Mellie Dee ♥

Lifestyle | Food | Travel

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

by 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.

2021 | Week 73 of Quarantine | Andretti Indoor Karting & Games | Katy, Texas

by Leave a Comment

2021 | Week 73 of Quarantine | The Oak Kitchen & Bar | Katy, Texas | Mallory & Beth

I had a lovely dinner with Mallory & Beth on Tuesday. We went to The Oaks and got their margaritas and tacos since they were on sale. We through in ceviche and a cheeseboard into the mix. Everything tasted pretty great. I think my birria tacos were the worst out of all of them. As Beth described them, it looked like potstickers and the shell cut my mouth. I’ll opt for the fish tacos next time for sure.

After dinner we went to Bucee’s and got some Halloween pjs. I was never a pj type girl. I always wore shorts and an oversized tshirt but ever since I got my first Bucee’s pj I never looked back. I like them now for when I travel, especially the tshirt dress pjs.

2021 | Week 73 of Quarantine | Houston Restaurant Week | Jonathan's The Rub | Houston, Texas | Mum

On Friday, at lunch time, I went and picked Mum up for work and we went to Jonathan’s the Rub for Houston Restaurant week. Three courses for $20/person.

They gave us free biscuits and cornbread. If I had known, I wouldn’t have gotten the Bruschetta Caprese because it was dang too much carbs for one sitting. The biscuits are worth it. The cornbread was WAY too dry. I loved the jam the best out of the butter and cinnamon butter.

I did order an alcoholic drink, Ginger Whiskey Smash [Buffalo Trace bourbon, ginger, lemon, mint, simple syrup] | $12. It was pretty good and refreshing.

We also added a Brussel Sprouts with Bacon | $7. We were fighting on who gets to eat more of it because it was THAT good. But we’re also probably biased because we love them and always get them at restaurants.

First Course:

  • Sweet Chili Shrimp [two panko encrusted & Served in sweet chili sauce]
  • Bruschetta Caprese [1/2 order – Italian cheeses, tomato & basil slivers on a crispy baguette]

We both liked the Sweet Chili Shrimp more but overall, the apps weren’t much to write about. The Bruschetta Caprese was very fresh though.

Second Course:

  • Blackened Shrimp & Grits [aromatic vegetable stock]
  • Country Fried Chicken [bacon white gravy, fries]

We both liked the shrimp & grits more but the vegetable stock made everything a little too salty for our taste.

Third Course:

  • White Chocolate Bread Pudding
  • Nutella Cheesecake

I don’t know why I keep order bread pudding. It’s always been a miss but I always hope for the best. Not to self, never get bread pudding again. The Nutella Cheesecake was so plain looking that at first Mum thought the cheesecake was upside down. hahaha

2021 | Week 73 of Quarantine | Mallory | Over the Top | Katy, Texas | Snoop Dogg Wine

After I dropped Mum back to work, I went over to Mallory’s. We hung out a bit before going to Over the Top for some milkshakes for the boys, and bubble cone with ice cream for us. It was the very best but I guess, if you don’t want to go far for some sweets, this would do.

After we chowed on our sweets, we opened up the Snoop Dogg wine I found at CVS. The funniest thing ever and the wine wasn’t bad!

2021 | Week 73 of Quarantine | Rizzo | Walk

Saturday morning, I woke up bright and early and went on a 2.5 mile walk with Rizzo. He hasn’t done much so we couldn’t make our usual 3.5 miles when we walk. Note to self, walk more.

2021 | Week 73 of Quarantine | Andretti | Katy, Texas | Mallory, John, Frankenstein, Mellie Dee | Go Kart Racing

A little before noon, Frankenstein came and we went and met up with Mallory & John at Andretti’s. This race car lover had SO much fun on the track even if it only went up to 35 mph.

2nd: Frankenstein
4th: John
5th: Me
6th: Mallory

I kept having heart palpitations that I was going to tip over and die. Luckily prior to the race, Frankenstein taught me what not to do so it helped but I still couldn’t beat the thoughts in my head and ended up kept asking myself, how much longer until the race is over? I told Mallory this and she said she had the same thoughts.

Now Frankenstein is talking about going to Angleton to do the 50 mph races. That boy is crazy! haha I told him the thoughts of tipping I had in my head and he started looking up go karts he can buy so I can get use to them. They’re like thousands of dollars so he’s not going to get one but still funny that he thinks that would help me.

2021 | Week 73 of Quarantine | Andretti | Katy, Texas | Mallory, John, Frankenstein, Mellie Dee | Arcade, Laser Tag, Virtual Reality

We continued with laser tag. There were a family of four in there with us and for a split second I thought it would be 4 v 4 but everyone wanted to fight each other. Sigh. My anxiety!

