Eateries & Drinkeries

2017 Asia Trip | Day 5

January 10, 2017 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Vincent was running late so the parents, Kathy, Sissy and I went to breakfast at Cafe de Coral where I split a meal with Sissy.

We walked around for a short period before meeting up with Vincent to ride the subway towards Lamma Island.

Once we arrived we realized we had just missed the ferry that takes us to Lamma Island. Since we had to wait another hour for the next one we decided to go to Cheung Chau instead.

On the ferry we talked about various things before the majority fell asleep.

Soon enough we were docked.

Hello, Cheung Chau.

There were so many bikes and boats! Everything looked pretty much the same … how does anyone know which one is theirs?

We started walking around and saw a historic building that is being preserved.

And we ran across Love Locks where couples lock in their love and hope it lasts.

This old man was shelling and deveining shrimp before laying them out to dry. He had so much more on the other side of him!

Mum was on the search for jumbo fish balls she had when we was younger.

And when she finally found the regular ones she was ecstatic.

Then she walked to the next stall and saw curried balls and she went crazy.

Sissy, on the other hand, was all up in that egg waffle.

We walked towards a seafood restaurant for lunch by the water.

All their seafood is fresh and won’t be picked until you order.

I won’t ever come back to this restaurant since the food was sub par but happy I got to eat like the people I see on the telly.

As we ate I noticed a police boat. How cute is that?!?!

We walked around and decided it was time to go back to mainland Hong Kong.

A ferry ride later we landed in The Hong Kong Jockey Club where the parents and Kathy bought their tickets on horse races.

Vincent showed us Lan Kwai Fong street, the street of drinking and partying. We have never gotten to witness it firsthand. Hopefully one day!

We rode the subway back, close to home, to have dinner of dumplings at Shanghai Popo.

And a small snack after dinner of fried chicken and sweet potato fries.

And a mango juice type deal. I’m not a lover of mangoes so I thought the flavour was strong and too sweet while everyone else felt the opposite and believed they added water to dilute the juice.

We walked to another mall center to check out a couple more stores. Around this time was when I realized my feet were killing me. I bought a foot cushion thing from Modern House and stuck it in my shoe but it didn’t do much since the blisters had already formed. TMI?

As we headed home, we walked by the pet store and saw little puppies for sale. $1000 give or take. Yikes.

ADOPT. DON’T SHOP!

2017 Hong Kong | Day 4

January 9, 2017 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

PoPo heated back the vegetarian leftovers for Sissy and I to eat for breakfast while my parents and Kathy went out for breakfast and delivered us our drink of choice.

We then walked to the nearest mall and shopped forever for souvenirs. FOREVER … until we received Vincent’s and Rachel’s phone call stating they were soon to be home.

As we were leaving, we noticed a cluster of people cheering and holding signs. I thank my lucky stars I am tall enough to get these shots. I actually knew some of the celebrities. First sighting ever. Eeep!!

Once we got back home and met up with the newlyweds we ate mini roasted pig, a Chinese wedding tradition.

After hanging out for a bit we rode a subway to our next destination.

Hello Kitty Cafe.

They had some killer decorations!

And I only picked this place for the cute decorated dim sum.

The reviews I read stated that the food wasn’t that great because it was more for the touristy experience. Although they did win an award, I would have to agree. It was still fun though!

Vincent and Sissy really wanted ice cream so we stopped by iCreameria Dolce Giapponese.

Half cream. Half green tea. I split with Sissy but I about died. So sweet yet so refreshing because it was so hot out.

After we rested a bit, we started on our journey bumping into this clock tower.

We were trying to get to the museum to look at celebrity hand prints and statues but they were remodeling. I didn’t mind much because even though it was foggy, the view was still breathtaking.

When I walked a bit farther certain areas were not foggy and I was able to take this shot.

We did get to see the Polar Icecap statue to remind others about global warming.

As well as postcards among postcards of wishes people have written.

