Eateries & Drinkeries

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Part 1

August 31, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Whataburger Breakfast

We left the house so early in the morning and got Whataburger for breakfast. Emmy are some of my chicken strips, fries, and toast before her nap.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Popeye's Lunch

By the time we got to Dallas Brudda left to get lunch for Emmy, the parents and June. Lots of Popeye’s Chicken but no chicken sandwich. Bummer.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Marufuku Ramen | Frisco, Texas | Geso Fry, Marufuku Bites, Hakata Tonkotsu DX — Geso Fry [fried squid legs] | $6.25 • Marufuku Bites [Japanese steamed buns filled with homemade pork Chashu, 2 pcs] | $6.25 • Hakata Tonkotsu DX [Hakata Style Ramen with Rich Pork Broth with Chashu pork (simmered pork belly), seasoned soft boiled egg, green onions, kikurage mushrooms, bean sprouts, buta kakumi (braised thick pork belly), corn, nori seaweed and sesame seeds | $14.95

Michael dropped Rosanna off and we all hung out a bit before SIL, Sammi, Rosanna and I, went off to meet up with Jenny at Marufuku Ramen for lunch. Lots of catching up while we stuffed our faces.

Sammi and I decided to share since we were super hungry. My favourite is the squid legs. The Chashu from the buns was a bit dry so not worth it. The ramen was good though we asked for ultra spicy and we didn’t feel the heat. But they don’t skimp on the noodles like other ramen places.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Somi Somi | Frisco, Texas | Ube and Matcha

In the same area was Somi Somi which I got a shot of SIL’s ube and matcha swirl soft serve.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | T-Swirl Crepe | Frisco, Texas | Matcha Azuki Bean — Matcha Azuki Bean [sliced strawberries, red bean, matcha custard cream, whipped yogurt, matcha ice cream gelato, almonds, chocolate Pocky sticks] | $8.99

While they all enjoyed their ice creams we walked next door so that I could get a crepe. I couldn’t finish it even with bare minimum help. Their crepe was crispy yet fluffy. Much better than Eight Turn Crepe.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Diaso | Frisco, Texas | Sammi & Mellie Dee

After our desserts we went next door to Diaso to check out random things. Sammi wanted us to wear masks so she could take a picture. My eyes look so creepy!

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Jenny, Mellie Dee, Rosanna, Tammy, Sammi

We had a photoshoot outside and I’m happy about how they came out. I also got a Save the Date from Rosanna. Cannot wait to watch her walk down the aisle next year!

We bid our farewells with Jenny, then dropped Rosanna off before we headed to Queens Beauty supply store near SIL’s home.

By the time we got their everyone else was dressed for the pool. We were going to go as well but with the time the pool was closing for cleaning, the rest of us decided to stay behind and hang out in the media room.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Meso Maya | Plano, Texas | Margaritas (Mango Sangrita, Serrano Berry, Remolino Swirl, Cucumber), Queso Blanco, Carne Asada, Elote con Crema, Charred Brussel Sprouts — Margaritas (Mango Sangrita [fresh housemade mango sangrita with frozen house margarita & tajin salted rim] | $9 • Serrano Berry [fresh muddled strawberry & Serrano pepper, triple Sec, ambhar tequila Blanco, fresh lime juice] | $10 • Remolino Swirl [homemade sangria swirled with frozen house margarita] | $8 •Cucumber [freshly squeezed cucumber & lime juices, simple syrup, triple Sec casamigos tequila Blanco] | $9) • Queso Blanco [ chihuahua, Monterey jack and muenster cheese, housemade white corn tortillas, signature queso poblano] | $12 • Carne Asada [wood-fire marinated steak, homemade sweet corn tamal, crema Mexicans, queso fresco, black bean & cheese tostada, creamy Serrano salsa] | $21• Elote con Crema | $5 • Charred Brussel Sprouts | $5

After they got done at the pool, showers and naps later, we headed to Meso Maya to celebrate June’s birthday with the whole family. Everything was delicious and came out perfect. The only thing I was sad about was being too full so fast!

We came home and all hung out in the media room again before we all retreated back to our rooms. Tomorrow is a new day. Less crazy but hopefully just as eventful.

2019 June’s Birthday | Chatime | Slurping Noodles | Katy, Texas

August 30, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

An early morning where I woke up to the sound of Emmy singing downstairs. We played with her for a long bit before putting her down for a nap. When she woke up, we went off to lunch.

We had places in mind and a plan to do so many things but time was limited since she is still use to two naps in one day. This kid fits right in with our family.

Chatime | Katy, Texas | Mango Smoothie — Mango Smoothie [regular] | $4.25

We ended up at Chatime since it wasn’t as crowded. Emmy is used to getting Mango Smoothies when she’s with her parents so we got her one. She seemed to enjoy it a lot and drank way more than we thought she would. Kid approved!