2nd: Black Panther = John
3rd: Cpt America = Me
4th: Poison Ivy = Frankenstein (won award for most accurate)
7th: Cyclops = Mallory

Then we went our own way for the arcade games. After we were all out of credits, the boys did their virtual racing. It was actually pretty cool to see and Mallory and I laughed when Frankenstein finished his race and took his seat belt off and John was still racing. haha

We forgot to check how many tickets we have so we’ll have to go back!

2021 | Week 73 of Quarantine | Soju 101 | Katy, Texas | Mallory, John, Frankenstein, Mellie Dee

Mallory wanted drinks and John wanted food so we went to Soju 101. Frankenstein, Mallory, and I each got 4 cups of different sojus. I think I got Mallory hooked on them. and we ordered food and ate and talked.

After we ate, we bid farewell to Mallory and John and Frankenstein and I went and shopped in H-Mart before heading home.

It was a great day with great memories.

2021 | Week 73 of Quarantine | Astor Farm to Table | Katy, Texas | Mum

This morning, after dropping off Rocky and Rizzo at the vet, Mum and I had brunch at Astor Farm to Table. This has always been on my list of places to try and I was a happy camper to have made it! My favourite from the top was the chicken curry empanadas. I can eat so much of those! Mum loved the cheesestick type things. On the chicken wing plate, everything was good. The server messed up our side. The potatoes were suppose to be on the side side so we were missing what actually should have came with the wings but we were in a good mood and let it slide. All good all delicious and very much so want to come back again!

2021 | Week 73 of Quarantine | Hot Pot, Wing Stop, Sushihana, Jollibee, Homemades

Other mentionable eats from the week. Hot pot on Saturday after a day of fun racing. Wing Stop, Jollibee, and Sushihana. Then a lot of homecooked meals. YUM! Need to workout.

2021 | Week 73 of Quarantine | Emmy Ethan Mellie Dee Video Chat; Social Media Puzzle

During my dinner Tuesday, Emmy and Ethan called and it was so great to see their faces. Ethan was supposed to come down for a month but he ended up getting sick. Poor boy is still not well but fingers crossed nothing serious!

I finally finished my Social Media puzzle. 1000 pieces. This one has been one of the most satisfying puzzles I’ve ever done.

I’ve had so many Fridays off in a row that this week, working all 5 days is going to be TOUGH. But I’m looking forward to an Astros game and another Houston Restaurant Week this coming week. Yippiee!

2021 | Week 72 of Quarantine | Galveston, Texas with Frankenstein

by Leave a Comment

2021 | Week 72 of Quarantine | Eats of the Week

This week’s good eats. June was off a few days and on one of the days she got us shrimp and snow crabs. YUM! It hit the spot for my little seafood heart. I made watermelon juice one day – reminds me of Thailand times. Got Indian and Sonic another time. But the most favourable mention was Mum making me one of my childhood favourites – macaroni with spam and eggs.

2021 | Week 72 of Quarantine | Little Mermaid Puzzle

I finished another puzzle this week. Little Mermaid. I’ve started a 1000 piece. I forgot Ethan was going to come down for a month. Hopefully, no missing pieces.

2021 | Week 72 of Quarantine | Gloria's & Somi Somi with Beth

Tuesday, Beth and I met up at Gloria’s for a girl’s dinner. I ordered a Paloma drink but it wasn’t that great compared to their margaritas. The tamales still hit the spot and the quesadillas were filled with a LOT of yums. Good picks all around.

Service wasn’t the best that night so we opted out of ordering dessert and went to Somi Somi across the street for some ice cream. Perfection.

2021 | Week 72 of Quarantine | Therapeutic Thai Massage of Katy

I took Friday off for having so much stress from just working all the time. I started the day with a chiropractor appointment who cracked me all crazy nice. Then I went home for a nap before heading to my Thai Massage. Definitely one of my new favourite places! Upon arrival, they give you slippers to change out of as well as a cold chrysanthemum tea (for first timers). They lead you to the room where they have a HUGE bed and beams up top. I told the lady not to step on me so she didn’t use the beams but 60 minutes went faster than expected and she got a lot of knots and stuff out. They give you your slippers back and then you get served some other hot tea that is a little sweet.

Overall, great experience. I’ve already told Sissy to give me birthday present from here if she has trouble thinking of something.

2021 | Week 72 of Quarantine | Humble Grounds Coffeehouse | Katy, Texas | Sebastian

After the massage, I met up with Sebastian at Humble Grounds Coffeehouse. We each ordered a coffee, empanada, and sandwich with chips. We caught up, talking about our futures, work, and significant others. Crazy how three hours can put a lot of things in perspective.

2021 | Week 72 of Quarantine | Emmy, Ethan, Mellie Dee Video Chat

I was able to have two separate video calls with the kids. Both silly af. Few more days until Ethan is back with us for a month. I’m already excited and tired at the same time.

