Houston Restaurant Week

2020 | Week 23 of Quarantine

August 23, 2020 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

My Big Brothers Big Sisters Match closed this week. She had to move and a new school means not being in the program anymore. It’s been a bummer. Although we didn’t have much in common we got along so well.

On Tuesday I had my reinterview and by Wednesday I was rematched. Our coordinator thinks we’re an even better match but we’ll have to wait and see how we pan out. I’m excited and hope this one will last.

2020 | Week 23 of Quarantine | Mellie Dee & Rizzo

Work is starting to move to Microsoft Teams which means the use of video might happen more. Top left was my look during a team meeting. My hair is so long. Told Sissy I’m going to see how long I can get it then donate it when I have to go back to the office. I have been trimming the dead ends but I might give in soon and chop it all off.

Rizzo loves sitting in the sun when I let him out during the afternoon. I’m guessing because he practically sleeps all day. His favourite is still snuggles with me. On good days he gets so close like this and warms my heart.

2020 | Week 23 of Quarantine | Chikfila, McDonald's, Pizza Hut

We’ve ordered out a few times. Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s (twice cuz we fatties), and Pizza Hut.

2020 | Week 23 of Quarantine | Home Cooking

I did do a lot of homecooking though. Working from home has big perks. Stuffed salmon and veggies is still my number one dish. Just wish I had some pilaf to complete it.

2020 | Week 23 of Quarantine | Houston Restaurant Week | Babin's | JJ

Since I was off Friday I went and picked up Babin’s Seafood for Houston Restaurant Week and headed over to Mallory’s. Beth came over as well. Their etouffee was so bomb. Their gumbo needs some help though. It tasted like muddy water with shrimp. There was no veggies like other gumbo’s I’ve had. Definitely not worth it.

JJ was busy the whole time I was there which means he’s growing up! Mallory have me some spiked iccees and test tube shots. The test tube is DELICIOUS! Super sweet but still good. We looked at houses online for me and joked after a few more test tubes, I’d be signing on the dotted line.

2020 | Week 23 of Quarantine | June's Birthday | Zoe's Kitchen

Saturday night, we celebrated June’s birthday early. Sissy and BIL came over with Zoe’s Kitchen. They ate at the kitchen table and we are in the living room. I opted to make myself a steak, veggies and mashed potatoes since I had to donate blood the next day. I did try their lentil soup, falafel and hummus though and all is ever as tasty.

We played Houseparty Uno and Drawing games before video calling Brudda to sing, cut the cake, and open presents.

2020 | Week 23 of Quarantine | Daily Walks

Walks are still going strong! My step goals keep going up and it’s getting harder to meet the goal during the week day but I push on. We see so many sunrise and sunsets these past few weeks that I’ve decided sunsets are my favourite.

Rizzo has always been great off the leash. We’ve been training Rocky to be off leash and he’s doing well. The main reason is because no one and nothing is around else he’d probably haul ass to whatever he sees.

2020 | Week 23 of Quarantine | Blood Donation MD Anderson

Today after our one hour walk, shower and a quick breakfast, I was off to donate blood. I was very worried I wouldn’t pass the temperature test since I usually run hot but all was well. I was in and out in about an hour. I got jipped. Mallory and her family all got tshirts for donating but I didn’t. It is a dang good shirt too! I guess I went too early and they didn’t have them ready. I’m still bummed but I’ve had bad luck for a while so nothing new.

This week is the last week for some folks at work. Not sure how it’ll go after they’re gone and new people start but I’m ready to take on the change!

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!

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Grazia Italian Kitchen | Katy, Texas

August 23, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

The day started off with a physical at the doctor’s office. Many people told me it took many hours and sometimes half a day. I was in and out in less than 2 hours and part of it was waiting in the waiting room for the doctors to show up since I was early!

Since I was fasting, they had a tray of snacks and drinks. They said if I wanted tea or coffee to let them know and they’d brew it for me. I was good with water and a bar and after peeing it a cup I was out the door.

I went and picked up some tacos before heading home. Emmy licked on a lime while she waited for me to finish eating then it was play time. We danced and jumped around then she pointed at my guitar and said, “Play please.” I played her songs on her request and even some she didn’t. She even jumped off the bed to strum while I played. When I was finally tired I put down the guitar and she hugged and kissed it. It’s safe to say she loves music and she’s ready to go to some classes.

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Grazia Italian Kitchen | Katy, Texas

Mallory and I spontaneously made plans to go out for dinner. She and JJ have been out of town all week and she wanted some girlfriend time. We chose Grazia Italian Kitchen since she’s on a carbs kick. We both did their Houston Restaurant Week menu for $35 three course meal.

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Grazia Italian Kitchen | Katy, Texas | Bread Rolls and Italian Bread Dip — Bread Rolls and Italian Bread Dip

They started off by giving us free bread but it wasn’t good at all. Mine was under baked and still a bit doughy. It made us a little afraid of how the rest of the meal would be.

