July Fourth Weekend

July 5, 2016 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

This weekend was pretty chill. Just how I like it! Since, you know, independence and shiet. I do what I want.

Friday, July 1st

I spent most of my morning/afternoon at Kung Fu Tea. It didn’t realize how long I was sitting there until the owner asked me if I wanted water. Whoops.

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Later that night, Michelle and I finally got to see one another. We met up at La Finca for dinner where we had a rude busboy. Then we headed to Ohh La La Bakery in the same shopping center where I blogged a little while catching up some more with her and playing with Snapchat filters. That went on for a good hour plus.

Me with Beyonce’s face

Saturday, July 2nd

Jamie was having a little birthday celebration with her family and invited me along. While we were waiting to leave, something came over me and I grabbed a guitar, looked up some chords, and jammed out. It’s been a long time since I’ve done that and it felt good.

We headed to Niko’s Niko’s for a late lunch where I ordered the Gyro Sandwich with oven potatoes. Meh on the potatoes. Scruffy’s fries were so much better. They ordered some desserts as well which was all too sweet for me. I surprisingly liked the Napoleon which is just Phyllo dough with cream.

After lunch, we headed to the Crazy Cat Escape Room for The Western Saloon Robbery. It was our first experience and we were not amused. We were able to escape two minutes before we were to fail. If the lady hadn’t given us clues every few minutes, we wouldn’t have gotten anything. She confessed that no one would be able to put a lot of the stuff together which translates to a poorly thought out escape room.

Scruffy and I have another one this coming Friday but with my family. I’m hoping it’ll be better since we’ll be doing a different room but I don’t have high hopes since it’s from the same company.

Ashy had bought Jamie a Coupe as a surprise but he had to hide it in Rami and Caitlin’s garage until the big reveal. So we all headed over there to “pick up” stuff and when the garage opened – SURPRISE! She started tearing up – I love when surprises go as planned. It was my first time seeing it in person and all that came to mind was that it looks like a bumper car.

Scruffy and I went to the store and got cocktail shrimp and ingredients to make sandwiches and jalapeno dip. We watched random things on the telly then he played video games as I napped before heading home.

Sunday, July 3rd

June, the parents, and I went to Crown Seafood Restaurant for dim sum with Grandma and Kenny. This place apparently opened earlier in the year and was getting a lot of customers. They do not taste like home, but it will have to suffice.

The rest of the day was just blog fixer uppers and watching movies and telly shows. Being lazy never felt so good. I bet Rizzo loved me being home almost the entire day.

Monday, July 4th

Sissy and BIL had just arrived back from their vacation so the parents, June, and I met up with them for some Katy Pho. I’m not a big fan of this place. If you want good pho that’s worth your money, go to Pho Saigon right across the street.

I headed to Scruffy’s for some shopping after lunch. We stopped by Carl’s Jr. so that he could have a bite before heading to Petco and Marshall’s. I finally found a purse (!!) while he found a belt, socks, and a neck cushion to be used on our upcoming vacation.

I had plans to work at the coffee shop after but ended up at Connie’s Fourth of July BBQ. The food was so dang good. I need to get a grill at home so I can do the same! I would grill ~~all day, every day~~ most of my meals if I could.

Scruffy, his Gma, and I went back to his house where he played video games with Blake while I finally sat down to fix up the blog. After Scruffy was done, we went downstairs and watched telly with his Gma while planning more of our vacation. I totally forgot we had to work the next day and on my drive home, I saw all the beautiful fireworks in the sky. It was gorgeous!

I hope you all had a great Fourth as well. Our next holiday is not until September for Labour Day. Thank goodness I have our vacation to look forward to.

Samurai Noodle | Houston, Texas

March 23, 2016 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Erin and I were supposed to go to a young professionals event after work at Karbach Brewery and I was supes excited since I’ve never been before but we both ended up stuck at work and by the time we left, it was too late.

We ended up chilling at her place talking about all the different things in life and work, bonding and getting to know each other more. We were both super tired but we trudged on with great conversation. It was great just talking and hanging out with her outside of work.

