Mellie Dee

Theodore Rex | Houston, Texas

December 11, 2017 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Saturday was such a busy day for me and Scruffy. We helped his parents with the baby shower for Rami and Caitlin.

We decorated the house, prepped and cooked foods, and I even created a life-like Jeopardy Game – Baby Edition using PowerPoint.

Scruffy’s work Christmas party was later that night at Theodore Rex. His company rented out the place which made it much cozier.

All you can eat drinks and the big portions felt like it was an all you can eat! I loved that we could watch them work so that I can steal their culinary skills.

Theodore Rex | Houston, Texas | Parmesan Gougeres

Parmesan Gougeres [aka cheesy poofs]

Tastes better than the cheesy bread you get at Brazillian Steakhouses!

Smoked Gulf Fish on Toast

This was a bigger hit among the crowd. I would say that I wasn’t a big fan of the crunch of the toast. I could have done with a big jar of that fish though.

Tomato Toast

I’m not a big fan of bread but holy moly. The title of the dish sounds boring but it was the complete opposite. Whatever this concoction is, oh my goodness. I highly recommend this!

Theodore Rex | Houston, Texas | Italian Bread Dumplings

Italian Bread Dumplings [with braised mustards, Autumn beans, and whey sauce]

Just when you thought they’d be all carb’d out, they brought out dumplings, Italian style. Scruffy loved the dumplings and hated the beans. I was the complete opposite so it worked well for us.

Theodore Rex | Houston, Texas | Gulf Flounder

Gulf Flounder [roasted over coals, with brown butter, radishes, and pomelo sauce]

This was the majority’s least favourite dish. The fish was very bland and we hoped the radish would help bring some of the flavour out but that too was tasteless.

Theodore Rex | Houston, Texas | Wagyu Beef

Whole-roasted Strip Loin of Wagyu Beef [with ‘golden frill’ mustard green sauce and raw mustard root]

If anyone would love to take me out for dinner, take me here and order me this. My goodness. Melt in my mouth deliciousness. I highly recommend this as well. I still cannot believe someone sent theirs back so that it could be cooked well. Sigh .. what a waste.

We were offered coffee before dessert and so it was natural to say yes. It wasn’t too bad … after I poured in a bit of brown sugar. It was a letdown that the milk container wasn’t shaped like a t-rex though.

Theodore Rex | Houston, Texas | Paris-Brest

Paris-Brest [filled with Swiss cheese cream and honey caramel]

I could have done with way less Swiss cheese cream. It made the choux pastry a bit soggy so it wasn’t too enjoyable.

What took me by surprise was seeing tampons and pads in the women’s restaurant. This is the first time where I’ve seen something like this and it was very much appreciated that they were so detailed.

Justin Yu | Chef/Owner

It took me a while to realize the owner and chef of the place is my old friend’s brother. Small world!

Overall, it was a great experience and would recommend anyone to go! I’d gladly go with anyone who asks.

Theodore Rex
1302 Nance St, Houston, TX 77002 | (832) 830-8592 | Website | Yelp

Patricia’s Friendsgiving/White Elephant Party | San Antonio, Texas

December 4, 2017 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Last weekend Patricia was throwing a Friendsgiving/White Elephant party so Scruffy and I made plans to go up for a quick trip.

On Thursday we left his house to mine, switched cars and traveled up to San Antonio in time for a late lunch at Rolling Fish Sushi Burrito & Poke. We shared an unagi and salmon poke bowl with everything in it.

We then headed to HEB and Specs before checking into our hotel where we pretty much spent the rest of the night drinking and doing a whole lot of nothing. It was very relaxing having just us two.

We saw a commercial for Popeye’s but since it was so far away we brought back some Church’s to the hotel room where we ate and watched telly before calling it a night.

On Friday, we woke up for a hotel breakfast and Scruffy worked a bit while searched for jobs before we headed off to lunch.

I always try to hit up Taqueria Datapoint when I’m in town and was ecstatic when he agreed to go with me. We shared a plate of mini tacos since we had plans to drink and eat something else soon.

We jumped from Big Hops Huebner to Flying Saucer Draught Emporium for a few beers before heading back to the hotel. We relaxed at the hotel for a bit before heading back out for a quick early dinner.