Slurping Noodles | Katy, Texas | Xiao Long Bao, "Karaagi" Japanese Style Popcorn Chicken, "Unagi Don" Grilled Eel Rice Bowl, Chicken Katsu Curry Rice Bowl — “Unagi Don” Grilled Eel Rice Bowl [sweet caramelized Unagi sauce drizzled over perfectly grilled eel, served with green onion, pickled ginger, broccoli and carrots] | $9.99 • “Karaagi” Japanese Style Popcorn Chicken [Japanese fried chicken with crisp texture in outside and super juicy and tender on the inside] | $5.95 • Chicken Katsu Curry Rice Bowl [Japanese curry rice bowl with panko chicken cutlet on top, served with green onion, pickled ginger, broccoli and carrots] | $8.99 • Xiao Long Bao [signature Chinese steamed soup pork dumplings] | $6.95

Chatime partnered with Slurping Noodles so we ordered food as well. The price isn’t bad especially with the amount of food they give you. Everything tasted great. But the rice bowls could use more sauce as it felt too dry for us overall.

Emmy loved the popcorn chicken and ate majority of it. June and I both loved the Xiao Long Baos the most. Compared to the place Salim and I went to last Saturday, these actually had soup in it so it’s on the top of my list in the Houston area. But if you compare it to Ding Tai Fung in Taiwan, it obviously doesn’t compare. I’m already wanting to go back for more soup dumplings. Who wants to join?

They also have super cute and calming decor and I fell in love with the mosaic tile floors.

Eight Turn Crepe | Katy, Texas | Emmy| Crepe Brulee & Harajuku Fruit Cocktail — Crepe Brulee [served Mon – Fri; fresh strawberries, creme brulee cream, crunchy flakes and caramelized toppings] | $7.99 • Harajuku Fruit Cocktail [fresh blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, mango, and banana, whipped yogurt, custard cream and sliced almonds | $8.96

We walked across for dessert. I’ve been here before with Mallory and Leah but have always said I’d come back to try their Crepe Brûlée since it’s only on work days. It was so worth it. I was surprised but the caramelized topping in bites as I made my way down the cone! Emmy ate all the fruit, mostly strawberries, out of both of ours. It’s safe to say this is a hit for any age group.

We got home and all relaxed and took naps. We ordered Thai Cottage for dinner to celebrate June’s birthday and had a lovely coffee mousse cake.

I spent a few hours with Emmy, cleaned part of my room, and have packed. I’m starting to donate my old clothes. I have stuff from middle school! How crazy!

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – LaCenterra | Katy, Texas

August 29, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

I talk about how work is going great almost daily but it really is. Is it stressful? Are people still annoying as eff? Do I sometimes dread going to work because of the amount of angry customers I know awaits me sometimes? Yes, yes, and sometimes, yes.

But I can say, without a doubt, this was what I’ve wanted to do since I was in college. Is it my dream job? No. But I get to do the things I love and it’s pushing me towards what my I want.

Everything takes time and although I’ve only been in this role for eight months I have learned a lot. I also know that maybe a year from now I’ll hate where I’m at but at least at this moment in time, I am happy where I am with my career.

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - LaCenterra | Katy, Texas | Ready or Not

Now on to something delicious. June’s birthday is tomorrow so I took her to our usual Houston Restaurant Week at Alamo Drafthouse. You pick a movie, in which we picked Ready or Not, and order off the menu. In their three courses, you pick two for $20 and receive a free movie ticket for the future.

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - LaCenterra | Katy, Texas | Awake Until The Endgame Shake, Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower, 2x2 Burger, Seared Tofu Sandwich — Awake Until The Endgame Shake [inspired by Avengers: Endgame, Alamo coffee toddy, Liver & Co Fiery Ginger Syrup, Oreo crumbs, and vanilla ice cream] | Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower [with vegan ranch and celery] | 2×2 Burger [double party, Tillamook cheddar,bred onion relish, lettuce, tomato, 1000 island dressing served with fries] | Seared Tofu Sandwich [marinated tofu, carrot Chow chow, cucumber, herbed Sriacha-soy aioli & cilantro on cibatta served with fries]

June drank all her milkshake and ate her whole burger so I’d say she loved it.

I tried being a bit healthy and went with the vegan options. The tofu sandwich was surprising. I don’t feel ciabatta was the right pairing but the flavour of the aioli was perfect with the fresh vegetables. The cauliflower was a bit too salty but these two dishes are now in my “Recipes to make” list.

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - LaCenterra | Katy, Texas | Free Tickets

As promised, our future tickets.

The movie was better than I imagined. I won’t spoil it but I will say that I kept getting surprised but the different outcomes. Also, the actress that plays Grace is so gorgeous. I was infatuated by her beauty even when she was covered in nasty.

Four day weekend has begun and I cannot wait to see what unfolds!

