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202204 | Arizona Trip | 1st Anniversary

April 18, 2022 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

202204 | Arizona Trip | Frankenstein | Wingstop | League City, Texas | Ronny Chieng Speakeasy

Thursday, April 14th

I worked until almost 6pm. I had plans to go be at Frankenstein’s by 6pm! It was crazy but pushing through and finishing chapter one of my paper for work class was worth it because coming back Monday, I didn’t have to worry too much about it.

Anyway, I finally made it to his place after 7pm and he pranks me by making me think he packed the smallest duffle bag for the trip because I tend to pack “a lot”. Hey, I’m a girl. We have more things!

I hadn’t eaten all day and only drank one bottle of water. My hands were shaking and although I was not hungry I knew I had to eat. We watched Ronny Chieng Speakeasy on Netflix and ate our DoorDash Wingstop for dinner and headed to bed.

202204 | Arizona Trip | Frankenstein | Day 1 | Hobby > PHX | Phoenix, Arizona | Mellie Dee

Friday, April 15th

We wake up SUPER early for our 6am flight. We both like being at the airport early. Yay. We were lucky and got the whole row to ourselves. I mostly played on my iPad and watched Flashpoint before opting to sleep with music in my ears.

We arrived at Phoenix, picked up our bags and headed to our rental car. We were upgraded twice and went on our merry way. It was the one we initially wanted but realized wasn’t necessary so it all worked out.

202204 | Arizona Trip | Frankenstein | Day 1 | Original Breakfast House | Phoenix > Flagstaff
Garden Hash & Eggs (mix “hash potatoes”, peppers, onions, asparagus, spinach, mushrooms and cheddar cheese, topped with two eggs your way and served with toast, biscuit, or pancakes) | $13.95 • Green Pork Chili Benedict (two tamale cakes topped with green pork chili, two poached eggs and scratch hollandaise sauce) | $15

We started driving to Flagstaff stopping at Original Breakfast House since we hadn’t eaten yet. There was a wait and they even had a sign that if it was a busy day, your group will only have an hour and a half before getting kicked out! How crazy!

The food was better than expected, and they give you a lot! We both had leftovers. Frankenstein’s tamales were perfect. The masa was super sweet to me as well but he thought they tasted normal. I opted for the biscuit and ordered their sausage gravy to go with it. The biscuit was sweet which was weird for me. Also having asparagus in my hash was different. Not a fan but I ate all the veggies I could.

This place has cinnamon rolls which I really wanted to order but was so full to do so. The whole time I was there, I noticed every few minutes another cinnamon roll was being served to another table so it must be a hit!

202204 | Arizona Trip | Frankenstein | Day 1 | Flagstaff, Arizona | Downtown Shops | Macy's European Coffeehouse & Bakery

When we got to Flagstaff we parked the car and walked around downtown. We mostly went into shops I looked up and wanted to check out.

  • Babbit General Store
  • Bright Side Bookstore
  • PJ Chilcottage
  • Blackhound Gallerie
  • Basement Marketplace
  • Zani’s

He just wanted to take pictures of downtown so it worked out since I dragged him everywhere. We stopped by Macy’s European Coffeehouse & Bakery for a quick pick me up before continuing around downtown.

202204 | Arizona Trip | Frankenstein | Day 1 | Lowell Observatory | Flagstaff, Arizona

Afterward, we stopped by Lowell Observatory. My man loves all things space and this is the place where Pluto was discovered!

I typically dislike tours or “lectures” as they put it but our lady was THE BEST. I did not fall asleep and I retained a lot more information than I thought I would. Either I have to admit to Frankenstein that this shiet is interesting or maybe, just maybe, this is literally the best tour guide ever.

The telescopes are GIANOURMOUS. I was actually disappointed that it was too windy to use. Luckily their cluster of smaller (compared to the giant ones but the cluster is still huge) telescopes were able to be used later in the night.

202204 | Arizona Trip | Frankenstein | Day 1 | Shift Restaurant | Flagstaff, Arizona | 1st Anniversary | Mellie Dee
Chef’s Tasting Menu | four courses + intermezzo | $70/person

We checked into our little house we rented. It was super cute and perfect for just the two of us. We laid around for a bit since we hadn’t really stopped since we arrived and then made a pit stop at Basha’s for water. Then it was time to check into our reservations for our first anniversary dinner celebration at Shift.

We didn’t know what to really order so we opted for the Chef’s Tasting Menu. Our first ever Chef’s Tasting Menu. If one person wanted to do it, everyone at the table had to.

We started out with tap water for me, sparking for him, and Paloma for me and a bourbon for him before our courses started to come.

