Samurai Noodles - Conservatory

So, I can't go down to the Conservatory and not have some noodles while I'm there.

It was a mini version of the shop.  And the menu is also a mini version of it.

Yes, a plastic bowl, and I got a Miso Ramen, because they did not have tonkotsu, that said, I did not see any butter.  Frankly, I'm still a big fan of tonkotsu.   

We wanted gyoza and they were out too.  So, we got takoyaki.  It was delicious, but as most takoyaki, there's more batter than squid.  But the sauce is addicting and I wouldn't mind ordering again.

Basically, this visit at Samurai wasn't one of the better ones.  Maybe I'll stick with the original shop instead.

Samurai Noodle at Conservatory

1010 Prairie Street

Houston, TX 77002

Melange Creperie - Conservatory

Last time we visited Melange was at H.E.B.  This time we went downtown to see them.

I remember when the Conservatory was Mercury Club.  Back in the late 90s, we would go down the stairs to listen to live band and Swing Dance.  Now, they took advantage of the space and offer 60 types of beers on tap and 4 different kinds of eatery in a nice underground garden setting.

Glad to see Melange set up shop here.

 They offer a few more things than the good ole' days of the cart.  But he still have a few classics.  On top of that, they also offer pretzel bites with mustard beer dip, which goes perfectly with the beer on tap.  They have coffee, cakes, and even offer mini crepes.  The mini crepes I have to warn you, is that they have to come in a flight of 4, because it's made from one big one, cut into 4s, so you can't just get a small one.

 The day I went, they didn't have bananas, it was left in the kitchen which was super warm, which practically cooked them.  So, no Patty Special.  But, they have strawberries, I will take what I can get.

I will say this, I miss the creativity that Buffalo Shawn brings to the crepe.  He would get something from farmers market or wherever, and create something awesome on the spot.  If you like some ingredients you see, but it's not on the menu board, he doesn't mind mixing them together to make a customer happy, plus he gets to create something fun.  I do miss that. 

Quality-wise, they did learn from Shawn so I know the quality is good, just like the one located at H.E.B.  But I do miss Shawn's friendly banter for sure.

Melange Creperie at Conservatory

http://www.houstoncrepes.com/

Follow them on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/MelangeCreperie

Tiny Boxwood

Always enjoy a quiet breakfast at Tiny's.  At the original location, you see alot of business folks wheelin' and dealin'.

I'm here for the coffee and the food.  I got the mocha, which was not too sweet.  Note that in place of soy milk, they have almond milk.  That worked out just fine.  

I'm always torn when I come here, I liked their Migas and their Mother's Breakfast, but alas, I can only get one, and I went with the Migas.  Even though it looked like a pile of tortilla chips, there's eggs, sausage, potato, peppers, and hot sauce underneath.  I basically couldn't finish the whole thing, which was a noble goal.  However, I did get to slowly enjoy my coffee, which is more than I can say alot of days.

I love sitting at the bar, you get quicker service and the folks come to talk to you.  It's fun to be there.

Tiny Boxwoods

3614 W. Alabama St

at Saint Street

Houston, TX 77027

713-622-4224

http://www.tinyboxwoods.com/tiny-boxwoods/

Pondicheri

Decided to stop by West Ave for breakfast.

Must confess that I haven't been here over a year.  Not by design, just haven't made it over here.

I love their juice and coffee are super fresh.  They definitely moved stuff around.

Ended up getting their French Toast because they stopped doing the crepe.  It's a pretty standard French Toast, nothing bad but nothing spectacular either.

I did appreciate that the fruit plate is very tropical and something you would find in South Asian cuisine, you don't get to have mango at a standard restaurant, just not in their repertoire.  

I was pretty bummed about not having the crepe.  They're the only place in town that uses rice flour to make the crepe batter that has the consistency of the normal crepe.  That said, I happened to venture upstairs to the Bake Lab, kinda regretting not going upstairs first.  They have a cafe feel, where you can order your pastry, grab a cup of coffee, sit with a laptop and just chill out.  Definitely more casual than downstairs.

Pondicheri

2800 Kirby Dr

Ste B 132

Houston, TX 77098

713-522-2022

http://www.pondichericafe.com

Baby Barnaby's

Met up with a friend for breakfast.  I thought of Baby Barnaby's because it must've been years since I've gone there for breakfast.  

 I know for sure it was way before my kiddo came into the picture.  I basically stayed away from Baby Barnaby's because the house is homey and not that they're not kid-friendly, I just get claustrophobic between the tight seats and a screaming toddler.

 I love their nods to dogs, super cute dog bone with wings.

Got the corn beef hash, forgot how big that dish is.  Needless to say, I did not finish the entire plate, but everything on it was delicious.  No regret for sure.  Plus, I love their fresh squeezed juice, more pulp for me!  

I love that their staff is super friendly and patient.  We must've sat there for an hour to catch up, and not that they were busy and eyeing on our table for a turn over, but they wanted to make sure we got what we need, enough juice, enough coffee.  I always feel so welcome there!  Plus, when you go on a weekday, the wait is pretty much slim to none, so take advantage of that if you can.  I know my friend liked it so much that she came back and brought her family with her.  That said something.

Baby Barnaby's

602 Fairview

Houston, TX

713-522-4229

http://www.barnabyscafe.com

Willie G's

Decided to belly up to the bar for dinner...

 Got the Lobster Bisque to start.... it is definitely lobster meat in there, just wish the soup thicker and more filling that way.

 This is the Carolina Oyster, which the strange combo somehow worked so well together.  It has a slide of cherry tomato on top, jalapeno aioli sauce, fried oyster, cole slaw, pulled pork and some cheese.  The whole thing together somehow worked out so perfectly, which the order come in 6 not 3.

 Then, my eye got bigger than my stomach, and ordered Buffalo Chicken Sliders.  When it got here, I realized, that's too much food.  But for the sake of good food, must try them all.

It's really super simple, Buffalo fried chicken it was a tad spicy.  A few fried onion rings, shoe string style, and sit between toasted slider buns.  After the first full one, I already hit the limit.  Just ended up picking the rest apart. 

Food is always good there, but what I love is their servers.  Doesn't matter if you sit at the bar or at the dining, the servers are always attentive and make sure you're well taken care of.  Granted I know they work for tips, but several has great relationships with clients that they kept coming back.  You definitely feel a 'Cheers' type feel at a classy joint.

Willie G's Seafood & Steaks

1605 Post Oak Blvd

Houston, TX 77056

713-840-7190

http://www.williegs.com/locations/houston

North Italia

Went to meet up with some gal pals for lunch.

 I always liked their food, from salad to lasagna.  

 Got the Arnold Palmer, but they brought me the wrong drink for the refill.

One of my favorites from them is the Zucca Chips.  It's like eating air, except tastier.  I really love it!

Got the Prosciutto pizza.  They have goat cheese, arugula, and fig.  I find that more and more people copying the idea of prosciutto and fig.  It's very much a true contrast of sweet and savory right next to each other to show case the freshness in both.  Needless to say, I really enjoyed my pizza.  The only thing was that it was alot of me but no regrets for ordering this for sure!

They also have great pasta and gluten free pastas and other dishes.  One of these days I'll have enough time and room to have dessert and coffee which my friends told me is superb!  Reservation is highly encouraged.

North Italia

1700 Post Oak Blvd

Ste 190

Houston, TX 77056

281-605-4030

http://www.northitaliarestaurant.com