MFAH - Cafe Leonelli

After visiting the Museum, we decided to get some dessert at Cafe Leonelli. 

After walking around a bunch, it's nice to grab a dessert and a coffee and just chill a bit.  Even the space is artsy. 

I got the Ganache Tart.  It has whipped chocolate ganache with sea salt in a cookie tart shell.  It pairs well with a cup of coffee and perfect after a fun day at the museum.

The cafe is super easy, you walk in and they grab your food and drinks.  The line move super efficiently and they have dessert and gelato too.  They are closed Monday and Tuesday which matches the museum's opening days. 

Cafe Leonelli

5500 Main Street

Houston, TX 77004

713-714-3014

https://www.cafeleonelli.com/

 

il Bracco

Went back to Il Bracco for lunch.

Let me get an Arnold Palmer to start. 

Last time, I had their focaccia bread, it has rosemary and garlic baked in and with the whipped butter, it was very good and great start for the meal.

This time I got the Chicken Piccata.  It came with alot of capers, which enhanced the salty part of the dish.   It sits on top of lemony sauce, which all works together.  Then you get a side of kale salad, which is good on its own.  I almost wished that they are separate so I can have the kale salad with a dish that's more 'dry' by nature. 

Of course, we get excellent service there.  The staff are all very courteous and since it's lunch hour, they are also very efficient, and that is greatly appreciated.   If you're here during weekday lunch, you are likely to get a good table for lunch.  But for dinner, a reservation is a must.

Il Bracco

1705A Post Oak Blvd

Houston, TX 77056

713-532-9950

https://www.ilbraccorestaurant.com/location/post-oak/

 

Local Foods

Went back to Local Foods for lunch.

I got the Salmon Poke Bowl.  It has ponzu salmon, sesame rice, cabbage, bok choy, pear, edamame, radish, egg, and aioli sauce.  Do the sauce sparingly, as good as it is, it can be alot.  I ended up using the sauce as a dipping sauce.  

I like going there around 11-11:30a, easy to find a parking spot and less busy.  Once lunch time rolls around, the place does get packed.  There's plenty of seating inside and outside.  So once you place your order, just grab a table and the staff will deliver the food to your table.  It's a quick business lunch place. 

They also has a great kids menu and brunch menu, I just recently found out.  Not to mention alot of gluten free and vegan options too.  Definitely worth checking out. 

Local Foods

1709 Post Oak Blvd

Houston, TX 77056

713-789-0642

https://www.localfoodstexas.com/location/local-foods-postoak/

 

Kaisen Sushi HTX

An article was comparing Kaisen to Oru so I got curious and conducted my own test.

It's inside Blosgett Food Hall.  Not having been here, it was my first visit here.

There's nobody works here, there's a giant window that the kitchen can look out, but otherwise, there's a wall of locker.

I place my order on their website, and I got a text message on the status of my order.  Once I arrive, my order sent a text with a QR code and you scan it to a tablet by the wall and the locker opens. 

There's some seating inside and some outside.  So I just grabbed a seat and checked out my goodies.

They did a great job packaging it.  The bag is insulated and cute design because not only does it have sturdy handle, they have a fold over tab to keep the food cold.

The nice part is that they have an ice pack, so that was nice and thoughtful. 

This is the omakase bento set A - It comes with 4 pieces of nigiri - there's Buri, Salmon, Tuna, and not sure what the other one was.  Then there's 2 pieces of Inari AND 2 pieces of sashimi.  To be honest, that's pretty filling, not to mention the fish is fresh and tasty.  So the roll really put me over.  That being said, that is also the best damn roll I've ever tasted.  I'm not typically a roll person, but for convenient sake, I do.  But out of all the rolls, that's the best one yet.  All that for $30

Then I got an Unagi Roll.  I didn't know what to expect to be honest since the roll from the bento was really good, this can go either way.  They had your usual unagi (eel) with avocado, inside out style with panko bits to give it more texture.  I love how they go you fresh ginger and soy sauce.  Of course the wasabi is tubed.