Smashin Crab | San Antonio, Texas | Half Dozen Raw Oysters

Half Dozen Raw Oysters | $12

We made plans to hit up Smashin Crab (for me because I love seafood boils) and then hit up somewhere else for him. Once we sat down and got our food, going somewhere else was out the window. We started out with half a platter of oysters and a pound of shrimp with potatoes, corn, and sausages.

Smashin Crab | San Antonio, Texas | Shrimp Boil with Potatoes, Corn, and Sausages

Shrimp Boil [trinity sauce and level 3 alarm heat] | $14/lb + $1/corn + $0.50/potato + $2/sausage (4 pieces)

Soon enough we were ordering another pound of shrimp, potatoes, and corn. My goodness gracious. This is the best seafood boil I’ve been to and Scruffy agrees. We will be coming back once crawfish season is in. Yum!

We stopped by HEB then went back to the hotel for to get ready for Patricia’s party. We all drank, caught up, and played white elephant before calling it a night. It was nice to finally meet Patricia’s boyfriend and to see everyone else. Every time I go back I wished I lived there. Once we were back at the hotel, Scruffy started getting hungry and we ordered Uber for McDonald’s and soon realized we had too much food and not a big enough stomach. Before long, we both knocked out.

Patricia invited us for breakfast so when we woke up Saturday morning, we packed our car and headed over to her house for a delicious home cooked breakfast, bid our farewells, and headed back home towards Scruffy’s house, stopping by Buccee’s for Scruffy to grab a taco to go.

We stopped by Andrew’s house before ending up at Scruffy’s where we picked Luna up and headed back to my house.

Homemade Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, Salad, and Garlic Bread

Scruffy and I made Fettuccine Alfredo, garlic bread, and salad for dinner. The family and Tim seemed to love it. With all the traveling, Scruffy and I watched telly and fell asleep.

Spicy Bulgogi and Soondubu Chigae

Before Scruffy left on Sunday, we had lunch at Tasty Ko. Delicious Bulgogi and Soondubu Chigae. Yum. It was perfect since it was cold and raining.

New favourite restaurant: Smashin Crab. I am jealous of everyone who lives in San Antonio.

Rolling Fish Sushi Burrito & Poke
12730 Interstate 10 W, San Antonio, TX 78230 | (210) 592-1003 | Yelp

Church’s
9405 Guilbeau Rd, San Antonio, TX 78250 | (210) 684-1407 | Website | Yelp

Taqueria Datapoint
4063 Medical Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229 | (210) 615-3644 | Yelp

Big Hops Huebner
11224 Huebner Rd, San Antonio, TX 78230 | (210) 877-9663 | Website | Yelp

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
11255 Huebner Rd, San Antonio, TX 78230 | (210) 696-5080 | Website | Yelp

Smashin Crab
8910 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX 78250 | (210) 509-7702 | Website | Yelp

Tasty Ko
1645 Winding Hollow Dr, Katy, TX 77450 | (281) 206-7471 | Website | Yelp

Provisions | Houston, Texas

November 20, 2017 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Last Wednesday, the 15th of November, I got to try a real fancy restaurant with my co-workers since my boss was in town and OMG … I dined like a queen and felt like I was on vacation – right in my hometown! Can someone be fancy with me once a quarter? … because let’s be real, I’m poor.

The place we went to is called The Pass & Provisions, two restaurants under one roof. The Pass has a set dinner menu with five courses (I believe) while Provisions had a menu with foods to choose from. As you can see above, we sat under Provisions and our menu was also our place setting.

Provisions | Houston, Texas | Egers Syrah Red Wine

Egers Syrah Red Wine [Kovacs Nimrod, Monopole 2012, Hungary] | $56

A fancy red, picked by our boss off the wine list. I must say, it’s a pretty dang good wine, but don’t waste your money on getting it here. You can buy it somewhere else for about $30 instead. The reason I rarely order drinks at restaurants. That crazy upcharge.

Provisions | Houston, Texas | Wakame-Sesame Boule Bread, Umeboshi Mostarda Jam and Prairie Breeze Cow Cheese

Wakame-Sesame Boule Bread [with Umeboshi Mostarda Jam and Prairie Breeze Cow Cheese; Origin: IA] | $9

The way the cheese paired with the jam. Ohhhh … I can still taste it! The bread apparently has seaweed in it but many could not taste it which is great if you aren’t into that fishiness.

