Currently obsessed with this catchy duet.
Other times, maybe you could try
To open up and let me inside
Your boy brain is a mystery
That keeps fooling me
Music | A Lot to Learn by Copperlily
When San Antonians Visit Houston
Friday, August 12th
Patricia, Amy, and Travis drove down after work from San Antonio to Houston to visit me that weekend. When they arrived, Scruffy and I met them at BJs for a few drinks before heading to our reservations at
Uncle Julio’s
20526 Katy Fwy
Katy, Texas 77450
(832) 464-8930
https://www.unclejulios.com/locations/katy/
Scruffy and I shared a taco plate since we ate previously. The food wasn’t that great but we weren’t really there for the food. We’ve seen a video passed around on Facebook about a dessert so we decided to try it out.
Patricia pre-pinata batting
The famous Chocolate Pinata [filled with homemade mini churros, fresh fruit and berries, served with raspberry, chocolate and caramel sauces and house-made whipped cream] | $25.
The best dessert I’ve had in forever. So freaking good. The churros were still crispy even though it was mixed with the fruit inside the pinata. And I never knew I could love tempered chocolate so much.
We said our farewells while they headed to their hotel to check in while Scruffy and I hung out for a little while back at my house before calling it a night.
Saturday, August 13th
I woke up bright and early and made my way to their hotel. I hung out with the girls for a bit before waking up Travis and headed to our $20 Houston Restaurant Week lunch reservations at
The Grove
1611 Lamar Street
Houston, Texas 77010
(713) 337-7321
http://thegrovehouston.com
Once we sat down, we were presented Salted Peanuts | free. They were pretty good and I wish we had more.
FIRST COURSE
I gobbled up the Deviled Eggs [smoked salmon, picked corn & chilies, rooftop dill, pickle juice vinagirette] in seconds. I wish there was more of this as well. I’ve never really been a big fan of deviled eggs since it’s ususally just mayo but this changed my outlook. Deviled eggs do not need to have mayo!
SECOND COURSE
I only ate the inside of the Crispy Chicken Sandwich [Tabasco honey, slaw, pickles, mayonnaise, seasoned fries] and it was delicious. Plus nothing can ever go wrong with fries!
Top: Patricia, Me, Amy Bottom: Patricia, Travis, Me, Amy
We walked around Discovery Green and took some pictures in front of the colorful buildings.
We were mostly walking around Discovery Green to catch Pokemon as was everyone else in the world. Travis and Patricia were very into it and we ran into this billboard with rules for Discovery Green. Too funny and a little sad.
We ran into this gorgeous piece of art. I’m in love and wish I can have something like this up on my wall one day. Sigh … someone make me one?
We then went to drop off Patricia’s car at Sissy’s to save money since I planned to stay over at the hotel. Afterward we stopped for a coffee break at
Tout Suite
2001 Commerce Street
Houston, Texas 77002
(713) 227-8688
http://toutsuite.co
Trying to be artsy with Amy’s espresso and the macarons Patricia bought for the girls. Since she didn’t get Travis one, I gave mine to him instead.
Me & Travis
Amy got this picture of me while I was taking pictures of the food while Travis ignored the girls being girls talking about random crap.
We planned to go to the brewery but realized it was going to close in a few minutes so I took Amy and Travis back to the hotel so that they could take a nap. Then Patricia and I went to the Galleria since she needed to get another shirt. Someone didn’t pack enough clothes. haha
Me, Amy, Patricia
Along the way plans changed and I went to drop Patricia back off at her car while she drove back to the hotel and I went to go pick up Sammy up before heading to the hotel as well. We all pregame while getting ready before heading to our reservations for dinner at
Arcodoro
5000 Westheimer Road
Houston, Texas 77056
(713) 621-6888
http://arcodoro.com
They had a Houston Restaurant Week menu but we weren’t a big fan of it at all so we all ordered off the menu a la carte.
Bread | free was very dry even with the olive oil. I wasn’t a big fan.
Scruffy and I shared the Carpaccio di Manzo al Tartufo [paper-thin slices of raw beef filet mignon topped with creamy black truffle dressing & micro greens] | $15 which was so freaking good. I wish we ordered more of these and just kept eating it until we were full.
Group Picture: Travis, Amy, Patricia, Me, Scruffy
Mum texted asking for a picture of the group. She’s met everyone but Amy and wanted to see how much the other two has changed since she last saw them.
