Thanksgiving

We wish you a very happy blissful Thanksgiving!!!

Uchiko

Went back to Uchiko for lunch.

Even though their set lunch is $45, given the amount of food you get, I feel like it's definitely worth it.

I got the Jasmin Honey tea again, it's truly very refreshing. 

The first course, is sunomono - which is cucumber, radish, scallion, vinaigrette and there's little bits of crunch on there for texture.

To start, this is Yellowtail sashimi - it has slices of citrus at the bottom, topiko on top, and you wrap it all in one bite, it's pretty surprising to have all the flavors together.

Then, the my sushi omakase came out - It has (from L) Madai (Japanese Sea Bream), and Salmon Belly.  The Roll in the middle is a salmon roll, and the sashimi is Big Eye Tuna.

One thing I didn't take a standalone photo was Vegetable Tempura - I mainly got that because of the chili ponzu sauce, that was very addictive.   I literally cannot stop myself. 

And here's my food, that was alot of food, but also glad I got what I got.  Don't get me wrong, there are alot of items for ala carte, I just love lunch sets, which proof to be worth while.

Reservation is recommended but if you arrive early there are plenty of options, so no fret.

Uchiko

1801 Post Oak Blvd

Ste 110

Houston, TX 77056

713-522-4808

https://uchiko.uchirestaurants.com/location/houston/

 

Jun

We have a friend came in from out of town...

...he's a huge fan of Top Chef, and recall Evelyn Garcia is here.  So we decided to take him here.

To start, I got Tamarind Arnold Palmer - it has tamarind jarritos, lemon, and oolong tea. The taste is pretty mild, you can tell the Arnold Palmer part, but with a little bit of flavoring.

It was recommended to us to order 5-7 dishes to share, so here we go:

Starter Oysters with fermented mango chunks and she charred a little bit.  Talk about an explosion of flavor in your mouth.  We got that here.

We were about to order Prawns but our server recommended us to do Shrimp instead.  And I was expecting shrimp-shrimps.  Not in this kind of presentation.  It has shrimp, avocado, Japanese carrot, taro which gives it the crunchy texture.  The sauce has shrimp oil and aguachili and the texture on the sauce is lighter than it looks. 

This is a vegetarian congee, it has mushroom, ginger, scallion, and hidden underneath all that, there's an egg to add texture.  That was a nice surprise, because in Korean meals, they do that to alot of their dishes.  If it's stone dish, when it's hot enough, it will cook the egg.  But over soup, this is the same premise.  That said, the mushrooms was gently fried to give it the crunch and when you mix it all up, it's delectable.  

Here's the cauliflower, black garlic, yogurt and eggplants.  I've never had yogurt and cauliflower together before.  With the yogurt with eggplant and flavoring, you mix it together, it's like veggies you've never had before.  All of us cleaned that plate in no time. 

We ordered some cucumber salad for good measure. 

For Entree, we got mussels, it has sour chorizo, curry leaf, fried plantain and bread for the curry.  The plantain plus mussels the textures are so contrarian to each other, but it worked super well.   My only complaint is that there wasn't more. 

This is a very unique take on brisket.  It has a peanut curry sauce, such an unusual combo with brisket, but it worked brilliantly.  You see some mustard greens on top.  Wow, it was just so good.  I added the brisket to my congee and made it even more of a flavor party.

For dessert - this is a goat cheese cake with blackberry compote.  Its texture is exactly like a cheesecake, but it's not as sweet and the goat's milk is not too strong or overpowering anything.  It's pretty fun.  It came with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, goes super well, not too heavy.

This is the Tapioca, which has coconut, passionfruit panna cotta, and sesame crumble on top.  You mix it all up, and the passionfruit is subtle but makes coconut extra neutral.  Then you have the crumble to give you that texture, so it's not just mushy.

Then there's the famous donut.  There are orange peel shaved on top, and the server comes and pour in the star anise syrup.  And they accompanied with a scoop of the day, which I forgot what it was, but I liked the donut by itself just fine.