We started getting hungry and ended up at:

Samurai Noodle
1801 Durham Drive
Houston, Texas 77007
(832) 879-2982
http://samurainoodle.com

Geso [crunchy, flakey, and chewy Tempura fried squid legs] | $5.25

We both found this delicious and I want to go back for it. It’s nothing fancy but the tempura was great compared to other places. I thought it’d only be the legs but they had the body attached too.

Tonkotsu Ramen [Tonkotsu served with kikurage (wood ear mushrooms)] | $8.95

I went with the pork broth. The “thicker” broth. I never knew they had different ramen noodles for different broth. Learn something new every day. I do want to try the chicken broth ramen next time. Erin let me try the chicken broth and it was very refreshing.

Samurai Armor (Combo Topping) [3 slices of pork belly or shoulder, green onions, black mushrooms, marinated bamboo, a whole soft-boiled egg and roasted seaweed] | $5.50

I got this on the side just to see how it was and it didn’t disappoint. I would say next time, I’d probably just get an extra piece of pork belly, soft boiled egg, and seaweed. That was enough to make me happy.

I’m was never a big fan of ramen. But this might have changed my mind. It blew my mind. Or maybe I was just very hungry from all the conversations. If you couldn’t tell, I was definitely getting my foodie on since my wisdom teeth are to come out Thursday morning. Great meal. Gahhh I want to go back right now!

A Whole New …. Year

January 3, 2016 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

A whole new [year]
A hundred thousand things to see
I’m like a shooting star
I’ve come so far
I can’t go back
To where I used to be
A Whole New World :: Aladdin

How was everyone’s new year celebrations? I hope everyone had a great one surrounded by lovelies!

I’ve always made sure to go home in time to celebrate the new year with my parents and June. Meaning, I’ve never actually celebrated a new year with anyone but them because I feel bad for leaving them behind. But this time around, I actually said yes to an invitation to a near year’s eve party and I’m glad I did! But before I get to the party, let’s talk about dinner with Melissa Z.

I went to her apartment where we got semi ready then headed to:

True Food Kitchen
1700 Post Oak Blvd
Houston, Texas 77056
(281) 605-2505
http://truefoodkitchen.com

Farmers Market Sangria [spiced brandy, citrus, red wine, seasonal fruit smash] | $10

Nothing too special with the drank. Just like any other sangria I’ve ever had. Definitely not better than the one I usually get from The Next Door Lounge but it did the trick in getting my pre-game started.

Seared Spicy Wild Caught Tuna Wrap [radish, avocado, mint, snow pea, cashew, sesame, wasabi aioli] | $15

My taste buds were on fire. FIRE. Not in the spicy kind of way but the holy-cow-on-a-stick kind of feeling. My taste buds were tingling. It’s like a sushi … in a wrap. So freaking good. I got a side of sweet potato hash but after eating the insides of the wrap, I was full enough. Seriously. SO. FREAKING. GOOD.

We headed back to Melissa Z.’s to change into our partying attire and fixed our makeup then got an UBER to Alyssa’s.

Alyssa, my high school bestie, was throwing one at her abode. Her abode is freaking modern and awesomely cool. It’s like something you see in movies! IN MOVIES! So freaking swanky.

Melissa Z. and I got there early so that we could do a quick catch up with Alyssa and meet Cody before everyone came. I miss that little lady and wish we had more time together. Hopefully we get to see each other more in the upcoming future. It’s crazy how she works in my building at work yet we only pass by one another once in a few months. As for Cody, he works on my floor! How crazy is that?!

When people started arriving, I played a game as to whether “that person” works with me. And guess what … majority do! These are just some of the party peeps we mainly talked to. A majority of them work on my floor! Yet we’ve never talked to one another. Just passed by one another. Ah … that is the world of corporate. They’re a cool bunch of poopies and we made plans to do lunch or something in the future. We’ll see if that actually happens. Still awesome that I got to meet them.

I would say my first new year eve party was successful. I had a lot of fun and met a lot of new people which was on my new year’s resolutions. Already on the right path. Holla!

I slept in the day after and just relaxed with Rizzo and had a family dinner that night. I spent most of the day looking at houses/townhomes to buy. Maybe I’ll take the plunge soon especially after seeing Alyssa’s place. But with how oil and gas is … maybe I should wait?