We also shared the Paella Sardinian Style [Fregula simmered with saffron lobster stock & a medley of scampi, shrimp, mussels, clams, calamari & sea bream fillet] | $42 which wasn’t as great as the one Scruffy and I had at Fernando’s. We were pretty disappointed especially with how much it cost.
Me & Scruffy being sillies
I know he’s not a big fan of pictures so I’m always delighted when he gives in and takes any kind of picture with me.
The fellas wanted to go to a piano bar and since we wanted to stay close by, Scruffy found
Caps Piano Bar
2610 Briar Ridge Drive
Houston, Texas 77057
(713) 784-0024
http://capspianobar.com
Online, it states it’s an older crowd and well … they weren’t lying. The crowd was over the hill and the drinks were very expensive. I asked for water and all they had was bottled water for five dollars. Scruffy didn’t know what to do so he still got it for me and the rest of the night, we made fun of the expensive Ozarka water. I guess it wasn’t too bad since we did receive two bowls of popcorn. Mmm … I love popcorn.
They chugged their drinks and we headed to a place where it was more our age.
Richmond Arms Pub
5920 Richmond Ave
Houston, Texas 77057
(713) 784-7722
http://richmondarmsonline.com
We played trivia and had some random conversations which is pretty much all I ask for when I hang out with my friends. After a while, Patricia ordered a Basket of Chips [aka fries] | $4.50 and Scruffy ordered Fried Mozzarella [6 fried cheese sticks served with marinara] | $7.50 for everyone at the table which was perfect since our dinner wasn’t all the best.
Me & Scruffy
We headed back to the hotel and hung out a little longer playing Never Have I Ever which sparked a lot of questions. haha Soon after, Scruffy and I headed home. Having Scruffy interact and fit in with my friends makes my heart so happy.
Sunday, August 14th
After a great night’s sleep, I woke up and drove back to Katy to meet the fellas for brunch at Dish Society.
Kickin’ Kombucha Grapefruit | $5.50 and Quinoa Stuffed Avocado [a whole avocado topped with citrus quinoa relish on organic greens] | $9
After sharing our weekend adventure story recaps, we said our goodbyes. They headed back to San Antonio and I headed back to Scruffy’s house where we brewed our own beer.
I always want to move back to San Antonio whenever I hang out with anyone from San Antonio which makes me start debating if I should look for jobs there. Sigh … decisions.
Etoile Cuisine Et Bar | Houston, Texas
On Friday, August 12th, Apurva and I went to Houston Restaurant Week, and chose a $20/person for two courses at
Etoile Cuisine Et Bar
1101-11 Uptown Park Blvd
Houston, Texas 77056
(832) 668-5808
http://etoilecuisine.com
We had such terrific service here. Our waiter, Arton, was sweet, funny, and attentive. He even laid the napkin across my lap saying that “I’m a lady and it’s a man’s job.” When Apurva heard that, she puts her napkin back down on the table waiting for the same treatment … and it never happens! haha Apparently, she’s not a lady.
Bread & Butter | free
I’m not a big fan of bread but this was one of the best ones I’ve had in my life. The bread was soft and fluffy and crunch on the outside. We were in heaven .. or maybe because we were just hungry but they just kept coming and we kept stuffing them in our faces.
We wanted to share an appetizer since the Houston Restaurant Week was only for two courses. We split the Escargots a la Bourguignonne [snails in parsley garlic butter] | $11 was very tender but I wouldn’t say it was the best escargot I’ve ever had. I still give props to the restaurant I went to in Las Vegas. The bread did taste yummy in the sauce though.
Honeysuckle White Sangria [Cathead honeysuckle vodka and crisp Chablis infused with fresh seasonal fruit and Dolin blanc vermouth] | $12 isn’t part of the menu as well, but they added a couple drinks to go toward the charity which I think is a great idea! Who can resist helping others just by drinking. haha
FIRST COURSE
Raviolis de Champignon [mushroom raviolis, port wine truffle sauce, aged Parmesan]
If you love mushrooms, this is for you. Straight up mushroom inside.
Risotto de Crevettes au Safran [shrimp, risotto, summer vegetables with saffron sauce]
I’ve been on a seafood kick which is weird considering I use to dislike seafood with a passion so when I saw this, I had to have it. So freaking goooooooooooood.
SECOND COURSE
Pot de Creme au Chocolat Financier au Miel [chocolate poot de creme, honey almond fiancier]
Super chocolately. Too chocolately. But it paired well with the sorbet. A hot and cold fusion but still not a fan but it was perfect for her.