To summarize, texture and flavors are really the name of this game.   It's no wonder they were Semi Finalists for James Beard award.  They are really truly something different that people has been looking for. 

We came during the week, but let me tell you, the party doesn't get started until 8pm here.  I was so worried about being stuck in traffic and the person at the host station was so nice and moved my reservation time.  When I arrived, I realized why, they were no busy during the time I booked, it's near 8p when the joint started to jump.  That actually was appreciated because our server was able to take her time to explain the dishes and make her recommendation.  

There are plenty parking out front, so that's not a challenge at all.  That is super rare in the Heights, so I really valued that.  I still recommend making a reservation, just in case.  But it worked out very well.  

Jun 

420 E. 20th Street

Houston, TX 77008

832-469-7664

https://www.junbykin.com/

 

Liberty Kitchen

I don't often lunch during a work day...

So when I do get to go, it's a special treat.  

This time, we went back to Liberty Kitchen.

I got the Ahi Tuna Niçoise salad.  This is actually alot of food on this plate.  Not just the seared ahi tuna, there's olive, egg, avocado, beets, tomato, asparagus, potato on top of a bed of veggie.  I won't lie, I didn't finish and didn't even pretend that I can.  The vinaigrette was dijon, but not heavy handed at all, it's light a light little touch, which made this not too oily and brought out the flavor.  Highly recommend.

Liberty Kitchen

4224 San Felipe

Houston, TX 77027

713-622-1010

https://www.libertykitchenoysterette.com/

 

Jeni's Ice Cream

Went to grab ice cream after dinner...

Ended up at Jeni's in City Center.

Despite being in the side building the space is small, so squished that you have to wait in line outside.   But don't worry, they pack the flavors.

I got the Seasonal Pitachio and Coffee...

Couldn't get decent light for the shot, but I got half scoops of each flavor to make up the Standard size.   

I will say that to taste ice cream under pressure of a line was a bit tense.  The way they have one person for a group is very disorganized and time it takes to serve a bigger group vs small makes moving in a small shop very tight.  You really feel like you don't get to taste more than 2 flavors and make a decision.  So maybe the next time we go to a bigger shop, so we can move around easier. 

Jeni's Ice Cream

801 Town & Country Blvd

Bldg A, Ste 130

Houston, TX 77024

281-409-3364

https://jenis.com/

 

North Italia

This is my first time to North Italia in City Centre. 

Didn't realized they took over the old wine bar location that used to be there. 

Must have starter: Zucca Chips - don't know what they put in it, but sure is addictive. 

Here's another crowd favorite, Truffle Bread.  Seriously, this was so good, we almost forgot to order our entree. 

For entree, I got Chicken Parm.  I kinda wished I paid closer attention to the pasta.  I didn't care for the white sauce, or rather the lack of sauce.  A, I could've skip that and maybe get a side salad instead.  Or B, get another kind of pasta.  I don't have a problem with rigatoni, but when you have a lump of dry, it's no fun.  And oh, by the way, when you heat it up day after, it's just shows oily instead of sauce.  So heads up on that.

Like I said, this is my first time at this location.  As usual reservation is always a good idea, make it ahead of time.  We've seen people were waiting and it does get popular here.

Here are my tips for you: 

Parking - the building has parking there, you can enter down at Town and Country, or the side street where the roundabout feeds.  It is a garage, do pay attention to the reserve signs but the lights overhead helps spots opening easily. 

Seating, I know the weather is nicer, but still choose to sit inside and here's why.  People walking by is passing by your table.  Not to mention those who smokes, so your dinner now has a tint of cigarette pasty smell.  Not to mention, the traffic is right there.  There were multiple cars trying to show off their contribution to global warming by revving up their engines to make it as loud as possible between buildings.  So you cannot hear your friends.  Not to mention bugs, I feel that City Centre has done a good job, but it's outside, they cannot control bugs flying by innocently, so it did bugged me a bit on that one.

