American – Page 17

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

2017 Illinois & Wisconsin Trip for Sarah’s & Jacky’s Wedding

October 2, 2017 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

On Wednesday, September 20th, I packed my bags and bid farewell to Rizzo then headed over to Sissy’s with her and Tim. We spent the night and woke up a couple of hours later, Thursday, where I was devastated to find that I forgot to pack my jeans.

Anyone who knows me knows that I cannot stand sitting in many public seats without my legs covered up due to the nasty seats. But I prevailed – I put on my athletic shorts and we carried on for our five am flight where they gave out Stroopwafles as a snack.

We landed at eight and bought a day’s worth of public transportation.

After a fairly long train ride and a short walk later, we checked into our hotels, threw our bags in the room and headed off to breakfast.

After a short walk, we ended up at Yolk.

Yolk | Chicago, Illinois | Countryside Skillet

Countryside Skillet [seasoned potatoes, bacon, ham, sausage, mushroom, onion, green pepper, cheddar. Two eggs any style. Side of country sausage gravy. Toast, pancakes, or english muffin.] | $14

They messed up mine and BIL’s order but other than that, it was delicious! Too much food for one person!

We walked across the Chicago Riverwalk towards a Loft nearby just so I can buy a pair of jeans. Thank goodness! Such a beautiful view and look how scary it is that they all park backward in that garage!

Then we all headed to Millennium Park where we checked out the famous bean, The Cloud Gate. So many fingerprints were smeared all over that bean and I was sad to find that I couldn’t get a flawless picture because of it and I wasn’t about to wipe it down (shuddering at the thought of all the germs!).

And the Crown Fountain. I’m not too sure what the faces are about but there were so many little kids splashing around which was adorable.

After standing around for a while, we decided to hop on a bus to make use of our one-day transportation pass and headed to Navy Pier.

Navy Pier is right next to the Children’s Museum and therefore we saw a machine making many bubbles with little kids running through it.

Sissy and Tim played with the bubbles and said that it was super sticky so I can’t even imagine the parents having to clean these babies off!

We walked around the pier and due to the heat BIL got a margarita to go at Margaritaville while Tim and I got a cup of water.

I stopped into Making History Chicago, a souvenir shop for my usual postcard purchase before we headed outside.

Look at that view. I wish I lived somewhere where I can walk and see this. But I probably won’t enjoy it as much if it was at my fingertips, though.

As we were walking back to the bus stop, we noticed a lot of spiderwebs all over the beautiful flowers so I just had to get a snap … and also because Scruffy hates spiders and Sissy and BIL thought it’d be funny to send him some love this way.

I need to better my picture taking skills but you can make out that gorgeous spun web.

We hopped on the Nordiac bus and a short walk later, we were at Goose Island Tap Room.

Goose Island Tap Room | Chicago, Illinois | Sofie

Goose Island Sofie | Saison Beer

We sat and chatted for a long while since we were drenched in sweat and dying from the heat.

What a coincidence to see this sign. So much love coming all the way from Chicago.

We were recommended to have dinner at Au Cheval and decided it was time to check out the reviews where we found out that the wait was going to be horrific. The boys chugged their beers and we headed there just in time because when we got seated, people started piling in.

Au Cheval | Chicago, Illinois | Crispy Fries with Egg

Crispy Fries [mornay sauce, garlic aioli, and fried farm egg] | $9.95

Sissy’s order. I’ve never had garlic aioli I wasn’t a fan of until now and only because the mornay sauce was the bomb!

Au Cheval | Chicago, Illinois | 32 oz Pork Porterhouse

32 oz pork porterhouse [foie gras and roasted apples] | $38.95

Apparently, the porterhouse (a two to three serving) has limited availability and BIL just had to order it. Tim and I declined to share since we wanted the burger (what they’re known for) but we did hint we wouldn’t mind trying a small piece. Towards the end, BIL shared a bit more than intended. Though it was good, I’m not a big fan of pork (other than the bone area) so not something I’d recommend though BIL and Tim probably will.

Au Cheval | Chicago, Illinois | Single Cheeseburger with Bacon and Egg

Single Cheeseburger | $11.95; Add bacon | $3.50, Add egg | $1.00

Tim and I both got the single cheeseburger with added egg. Tim added bacon as well so just picture mine without bacon. It also comes with a pickle. Delicious. Maybe I was super hungry but it could pass as one of the best burgers I’ve had in forever.

Au Cheval | Chicago, Illinois | French Fries

French Fries [garlic aioli] | $6.25

I didn’t know Sissy got fries so I ordered the regular and I kept trying to steal some of her mornay sauce. Without that sauce the fries aren’t worth the money.

We walked to Walgreens for water and little knickknacks we didn’t pack before heading back to the hotel and calling it a night. We slept like babies due to lack of sleep the night before.