2021 | Week 72 of Quarantine | Mellie Dee & Artemis | Galveston with Frankenstein

Saturday morning, I drove to Frankenstein’s where Artemis was, again, hissing at me. “Dad, why is she back? I thought it was a one time thing!”

We hung out a bit before heading off to Galveston. I mainly wanted to see where he grew up and listen to his stories. I know he has a lot more to tell and I can’t want to learn more about him. Good or bad, it’ll help me understand him.

2021 | Week 72 of Quarantine | Galveston with Frankenstein | Katie's Seafood House

After a small tour of his growing up, we parked the car and headed to lunch at Katie’s Seafood House. Mostly because I needed to pee.

We ordered a massive fried seafood plate with a cup of gumbo. I’m glad we shared because I would feel very poopy after eating so much fried foods. We both agreed some things were better than others but it was good nonetheless.

The waitress left us with “Y’all stay out of trouble.” Um … okay, thanks.

2021 | Week 72 of Quarantine | Galveston with Frankenstein | Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum | Mellie Dee

I finally got to step foot on the Ocean Star Museum. I’ve wanted to go since it became a thing but at my work, the teams I was on never went so I was thrilled when Frankenstein agreed to entertain me. You would think as someone that has worked in the oil and gas industry for over 14 years, would know a lot about it but you’d be wrong. Frankenstein knew so much. That man continues to amaze me with all the knowledge he has in his head. And he’s rarely wrong. We did the scavenger hunt and we got majority of the questions right. I wish I could post the photoshopped picture of the two of us in the cut out. We didn’t have anyone nearby to take it for us but it’s hilariously, badly photoshopped by yours truly. Sigh, maybe I should ask if he’s okay with me posting his face here by now.

We walked around the fancy touristy shops and then he asked what else I wanted to see. We had put Moody Gardens Aquarium on the list but we were both also okay with not going. We ended up going back to his place and watched Damascus Cover while playing with Artemis. I almost fell asleep a few times because I was so tired.

2021 | Week 72 of Quarantine | Frankenstein | Craft 96 | League City, Texas

After the movie, we decided to get dinner at Craft 96. But when we almost got there, I noticed my safety pin that held my dress together so there’s no gape was missing. We ended up making a pit stop at HEB where he helped me find safety pins. So sweet.

This place has SO many beers and the food was so good! We both found a beer we both love – Saloon Door’s Blueberry Cream Ale. Ugh, it was so good I had 2 16 oz and a 1 5 oz pour of it along with it. I had another 5 oz of a beer called Lucy but it didn’t even hold a torch to how smooth and delicious the Blueberry Cream Ale was.

After dinner we went back to his place where I’m certain Artemis was thinking “Ugh, why is she still here?” We watched all the episodes of Netflix’s Swear Words while sipping (chugging for me) a glass of whiskey with bitters. It was surpassingly good.

The next day I headed home and practically did nothing. It’s been a relaxing weekend and I’m already dreading working.

2021 | Week 67 of Quarantine | Rachel & Simon Wedding

by Leave a Comment

2021 | Week 67 of Quarantine | Emmy, Ethan, Rizzo

Ethan and Emmy are back in town. They’ve been nonstop screaming their heads off — and crying. Work has been harder with them since they’re so much more vocal but overall, not too horrible.

2021 | Week 67 of Quarantine | Lakehouse Puzzle

Not too horrible because at nighttime, I throw them to June & Mum so that I could relax with my puzzle. Sadly my Lake House puzzle is missing a piece right out of the box. I submitted a form, hoping they can fix my missing piece. Fingers crossed. I’m currently working on another one. 1/3 completed so far. Yay!

2021 | Week 67 of Quarantine | Evin | Starbucks

Super early Friday, I met up with Evin for coffee at Starbucks. It’s been way over a year and a half so it was time to meet up and catch up in person. One hour passed by so easily before we had to bid our farewell.

2021 | Week 67 of Quarantine | Thaicoon and Tea Top with Mum & June

June was off so we went and picked up Mum from work and went to Thaicoon, our new favourite Thai place, for lunch. And picked up a few Tea Tops for her to take back to work. It was nice to get away on a week day with just us gals. I wish Sissy lived or worked closer so we could do the same sometimes.

2021 | Week 67 of Quarantine | Ethan & Jacob Playdate | Mallory & Mellie Dee

Later that afternoon, I took Ethan to Mallory’s so that he could play with Jacob. Emmy wasn’t allowed to since she was being bad all week. Hoping she learns from it and so far, it seems she has.