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | The Union Kitchen – Memorial | Houston, Texas

August 28, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Work went by fairly quickly today. Before we knew it, it was time to meet Juhi, Amelia, and Chase at The Union Kitchen in Memorial for my last planned HRW for $35 per person.

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | The Union Kitchen - Memorial | Houston, Texas | Cajun Deviled Eggs with Colossal Crab, Chicken Tortilla Soup, Shrimp and Crab Fondue — Shrimp and Crab Fondue [with roasted garlic crostini] | Cajun Deviled Eggs with Colossal Crab [4 each half eggs with creamy Cajun seasoned yolk filled topped with flash fried blue, smoked paprika and Chipotle aioli] | Chicken Tortilla Soup [braised chicken, roasted poblano and corn, topped with fresh avocado, fried tortilla strips, Pico de Gallo and cotija cheese]

The best out of the three was the fondue. Filling and delicious. The soup was nothing special as you can usually get that anywhere and the deviled eggs per Chase wouldn’t be his choice since he’s a man and portion size trumps taste sometimes.

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | The Union Kitchen - Memorial | Houston, Texas | Veal Osso Bucco Milanese, Surf and Turf, Gulf Coast Jumbo Lump Crab Cake — Veal Osso Bucco Milanese [braised veal shank with saffron risotto and gremolata] | Surf and Turf [14 oz ribeye and shrimp embrochette with cheddar au gratin potatoes] | Gulf Coast Jumbo Lump Crab Cake [with cavum lemon butter sauce, dirty rice and grilled asparagus]

The veal was a little dry on top but the inside was fine. The sauce on top didn’t do much since it dried up a little as well. Green beans could be cooked a little longer though. I loved the bone marrow in my veal though!

The crab cake was very good and the rice seemed to be a dirty pilaf type. Chase loved his steak and cleaned his plate! I’d probably get the steak or crab cake if I got to do it over again.

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | The Union Kitchen - Memorial | Houston, Texas | White Chocolate Champagne Pound Cake, Almond Raspberry Torte — White Chocolate Champagne Pound Cake [with warm grilled peach compote and vanilla ice cream] | Almond Raspberry Torte [layered yellow butter cake and raspberry filling with almond cream cheese icing]

No one seemed to want the flan but thinking back, maybe that would have been better. These two desserts weren’t good at all. The pound cake tasted a little stale. I think the white chocolate made it dense. I didn’t taste the vanilla in the ice cream either.

As for the torte, the raspberry filling was too tart and overpowered the cake layers and almond cream cheese. None of us finished our desserts and we didn’t pack it up either which says a lot of me.

The food overall was good but I don’t know if it’s a place I’d come if it wasn’t for the HRW. I did hear from a coworker the breakfast is very good. Maybe I need to check it out.

Taylor Swift's Lover Album Version 1 to 4

My Lover Taylor Swift albums arrived!!!! I know. It’s stupid to get them all but ever since she came out with her first album I’ve always bought all the different versions and I just had to! I like reading the things she wrote when she was a kid. Shows you how much she’s grown too!

I’m hoping tomorrow goes by fast so that I can start my four day weekend! Eeeeeek!

Dumplings and Deep Conversations

August 24, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

The day started off with a lot of playing with Emmy before heading to Golden Dumpling House to meet up with Salim. It’s been awhile and we figured a catch-up was needed.

Golden Dumpling House | Houston, Texas | Dumplings — Xiao Long Bao; Fried Pork & Vegetable Dumplings; Steamed Pork, Shrimp, & Vegetable Dumplings

I haven’t found a good place for Xiao Long Bao in Houston so we figured we’d try this place. The flavour was the best out of the other dumplings but it was lacking in soup which was the whole reason for them.

The dumplings, though not bad, aren’t the best I’ve had. They could do better with flavouring their dumplings and the wrapper was a little too thick.

Golden Dumpling House | Houston, Texas | Millet Soup — Millet Soup

We later found out they had free soup which is more like a congee with a different type of grain. I thought the flavour was good but Salim needed salt so to each their own.

7 Leaves Cafe | Houston, Texas | Oolong Milk Tea with Honey Boba and Taro Milk Tea — Oolong Milk Tea with Honey Boba and Taro Milk Tea

We went and got teas, both delicious. We sat here for a really long time talking about relationships and life. He told me I’m too nice so that’s probably why I’m single but I don’t understand how that’s a negative. I guess guys want someone who’s an ass like girls tend to like in a guy? I’m confused about it all but I’ve decided I’m in the wrong decade. I’m going to be single for life.

Afterward we said our goodbyes. I went home and hung out with Emmy a bit before we headed out to Bellaire again where we met up with SIL’s parents. We went and visited Grandma before heading back to Bellaire for dinner with everyone. Yeah, I don’t understand all the driving either. I’m pooped and ready to relax with Rizzo.