We woke up Friday morning and had breakfast at the hotel.

We played a couple rounds of some card game BIL brought with him (Gordon and Patsy stopped by to say hi since they had just landed) then packed up our bags, checked out, and checked in our bags at the concierge.

Then headed to Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria. That was the reason for the card playing.

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria | Chicago, Illinois | The Lou Personal Pizza

The Lou Personal Pizza [spinach mix (enhanced with garlic, basil & onion), mushrooms and sliced Roma tomatoes covered with three cheeses] | $10.25

Sissy being vegetarian got the personal pizza that served one and even then did not finish due to a heavier breakfast. It was good but the crust on the bottom was quite soggy due to all the veggies.

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria | Chicago, Illinois | The Malnati Chicago Classic Large Pizza

The Malnati Chicago Classic Large Pizza [Lou’s lean sausage, some extra cheese and vine-ripened tomato sauce on Buttercrust] | $26.05

Tim, BIL, and I shared a large and though I am a lover of pan pizza, I will say, with all the ingredients in there, the crust on the bottom was still super crispy.

Look at how the ingredients pile up! And there was still leftovers — the boys tried so hard to shove it down their throats and did not complete the challenge.

We headed back to the hotel, got our luggage, and headed to Hertz to pick up our car.

We started our drive towards Madison, Wisconsin where I worked on updating and memorizing the wedding schedule and took a nap.

Soon enough, we were checking into the hotel where we received goodie bags from the bride and groom.

After dropping our luggage off at our rooms we went to The Great Dane, a pub and brewing company.

We ordered beers and snacks while playing Chinese card game.

The Great Dane | Madison, Wisconsin | Crop Circle Wheat

Crop Circle Wheat [60% wheat malt and imported German yeast and hops – refreshing and somewhat spicy, served unfiltered with a slice of lemon]

I got the sampler tasting cup size so it was only like a dollar something. So worth it since I don’t drink much. I wish more places did it that way!

The Great Dane | Madison, Wisconsin | Old Glory Cheese Curds

Old Glory Cheese Curds [over one-half pound of American Pale Ale hand-battered Ellsworth Wisconsin cheese curds served with a roasted Hatch green chili crema] | $9.25

It was nothing special. Tasted like fried mozzarella. No squeak, which is what I heard makes cheese curds, cheese curds.

The Great Dane | Madison, Wisconsin | Poutine

Poutine [fresh hot pub fries and Ellsworth Wisconsin garlic dill cheese curds finished with a rich gravy and minced chives] | $6.75

This was a better option, cheaper too than the cheese curds. We scarfed these down very quickly.

After, we dropped Tim off at Ichiban Sichuan for the wedding rehearsal dinner – without the rehearsal – and headed to the lake.

We walked around and I was able to capture some shots.

I tried to capture the ducks and only got this good picture since seconds after this shot some kids ran up to them telling them to shoo away.

We walked into Graze for dinner but due to a short wait, we took a walk around the capital.

Look how it lights up!

And how it reflects off the glass building across the street. Graze is located on the right of the building.

Bibimbap [choice of marinated: ground pork or tofu, crispy rice, sunny-side up egg, sauteed bok choy, market vegetables, spicy gochujang] | $16

Sissy ordered the bibimbap which was way better than I expected since I live in a city with a Chinatown.

Graze | Madison, Wisconsin | Pan Seared Gnocchi

Pan Seared Gnocchi [delicata squash, kale, chevre, honey crisp apples, cider redux, ground cherry brown butter] | $19

Though my gnocchi was to die for, especially the vegetables thrown in there, it was super expensive for the amount of food I got. I forgot that’s how fancy places are.

We walked into Walgreens for my usual postcard purchase before we headed back to the hotel where I got ready for tomorrow’s big day while Sissy, BIL, and Tim played more card games.

Saturday morning, Sarah and Jacky’s wedding day … but first breakfast at the hotel after a quick stop by Brudda’s and SIL’s room to pick up Emmy to join us.

After breakfast, Emmy, Sissy, Brudda, SIL, BIL, and Peggy all went to Dane County Farmer’s Market. We kept bumping into people and it took us a while to realize that everyone was going in one direction and that it looped around the capital.

Brudda and I took so many shots of sunflowers since the bees were buzzing. He has way better shots than mine (he has a better camera too) but it was fun getting to shoot alongside him since these moments are very rare now.

A bunch of various flowers was way cheaper than those we find here in Houston. I am not a lover of flowers but the colors captivated me.

And the tri-color cauliflowers! I wished so bad that we had an extra day and a kitchen so that we could buy ingredients and make a meal!

Everyone bough mango smoothies to beat the heat except for me. Does anyone else get even thirstier after drinking juices?