  • 1st Course | Roasted Red Cabbage (fermented soy, Greek yogurt, pickled caraway seed)
  • 2nd Course | Mushroom Cavatelli (spicy miso beurre blanc, maple eel sauce, pea vines)
  • Intermezzo | Sorbet (evoo, sea salt, chevre)
  • 3rd Course | Escolar (coconut corn broth, piquillo relish, curry walnut dust, chive oil)
  • 4th Course | Mint Chocolate Churro (variations of chocolate, earl grey gelato)

I loved every course and if I had the money, I’d do tasting menus everywhere! It’s nice to get a bit of everything. We were both surprised about the cabbage and made me want to go home and try to do the same. It was better than I expected it to be. The dessert wasn’t bad. Nothing to write about but it was nice to have gelato since our first date was Menchie’s. He said it’s not the same since it’s not frozen yogurt but I’d like to think any form of ice cream, gelato, froyo is okay.

My favourite hands down was the sauce from the second course. If they mix that with the escolar from the third course, I think it would be the perfect pairing. Frankenstein on the other hand loved the third course.

My leaste favourite has got to be the intermezzo. The goat cheese and sea salt ruined the sorbet in my opinion.

202204 | Arizona Trip | Frankenstein | Day 1 | Lowell Observatory | Flagstaff, Arizona | Night Sky

We headed back to the Observatory after dinner to catch the stars. Sadly the moon was shining so bright that it was hard to get the kind of pictures we envisioned. They’re not bad but could be better. Next time, we’ll check the moon calendar before booking flights to see stars.

We looked through those telescopes I mentioned earlier and bought things at the gift shop as a memorabilia.

202204 | Arizona Trip | Frankenstein | Day 2 | The Fred Harvey Restaurant | Grand Canyon Railway | Williams, Arizona | Mellie Dee

Saturday, April 16th

We woke up early and drove to Williams. We grabbed our Grand Canyon Railway tickets and ate a buffet breakfast at The Fred Harvey Museum. The tater tots and bacon were top tier. I joked I was going to snag some in my bag to eat on the train.

202204 | Arizona Trip | Frankenstein | Day 2 | Grand Canyon Railway | Williams, Arizona | Mellie Dee

The ride was a little over two hours but it was better than driving an hour and wait to park for another hour. They kept us entertained. They had a newspaper with facts, information, and coupons for restaurants. And once in a while they’ll have stories to tell about an area we were passing by.

What really kept me entertained for a long while was the family sitting in front of us. The little girl kept trying to get our attention … until she passed out from exhaustion.

The little cross picture are communication lines they used back in the day from the Grand Canyon to Williams. It’s still up, even though they don’t use it.

202204 | Arizona Trip | Frankenstein | Day 2 | Grand Canyon, Arizona | Mellie Dee

When we finally made it to the Grand Canyon, we were let out and were free to roam about the whole entire area. We walked and took SO many pictures. I love that he is the same so there was no anxiety of “oh crap, I shouldn’t take one” because half the time, he was too. We walked into the market place area, shopping a bit before jumping on the bus to head back to the train.

I got off the bus prematurely which could have been catastrophic if we didn’t make it back to our train by the allotted time. Luckily the couple in front of us, as well as the lady managing how many people can get on a bus at a time, let us on. Whew. Then we had an issue where we couldn’t check in since internet up in the canyon was spotty. Yay boarding group C!

On the ride back we were stopped by the bad guys. They were literally on horses! And even had two of them get on the train and once the train started going again, they walked through demanding money. The kids LOVED it. I even heard one said, “see you later bad guys!”

202204 | Arizona Trip | Frankenstein | Day 2 | Northern Arizona University | Fratelli Pizza | Lowell Observatory | Flagstaff, Arizona
Works (red sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushroom, black olive, red onion, green bell pepper) • Flagstaff (hippie favourite! pesto, sun dried tomato, mozzarella, artichoke heart, ricotta, garlic) | $13/small 10″ pizza

When we got back at the depot, we walked around the shop and then drove back to Flagstaff. We passed by Northern Arizona University where Frankenstein’s coworker got their doctorate there. It was super pretty so he walked around for a short bit and got a few pics as evidence that he did check it out.

We decided on Fratelli Pizza for dinner. Two small pizzas that was still TOO much for us but we shoveled it down. Per usual, veggie meat pizzas are to notch. I was very surprised by artichoke on pizza though. I actually liked it although their sun dried tomatoes were too hard/chewy so I picked those off and gave them to him instead.

We were about to head back “home” when I realized the Observatory was still opened and I wanted to get the cap. He had gotten one but I was on the fence. Glad he was willing to go back so I could get it. It also gave him a chance to ask questions about one of the telescopes he was interested in to understand what programs it was using.