Grazia Italian Kitchen | Katy, Texas | Malbec — Malbec

Wine because wine not? Get it? Hehehe

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Grazia Italian Kitchen | Katy, Texas | Rock Shrimp Croccante & Italian Wedge Salad — Rock Shrimp Croccante [crispy tempura battered, sweet Chile glaze, peppadew and pepperoncini peppers, peanuts, cilantro] | Italian Wedge Salad [iceberg lettuce, diced pancetta, applewood smoked bacon, roasted cherry tomatoes, sweet red onions, caramelized garlic-maytagn blue cheese dressing]

I loved the shrimp but it had an Asian taste which was weird since it’s an Italian restaurant. I’m not a fan of blue cheese dressing on the iceberg but Mallory seemed to enjoy it.

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Grazia Italian Kitchen | Katy, Texas | Stuffed Flounder Florentine & Mike and Jen — Stuffed Flounder Florentine [jumbo lump crab, spinach, roasted red peppers, goat and mozzarella cheese, charred tomato basil beurre Blanc, risotto] | Mike & Jen [grilled chicken, how tie pasta, garlic, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, Romano cream]

We both like the other person’s dish more but both were great. I took the rest of the risotto home and Mum finished it off. She loved it as well but wished it wasn’t as oily.

Grazia Italian Kitchen | Katy, Texas | Dijon Gorgonzola Brussel Sprouts — Dijon Gorgonzola Brussel Sprouts | $7

Not part of HRW menu. Our server wasn’t the best and this came when we were full from our main dish but we loved it. The Gorgonzola does give it a blue cheesy taste per Mallory but I guess it wasn’t as strong as the actual blue cheese.

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Grazia Italian Kitchen | Katy, Texas | Ooey Gooey Butter Cake & Bacon Bourbon Brownie — Ooey Gooey Butter Cake [served with vanilla ice cream, cinnamon, butterscotch sauce] | Bacon Bourbon Brownie [served with vanilla ice cream, salted caramel sauce]

They have the same presentation which made me kinda sad.the brownie was more cake like and the ice creams taste like a whipped cream textured ice cream. The Ooey Gooey taste better than the brownie in my opinion.

We both probably won’t come here again since it was a little too fancy and the price reflected that. We could have Italian food elsewhere for a better price with better service as well.

After dinner, we headed to Kroger to pick up some things. I finally got my Tillamook ice cream, the caramel hazelnut one. I’ve searched a couple Kroger’s and am so happy I finally found it!

I went home, played with Emmy for a little bit before she had to go to bed. I’ve finally set up Mum’s iPad and I’m happy to see her get the hang of it! Proud daughter.

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Cafe Benedicte | Houston, Texas

August 20, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Annual mother daughter Houston Restaurant Week. This time I picked a Cafe Benedicte. It’s not a far drive and for $35 three course meal.

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Cafe Benedicte | Houston, Texas | Bread and Butter — Bread and Butter

They started off by giving free bread and butter. The butter was a little too hard to spread and the bread was so soft it tore through. The bread was nothing to write about but per usual Mum loved it. Carbs is her downfall when it comes to eating better. But who am I kidding, we are feasting!

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Cafe Benedicte | Houston, Texas | Chunky Gazpacho and Lobster Bisque — Chunky Gazpacho [with shrimp and avocado] | Lobster Bisque

I don’t believe that I’ve ever had gazpacho before but it was quite refreshing having cold soup and chunks of shrimp and avocado inside. It was a little sour but overall I enjoyed it.

The bisque was a bit heavy but Mum enjoyed it. She was bummed there weren’t little lobster pieces but I don’t think that’s normal, is it?

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Cafe Benedicte | Houston, Texas | Beef Wellington and Seared Diver Scallops — Beef Wellington [crimini mushrooms, chestnuts and Parma ham over Yukon mashed potatoes] | Seared Diver Scallops [over saffron risotto, asparagus and baby portabella mushrooms]

I chose this place so Mum can get her seafood fix. Her risotto was so freaking good too. She is now on a scallop been hoping to create the same scallops you see here.

I chose this place also for myself. I’ve never tried Beef Wellington before and I’ve seen Chef Gordon Ramsey make it enough times. The beef was medium rare, the pastry was flaky on top though the bottom could be better as it was a bit soggy but it’s now on the list of things I want to make. I could do without the mashed potatoes and had grilled vegetables or something instead. Then it would be perfection.

2019 Houston Restaurant Week | Cafe Benedicte | Houston, Texas | Chocolate Pyramids & Macarons and Creme Caramel — Chocolate Pyramids & Macarons | Creme Caramel [griottines]

The dessert choices didn’t fancy us but I was surprised by the chocolate pyramids. They were so smooth and had a bit of dark chocolate feel. Macaroons were nothing to write home about as they didn’t have the shell i was expecting and the flavours are pretty normal: lemon, coffee, and strawberry.

We wouldn’t have chosen the Creme Caramel if we knew it’d be flan as it’s not really our favourite. I think the Tiramisu would have been a better choice for us.

Overall, it was a great choice and we enjoyed people watching while we ate. I want to come back and try their Lobster Risotto. It sounds dang delicious.