Le Mistral | Houston, Texas

August 18, 2011 by Mellie Dee 5 Comments

***Caution: Long post but filled with pictures.***

Today was Mummy and Me day!

Ah yes, we are cool.

I have wanted to do Houston Restaurant Weeks for the longest time. I think I’ve done the dinner at a restaurant once or twice but I don’t remember it so I don’t count it.

For those that don’t know what it is, HRW is planned by volunteers so that 100% of the funds are donated to the Houston Food Bank. $20 for lunch where $3 per lunch is donated. $35 for dinner where $5 are donated.

Eating for a cause? Sounds good to me.

Since my Mum took the day off from work to hang out with me, I decided on lunch at one of the HRW restaurants.

Le Mistral
1400 Eldridge Pkwy
Houston, TX 77077
(832) 379-8322
www.lemistralhouston.com

Isn’t the front door GORGEOUS?!

The menu for HRW lunch is a 3 course.

Bread & Butter | free

It’s a special type of butter. Not the usual ones you get. It was very easy to spread. The bread was cold but so soft on the inside with a hard outer. Delicious.

I thought this was a trashcan.

My mum’s reply?

Why would they put a trashcan on the table in a high class place. Touché, mum, touché.

My mum and I each ordered something from ever single course and decided to try each other’s dishes. Mmm, six dishes total to try? I’m down! The first dishes of each course is my mum’s and the one following are mine. Just FYI. Winking smile

1st Course:

Crostini de Rillette de Canard {duck rillette crostini, arugula salad, extra virgin olive oil vinaigrette}

I was not a fan of the arugula salad. I don’t think I like arugula to begin with. My mum loved it though. I had half of the duck rillette crostini. Mmm … I wish I had more. It was delicious. The crostini was crunchy hard and the duck rillette was so soft and creamy. I would go back just to order this. My mum has asked me to go online and look for a recipe. That’s how good it was.

Carpaccio de Jambon de Parme, Melon et Mozzarelle {Parma prosciutto Carpaccio, melon, buffalo mozzarella, olive oil, cracked black pepper}

There was a LOT of olive oil on this sucker. I think I could do with a little less. I rolled up the prosciutto with the mozzarella and melon inside. It mixed together so well! The melon was so sweet and the prosciutto was so salty. Such a good mix. The mozzarella made it so smooth and gave me the melt in your mouth feeling.

2nd Course:

Bavette de Boeuf en Persillade {pan-seared hanger steak en persillade, shallot confit, dauphine potatoes, garlic confit romano beans}

My mum loved the beans and wouldn’t share it with me. Crying face So I’m not sure how it tastes. Must be delicious! She was not a fan of the steak. She said it had a taste like the weird taste lamb has. I didn’t mind it and loved it. She got it well done but I think if it was medium rare, it would have been even tastier. The potatoes are to die for! TO DIE! Mushy insides filled with potatoes and the outside is crunchy! Mmmm … I love potatoes.

Gnocchis de Pommes de Terre {homemade potato gnocchi, pesto sauce, heirloom tomato coulis, shaved aged parmasen}

I have always wanted to try the gnocchi but always got scared that I wouldn’t like it. Verdict? It wasn’t anything special. It was mushy but good. I didn’t hate it and won’t be scared to order it anymore. My mum ate most of it since I took most of her beef. I really liked the coulis. I never like tomato sauce that looks like that because it feels so bitter so many times but this was very good and paired up nicely with the gnocchi.

3rd Course:

Truffe au Chocolat Valrhona {Colossal valrhona chocolate truffle, chilled espresso sauce, almond orange tuile}

Um, can I just say how cute the plate is?! I loved the tuile! I’ve always wanted to make it but it seems so hard. I heard it was easy to burn? The truffle was very chocolatey! VERY! My mum wasn’t a big fan nor was I because we’re not the sweets eating type of people but I liked it. It was very smooth, dark, delicious.

Fraises Matinées au Sauternes {strawberries marinated in sauternes wine, cracked Szechuan pepper, crème fraiche ice cream}

I told my mum to get this but she insisted on the truffle because of the espresso sauce. I ordered this because I knew she will love it. I was correct. When we got our desserts, she said that she was afraid because I had to drive and it had wine in it. She’s so cute. It was so good and she loved it so much I gave it all to her. The crème fraiche was smooth and creamy. The wine sauce was sweet. (I’m not a fan of wine.) And the strawberries, some were tart but it went all so well together.

