Durian Macarons

So, another batch I made was Durian Macarons

Yellow for Durian... it was done with Trader Joe's Almond Flour.

It pipped out nicely...

And no one held hands.... yay!  So, they came out perfectly, but for Trader Joe's Almond Flour is not blenched, so you need an extra minute in the oven.  The filling didn't stand very well, it was falling all over the place.  White Chocolate has not been my friend at all.  So I retried it with milk chocolate, and it was better.  From what I'm told, they were good, but since I don't do durian, I'm hoping that's true.

China Stix

For a quick bite, I stopped in China Stix in West U.

For $6.75 you get the dish, steam or fried rice, egg roll, hot & sour soup or egg drop soup.  The food is exactly what you expect for American Chinese food.   The entree was salty and full of sauce, it's pretty exactly what you expect, and I don't mind that with the fried rice.  The soup could've more seasoning, but it's passable for a quick fix.  You really can't beat $6.75 lunch combo.

China Stix

3141 W. Holcomb Blvd

Houston, TX 77025

713-218-8100

   

Asahi Sushi

So I happen to drive by, and saw this place at the end of a strip center.

I ordered during lunch and they gave a complimentary salad and miso soup.  The ginger dressing is just like wherever you go to get the salad.  The miso soup is just fine.

They also have crab meat balls... pretty good, also complimentary.

I ordered the Unaju and it was not bad.  Better than I had expected.  I could use more sauce on this.  The dish presents nicely and I will go back for other dishes.  They are running all the specials all week long.  And service is good, the staff is tentative and friendly.  The only thing is that this place is at the very end of the shopping center and you really won't see it unless you are going to the stadium.  I do worry that they won't last long since they are not easily get to.

Asahi Sushi

8236 Kirby Dr

#200

Houston, TX 77054

713-664-7686

http://asahisushi.net/

Tout Suite

Been meaning to check out Tout Suite for a while...

Finally made it for breakfast!

In case you didn't know, Tout Suite is run by the same folks who did Sweet in City Center.

I have to share this one, it said, Caution Ladies: Mind Your Skirt.  LOL.  That's because as you can see in the back, there's another level of seating, and the part where we were is not covered.

Table with a view, it's very nice on a good day.  You are looking at traffic because you're right by an overpass, but it has its charm.

They've worked hard to preserve the original flooring, as they want to let you know.

You can see, they use clever designs to create nooks and extra seatings for intimate hang out.

Breakfast time!  I had the open faced sandwich, which obviously bread at the very bottom, arugula, prosciutto, and of course egg!  I would say, it's pretty good, and surprisingly filling.  Highly recommend it, though that is only served during the week.  Weekend is where the brunch menu appear, which has other stuff and those looks good too.

I like this place, even though it was converted from a oil shop/car dealership/night club/cafe, it managed to make people feel welcome.  Not sure if it's because it's near alot of artist studios across the way, or it's out of the way, so people who come here is here to appreciate the food and coffee.  But I like it's cool style that's very no pressure.

Tout Suite

2001 Commerce Street

Houston, TX 77002

713-227-TOUT

http://www.toutsuite.co/  

Lychee Macarons

Man, it's been so long since I made any macarons.

So long that I have to re-look up things... recipes, measurements, cooking time... So out of practice.

Macaronnage looked good, this is 2 eggs ~ approximately 70gm, 125g of icing sugar, 40g of caster sugar, 90g of almond flour.

It piped out ok...

Nervous about using a different oven, but 10 mins at 320 degrees are good to go.

ooooh, look!  Pied = Feet!!! Yipee!

I had used White Chocolate Ganache with Lychee flavors.  Sadly, the ganache never set, which became a hot mess.  I think it had too much cream.  I did 4oz of white chocolate, 1/3 cup of heavy cream, and 2 tbsp of butter, a 1/4 tsp of Lychee flavor and FAIL!!!

It was too runny, I tried putting it in the fridge overnight, it won't set.  I tried putting it in the freezer, it will set for a short time and melted almost immediately.  Sadly... I had to scrap all of that and use milk chocolate chips to do the Lychee, that with the 3oz of chocolate chips, 1/3 cup of heavy cream, and 1 tbsp of butter and 1/2 tsp of Lychee flavor, that did the trick.  I seriously believe the fat content is out of whack.  That and the milk chocolate is less of a challenge to work with... but for vanity sake, I wanted the coloring... too bad that didn't work.  We shall try and try again!  Oh, it tasted just fine.

Hong Kong's Cafe

For a quick bite, went to Hong Kong's Cafe.

This is the Stir Fry Beef Rice Noodle.  It has beef, rice noodle, soy sauce, scallions, and sprouts.  You marinated the steak first, then you add them to the noodles.  I know it uses two types of soy sauce the aged and the young, to get that flavor and color.

It's my comfort food.  Growing up, this is what I used to eat when I miss Hong Kong.  If you want to learn how to make it, click here.  Otherwise, go to Hong Kong's Cafe and order one.  As usual, they only accepts cash.

Hong Kong's Cafe

9108 Bellaire Blvd

Ste A

Houston, TX 77036

713-772-9633

Island Grill

Went to the Island Grill for breakfast.

It was definitely a packed spot on a Sunday.  They do have a wide menu for breakfast, you have fruits, omelets, pancakes, bagels, full juice bar.

I got a Meat Lover Omelets.  It has ham, sausage, bacon and Swiss Cheese.  It definitely is a full meal for anybody.  They come with a salsa, which is on the spicy side.  Along with the toasts, it was definitely so full, I'd skipped lunch.  They have generous portion, where you definitely gets your money's worth... that's my way of saying that their dish is on the expensive side.  

Their crew do quick work, so you'll definitely don't have to wait long for a table.  If not, just get a delicious juice while you wait.

Island Grill

4024 Bellaire Blvd

Houston, TX 

713-665-5388

http://islandgrillhouston.com/