First off, don't worry I did not eat all of that in one sitting.  Second, I didn't know what to expect from Blodgett Food Hall, they have a whole array of food offerings, but didn't realized the set up is like this.  It's neat, it's futuristic, but if you decided to eat it there, and got thirsty, guess what, they don't even have a vending machine on site.  So you'll have to start an order all over to get a drink.  They did make me feel better that they have ice pack in the bag to keep the food cold, depends on how far you're going to take the food, may not be a bad idea to bring a couple more just in case. 

Kaisen Sushi

https://www.kaisenhtx.com/

 

Fuji Tea

This is my first time stopping by Fuji Tea.

Again, must've passed by here many times, but never stopped to check it out.

I know there's so many bubble tea places in the 1 mile radius, but curiosity and what not.  They pride themselves on using 'real' ingredients, to set them apart. 

I got the watermelon + passion fruit tea.  It's kinda cool that they came in separated colors.  I will say, it does tasted natural - or as they say, using 'real' ingredients.  Doesn't taste powdery as some of the shop does.

The place is cute and quiet when I was there.  Plenty of places to relax, especially when this is in the midst of a very busy shopping center.  

Fuji Tea

9312 Bellaire Blvd

Houston, Tx 77036

https://www.chinatownhtx.com/locations/MetropoleCenter

https://fujitea.us/

Weights & Measures

It's been many years since I've been back to Weights & Measures.

Down in Midtown it's tucked in a little corner. 

But first! Coffee! 

I got the S'more Latte.  No real marshmallow chunk on here, but they do a bit so they can burnt the top, and it does have that smell and feel of a real s'more.

I got the omelette, boy is that thing huge or what!  In it has cheddar, bacon, and veggies with tomato sauce at the bottom.  There's also diced potato to accompany all that.  It's crazy big plate of breakfast, obviously cannot finish all that. 

For brunch, making a reservation is wise.  What I have a problem with is that they seated us on high tops.  For brunch, high top is hard to relax into.  I feel like high top is great for happy hour, but for brunch, please let us seat at natural sitting level to enjoy our food instead of having our feet dangling.  Anyway, our server definitely fluttered everywhere, and literally touched our table and flitter away.

What was a nice surprise though, was we got to meet the brain behind Love Croissant, Omar Pereney.  He was super friendly and we chatted a bit.  Fun fact: my favorite of mini croissant, Omar made it for his nephew, and hence a product to share with us peons.  Thank you, nephew!

Weights & Measures

2808 Caroline

Houston, TX 77004

713-654-1970

https://weights-measures.com/

 

Taste of Korea

Went to try a new place on Wilcrest

KBBQ? Sign me up!

Very impressive presentation through and through.  This is our protein.  From L to R: Boneless Short Ribs, Pork Jowl, and Bulgogi.

Dude! The banchan is crazy. We must've like 12 dishes of them, plus rice.

You got your salad, daikon, kimchi variations, veggies, potato.  My favorite out of this bunch is the egg.  For whatever reason, the way they marinated the sliced egg was super delicious. 

Then you have sausage (yes that's unusual), sliced daikon, and kimchee. 

Then perilla leaves, seafood combo (shrimp and mussels), shredded onion, and sliced red daikon.

Not to mention the sauces for your to dip your meat into.  Whew!  

For the boneless rib, the staff was kind enough to cook and cut it up for us and served (thank you - just because I'm either too focus to cooking or too focus on eating.  This way someone stepped in to assist). 

Forgot to take a pic of the pork jowl but lovely fat and meat combo, not too heavy and not too rich.

The above is bulgogi, and of course, it went with rice so nicely.  

Our combo also came with a soup from a choice of 4 types of soup.  So we got the seafood tofu.  There's tofu and seafood at every spoonful.  Was super impressed.

