Prego Houston

Was in the Village for a quick lunch...

 Stopped into Prego for lunch.   It has literally been years since I've been there.  I got the Pollo salad, I remembered how good it was before.  I liked it because it has candied walnut, pear, gorgonzola cheese, endive, and most importantly, warmed chicken.  That salad was good the first time I tasted it then and good this is now.  The whole combo, for some reason just works so well.  I highly recommend it.  Even if you're not a salad person, this is the one to try. 

I forgot that on a Sunday it's so nice and relax there and they even have live guitarist providing mood music.  So, once you walk in, you don't have to worry about that hectic parking lot outside.  The service is also class act, since I was dining alone, my server came by to check in on me and also know to give me my space.  Got my order in, made sure the food gets there quickly, and when I needed, he got me my check and get me out with no wait despite his other tables.  

Prego

2520 Amherst

Houston, TX 

713-529-2420

http://prego-houston.com/

Table 57

So, was looking for a kid friendly place and came across Table 57.

It is located inside a HEB and I'm kinda intrigue.  

There are seatings inside, but since it's nice outside, figured go sit outside too.  Plus, they occasionally have live music and they would have a stage for it.  They even have some nice seatings out there in front of the music too.  You can get arsenal beer, nice food and enjoy live music.

Got kids? This is perfect.  They have this play set outside at the patio.  So, if the food took a few minutes?  Not a problem, let your kids run around until the food gets here.  Of course, if they get picky and not want to eat the food, they can continue to go back and run around some more.

 Kid's Hot Dog - for $2.50, this is awesome for a kid.  The bun is really 2 slices of bread didn't get cut thru all the way.  It comes with a choice of fries, sweet potato fries, fruit or yogurt.

I got the chopped brisket sliders.  For $5, this is alot of food even for adults.  They smoke the meat in house, which they brag for 13 hours, and you can tell the sauce is awesome, the fat is just right.  I didn't lick any plates, don't worry.  But it was good.  Between the 2 of us, we didn't even spend $10.  I'd say this is a success that everyone is fed and it's yummy.  Not to mention, if you want, you can go back and do some grocery shopping too. 

The whole format is fast casual, you walk up, place your order, they bring you your food.  They do have a coffee bar for your fancy coffee.  On Sundays, they even have special Sunday Brunch menu too.   The manager was telling me that on Thursday, kids eats free.  You don't need anymore convincing.

Table 57

inside HEB on San Felipe & Fountainview

5895 San Felipe

Houston, TX 77057

713-978-5860

https://www.heb.com/static-page/Table-57-Dining-and-Drinks

Masraff's

Was at a dinner for work, and we ended up at Masraff's.

I'm usually there for happy hour, so it's weird to have dinner there.  Doesn't mean anything about their food, just the timing.  Usually a quick drink before sitting in the traffic. 

For the appetizer, our host ordered something off menu, seared tuna, crab cake, and lamb chop.  To my surprise, the tuna was good.  Also to my surprise, the crab cake was not as good as I'd hope.  Meanwhile, I already knew the lamb chop would be great.

For the entree, everyone around me got seafood of sort, and I got the duck instead.  It's duck breast on top of a bed of purple rice with cherries gastrique with win.  Personally, it's a tad rich for my taste, so I mostly ate the duck and left the big bed of purple rice on the plate. 

Since dessert was encouraged and I never turn down a dessert.  Here's a Pear Brulee.  Really, it's half a pear, with vanilla creme and brulee the top.  It was delicious, not super sugary which was a delight after a high protein meal.  And the sauce was very complimentary.  I was just overall surprised by this dessert altogether.  I totally would recommend this or order this again.

Since we ate early, the service was superb.  As the night goes on, you see alot of business people come here for a meal.  They have several private meeting rooms, which are almost always occupied.  Even the owner stopped by to check in on us.  Talk about wanting an excellent experience for the diners.

Masraff's 

1753 Post Oak Blvd

Houston, TX 77056

713-355-1975

http://www.masraffs.com/

Hong Kong's Cafe

It's been a few weeks since I've been back to HK's Cafe.

Don't forget to bring cash, they don't take cards, kids.

My favorite, Lemon Tea.  It's so not how you get from regular restaurant: tea with slices of lemon.  Here's the recipe should you want to try. 

I was having a hankering for curry rice.  So, here it is.  Their potato were fried, the chicken were steamed but nothing is soggy.  The sauce with the rice is awesome, of course, it does have a kick by the time you're done, but so worth it.

See, they have other dishes besides breakfast.  Dare you to try all of them on the menu.

Hong Kong's Cafe

9108 Bellaire Blvd

Houston, TX 77036

713-772-9633

Pei Wei

Haven't been back to Pei Wei for a while.  

Got my favorite tea of orange black.

I got the Mongolian Beef, but what's better that they now offer the smaller size.  It was as delicious as always.  But it was also proportionately appropriate.  I say that because every time I went there, I get a to go box and put away half.  Now, it is exactly what I need in terms of proportion, and it just works out perfect.  

Pei Wei

5110 Buffalo Speedway

Suite 100

Houston, TX 77005

713-661-0900

https://www.peiwei.com/

Relish Fine Foods

Been driving pass Relish food for a while, have always been curious about their food.

Finally got a chance to go check them out...

Got a very refreshing Arnold Palmer to go... pretty yummy.

I got the turkey melt panini.  Basically in terms of hot sandwich, they are limited.  But it doesn't taste bad as far as sandwiches goes.

However, I was mostly drooling over their pastry case.  They got alot of very yummy looking desserts.  I only got the thumbprint cookie with apricot jam, it's good, not too sweet or sugary.  

Overall, their thing is really prepared food for you to take away, much like Whole Foods and Central Market style.  While I haven't tasted it, it must be decent because they've been in business for quite some time.  That said, I did ask how big the salads are, they told me that it fills the box.  Maybe I'll try that next time.  Also wish they have more gluten free options, it's almost an accident that they have vegetarian options.

They do have nice seatings for you to eat there, but since most of their food require heating up, not sure if you can do that.  They do serve espresso drinks, but then again, they don't open until 8am.  How would caffeine addicts get their dose before punching in at work?

Relish Fine Foods

3951 San Felipe

Houston, TX 77027

712-599-1960

http://www.relishhouston.com/

Class 502

So was desperate for something to drink, and underneath the staircase was this place.

I got the Oolong Tea Latte with Boba.  Lucky for me, there was a special running at the time, where you get 2 for 1.  That was very cool surprise.

I liked their decor, they have all these vintage-y movie posters.

Even the ordering counter is like a teacher's podium and the tables are desks.  Now, not as cool as Bernie's desks, but it is very kitchy.  Even the employees have 'school uniform' for behind the counter.

Their menu is a school chalkboard.  They have a few 'class rules', like buy at least a drink, free wifi, boys need to go talk to girls...etc, you know rules like that.

La piece de resistance, the Superman art done by Post-It.  Pretty cool!  Going back for their Thick Toast dessert and Shaved ice.

They just opened in the beginning of October, so they are running alot of specials like if you take a self with their drink or with their logo you get something.  Go check them out.

Class 502

9889 Bellaire Blve

#220

Houston, TX 

832-831-8152

https://www.facebook.com/Class502.TeaHouse/