North Italia

Came back to North Italia for lunch.

Even if it's lunch, you should still make a reservation. 

My MUST-GET - Zucca Chips... super addictive... we'll just pretend it's good for you. 

Calamari - the batter is pretty good. 

I got the Chopped Chicken Salad - it has tomato, bacon, red onion, gorgonzola, pine nut, and of course lettuce.  The whole thing is already mixed with the dressing.  So keep that in mind, if you're health conscious.  You can ask them to put the dressing on the side.  That said, I don't hate that it's pre-mixed. 

Even though you should make a reso here, there are plenty of parking at the garage.  Even during lunch time and there are several places in the building that are busy during lunch hour.  But parking spots a-plenty.  

North Italia

1700 Post Oak Blvd

Ste 190

Houston, TX 77056

281-605-4030

https://www.northitalia.com/locations/houston-tx-blvd-place/

 

Elote and Papusa

Went back to the Astros' Game...

other than BBQ all the way up on the top level, I like the Elote & Papusa.  Came back and got an Aquas Fresca - they have like 3 flavors, Melon, Horchata, and Strawberry.

I got a Beef Quesadilla.

It comes with sour cream, jalapeño, pico, and they give you a side of avocado.  Honestly, it might not look it, but there's alot of food.  It's actually fully fajita beef, cheese and of course, add all the goodies to your liking.  But it is a very full meal. 

Elote & Papusa

by Section 124

https://www.instagram.com/elotehtx/

 

Jinya Ramen

Came to Jinya Ramen Bar up here in Dallas. 

This is in a cute little area. 

The presentation on this is cute our server brought me the drink and then do the matcha in front of me and then pour it over.  It's a great presentation. 

Also, nice touch that they branded the logo on slices on lemon. 

This is the Matcha Lychee Lemonade - which naturally has matcha, lemonade, lychee juice, and the fruit you see there.  It's actually pretty nicely balanced, and it's light bodied so for a hot summer night, this fits in perfectly. 

For App - got the Miso Glazed Eggplant - there's fried eggplant, baby Brussel sprouts, bell pepper, drizzled with miso sauce, there's bok choy and bonito flakes.  The saltiness and the veggie made it so good, I wish growing up they make veggies this way.  The eggplant is not too mushy, which has a little 

For entree, I got the Tonkotsu Black - which has ramen, pork broth, pork cha siu, green onion, scallion, garlic chips, garlic oil, fried onion, chili sauce, seaweed and 60 degree egg.  How it becomes 'Black' is where the garlic comes in, which adds the flavor to the broth.   Basically, the pork broth is already fatty by way of the meat, bone and all that being cooked other.  When they say 'Black' it's added garlic that bumps up the flavors.  So, now you know. 

In terms of the area, it's cute, there's stores and other eateries around.  But watch for the parking signs.  There are a few directly outside of the storefront are likely for pickup for to-go orders only.  There are parking lots that are free around the corner.  Just park and walk over, even in this heat, you won't melt, I promise!

Jinya Ramen Bar

7949 Walnut Hill Ln

#160

Dallas, TX 75230

213-272-7578

https://www.jinyaramenbar.com/locations/prestonhollow/
 

Pho Bac

When I told my dad we wanted Pho, he suggested here. 

I've never been here, to be honest.  So this is my 1st visit.  (photo from Yelp)

The place seems to be always packed.  That's because many have dubbed that this is the most authentic Vietnamese food in town.  

I got the lemon tea, which was more like lemonade with a hint of tea.  It was too sweet for my liking. 

I got the Tai Kobe, which is Beef Kobe style.  That said, this is small size, and you see it comes with alot of food.  There's vermicelli at the bottom, there's beef slices, scallions, and of course you can add your own sprouts, mints and jalapeño pepper too.  You mix it all up and it's a very full-bodied dish. 

Since they are pretty busy here, coming here on the earlier side of lunch works.  The parking lot does have lots of spots, but they do get packed quick.  So bring patience. 

 

Pho Bac

153 N. Plano Rd

Richardson, TX 75081

972-231-9205 

Dallas Grilled Cheese Co.

This is a new place to us.

Who knew that there are so many variation to Grilled Cheese.

Got a Mango Shaken Tea - never had a shaken tea before, but it taste like tea with bubbles from the shaking. 

I got the Brie and Bacon, because that combo sounded great.  Don't be fooled, it is actually alot of food. They diced the bacon (plural) and the cheese-y goodness.  But it was rich.  And of course, I opted for sweet potato waffle fries, that totally put me over. It was yummy, don't get me wrong, just a lot of food.

Beyond the sandwiches they have wings, bruschetta, fries galore, salad, soup too.  So all your comfort food is all here. 

The place is in part of a shopping center, and don't worry, there's plenty parking in front of stores, or at the garage - which is free.  So don't worry about that.

Dallas Grilled Cheese Co. 

5319 Mockingbird

# 120

Dallas, TX 75206

469-620-2121

https://dallasgrilledcheese.co/

 

Cafe Brazil

When I'm in Dallas, I like to come here for breakfast. 

Not going to lie, great memories of coming here after 2am for breakfast.  Of course, now, it's just a basic breakfast. 

Of course, I love the coffee bar.  They have 6 brew ready to go.  Feel free to mix and match.  Of course, that challenge is the proportion of what you put in the mug.  So if you have concocted something spectacular, it's hard to recreate.  But for coffee lovers, this is great!

Of course, as part of the hydration squad, we also have OJ and water with the coffee.  Start your morning right!

My fave that I can't get elsewhere in Houston, Fruit Pancrepe.  They have a mix of fruit, not just your strawberries or banana - which they have there, but there's also pineapple, grapefruit, and puree of fruit and sauces.  It's great for dipping the crepe.  I love that every bite of crepe + fruit + sauce was just yummy goodness. 

Don't worry, I got a side of bacon for some protein just for good measure.  See! A well balanced breakfast. 

Cafe Brazil

6420 N. Central Expressway

Dallas, TX 75206

214-691-7791

https://cafebrazil.com/

 

Waygood Coffee

Went to Waygood for an afternoon hang. 

Ordered a Sea Salt Banana Matcha.  Just sounded interesting so figured, why not.  Honestly, the sea salt just made the banana (and vanilla) less sweet and the matcha less bitter.  The balance was struck well here.  Not too sweet, salty or bitter.  The whole thing tasted smooth mixed together.  I wouldn't mind getting that again. 

Waygood Coffee

3819 Kirby Dr

Houston, TX 77098

https://www.waygoodcompany.com/