What we chose was a set meal.  There were 5 kinds to chose from and it is mainly depended on the size of your party and your focus.  If you wanted all beef, they do have a all beef combo (large and small serving), we got the mixed combo (which they also offer large and small), all those comes with a choice of a soup from 4 kinds that they offer.  And there's a premium mixed combo that has it all and you get to choose a soup plus pancake.  It's alot of food, so come hungry with a lot of friends. 

This is newly established, but the service is great everyone was thoughtful and polite.  Looking at the menu, besides cooking table top, they also have noodles, stew/soup, and fish courses too.  Of course, by this time, we were super stuffed and cannot even entertain more food.  But definitely want to come back to try to other dishes. 

Taste of Korea

6968 Wilcrest

Ste A

Houston, TX 77099

346-374-7407

https://www.tasteofkoreabbq.com/

 

Turan Uyghur Kitchen

I saw this place was featured on  someone's IG.

It's funny because I come to this shopping center regularly, yet never thought of stopping in, so very happy to give this place a chance. 

First thing first, let's get some tea.  This is the Turan Special tea, came in a pot, and it has date and other herbs floating around. 

Lamb Kebob - that is very very delicious!  Definitely get this one. 

This is also very yummy Turkish Sumit - it's like a nice bagel but it's less dense and lots of sesame.

Then we got the lamb fried rice, the problem is that it's the meat is a little bit chewy but the cucumbers that came with it was very good though.  Is it bad that we did not finish the fried rice but clean off the plate of cucumber? 

The server is great and majority of the food is good (beside the fried rice).  But as we eat, alot of patrons get alot of different dishes and they all look delicious.  So we will have to come back and try the other dishes.

Turan Uyghur Kitchen

9330 Bellaire Blvd

Houston, TX 77036

281-888-5118

https://www.turanuyghurrkitchen.com/

 

Earthcraft Juicery

Went back to Earthcraft's Juicery. 

I got Victor's Secret - it's a protein filled smoothie.  It has peanut butter, banana, blueberries, plant-based protein, apple, date, and almond milk.  It's such a good combo, and definitely very filling, and of course, it tastes good too.

If you want any cleanses, or cold press juice, they have it here.  They also have coffee, super bowls, and fancy toasts.  This place has more to choose from than you think.  And if I have more time, I'm definitely going to try one of the bowls. 

Earthcraft Juicery

2400 Mid Ln

Houston, TX 77027

832-516-9050

https://earthcraftjuicery.com/

 

Bean and Bottle

Was pointed to Bean & Bottle by a friend.

We were looking for a coffee place in the area that's open early.  Turns out, unless you're Starbucks, alot of mom and pop coffee shops don't open that early.  Wha?!

I got the Honey Cinnamon latte, it does have that cinnamon kick and a hint of sweetness from the honey.  It's actually pretty good and I used Oat milk which gives it more texture. 

I got their breakfast sandwich.  It has bacon, cheddar and eggs. But what I'm thoroughly impressed was the sourdough bread that makes the sandwich.  It works so well with the butter for the toast, but it's just so good, I can't stop eating the bread. 

Anyway, the place is tucked between office buildings.  I can see the joint is jumping during a work day, its other door is literally a building's lobby.  But on weekends, it's a ghost town.  They have a few spots out front you can park, if not, there's covered parking for retail at the garage.  

At first, when I walked in, I see the cashier, espresso machine and pastry case.  But there are more seatings  at the back.  You can have seated meals there with a wine cellar.  Plus, there's a few tables outside to enjoy the patio weather.  But WAIT! There's more!  They even have a party room called Bloom adjacent to the coffee place.  So if you want host a tea, shower, or even dinner, they've got plenty of room. 

Bean and Bottle

9655 Katy Fwy

Ste 100

Houston, TX 77024

281-501-2336

https://www.beanandbottletx.com/

 

Lomichi

Was down in Sugarland and stopped by the former Mia's Goodies.

They rebranded to LoMiChi. 

The day we were there, it was buy one get one half price off for Mango Sago.  Sounds great to me!  That's my go-to drink that I buy there anyway.  Not that I don't get their puff or mochi, but this is the only thing I get consistently. 