Soon enough we found a cheese curd stand worth stopping for, Schroeder Kase.

I went crazy and bought a few bags and Sissy and BIL bought a couple. So much squeak! Sadly the squeak was gone when we got it home but a few short seconds in the microwave put the squeak back (a bit).

One of the places I wanted to visit for cheese shopping was Fromagination so I was ecstatic to find out that it was at the same place as the market!

Look at all the cheese! SIL and I were able to try some before we made our purchases. Great customer service here.

We headed back to the hotel where I quickly picked up my things and headed to Olbrich Botanical Gardens with John, Tim, and Jo to set up the reception area. John and Tim got us Chickfila for lunch. Yum!

After much set back the wedding was on its way. I was able to catch a shot of the bride and father of the bride as they walked down the aisle toward the groom and pastor. Not to toot my own horn but I love this shot and what this shot symbolizes.

There was a buffet of food and I must say the best wedding food I’ve had ever … and I’ve been to many weddings!

The bride and groom even paid for everyone at the wedding to attend the Gleam: Art in a New Light Exhibit which the gardens held for the public.

There were lights hanging off and wrapped around trees and even lighted up sculptures. I love little lights! Sigh … so pretty. My photography skills are still lacking, but I am still going to share the pictures below.

After cleaning up and making sure everyone has left the location we headed back to the hotel, changed, and packed up. Then it was a long drive back to the Chicago airport.

Our flight was at five am Sunday so we didn’t get any sleep. We knocked out on the plane – I missed snack time! When we landed a little before eight am we stopped by Sissy’s and BIL’s house before heading home and dropping Tim off on the way.

Once home we all took showers then headed to New Pho Katy with the family and Tim and all head back to our house where we played a few card games before Scruffy and Luna came over.

We played a round of Camel Up before disbanding and calling it a day. We were all pooped and couldn’t wait to lay in bed and do nothing.

I accepted when Sarah asked me to be her day of wedding coordinator. I’ve done certain parts of other weddings in the past but to be in control of a whole day was something I never imagined especially coming from my cousin! I can only hope I did a good enough job to where the bride and groom had a swell time. It was a great experience and I had fun doing it!

Sarah and Jacky had their tea ceremony on Saturday, September 30th at her parents’ house and afterward, we all went to Sushi9. Scruffy got to experience how a tea ceremony kind of works and I was so thankful he showed up even though he was not feeling well. Trooper. Now that her wedding is over, who is next? Call me up. I can be your coordinator. hehe

Yolk
340 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654 | (855) 328-9655 | Website | Yelp

Chicago Riverwalk
400 E Lower Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601 | Website | Yelp

Loft
51 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601 | (312) 269-0301 | Website | Yelp

Millennium Park
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602 | (312) 742-1168 | Website | Yelp

The Cloud Gate
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602 | (312) 742-1168 | Website | Yelp

Crown Fountain
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602 | (312) 742-1168 | Yelp

Navy Pier
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 | (312) 595-7437 | Website | Yelp

Margaritaville
700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 | (312) 496-3840 | Website | Yelp

Making History Chicago
700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 | (312) 645-0062 | Yelp

Goose Island Tap Room
1800 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612 | (800) 466-7363 | Website | Yelp

Au Cheval
800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607 | (312) 929-4580 | Website | Yelp

Walgreens
151 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601 | (312) 863-4249 | Yelp

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
439 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654 | (312) 828-9800 | Website | Yelp

Hertz
401 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610 | (312) 372-7600 | Yelp

The Great Dane
123 E Doty St, Madison, WI 53703 | (608) 284-0000 | Website | Yelp

Graze
1 S Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703 | (608) 251-2700 | Website | Yelp

Walgreens
15 E Main St, Madison, WI 53703 | (608) 257-3814 | Yelp

Dane’s County Farmers Market
2 E Main St, Madison, WI 53703 | (608) 455-1999 | Website | Yelp

Fromagination
12 S Carroll St, Madison, WI 53703 | (608) 255-2430 | Website | Yelp

Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704 | (608) 246-4550 | Website | Yelp

Pho Katy
811 S Mason Rd, Katy, TX 77450 | (281) 206-7933 | Website | Yelp

Graduations, Birthdays, Crawfish, and More JJ

May 23, 2017 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

On Thursday at Wild Wing Cafe, Michael finally had a chance to meet JJ and even hold him. JJ wouldn’t have it though partly because it was nearing his bedtime. Mallory and I haven’t seen him since the high school reunion and figured it was time for a catch up.