Provisions | Houston, Texas | Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Crispy Brussels Sprouts [with miso aioli and furikake] | $14

Oh my dang … we ordered two of these and I still felt like it wasn’t enough. I had to hold back on chomping on these. They were de-freaking-lightful to say the least.

Provisions | Houston, Texas | Cresta di Gallo Pasta

Cresta di Gallo Pasta [hen of the woods mushrooms, roasted yeast, parmesan] | $23

With frequent menu changes, the server told us this was this only one that’s never been taken off the menu. Naturally, I had to order it! The flavours weren’t bad but what killed it for me was the ratio. Pasta thickness to parmesan sauce thinness and mushroom amount to pasta amount.

Provisions | Houston, Texas | Smoked Butternut Squash, Swiss Chard, Chicken Meatballs, Pecorino Pizza

Smoked Butternut Squash, Swiss Chard, Chicken Meatballs, Pecorino Pizza | $17

One of my co-workers let me try their pizza. Who would have thought, something so simple can taste so right. Those chicken meatballs were the make or break for this dish and it absolutely killed it!

Provisions | Houston, Texas | Chai Tea Soft Serve

Chai Tea Soft Serve [with milk chocolate, ginger snaps, toasted meringue] | $9

The allspice was a bit too strong for anyone’s liking. The milk chocolate and ginger snaps gave it a texture and flavour that helped cover up a bit of the spices.

Provisions | Houston, Texas | Milk Chocolate Tiramisu

Milk Chocolate Tiramisu [with hazelnuts, orange-clove ice cream] | $9

I didn’t expect much from this dessert since I’ve had tiramisu before but the orange-clove ice cream was a game changer.

Clafoutis [with grapes, port, creme fraiche ice cream] | $12

Grapes in a pancake-like dessert doesn’t sound too appealing but put a little bit on your fork along with a bit of creme fraiche ice cream and BAMM! an explosion in your mouth!

This is a must-try restaurant and I am so happy I finally had reason to set foot in here.

Provisions
807 Taft St., Houston, Texas, 77019 | (713) 628-9020 | Website | Yelp

Reunions, Oreo Cheesecake Macaron, and Feasting It Up

October 23, 2017 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Last week was one of the busiest I’ve had in a long time and I loved it!

Tuesday, October 17th

Trisha was in town for work and was able to hang out for a couple of hours. We chose Jinya Ramen Bar – perfect timing since it was happy hour time.

Jinya Ramen Bar | Katy, Texas | Sprouting Up Ramen, Crispy Chicken, Jinya Buns, Caramelized Cauliflower

Sprouting Up Ramen [pork and chicken broth, pork chashu, kikurage, spicy bean sprouts, green onion, half seasoned egg, crispy brussels sprouts, black pepper, ginger, served with thick noodles]; Crispy chicken [juicy fried chicken thigh with original garlic pepper served with mixed baby greens and Jinya’s original ponzu sauce]; Jinya Bun [steamed bun stuffed with slow-braised pork chashu, cucumber, and baby mixed greens served with Jinya’s original bun sauce and kewpie mayonnaise]; Caramelized Cauliflower [caramelized cauliflower with toasted pine nuts, crispy mint leaves, and lime sauce]

We ordered so much food. The best thing there are the buns! (We both had two each.) It was sad to see her go but always swell getting to catch up with her busy life. This was also the day I got a nail in my car. Whomp, whomp. Luckily whenI took it in the next day, they were able to mend it for free! #winning

Wednesday, October 18th

Juhi, Erin, and I went to Saeed’s Mediterranean Grill for lunch.

Saeed's Mediterranean Grill | Houston, Texas | Combo Plate #2

Combo Plate #2 [chicken shawarma & gyro served with two sides (spicy hummus & green beans) and pita bread] | $11.99

The food isn’t the best I’ve ever had but it was good enough to where I’d come back. I prefer the gyro meat over the chicken shawarma. The chicken was too dry. If you run out of pita, just ask them for more, it’s free!

Thursday, October 19th

Zuco and I signed up to do a wood painting class but due to food poisoning on my end, we had to cancel. Luckily we were able to get the materials from the “teacher” and do them ourselves.

I finally got to see her new place and we ate pizza with Kemp before we started. It’s so rare to see her nowadays so I cherish it tremendously.