I love their version because it has real chunks of mango and alot of it.  There's equal amount of sago too.  Everything is just the right balance, not too much of one versus the other.  This is my must stop everytime I'm in the area and definitely worth the drive.

LoMiChi HTX

3412 Hwy 6 

Ste N

Sugar Land, TX 77478

https://www.lomichi.com/

 

Waygood coffee

Drove past 59 & Kirby and saw a new coffee place. 

This location used to be a Thai place, Elevation Burger, and Bao Shi Yi.  

Place has less tables, but you can see folks are playing games or study there.  There's also seatings outside too, so you can enjoy your drink out there too, especially if you are bringing a dog. 

So now they have a coffee place.  I picked the Southern Peach - it's has deep tea seeped in there.  Bits of peaches in there.  

Waygood Coffee

3819 Kirby Dr

Houston, TX 77098

713-231-4598

https://www.waygoodcompany.com/

Saltan Pepper

Haven't eaten in the mall since forever. 

Since my office is not in the mall anymore, I have even less excuse to come and eat here.  But I do recall having good experience at Sultan Pepper.

I got the Eggplant meat dish with rice and spinach.  The eggplant is sliced, and baked in tomato sauce and olive oil.  On top of it has a slice of tomato, ground beef cooked in herbs.  The sauce is delicious.  I mix the beef and eggplant with rice, it was a great combo.

They have alot of halal and salad dishes, kabab, gyro and wraps too.  

Saltan Pepper

inside Galleria Food Court

5015 Westheimer Rd

Houston, TX 77056

832-487-9852

https://sultan-pepper.com/
 

Hui Lau Shan

Came back to Hui Lau Shan for a drink this time. 

I actually was trying to get the last time, but the staff thought I wanted the dessert instead. 

I got the Pomelo & Mango with Sago.  That combo is actually very popular in Asia, just because the citrus and the tropical fruit complement each other very well.  On top of that, you go the coconut milk layer plus the sago (which is from the tapioca family), and a scoop of mango ice.  The whole thing is a comfort food for me.  All the yummy goodness runs together.  Definitely recommend the drink!

Hui Lau Shan

inside Galleria food court

5015 Westheimer Rd

# 1452a

Houston, TX 77056

https://huilaushan.us/

 

Amorino Gelato

What happens when you want something sweet and something to drink at the same time and soda, bubble tea, smoothie wasn't doing it for you? 

You go get a gelato, of course!

We actually go to the location in River Oaks District simply its easy access from movie theatre.  But it's nice to find it easily located in the mall.

I got affogato with L'inimitabile which is a fancy way of saying chocolate hazelnut flavor.  The Affogato has a shot of espresso in it, and by the time the ice cream melted it works out for a nice little drink.

So you walk up to the kiosk and you select what you want, pay there, then it'll spit out a ticket or number.  And the staff will get working your order.  The thing is, if it's busy, you have to pay attention to when they set out orders.  Also, you don't have to hold your order while you walk, they have a few tables for customers to enjoy their ice cream orders.

Amorino Gelato

5085 Westheimer Rd

K119A (right outside of Zara on the 2nd floor)

Houston, TX 77056

346-319-2194

https://www.amorino.com/en-us/stores/houston-the-galleria-mall

 

Mamak Malaysian Restaurant

Went back to Mamak for lunch. 

Was craving the Salt & Pepper Squid - I just like their fried salty goodness.  

We were thrilled to know that they sell the Hainanese Chicken in a set. 

Set came with soup, sauces, rice, sprouts as your veggie, and of course the chicken itself.  Chicken was good as always, and of course, I love this because it pairs well with the rice which is cooked in chicken broth and fat.  Of course I dose mine with the garlic sauce, something about the chicken + fresh garlic just strike the right cord.

Mamak Malaysian Restaurant

3412 Hwy 6 

Ste R

Sugar Land, TX 

346-874-7913

https://mamakmalaysian.com/