Ethan mostly ate the whole time he was there and was okay with Mallory holding him for a split second before a small whine came out. We went over to Ashley’s since JJ was playing with them and scored some free ice creams. I think he did a good job meeting new people and at the end, Jacob was chasing after him and they were laughing.

2021 | Week 67 of Quarantine | Rachel & Simon Wedding

Saturday, I went to Rachel & Simon’s wedding early since Michelle had asked if I could help take care of her kids. Sadly, Claire was sick and Jack is VERY attached to momma so there wasn’t much I needed to do. I felt special sitting with the family and being able to have a little Rachel time during the reception. They are so cute! And she looked like Anne Hathaway with her long hair!

2021 | Week 67 of Quarantine | Rachel & Simon Wedding | Food

After the ceremony, I drove Michelle’s car with Aunt Jennifer to pick up with Claire and their PawPaw from the house. We were worried the food would be all gone since it was a three stationed buffet. Luckily cocktail hour was for an hour plus so we made it JUST in time!

I hung out mostly with Amanda at the beginning and we went to all the stations together. Southern Comforts Station (chicken & waffle quarter, deviled eggs & bacon, baked mac & cheese), Dim Sum Station (shrimp shumai, pork dumpling, char siu bun all served with siracha and honey soy sauce), Carving Station (penne pasta alfredo, beef sirloin served with Argentinean Chimichurri, creamy horseradish and red wine au jus, specialty roll with butter).

Our favourite was obviously the carving station. Amanda helped me get a second plate because I was too scared to. The sirloin with the chimichurri hit the spot. Chimichurri sauce is on my list of things to make.

2021 | Week 67 of Quarantine | Rachel & Simon Wedding | Photobooths & Selfies

I was afraid I wouldn’t get any Michelle or Rachel time but was super happy I was once we put the kids in the car for their Aunts and Uncle to take them back to the house. We were able to take pictures, make jokes, and just have chill time. It was nice to see everyone again.

Please look at Michelle’s date since Matt was stuck at work. Haha Too funny. I cannot wait to visit her in three weeks!

2021 | Week 67 of Quarantine | Gyu Kaku with Mum & Emmy

Today, I took Mum and Emmy to Target and then Emmy got hungry so we stopped at Gyu Kaku. I’ve always wanted to take Mum here and it was a perfect opportunity. We finished all the foods and Emmy did a GREAT job. She ate SO much! She had fun popping the edamame into her mouth. With her kids meal, she made a fortune teller and was able to find the hidden cow so that she could get a free s’mores. She had fun.

It’s been a long week but a great one with wonderful memories.

2021 | Week 65 of Quarantine

by Leave a Comment

2021 | Week 65 of Quarantine | Grown Mushrooms

Monday, I went over to Rose with mini vanilla cupcakes in hand to give to her and the kids that I got from Mallory. We walked around the neighborhood with Rizzo along with Katherine and then bumped into these mushrooms. Frankenstein always makes jokes that he needs to inspect all mushrooms I bring to him because he’s afraid I’d pick wild mushrooms for him.

The week went by pretty fast with our network drives going kerplunk so Friday came very quickly. I worked my hours and headed over to Gordon’s and Patsy’s for a crawfish boil. Timothy and his girlfriend, Lillian, joined us as well. Potatoes were missing from the pictures but they’re the best damn potatoes I’ve had in a long time. Patsy NAILED the crawfish sauce. I can feel my arteries get coated.

2021 | Week 65 of Quarantine | Pedicure with Vietnamese Coffee with Beth & Mallory

Saturday, I met with Mallory and Beth at the nail salon near their house since they changed management and had 15% off. We all ordered iced Vietnamese coffees and got pedicures. Always a nice time with the ladies and loving our pedicure times together. We made plans for dinner this coming week and I’m excited.

2021 | Week 65 of Quarantine | Top Golf | Frankenstein

Sunday, I met up with Frankenstein for Top Golf Katy. T-Mobile had a coupon for BOGO hour of game play along with free chips and queso. Funny story, when he put in his phone number, a girl’s name showed up instead. Awkward. It was weird since the card itself had his name. After our two hours, we went and checked on his account and changed my government name to my nickname for future use.

We played 6 games. He won 4 out of the 6. Just look at that form, that foot. haha The two that I won was only because I was set to beginner and he was set to intermediate and advanced. We were sweating balls but had a lot of fun.

2021 | Week 65 of Quarantine | Jollibee, Portobello Mushroom Caps, Spicy Watermelon Drink

The best eats this week. Jollibee, homemade garlic parmesan Portobello mushroom caps, and Zero Degree’s Spicy Watermelon.

2021 | Week 65 of Quarantine | Meet Cute Diary | Goodreads Giveaway

Last surprise of the week: I won Goodreads giveaway and the book just arrived. This is my first physical copy win. The rest had been on Kindle. Can’t wait to start it after my current reads.