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2021 | Week 74 of Quarantine | Astros Game & Houston Restaurant Week

August 15, 2021 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2021 | Week 74 of Quarantine | Return to Work Questions

We had a poll at work to see how many people were down to go back into the office come October 4th and what we prefer to do going forward. Can you guess my answers? I find the results hilarious and wished that we really did get a choice. Sigh, I’m going to miss going to school.

2021 | Week 74 of Quarantine | Astros v Rockies | Frankenstein & Mellie Dee

Tuesday, I got off a little early to head over to Sissy’s. Then I went back to work until Frankenstein came and picked me up. He had gotten us tickets to Astros v Rockies! We got Shake Shake and beers for dinner. They were bomb ass seats. 7th row from the outfield. It was SUPER bright and we discussed where we’d sit next time.

We realized that I squint a lot and if I just open up my eyes more I can see. I guess years of wearing contacts got me to that point so readjusting has been tough. But man, is it clearer. haha I liked that he didn’t mind walking around and seeing things during the game which helped stretch my legs.

2021 | Week 74 of Quarantine | Kato, Bruno | Flip 'n Patties | Houston, Texas

We stayed for the entire game and then he dropped me back off at Sissy’s. I couldn’t find Bruno anywhere so I settled for Kato. He’s not much of a cuddler but he did love cuddling next to my monkey.

The next day, BIL was off so we talked a lot whenever I didn’t have to be on a phone call and when he wasn’t playing video games. I ordered Flip ‘n Patties for lunch. I love Filipino roasted pig. YUM. Bruno was below my feet the entire time so he got a lot of foot pets.

2021 | Week 74 of Quarantine | Houston Restaurant Week | Harold's Restaurant, Bar, & Terrace | Houston, Texas | Sissy & BIL

Later that night, I went with Sissy & BIL to Harold’s Restaurant, Bar & Terrace for Houston Restaurant Week for $35/person.

We ordered beers and cocktails. I forget the name but they were all good. I got a side of Brussel sprouts | $6. Not the best, but passable.

First Course:

  • Oyster Nachos [gulf fried oysters, house tortilla chips & aioli]
  • The Southern Peach [local grilled peaches, spring mix, in-house candied pecans, seasonal berries, citrus mint vinaigrette]
  • Chicken Fried Cauliflower [Atkinson Farms cauliflower, cheese fondue sauce]

Clear winner was the cauliflower. They give you SO much compared to the other two appetizers. Well worth it.

Second Course:

  • KG’s Double Brined Fried Chicken [buttermilk fried chicken with mac ‘n cheese made from Texas cheddar, Atkinson Farms braised greens (half chicken – breast, thigh, leg]
  • Eggplant Parmesan [Atkinson Farms eggplant, house marinara, provolone & mozzarella cheese, pasta]

BIL and I both got the fried chicken. Nothing to write home about. The fried chicken was SUPER crispy but not enough flavour. Would do well with more spices. BIL wasn’t a fan of the greens but the mac was pretty good.

Third Course:

  • Key Lime Pie [key lime filling, zest of key lime, graham cracker crust]
  • Chocolate Layer Cake [three layer moist chocolate cake with smooth chocolate filling & chocolate ganache]

Key lime hit the spot. The chocolate cake was too much … chocolate.

Probably not a restaurant I’ll come back to unless it’s to get some drinks.

2021 | Week 74 of Quarantine | Houston Restaurant Week | Federal American Grill | Katy, Texas | Mallory, Beth, Mellie Dee

Thursday night was girls night. I met up with Mallory & Beth at Federal American Grill for yet another Houston Restaurant Week for $35/person.

Mallory & I ordered a bottle of Alexander Valley Vineyards Homestead Red Blend for $28 (usually $40). They also give you biscuits, jam, and butter for free. It was so good, we got seconds. Per usual, my ordering of Brussel sprouts | $8.

First Course:

  • Tuna Poke [Hawaiian style sushi grade tuna, avocado, toasted almonds, soy honey citrust sauce, wontons]
  • Shrimp Cocktail [horseradish & jalapeno cocktail sauce] — actually subbed with regular cocktail sauce
  • Fried Cheeseburger Eggrolls [seasoned akaushi beef eggrolls, sweet and spicy sauce, spicy ranch]

Clear winner was the poke though the eggrolls were VERY spot on. I wouldn’t mind getting a cheeseburger in eggroll form going forward.