Ile Flottante a la Pistache [pistachio floating island, caramel sauce, toasted almonds]
Very light dessert. I love eating pistachios but was skeptical for it being in a dessert but it was perfect after such a heavy entree.
I loved the fact that they do a special menu every month for “Charity of the Month.” Things like that makes me want to come back for sure and the food is delicious not to. It is definitely on my list of favourites.
Restless Palate | Cinco Ranch, Texas
On August 9th, for Houston Restaurant Week, Mallory and I chose a $25/person three course meal at
Restless Palate
2643 Commerical Center Blvd
Cinco Ranch, Texas 77494
(281) 574-7431
http://rpfresh.com
FIRST COURSE
Edamame Roasted Garlic Hummus [toasted pita bread, tomato salad]
This wasn’t anything special, so there’s not much to say about it.
Bay Scallops + Shrimp Ceviche [fresh lime, cucumbers, avocado, peppers, onions, tomato, fried plantains]
We found it funny that it came with fried plantains but it was surprisingly good. I’ve come to a conclusion that I am not a huge fan of ceviche due to the high levels of acidity.
SECOND COURSE
Herb Grilled Salmon [Roma tomato, kale, asparagus, shaved garlic, basil chiffonade, white quinoa]
The salmon was cooked perfectly, flaky. And the veggies were okay.
Asiago Baked Chicken [chicken breast stuffed with Asiago cheese & spinach, bread crumbs, mushrooms cream lemon butter, vegetable medley]
This wasn’t how I pictured it in my head so when it came, I was a little skeptical. But boy was I wrong. The chicken was so moist and everything just tasted perfect. I about died. I would definitely come back here for this dish.
THIRD COURSE
Blood Orange Sorbet was our favourite. It was very light and in a way, helped clean our palates. Simple desserts are sometimes the best desserts.
Kiwi Strawberry Tart
I don’t think I was ever a fan of kiwi but this tart had the best crust I’ve tasted in a long while. If they made a different tart with the same crust, I’ll definitely order it again.
Mallory and I have tried so many different restaurants that’s been popping up around our areas and we’ve never said “oh let’s come back here again” until that day. So this was a win for the both of us.
Bayou City Seafood & Pasta | Houston, Texas
Friday, August 5th, I took Mum to our annual Houston Restaurant Week mother-daughter dinner date where the meal costs $35/person for four courses at:
Bayou City Seafood & Pasta
4730 Richmond Ave
Houston, Texas 77027
(713) 621-6602
http://bayoucityseafood.net
Mum started with a margarita to go with her meal.
FIRST COURSE
Gulf Coast Seafood Gumbo [dark roux-based file gumbo with shrimp and crab] wasn’t that great. It was too watery and we are used to the thicker gumbos.
But the Crab Bisque [rich cream-based bisque with crab meat] was very good and Mum was pretty envious.
Both kinds of soup came with a side of rice but I didn’t feel it was necessary.
SECOND COURSE
Oyster Appetizer [5 ounces of Gulf Coast oysters, sauteed] wasn’t good at all and wished Mum ordered the fried oysters instead of sauteed. They still breaded it but the breading became all soggy and the taste was pretty bland.
Sauteed Mushroom Caps stuffed with Crab Meat was a better choice and we wished we had another order of this instead of our oysters.
THIRD COURSE
Snapper Patriot [grilled snapper filet topped with sauteed shrimp, jumbo lump crab, tomatoes and spinach served with a side of sauteed asparagus] was probably the best thing we ate all night. It was very light and flavourful.
Shrimp and Crawfish Ettoufee [10 ounces of shrimp and crawfish cooked into our award winning etouffee and served with a generous helping of white rice] wasn’t the type we were used to but they were very generous with the helping of shrimp and crawfish so it wasn’t too bad.
I’d still chose the etouffee from Pappadeaux than this one for sure though.
FOURTH COURSE
Key Lime Pie wasn’t too bad. The crust was pretty good actually but too much whipped cream for my liking.
Bread Pudding [Blueberry bread pudding served in our vanilla cinnamon cream sauce] was a surprise to me. I’ve never had real bread pudding and especially not served this way in a cream sauce. I would say that I would have liked the bread pudding more without the sauce because it was drowned with it. The meringue on top was perfect though.
I wasn’t a big fan of this place but Mum was. She said she’ll come back but I’m not too certain about it for myself. Most of our food was packed up for Dad and June since we couldn’t finish it all.
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