We walked along and crossed so many streets that if you asked me to take you I wouldn’t know where to go.

We walked into a few stores but didn’t buy much. I definitely got my steps in today!

As we were walking I pointed the sex shop out to Sissy and she commented that the massage place next door is a happy ending type. Who knows but that is the first sex shop I have seen in Hong Kong.

We received word that Dicky and Helen have arrived home so we went home to pick them and PoPo up for dinner at a Thai restaurant. I had to share my meal and the rest was packed home for Dicky. This was also when I taught them the world of Snapchat and filters.

As we were heading home we saw that the Chinese New Year decorations were up. I hope one day I get to celebrate Chinese New Year in Hong Kong. It’s been forever.

So much laughter makes my heart so happy. Family first.

2017 Asia Trip | Day 3

January 8, 2017 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Breakfast of champions at MX with the parents and Sissy. They give you so much for the morning that I could not even finish it!

Then we headed to the buses on a super long ride and switched to a taxi to meet Grand-Uncle Number 10 and his wife. I accidentally flipped the pictures but I’m too lazy to fix it. After visiting them we headed back home.

The parents headed straight home while Sissy and I went into Citywalk to shop for a black head mask.

We went into various stores and after successfully finding one we believe is good enough at SaSa, we headed home and split a lemon cake.

Soon after PoPo and Kathy came home and we reminisced some more about the wedding before heading out to shop and walk around.

We met up with Vincent and Rachel for dinner – a vegetarian restaurant just for Sissy. All the foods were plant or soy based and they try making them look like real meat.

Then it was back home to watch the wedding videos and pictures and more story time before Vincent and Rachel headed home.

Sissy and I ripped open our black head 3 step masks. Over a little over an hour later we completed the three steps which means bed time is around the corner.

We will be seeing Vincent and Rachel again tomorrow and hopefully Dickie and his wife. Fingers crossed.

2016 Colorado Trip

December 28, 2016 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

As promised, Colorado trip recap. This trip was only for a weekend, yet I was able to cross off a few things off my list!

Wednesday, December 14th

Since our flight wasn’t until 10 pm, we all went into work and Scruffy came to pick me up afterward. We finished our last minute packing and waited for Rami and Caitlin (who were going with us) to arrive. Then we had dinner with their parents before we headed off to the land of white.

We somehow scored a drink coupon and put it to use. A Bailey’s coffee and whiskey shot for me and a Lagunitas Ale and vodka (?) for him.

We landed and waited an extremely long time for our bags. Apparently, the trolley that carried our luggage broke down. Once we collected all of our bags, we headed outside where the cold, crisp air hit us in the face as we waited for our bus to take us to our car rental place.

After much debate on the car situation, we made our two-hour drive to Keystone. We were literally a minute away from our abode but a wrong turn costs us a two-hour delay due to us getting stuck in the snow. It was a freezing experience but a memory I won’t ever forget.

Thursday, December 15th

Rami and Caitlin went snowboarding while Scruffy and I dug the car out for a little adventure.

We had breakfast at

The Pour House
40 Cove Blvd
Dillon, CO 80435
(970) 368-6416
http://thepourhousecoffee.com

We split the Bagel Sammich [egg, cheddar cheese, sausage] | $6, and each got a Small Latte | $3.50. I forgot what type of lattes we got but we both loved the sandwich which also came with a side of honeydew. Yum!

After our tummies were full, Scruffy drove around as I snapped pictures of the gorgeous landscape. We walked into a gift shop but all they had were clothes. After a long while, we decided it was lunch time and went to

Zuma Roadhouse
91 River Run Rd
Dillon, CO 80435
(970) 262-2202
http://zumaroadhouse.com

Burgers and fries for him. Steak, fries, and potatoes for me. Mmmm … so much leftovers for dinner that night. After lunch, we headed to pick up our skis.