Second Course:

  • Braised Short Rib [bacon & mushroom risotto, sautéed spinach, bordelaise sauce]
  • Classic Chicken Cobb Salad [romaine, arugula, red onion, avocado, toasted almonds, hardboiled egg, tomato, bacon, bleu cheese crumbles, champagne vinaigrette]
  • Thai Shrimp & Cheese Grits [blackened citrus shrimp, manchego cheese grits, Thai citrus glaze, wontons]

Everything tasted great. So great that I declared I wouldn’t mind coming back and trying their regular menu. I loved the risotto so much that now I want to make it at home.

Third Course:

  • Ghirardelli Chocolate Brownie [served with vanilla ice cream]
  • Ghirardelli Chocolate Brownie & Bourbon Bread Pudding

Mallory & I both got the brownie and I am not disappointed. I actually ate the whole dessert! I wish they gave us just a little more ice cream though. I did get to try the bread pudding but I’m glad I didn’t get it. It was good but bread pudding is just NOT for me.

2021 | Week 74 of Quarantine | Bonjour Cafe | Katy, Texas | Mum & June

On Saturday, Mum, June & I got brunch at Bonjour Café. I’ve always wanted to try this place but never found the right time. Sadly when we went the chefs were on vacation so it wasn’t the usual staff. But the food was still bomb! They could have done better poaching the eggs. That’s my ONLY complaint.

Mum & I both got cappuccinos. Nothing special but made well. Mum got Croc’s Benedict, I got the Gluten Free Style Eggs Benedict, and June got the Forest Omelet. Everything was bomb. Definitely coming back.

Afterward, we went grocery shopping and to return things. June & I also did a long, long, Target run.

2021 | Week 74 of Quarantine | Camping Hiking Puzzle, Food, Rizzo

This week has been a lot of good eats. But to make it even better, Seafood Salad, durian, popcorn shaped with a heart, and my favourite – homemade fried rice using Hainanese Rice a la me. YUM!

I also finished a camping/hiking/hot air balloon puzzle. Probably one of my favourite ones ever. It makes me want to go camping/hiking/hot air ballooning now.

Also a pic of Rizzo, because why not.

It’s crazy how this week was FILLED with events but it felt like forever ago. Sigh.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: American, Breakfast and Brunch, Filipino, Houston, Houston Restaurant Week, Katy, Sightseeing, Texas

2021 | Week 62 of Quarantine | A Week in San Antonio

May 23, 2021 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2021 | Week 62 of Quarantine | San Antonio | Daily Coffee by Patricia

My work days begin with a cup of coffee made by Patricia every morning. It’s not a bad way to start the day and makes me wonder if I ever end up with someone, would they do the same. Something to keep in mind, I’m not a big fan of coffee unless it’s a latte and she came through for me. All the mugs were different too. Can you guess which one is my favourite?

2021 | Week 62 of Quarantine | San Antonio | Sari-Sari Filipino Restaurant | HEB Meals

Monday was a pretty chill day. I ordered lunch from Sari-Sari Filipino Restaurant. It’s been on my list of places to try since day one. It’s opened by one of my old collegemates from when we were in FTK. Their lumpia and lechon were amazing and I would order again in a heartbeat even though I feel they are a little overpriced. The rice and Kare-Kare was a little on the miss side. The peanut soupiness was not flavourful enough and was very bland. The peanut butter didn’t come out enough. The rice was also mushy and with the stew it made it a big ole no-no. But I had it for lunch a few other days because no waste over here.

For dinner, we had bought some HEB meals to make and it came out great. We watched Thunder Force before heading off to bed.

2021 | Week 62 of Quarantine | San Antonio | 54th Street Restaurant & Drafthouse with Doug and Patricia

On Tuesday, Moises and Emily got me a poke bowl from Hula Poke for dinner but I saved it for breakfast for a couple of days since Patricia and I had plans to see Doug. We met at 54th Street Restaurant where we had not so great old fashions, tater kegs, dressed roasted Brussel sprouts, and rattlesnake pasta.

2021 | Week 62 of Quarantine | San Antonio | Rock and Rye with Patricia & Doug

We then went to Rock and Rye for real old fashions. Note for Patricia in the future — she likes the Pimms drink because she couldn’t figure out what she liked from here and made the guy keep guessing.

2021 | Week 62 of Quarantine | San Antonio | Toro | Amy, Thuy & Chloe

On Wednesday, we all took a bit of a half day from work. Patricia and I met up with Amy and Thuy. We finally got to meet Chloe and she is the CUTEST. Her back bends made us laugh SO much.

2021 | Week 62 of Quarantine | San Antonio | Toro Tapas with Patricia, Amy, Thuy & Chloe

We ordered the WHOLE menu at Toro — or it felt like we did. Huevos Rotos, Patatas Bravas, Champinoes Lugo, Tacos de Cochinita Pibil, Calamares Fritos, Toro Pallea, Valencia Gin, Red Sangria Pitcher, Torrijas a la mode.