Server, it's hard to wave them down.  The tables are situated near by, but there's a corner that is outside of their eye-line, so it does take a few flag down to get their attention.  Versus, had you been inside, even if it's not your assigned server, at least you grab someone's attention.  So take heed.

North Italia

in City Centre

818 Town and Country

Suite 100

Houston, TX 77024

713-241-0600

https://www.northitalia.com/locations/houston-city-centre/

 

Snooze

Went to Snooze for some breakfast.

But first! Coffee - nothing snazzy, just good old drip coffee.

I will say, the service was slow but the kitchen was fast, hooray for that!

I got the Corn Beef Hash - love me the chunks of corn beef.  There's onions in the hash, so you're not just getting potato.  And of course, eggs sunny side up to boot!

Instead of toast, they let us sub for pancake, so of course, I got me one.  I will say, this is a tad dryer than I remembered in the past, but I'm here for the syrup, just needed the vehicle.  Now to be fair, I did not finish this (also did not finish the hash), but together that is alot of food, so you have to pick and choose wisely.

Snooze on Montrose is notoriously busy.  On top of them being short-staffed, the service left very little to be desired.  I do understand it's not the server's own fault, but the management of the schedule or call for backup should have worked if managed properly.  As I said, thank goodness the kitchen staff was fast, hallelujah!

Funny story: guys behind us must be meeting for the first time.  Possibly a business connection.  One guy's voice projects, and every other phrase was: you know what I'm sayin'.  That phrase is such a filler, there's no content, subject, topic, or substance.  When you overused it, it's just filling of dead air.  He didn't even let his companion respond.  We were just saying, we can definitely make a drinking game out of it.  But then again, you may die from that.  So kids, don't do that.

Snooze Montrose

3217 Montrose

Houston, TX 77006

713-574-6655

https://www.snoozeeatery.com/restaurant/texas/montrose-2/

Crumby Bakeshop

Been hearing hub bubs from neighbors about this place.

It's in the formerly Southern Sweets location. 

They've got cookies, cinnamon rolls, muffins, scones galore

I got a Salted Peanut Butter - straight out of the oven.  It's nice and gooey and soft.  Not only that, the peanut butter add-on doesn't make it feels dry, all mush very well together.  When you bite into the cookie with a bit of the salt on top, mixed very well with the peanut butter inside.

This is a Coconut Pandan cookie, this is very unusual because I'm used to getting this at an Asian bakery.  But this rendition is not bad either.  Still soft, still ooey and gooey, you can definitely taste the coconut before you do the pandan.  But it's a nice break in the day. 

This is a Blueberry Banana muffin, you don't usually get these two combo together, but I like both, so definitely took advantage.  I will say,  flavor is good for me, for sure!  But the muffin did crumbled easily, which is not exactly what you want for a muffin, especially if people are taking it on the go.  

They also have a fancy espresso machine for coffee, so definitely make sure to grab some. 

They also make custom cakes, so it's definitely worth coming back time and again.  

Crumby Bakeshop 

4530 Beechnut

Houston, TX 77096

713-485-6608

https://www.crumbybakeshop.com/

 

Crown Seafood

Haven't been to dim sum for a while, so snatched up the chance my friend suggested.

Haven't been to dim sum here before, but excited to try. 

Starts out with some buns (top) - egg yolk cream bun, and steam sponge cake (that one was for nostalgic reasons). 

Top: Sesame Bun, Egg Custard Tart (the crust is not bad), Har Gow (shrimp dumpling), Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf, Turnip Cake, Tofu wrapped roll (middle), Snow Pea leaves (could use more flavor)

And.... (clockwise - bottom left) beef tripe, XO Cheung Fun (which I like the extra kick), and Siu Mai.

Here's the close up of the Ginger & Scallion Beef Tripe.  I honestly just like the sauce, you can put it on anything and it'll taste good. 