I was so full after we were done which was surprising because our family eats a lot. So that’s how French people stay so thin! Little portions with lots of courses. CHECK!

It was $20 per person so I thought it was super worth it. My mum have already stated she wants to go to more of these places once in a while. Agreed!

***************************************

My mum already stated she wanted to go to Central Market after lunch so I looked up the place. It was our first time there and it was so much fun! It’s like Whole Foods!!

This is the loot we got back!

HOUSTONIANS!!

Read that sign! Buy One, Get One Free on PB&Co. Plus on 2 of them, it has a $0.55 off coupon! So 4 jars for $8.48. Go get yours!! It’s the one on Westheimer!!

They don’t expire til 2013 so I think it’s worth it. Plus I know I’ll finish them all way before then. I got one of every flavor. The maple one, honey one, white chocolate, and dark chocolate. Mmm.

On top of that we got 2 cake tester sticks, banana chips, wasabi peas, Stoneyfield Vanilla Yogurt, Beef Fajita Seasoning, some other kind of seasoning.

***************************************

A little while ago I met up with Nicole at Chick-fil-a. She was leaving to Lubbock later tomorrow for a wedding weekend and wanted to see me before I left for San Antonio.

Mmm .. fatass right here. I got a vanilla milkshake since I’ve never tried one here before, medium fries, and ketchup!

The milkshake was okay. I know now I’m not a fan. For the fries, I use to LOVE LOVE LOVE them but they’re just blah now. But I love the ketchup!! It’s so cute. Tear the top to squeeze, tear the side to dip. Genius to whoever invented this. Can someone snag me some? I want to have a handful at hand … always!

When we left, Nicole asked if we were going to take a picture together and I said that I looked gross. Then she made fun of me for taking pictures of the food but not people. So … here’s a really gross picture of me and the beautiful Nicole.

We’ll keep it tiny. Smile with tongue out

***************************************

I was suppose to wash and pack all my clothes today but … time got the best of me. Now all I want to do is rest. But I know I can’t. I guess I’ll clean the room up a bit before bed.

Night y’all!

Inaugural 2011 Houston Beer Fest

August 1, 2011 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

I was looking through my pictures on my camera and realized … I never wrote about my beer fest experience! So here I am more than a month later, writing it.

I’ve been wanting to go to a beer fest since I’ve heard about it and when Houston was going to have one I begged Sissy, Mum, and June to go but everyone ignored me.

It wasn’t until Groupon had a deal. Thank you, Groupon. Only Sissy, Mum, and I ended up going though. But many people were in the Groupon line. Oy vey.

It was set at Hermann Square Park – worst place to have a beer fest with the amount of people around. There was not enough standing space and it was freaking hot out. People started standing in the pond and the security kept trying to get them out. They started to give up trying to get them out though.

Each of our tickets came with 10 free drinking stubs which was pretty sweet. For my first tasting, I got an amazing New Belgium Fat Tire. Sadly, our first tasting was also our last.

By the time we made our way around to the other booths .. all the beer were out. All that was left were the usual beers that you drink when you don’t want to buy anything expensive. It was a waste of money because experiencing a beer fest is to try stuff you never would. Sigh …

We ended up just pigging out on samosas, Asian food, pineapple drink, funnel cake, sausage on a stick, curly fries, and sweet tea.

We paid for all our food except for the teas which was paid for by tickets. We gave the rest of our tickets to some stranger that just came in. I hope he had more fun than us.

I understand this is their first ever Beer Fest here in Houston so I’m not mad at how it turned out. I just wished they thought this through more. They have to know that Houston goes crazy wild with drinking. Especially when you put it on Groupon or Living Social or any other site to help promote your event … you’re going to be getting A LOT of customers.

I hope next year it’ll be better. But now I can cross it off my Bucket List! and tell everyone I’ve been to an inaugural beer fest. Winking smile

I probably won’t go to one for a really long time here in Houston … maybe a few years when they know for sure how things go.

I know they’ll be having a wine fest though so … if you guys are interested, go check it out. It’s in September I believe and they should know how things go now.