Wednesday, September 16, 2026

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

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Pho Bac

When I told my dad we wanted Pho, he suggested here. 
Pho Bac Restaurant - Restaurant name - Vietnamese Near Me - Richardson, Texas
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 jalapeƱo 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 

Monday, September 14, 2026

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

 

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





 

Thursday, September 10, 2026

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


 

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Freshly Squeeze by Eliyah

When a young entrepreneur starting up a business I have to show my support.

Eliyah picked a good market to be at.  The day was hot, and lemonade is just the ticket to quench some thirsts. 

For 32oz, it's iced-cold, you can just have the original flavor, or add various kind of flavoring that they have to offer.  And not to mention, the lemonade wasn't too tart or zingy but you do see them making them onsite as you order.  Her crew includes mom and dad, so this has turned to a family business.  Way to go, girl!  Talk about a lemonade stand going big!


Freshly Squeezed by Eliyah 

Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Cobel Liege Waffles

So I've been seeing this IG accounts on my feed for some time, and lucky that they were at a market right by me.   I had to make a trip up there to check them out. 
To those who are unfamiliar, liege waffles are from Belgium, they use a yeast brioche batter than the runny batter.  So it's texture are not the same, and you can tell the difference when you cut into it.  It feels chewier, and has more elasticity to it.  Not in a bad way, just more than a regular waffle would. 

First off, they have 3 types of base waffles, Cinnamon, Chocolate, and Original (which is plain).  Then you have different types of toppings.  (L) Banana, Strawberries with hazelnut drizzle, Blueberries, Strawberries, Cinnamon Bun, Biscoff, and minis.  


All made to order. 

Of course, I have to get something yummy. 

The Biscoff is actually pretty good it has cookie butter drizzle on the top of a plain and the flavors between the cookie butter and the cookie crumbles are a nice combo. 

Of course, I most looked forward to the Banana Strawberry with hazelnut combo.  I would say that I do appreciate the whole thing is not as sweet as I had pictured it to be, which as much as a Sweet Tooth that I am, I don't do overly sweet and this hits the mark just right.  Which is much appreciated. 

You can catch them at various markets around town.  For most up-to-date locations, follow them IG. 

Cobel Liege Waffles