It was a cold night, so I got the Unaju box.  As you can see, a nice bed of rice, topped with 3 kinds of ginger, and unagi all over.  Honestly, I eat mostly for the eel sauce, which is sweet-ish.  Totally goes well with my rice...

For a cold night, they also have noodles either in Udon (noodle soup) or fried noodles.  So, stop in early and grab a dish!

Sushi Wabi

3953 Richmond Ave

Houston, TX 77027

713-623-8818

http://www.sushiwabihouston.com/

Happy New Year!!!!

May 2013 brings you more yumminess in life and for your tummy!

Happy New Year!