I met up with Delisha Friday at La Madeline for my belated birthday lunch. It was great getting to catch up with her and see how she’s doing. And she was nice enough to pay for my meal and even get me a fruit tart. #winning

Red Sangria, Beer, Housemade Potato Chips with Jalapeño Feta Dip, and Housemade Angus Mini Meatballs

After Scruffy got off work, we went to Next Door Bar & Lounge for some drinks and snacks. Do not order their meatballs. They are five itty bitty things with mashed potatoes all around. Do go for the potato chips though. Their dip is out of this world! We also went to King’s Head Pub, his favourite bar place where Saleh came to join us.

Then we all headed to Ahmed and Noora’s graduation party. They had such cute little cakes made. I didn’t try them but I heard they were delicious.

They even got Niko’s Niko’s catered! So much goodness on one plate!

Saturday morning Scruffy and I met up with Sissy and BIL for a chill drinking session at Buffalo Bayou Brewing. Two and I was done. Scruffy had like six and could keep going if we stayed any longer. Crazy boy. I’m hoping to come back for their better beers later in the year.

We then all went home and helped out for a family crawfish boil. Mmm … Dad went crazy and bought sixty pounds of crawfish for six people not counting Sissy who’s a vegetarian. Timothy came over later to help out then we played a few rounds of Camel Up and called it a night.

Sunday afternoon was Hannah’s birthday celebration since her birthday was actually the day when Ahmed and Noora celebrated their graduation. All home cooked goodness. The chicken was the best thing ever along with the green beans.

After work today Scruffy and I walked around the mall then headed to Los Cucos for dinner plans with Mallory and JJ. The first time Scruffy met JJ, he was asleep in his carrier but this time he was wide awake and he finally got to hold JJ. Too adorable.

Wild Wing Cafe
20940 Katy Fwy, Katy, TX 77449 | (281) 647-9453 | Website | Yelp

La Madeline
1560 Eldridge Pkwy, Houston, TX 77077 | (281) 940-8516 | Website | Yelp

Next Door Bar & Lounge
14714 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77079 | (281) 493-0307 | Website | Yelp

King’s Head Pub
1809 Eldridge Pkwy, Houston, TX 77077 | (832) 379-1000 | Website | Yelp

Baffalo Bayou Brewing
5301 Nolda St, Houston, TX 77007 | (713) 750-9795 | Website | Yelp

Los Cucos Mexican Cafe
5305 Bell Patna Dr, Katy, TX 77494 | (281) 644-6808 | Website | Yelp

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.

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

Yolk 340 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654 | (855) 328-9655 | Website | Yelp

Chicago Riverwalk 400 E Lower Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601 | Website | Yelp

Loft 51 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601 | (312) 269-0301 | Website | Yelp

Millennium Park 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602 | (312) 742-1168 | Website | Yelp

The Cloud Gate 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602 | (312) 742-1168 | Website | Yelp

Crown Fountain 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602 | (312) 742-1168 | Yelp

Navy Pier 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 | (312) 595-7437 | Website | Yelp

Margaritaville 700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 | (312) 496-3840 | Website | Yelp

Making History Chicago 700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 | (312) 645-0062 | Yelp

Goose Island Tap Room 1800 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612 | (800) 466-7363 | Website | Yelp

Au Cheval 800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607 | (312) 929-4580 | Website | Yelp

Walgreens 151 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601 | (312) 863-4249 | Yelp

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria 439 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654 | (312) 828-9800 | Website | Yelp

Hertz 401 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610 | (312) 372-7600 | Yelp

The Great Dane 123 E Doty St, Madison, WI 53703 | (608) 284-0000 | Website | Yelp

Graze 1 S Pinckney St, Madison, WI 53703 | (608) 251-2700 | Website | Yelp

Walgreens 15 E Main St, Madison, WI 53703 | (608) 257-3814 | Yelp

Dane’s County Farmers Market 2 E Main St, Madison, WI 53703 | (608) 455-1999 | Website | Yelp

Fromagination 12 S Carroll St, Madison, WI 53703 | (608) 255-2430 | Website | Yelp

Olbrich Botanical Gardens 3330 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704 | (608) 246-4550 | Website | Yelp

Pho Katy 811 S Mason Rd, Katy, TX 77450 | (281) 206-7933 | Website | Yelp

Wild Wing Cafe 20940 Katy Fwy, Katy, TX 77449 | (281) 647-9453 | Website | Yelp

La Madeline 1560 Eldridge Pkwy, Houston, TX 77077 | (281) 940-8516 | Website | Yelp

Next Door Bar & Lounge 14714 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77079 | (281) 493-0307 | Website | Yelp

King’s Head Pub 1809 Eldridge Pkwy, Houston, TX 77077 | (832) 379-1000 | Website | Yelp

Baffalo Bayou Brewing 5301 Nolda St, Houston, TX 77007 | (713) 750-9795 | Website | Yelp

Los Cucos Mexican Cafe 5305 Bell Patna Dr, Katy, TX 77494 | (281) 644-6808 | Website | Yelp