This is my new favourite tapas place. Why does it have to be so far away?! I definitely want to come back here next time and try their other stuff.

2021 | Week 62 of Quarantine | San Antonio | Thuy's with Amy, Patricia, Mellie Dee | Ube Crinkle Cookies & Pop Tarts

We went to Thuy’s afterward so that she could put Chloe away. Patricia worked while Amy, Thuy and I sat and had girl talk and caught up a lot. It was nice. Thuy even made us Ube Crinkle Cookies and Ube Pop Tarts. All delicious.

2021 | Week 62 of Quarantine | San Antonio | El Mirasol with Andy, Jakob, Amy, Patricia

Later that day Patricia stopped by James Avery and then we headed off to El Marisol where we met up with Andy, Jakob, and Amy.

There is too much food that I don’t know what everyone ordered … and Andy’s is not even in the picture. But EVERY SINGLE thing was good. I was lucky enough to try them all and it sent me in a whirlwind of wanting to come back next time.

2021 | Week 62 of Quarantine | San Antonio | El Mirasol | Andy, Jakob, Amy, Patricia Texting

I made a joke that I drove 3 hours for them to be on their phone while they spent time with me.

2021 | Week 62 of Quarantine | San Antonio | El Mirasol | Andy, Jakob, Amy, Patricia, Mellie Dee

But overall, lots of new memories were made.

2021 | Week 62 of Quarantine | San Antonio | Bovinos Churrascaria with Patricia

On Thursday, Patricia had made reservations for Bovino’s Brazilian Steakhouse. We did the seafood choice and it was somewhat worth it since I ate some of Patricia’s too. I would be fine with just the meat and salad bar choice since the salad bar had an amazing fish ceviche!

When the server asked if we were here for a special occasion, Patricia told them it was for my birthday and so we were surprised with a show and a free cake. Probably one of my favourite cakes now because it wasn’t sweet at all.

2021 | Week 62 of Quarantine | San Antonio | La Cantera | Patricia & Mellie Dee

Since we overate — mostly me — we walked around the closed La Cantera and took lots of pictures to commemorate our time together.

2021 | Week 62 of Quarantine | Emmy & Mellie Dee Video, Patricia Lasik, McAllisters, Las Palapas

On Friday, we ordered McAllister’s and I had a video chat with Emmy. She said she loves my hair and wants hers to be purple and pink too. haha Dad was not too happy with that conversation.

I then took Patricia to her Lasik surgery appointment. I took care of her and then Andy, Ana, and Amy came over. Amy came first and we were able to have one on one conversation and it was what I’ve been missing. Whenever you hang out with a group, it’s hard to have in depth conversations with each individual so I was happy that we had that time together.

We ordered dinner from Las Palapas and Andy and Ana were nice enough to pick it up for us. We then watched What a Girl Wants. Andy and Ana had never seen it and I loved watching their reactions. Patricia fell asleep on the couch while Amy and I planned our trip. We ended up choosing Charleston and Patricia will be joining us as well. Cannot wait! Planning has begun.

2021 | Week 62 of Quarantine | San Antonio | Ida Claire with Patricia

Saturday morning, Patricia had to go to her next day Lasik check up so we went there and the drug store to pick up some eye drops for her. She was doing so well she ended up driving and even was down to go to Ida Claire for brunch.

This place has been on my list since forever and I was ecstatic! Mimosas in orange juice and grapefruit juice, French Press coffee, Nashville Cauliflower, Gristmill Asiago Grits, Chicken & Waffles, and Ida’s Fried Chicken – Nashville style.

Seriously thankful for our server for letting me know that I could Nashville style the fried chicken because I was between that and the Nashville chicken made a different way. I am so coming back here next time I’m back. I had a lot leftover, packed it to go and ate it for breakfast this morning after making some sunny side eggs.

2021 | Week 62 of Quarantine | Hot Pot | Rocky, Rizzo, Mellie Dee

I spent some time taking naps and waking up then left back to Houston. I was greeted with hot pot for dinner. Lots of veggies as requested.

Rizzo loved having cuddle time and Rocky even came and slept on my bed for a long time.

It’s Sunday. Workout, Charleston trip planning, bachelorette planning, and lots of Rizzo cuddles. I’m so pooped. It was a great week filled with great friends and laughter. So many new memories made.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: American, Bars and Pubs, Breakfast and Brunch, Filipino, Mexican and Tex-Mex, San Antonio, Sandwiches and Burgers, South American, Spanish, Steakhouse, Texas

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