Christy Sports Rentals
23080 West Highway 6
Keystone, CO 80435
(970) 468-5775
http://rental.christysports.com/

They people there were very nice and got us fitted very fast. We then drove back home for nap time. I continued to sleep as Scruffy ran to the grocery store with Rami and Caitlin. When they came back, we watched telly, talked about our adventures, and ate our leftovers and whatever else they bought at the store.

Friday, December 16th

Ski day. Let’s just say, I am a horrible person to be around when I cannot do something. I gave up after a short while due to the ski boots cutting off my circulation. Hopefully, next time, if there is a next time, I can take snowboarding lessons and get fitted correctly.

While Scruffy snowboarded with Rami on top of the mountain, I went home and changed into my comfortable snow boots. I snapped some more pictures while I waited for the bus to meet them back up for a drink. It had been snowing all morning and was so happy to see this puppy in it’s element.

9280′ Tap House
140 Ida Belle Dr.
Keystone, CO 80435
(970) 496-4333

We drank our one and only beers before Rami went back up the mountain for a few more runs while Scruffy and I went on more adventures. We had dinner at

Sauce on the Blue
358 Blue River Parkway
Silverthrone, CO 80498
(970) 468-7488
http://sauceontheblue.com

We used the Bread | free to dip into our appetizer.

Sauteed Mussels [New Zealand green lipped mussels, basil pesto cream, crostini, shaved Parmesan] | $14 was my favourite dish there. I just love me some pesto and Parmesan. Mmm …

Chicken Parmesan [marinara, mozzarella, spaghetti, fresh vegetables] | $16

Chicken Marsala [mushroom Marsala sauce, fettuccine, fresh vegetables] | $19

The pastas weren’t bad. I would choose the chicken Parmesan which tasted better than the Marsala.

We headed back home and hung out a bit before Caitlin headed to bed. Scruffy and Rami set up the Wii in our room to play while I read magazines in bed before calling it a night.

Saturday, December 17th

We woke up to this sight. Inches and inches of snow piled on high.

Scruffy and I took the bus to River Run to do some shopping at various stores. We decided to eat something small and went into

Luigi’s Pasta House
140 Ida Belle Dr.
Keystone, CO 80435
(970) 468-0300

We threw back some beers and shared the Fat Luigi [5 meatballs, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese & marinara – add a sausage link for $2] | $10.

We added the sausage but my advice – skip the sausage and stick to the meatballs. The sausage was sub-par but the meatballs were on point.

When we asked if we could have some bread we were told that was only given during dinner time. They were nice enough to bring some to us though, with no charge. Great service!

We decided to dig the car out again for some more scenery shots and ended up at the

Beef Jerky Outlet
167 Wildernest Rd
Silverthorne, CO 80498
(970) 368-6196
https://summitcounty.beefjerkyoutlet.com/

where we each bought a bag for our dads. If you love beef jerky, this place has so many to choose from.

Later that night, we ordered delivery from

Last Chance Pizza Co.
40 Cove Blvd
Dillon, CO 80435
(970) 513-0900
http://lastchancepizza.com

The food wasn’t spectacular but it hit the spot as we spent the rest of the night playing card games, listening to music, and knocking back a few drinks.

Sunday, December 18th

We ate leftovers for breakfast, packed the rest of our stuff before heading out and took pictures. We made a stop at River Run and the Beef Jerky Outlet so Rami and Caitlin can do some souvenir shopping before ending up at

Sunshine Cafe
250 Summit Pl
Silverthrone, CO 80498
(970) 468-6663
http://locu.com

Scruffy and I split the Chicken Fried Steak [southern favorite served with vegetables, mashed potatoes, and gravy, and a roll] | $9.95, and Soup of the Day: Curry Soup | cup $3.95. We subbed french fries instead of veggies but as you can see from our plate, they probably thought we didn’t want mashed potatoes either and gave us a crap load of fries. I was sad we didn’t get to try the mashed potatoes but it was okay since we were stuffed. Definitely a good place to stop for breakfast/brunch.