Friday, October 20th

Los Balito's Taco Shop | Katy, Texas | Mini Tacos & Carne Asada Fries

Mini Tacos [barbacoa, pastor, and carne asada]; Carne asada fries

I went and picked up breakfast for Ann and I at Los Balito’s Taco Shop then I headed to Ann’s parents’ house where we caught up. I haven’t seen or talked to her like we did in forever so it was nice to do so.

I finally got to meet little Colsen. He is so adorable! And so much hair! Reminds me of his Uncle Tony. Soon enough it was his nap time and time for me to skedaddle. I went and picked up my contacts, cashed in a check at the bank, went to WalMart to pick up parchment paper, and gased up the car. I sat waiting for Juhi since her doctor’s appointment ran late.

An hour plus later, Juhi arrived and we started our baking. I measured out the ingredients as she chomped down on Whataburger. We’ve been wanting to make macarons and finally found a day we were both free!

Her roommate had these two kitties … furless kitties. They’re so playful. I describe touching them as like when a guy shaves his head and you touch that. Exactly the same.

When we were waiting for the macarons to set on the counter, I met her pet hamster. Cutest and shyest little thing. Soon enough it was time to put the first batch in the oven. We were worried they were going to turn out horrific.

The majority came out looking like this. Shiney top shell with a foot! We were so proud. Especially since we went through a lot of trail and error to get to this point!

The final macaron in all its glory. We definitely put way too much filling inside. Whoops! But we were proud of them regardless. I went to Scruffy’s afterward for dinner of ribs, shredded pork, and coleslaw. A little bit of Super Mario, Astros, then bedtime.

Saturday, October 21st

Hickory Hollow | Houston, Texas | Large Rancher Chicken Fried Steak with sides

Large Rancher Chicken Fried Steak [with 2 sides (mac ‘n’ cheese and loaded mashed potatoes) and gravy on the side] | $14.99; Southern Green Beans; Hot Tots [spicy potato puffs]; Fried Okra

Rami invited us over to hang out along with his parents so for lunch we went to Hickory Hollow. I wouldn’t say it’s the best chicken fried steak since the breading falls off but it’s not bad. The best thing there are the hot tots so don’t forget to order those.

After hanging out at his place a while longer Scruffy and I left and headed to Sissy’s and BIL’s where we later walked to 8th Wonder Brewery. I didn’t really drink but I didn’t mind sitting there. They changed up the place so now it’s indoor with ac. I guess they realized how much business they lost in the summertime.

We went back to their place where we played board games, grilled and had dinner, and watched the Astros game. RIght when the game ended Scruffy and I scurried away so that we wouldn’t get stuck in traffic. Once we got back he went to play video games with his buddies and I watched telly while I searched for jobs before heading off to bed.

Sunday, October 22nd

We woke up and headed over the Andrew’s. Scruffy’s usual Sunday plans. How cute are they?

Then we went to Ramble Creek Grill for burgers.

Ramble Creek Grill | Richmond, Texas | All Jacked Up Burger

All Jacked Up [Monterey Jack cheese, jalapenos, grilled onions, lettuce, tomatoes and Ramble sauce] | $9.99 – tater tots instead of fries +$1.50

Scruffy opted for tater tots which I will say tastes way better than the fries.

Ramble Creek Grill | Richmond, Texas | The Rambler Burger

The Rambler [Cheddar cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions and Ramble Sauce] | $10.99 – with chili cheese fries

I opted for chili cheese fries and I’ve decided next time I come, I’ll just get the tater tots and ask for the chili cheese to be on the side so that they stay crispy. Also, their bacon isn’t good for burgers. They fry it up real nice so it tastes delicious but the way they curl up does not fit in the burger. Instead if took it out and shared it with Scruffy to eat like a chip. Also the egg didn’t run so that made for a sad reveal.

Since there was so much to do on the weekends, it went by too quickly. I cannot wait for a free weekend to do nothing but relax. Scruffy and I have coupons for a massage and I so badly want to use it soon.

Jinya Ramen Bar
21788 Katy Fwy, Katy, TX 77449 | (832) 321-3087 | Website | Yelp

Saeed’s Mediterranean Grill
14779 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77079 | (832) 296-9286 | Yelp

Los Balito’s Taco Shop
3200 S Fry Rd, Katy, TX 77450 | (281) 717-8950 | Website | Yelp

Hickory Hollow
8038 Fallbrook Dr, Houston, TX 77064 | (281) 469-5323 | Website | Yelp

8th Wonder Brewery
2202 Dallas St, Houston, TX 77003 | (713) 229-0868 | Website | Yelp

Ramble Creek Grill
734 Crabb River Rd, Richmond, TX 77469 | (832) 759-5939 | Yelp

Relaxing Weekend

October 16, 2017 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

I’ve been asking for a relaxing weekend and I got one! If I look at my boyfriend’s backyard at this angle, it feels like a resort. Love it!

