Benjy's Brunch

Went to brunch with a bunch of friends and have chosen to go to Benjy's.

I haven't been there for a while, it was nice to visit with everyone where the food and drinks are both great.

Champagne Mojito - obviously champagne, mint, bitter, rum and sparkling wine.

This is the Braised Brisket Migas.  I'm a big fan of migas, so wherever I go, I do order their migas to try.  The brisket is fall of the bone good, and there were plenty of them.  The combo with the eggs and meat was alot, I couldn't even finish it all.

I got a cappuccino.  It's a great way to end the meal.  Of course, the company I had helped too.

I always liked their food and their bar.  The music was a tad too loud for conversation, definitely cannot sit out at the patio even weather permits.  The service was good, of course, we picked the peak hour of brunch too, there were several tables of birthdays, showers, and get together, so next time call ahead and reserve a table.  Even though, we didn't call ahead, the crew were very fast to accommodate us, so no complaints there. 

Benjy's on Washington

5922 Washington Ave

Houston, TX 77007

713-868-1131

http://www.benjys.com/

Lemongrass

We were super late for lunch over the weekend, so we stopped by Lemongrass.

During the late lunch, hardly anyone was there.

I had the Thai Iced Tea.  Pretty standard.

Plantain with chimichurri sauce.  This is a nice dip, has a small kick to it, but goes along well.

David had the Pad Thai, which is like an omelet wrapped around the pad thai, almost a deconstructed pad thai.

I had the pork satay which usually comes with roti.  Instead, I had asked for rice, and they came with kimchi and the satay came with the peanut sauce.  

Honestly, I'm still very confuse about this place.  They do Thai, but some Chinese, some Indian.  Some stuff they fusion it nicely, and some just left me in a question mark.  I will say that the chef must be a mom because the bathroom is very children friendly from a clean changing table with ample of wipes, to toilet seats that has a child version with step stool, it is very well equipped.  

Lemongrass

5109 Bellaire Blvd

Bellaire, TX 77401

713-664-6698

http://lemongrass-cafe.com/

Pizza L'Vino

We heard that Pizza L'Vino has gluten free dough...

Of course, we have to go check them out.

This is the Hawaiian Pie - which has shaved pit ham, pineapple, and mozzarella cheese.

Standard Pepperoni Pie - the pepperonis are a tad burn and crispy.

The gluten free dough pie only comes in 12 inches, and you have to add $4 for extra.  Takes about 20 mins to make a pie.  They do not offer any GF by the slice for their dailys, but if you're not restricted, every weekday, they have different pie by the slice where they put it on the front door the flavor of the day.  They also don't have alot of seating for dine in, so best call in or order online, come pick up, or they do deliver as well.  But, since the weather is still decent, take it out for a picnic.

Pizza L'Vino

Rice Villate

2524 Rice Blvd.

Houston, TX 77005

832-380-3100

http://www.pizzalvino.com/rice-village

Hong Kong's Cafe

Needed a quickie lunch... 

This is curry beef which has brisket and tripe.  The curry is not the typical yellow curry, but still mixes well with rice, which is the attraction of curry to begin with.  The meat is nicely cook to where it falls off the bone soft, and I can eat that all day.  Super nice and not dried out at all.  I still can't get over the sauce mix well with the rice... it was plate licking good.  Remember cash only.

Hong Kong's Cafe

9108 Bellaire Blvd.

Houston, TX 77036

713-772-9633

Peli Peli

So a new Peli Peli opened up inside the Galleria mall, occupied the formerly Gigi's space.

Some co-workers wanted to give them a try, so we ordered all appetizers to try them out.

This is their stuffed mushroom, and they used Chilean Sea Bass to be the center.  Very delicious, the sauce over it I could lick it up, it was so good.  I didn't use the sauce they provided here. 

Which is the same sauce used here.  This is their Bobotie, which looks alot like eggrolls, but I guess every cuisine has a version of it.  It is curried beef inside, carrot, and mango chutney.  The sauce here, I did try, it goes well, but it taste just as good without.

South African Flatbread, but maybe they should call it Italian Flatbread, or just Flatbread.  They douse the entire thing with olive oil, Italian Seasoning on top and parmesan cheese.  It is delicious, but not sure how it is South African.

Peli Peli South African Wings.  Yes, much like the Buffalo Wings you know and love.  The seasoning is awesome, and let me tell you, it's not on its way down that you felt that spicy kick.  They have offered Blue Cheese and Ranch for dipping as well.  It's very good, highly recommend it.  Just watch that kick the first time.

I know Peli Peli is very popular on Friday and Saturday nights, so best try to catch them at lunch.  This is not the chef's first go round, he has done many restaurant concepts and this one is very popular with Houstonians.  Give them a try, even take out, but if you are here to brave the dinner crowd, make sure you make a reservation or spend some time at their bar.

Peli Peli

inside Galleria Mall

5085 Westheimer Rd

Houston, TX 77056

281-257-9500

http://www.pelipeli.com/

Yori Yori

So when we go to Ranch 99 to do some grocery shopping...

... of source, we have to stop in for some lunch at Yori Yori.

They have alot of lunch specials from 10-2p.  For $8.99, I got the pork stir fry, which is like bibimap marinated pork, stir fry with onion, carrots, scallions, and jalapeno.  You get a side of cabbage salad, and kimchi and a cup of soup.  They were very quick with their service.  You place your order, the food came out very fast and then once you're done, you just put the trays back.  The food is very good, not too spicy. Definitely a quick lunch good spot.  You can go do your grocery shopping, which they have Chinese, Korean, Thai, Mexican, and of course, what you are used to at your local stores as well.

Yori Yori 

insides Ranch 99

1302 Blalock

Houston, TX 77055

713-407-0777

Aka

Went to Aka for dinner.

It's been a while, and I forgot Saturday and Sunday they tend to get busy because of happy hour all day all.  That is before 7pm.

Tuna sashimi plate.  It has 2 nigiri and 2 pieces of sashimi.

Cucumber roll, Negihama (which is tuna, yellow tail, and masago), and 2 spicy tuna rolls.  

Sushi is decent, fish is fresh.  Their cooked items are actually their strong suite and of course their drinks.  Like I said, Happy Hour is all day Saturday and Sunday and weekdays 3-7pm.

Aka Sushi

2390 W. Alabama St.

Houston, TX 

713-807-7875

http://www.akasushi.net/