Dim Sum - it's like the Asian Community hunger game.  If you don't show up early, expect a wait, no matter how big the place is.  Either you go before the lunch crowd, or you come after.  We chose after, but still have to wait for a little bit.  They do accommodate big parties as they have big tables for the occasions.  I do appreciate the marking menu system so no hunting is required.  But here, they also do come and check on your tea status, which I do appreciate.  Often times the servers are running everywhere and seems like they purposely avert your glaze so they rush past you and your tea pot left empty.  At least this place will check.

Crown Seafood

10796 Bellaire Blvd

Ste C

Houston, TX 

281-575-1768

https://crownseafoodrestaurant.com/

 

Citizens of Montrose

 Went back to Citizen to grab a quick brekkie. 

I got the Classic Breakfast, came with 2 eggs (your way), toast (sourdough or multi-grain), protein (bacon, turkey bacon, chicken sausage, or avocado), and I added hash brown.  I love their hash brown with the aioli sauce is da bomb is a definite must!  Otherwise breakfast is good.  Also got a fluffy OJ, just to be bougie.  I don't have any complain on the food, they're delicious, done well and did I mention the aioli sauce?

Decided to sit at the bar turns out is not exactly the best.  I'd figure it was just me, it's easier to get in and out, the host didn't have any problem.  I sat down and must've read about 18 pages on my book before I can get the server's attention.   

My advice, get there early.  When the day is nice there are plenty of seating outdoors, you are sitting with the traffic of Montrose, so don't be surprised.  Otherwise, inside is just as delightful.  If you're going to sit at the bar, you've been warned.

Citizen of Montrose

907 Westheimer Rd

Ste C

Houston, TX 77006

832-203-8527

https://www.citizensofbreakfast.com/citizens-of-montrose

Juice Cleanse

Been eating a lot of junk lately, so decided to go on a juice cleanse.   Of course there'll always be naysayers that poo poo on the cleanse.  Is juice cleanse bad for you? Feel free to get ChatGPT to help you compile that answer.  But I will say, since I wasn't feeling great, and in need of a jump start, that did the trick. 

So I went to Snap Kitchen and gotten the juice.   So, the other time that I did a juice cleanse, the 6 juices included the 'full meal' one, but this round seems like it's not laid out that way.  Or maybe it's just Snap.  

So let me walk you thru:

8am - Start the day with Super Green it's the lighter of the Greens: spinach, celery, cucumber, lemon

10am - Watermelon - along with pineapple, apple, beet, lime, and lemon

Noon - Tropical Green which is thicker in texture with coconut, pineapple, apple, and spinach

2pm - Carrot Giner with jicama, apple, lime, and turmeric - that adds a little kick to it

4pm - Spicy Citrus - this one kicked my ass - it has pineapple, ghost pepper, turmeric, orange, lemon, and apple.  So when you drink it, you don't feel it.  It's only when it goes down, your throat wakes up and go, what the hell are you doing to me!  Going down also wasn't a problem, but this one was tough to drink.    Strange enough, I can take pretty big gulps while drinking it.  It's the throat that's very mad at me.  

6pm - I did the Trader Joe's Chocolate Almond Protein Smoothie.  I knew I wasn't getting much of balanced anything, thought I'd throw in the protein in some form or way.

I also got a Banana & Almond Butter Protein Smoothie, in case I get hungry mid-day.  Turned out drinking so much juice it makes you make more trips to the bathroom.  But you also want to drink more water, not because the program asked you to, but you want to just to cleanse the pallet.  

All things considered, it's not a bad jump start.  I will say, just being doing juice and no time to eat, all your time went to going on a schedule and drink water to flush things out too, I did not have any craving for food at all.   As a matter of fact, I was down 2 pounds the next day.  

I will say this, juice cleanse is not for everyone, and it's ok if one juice doesn't taste good to you.  Juice cleanse is meant for a quick jump start, not for long timer diet or lifestyle change.   Be sure to do your research and see which program works for you, and for how long.  

Snap Kitchen

https://snapkitchen.com/product/juice-pack-bundle