Friday night was fairly stressful since I advanced into the next stage of a job I applied to. They sent me a two/three hour online test. There was a timed word problems portion which pretty much killed me. I haven’t taken maths in years and was not too sure why I had to take it. Thank goodness for these Sweet Potato Good Thins making me feel better. Crispy like a chip. I ate my feelings.

Saturday, Scruffy and I went to the store and came home with these goodies.

He cooked as I swam and threw the balls for the pups.

After an hour later, lunch was served. This is one of my favourite meals in life … add in crawfish and it would be the best meal ever.

Rizzo was pooped from being out in the sun. Daisy and Luna were both tired from running around. The pups slept a lot which was perfect because soon enough it was time for dinner.

Creamy Tuscan Pasta and Chicken Thighs with Bacon Asparagus Pastry Twists

I kicked Scruffy out of his own kitchen so that I could make him dinner. The chicken was the only thing I wasn’t a great fan of. Next time I’ll probably stick to chicken breasts since they cook better in a skillet. But overall, I was happy with how things came out.

Hazelnut Chocolate Puff Pastry Flowers

Since a box of puff pastry comes with two sheets and I used one for the asparagus, I decided to make a dessert out of the other. Hazelnut chocolate is just a fancy way of saying Nutella and who doesn’t like Nutella?! These came out better than I thought, though I could have done better with the flower petals. These were the only ones that looked decent.

Chicken Pesto Pasta with Zucchini, Carrots, and Mushrooms

Sunday, Scruffy made little weenies and we ate that along with cheese as a snack since we had a late breakfast. I made dinner and the leftovers were packed as my lunch the rest of the week. I can seriously eat pesto pasta forever as well. So freaking yum.

In between everything we switched off watching telly and playing Super MarioWorld, reminiscing about our childhood. How did we ever beat the levels when we were younger?! We were having such a difficult time beating certain levels. So sad.

We also played a few rounds of 7th Wonder which has become one of our favourite go to games. I really need to look into an expansion pack but not too sure if it’s worth it.

Always thankful for weekends like these, where I can just relax with the pups and boyfriend doing nothing but play games, cook, and watch telly.

Theodore Rex 1302 Nance St, Houston, TX 77002 | (832) 830-8592 | Website | Yelp

Rolling Fish Sushi Burrito & Poke 12730 Interstate 10 W, San Antonio, TX 78230 | (210) 592-1003 | Yelp

Church’s 9405 Guilbeau Rd, San Antonio, TX 78250 | (210) 684-1407 | Website | Yelp

Taqueria Datapoint 4063 Medical Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229 | (210) 615-3644 | Yelp

Big Hops Huebner 11224 Huebner Rd, San Antonio, TX 78230 | (210) 877-9663 | Website | Yelp

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium 11255 Huebner Rd, San Antonio, TX 78230 | (210) 696-5080 | Website | Yelp

Smashin Crab 8910 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX 78250 | (210) 509-7702 | Website | Yelp

Tasty Ko 1645 Winding Hollow Dr, Katy, TX 77450 | (281) 206-7471 | Website | Yelp

Provisions 807 Taft St., Houston, Texas, 77019 | (713) 628-9020 | Website | Yelp

Jinya Ramen Bar 21788 Katy Fwy, Katy, TX 77449 | (832) 321-3087 | Website | Yelp

Saeed’s Mediterranean Grill 14779 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77079 | (832) 296-9286 | Yelp

Los Balito’s Taco Shop 3200 S Fry Rd, Katy, TX 77450 | (281) 717-8950 | Website | Yelp

Hickory Hollow 8038 Fallbrook Dr, Houston, TX 77064 | (281) 469-5323 | Website | Yelp

8th Wonder Brewery 2202 Dallas St, Houston, TX 77003 | (713) 229-0868 | Website | Yelp

Ramble Creek Grill 734 Crabb River Rd, Richmond, TX 77469 | (832) 759-5939 | Yelp