We started our drive back to Denver making a stop at

Falling Rock Tap House
1919 Blake St
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 293-8338
http://fallingrocktaphouse.com

for a couple beers since we had time to kill before heading to dinner at

Ted’s Montana Grill
1685 Briargate Pkwy
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
(719) 598-6195
http://tedsmontanagrill.com

Pickled Cucumbers | free tasted a little weird at first but after a while, I couldn’t stop! My favourite were the ends while everyone else chomped on the middle parts.

Karen’s “Flying-D” Bison Chili | cup $5 wasn’t anything to rave about. I think Scruffy’s homemade chili tastes 95% better than that. I could be biased though.

Swiss and Mushroom Bison Burger [swiss, mushroom, sour cream] | $17

Green and Hot Bison Burger [pepper jack, grilled jalapeno, guacamole, chipotle ranch] | $17

Both the burgers were a handful. Literally! There were so many ingredients jammed in there – just like a burger should. If I ever have a chance to come back, I’d want to try the regular burger and see how it holds up.

After dinner we headed to the airport to fly back home in the land of the humid. On the flight back, we watched the movie, Chef, that I downloaded off Netflix and both ordered one drink to end the vacation. We were exhausted once we got back home and all we did was sleep in.

This trip was filled with many fails but those fails make great stories. I cannot wait for our next adventure together – once I save up enough money. Where are we headed, Scruffy?

Babies, Events, and Christmas

December 27, 2016 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

It’s been a long while since I’ve last updated. Life took hold yet again and I don’t regret it at all! Sometimes you just gotta live so here are some highlights of the past couple months.

I had two blogging opportunities that I keep forgetting to recap. The Tasting Room at City Centre (with Apurva) and Diamonds & Desserts (with Sissy).

I had fun at both and found my promise ring, engagement ring, and wedding ring at Robbins Brothers. Just kidding, I am not the type of girl that fantasized over getting married and I highly doubt these will be the ones. Nonetheless, it was fun to try them on and spend time with Sissy.

Broseph and SIL finally announced to the world about their pregnancy and Sissy and I threw a family baby shower. I will be Auntie to a little baby girl in February!

Mallory and John welcomed their bundle of joy this year. Look at that face!! I cannot wait to see him grow up!

Speaking of babies, Wacko and Monica’s little Emma is to be born any day now! Eeep! So excited. So many babies!!

Bombay Grill
1852 FM 359 Rd
Richmond, Texas 77406
(832) 595-9400
http://bombaygrilltx.com

I tried Indian food for the first time since I last almost threw up and … I survived and even ended up liking it more than I thought I would. It takes a while for the food to make but it’s worth it and we’ve been back a second time since then.

I’ve never truly made Scruffy a full meal since other people were always around and I was afraid of the critique. I found an opportunity one week and voila! He told me it tasted really good so … I’ll take his word for it.

Scruffy’s favourite band, Rebelution, played at the White Oak Music Hall which was a whole new experience for me. You could definitely feel the love of music that night.

Scruffy, Jamie, and Ashy accompanied me to Via Colori. Artwork was done with chalk on a sidewalk. It has always been on my list of things to check out so I’m happy that I was able to finally go. These people are hella talented!

I was able to attend Scruffy’s work Christmas party at Backstreet Cafe. This has always been on Apurva and I’s list of places to hit but never had a chance to. The food is pretty good but it’s not a place that I will crave to go back to.

Christmas this year was super busy. On the 23rd, Scruffy’s intermediate family met up for food, white elephant, and saran wrap ball game. On the 24th, we drove up to Dallas for my immediate family for some all you can eat Korean BBQ, gift opening, games, dinner, and baby room reveal before driving back down. On the 25th, Scruffy’s immediate family had breakfast and gift opening in the morning, and at night, my intermediate family had dinner and gift opening. We are both all Christmas’d out!

We also went to Colorado for a weekend getaway but I’ll do a recap in the next post.