202204 | Arizona Trip | Frankenstein | Day 3 | Flagstaff > Phoenix | Chase Field | Gallo Blanco | PHX > Hobby
Gallo Guacamole (avocado, red onion, serranos, fire roasted tomatoes, orange segments, salt, line, cilantro & cotija with chips) | $6 • La Bomba Torta (al pastor, asadero cheese, lettuce, mayo & tomatillo salsa with pineapple) | $13 • Barbacoa Taco | $3.75 • Campechano Taco (longaniza, al pastor, carne asada) | $3.75 | Red Eye Coffee

Sunday, April 17th

Our last day, we woke up later than all the previous days and made our way to Phoenix. I had found a family owned Mexican restaurant but when we got there, it was closed … Oh Easter.

He found out Chase Field was close by so while I searched for a new place, he drove around and snapped pictures the best he could.

We ended up grabbing food at Gallo Blanco. Seriously one of the best Mexican foods I’ve ever had. Their al pastor is top notch although their guacamole could be better. Mostly because I’m use to the Texas way with a lot more vegetables and smooth. Theirs was SUPER chunky and I found a few avocado skins in there as well. Frankenstein said it’s to show how authentic it is.

We dropped off the car and went to the airport. We walked through different terminals to get our steps in and watched planes take off. With us being in boarding group C, we were lucky to find seats next to one another.

By the time we got back to Houston, I was pooped. We picked up our bags, got on a bus to get my car, drove him home, before heading home myself. Luckily I was home a little after 9pm which just feels like a regular day to me so work wasn’t too bad – especially since I got to work it at home.

Our first trip on our first anniversary was memorable. We did a lot and nothing at all. I came back, although tired, but refreshed. I’m not sure when our next trip will be but I’m ready …

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: American, Arizona, Breakfast and Brunch, Chef's Tasting Menu, Coffee and Tea, Flagstaff, League City, Mexican and Tex-Mex, Phoenix, Pizza, Sightseeing, Texas, Williams

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 4

October 8, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Today was our final day and it wasn’t really a day where we hung out. We woke up, got ready and since Sissy, BIL and I have an earlier flight we left first while the others packed and got ready.

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 4 | Hash Kitchen | Phoenix, Arizona

We drove back to Phoenix and chose to eat brunch at Hash Kitchen. BIL ordered avocado toast the size of his face times two! They don’t skimp on bread here. Even the monkey bread was way bigger than we had thought! Everything was delicious and the decor made me happy.

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 4 | Phoenix to Houston

We headed off to the airport, found a magnet for Mum and waited by our gate. Sissy and BIL went and got their free upgrade to board earlier and they saved me a seat.

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 4 | Phoenix to Houston | Drink Coupon Jack and Coke

I got another free drink ticket and went with a Jack and Coke that was so dang strong. I forced myself to stay awake so that I can sleep tonight by watching a movie downloaded from Netflix. The movie is kind of like a Hallmark movie … unrealistic happy ever after.

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 4 | Pho Tan An | Houston, Texas

We told ourselves we wouldn’t eat for the rest of the day but we ended up getting pho and the like from Pho Tan An since it was on the way of dropping me off back home and them picking up their pups. I had the eggrolls and saved everything for the rest of the remaining week as lunch prep.

Our trip is over. We had a discussion last night and everyone was happy with how the trip was. Everyone got to do what they wanted except for a couple of things with good reason. No one fought and everyone compromised. We talked about having our next one in the Pacific coast. Maybe hike where there are waterfalls or maybe even Alaska since no one’s been. Cannot wait to see where we’ll be next.

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: Arizona, Asian, Breakfast, Breakfast and Brunch, Houston, Phoenix, Texas, Vietnamese

2019 Cousin’s Trip | Day 1

October 5, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Hi from Arizona! Our 1st annual cousin’s trip has begun. It could be our last depending on how things go but so far so good.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Houston to Phoenix | Pappasitos Steak Breakfast Taco

I spent the night at Sissy and BIL’s so Sarah ended up meeting up at the house. We drove, parked our car and made our way through TSA. We ended up getting a taco from Pappasitos. It was not the very best as it was super greasy and hard to hold. Never again.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Houston to Phoenix | Southwest Mimosa

I got a free drink ticket from Sarah and ordered myself a mimosa. I didn’t know they give you the whole tiny bottle! I started Five Feet Apart and cried the whole time until we landed. Ugly crying with snot and all. I didn’t finish the ending yet but it’s definitely not a plane movie with all the emotions that runs through you.

The Houston folk and Dallas folk had around the same time flights. Timothy on the other hand came from Seattle. But it all worked out that by the time we got our rental cars we were all there at the same time. We stopped at Target to buy snacks and water before heading to lunch.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Matt's Big Breakfast | Phoenix, Arizona

We ended up at Matt’s Big Breakfast. I got to try a bloody Mary, which is not something I’d ever order with all that sodium, and a mimosa flight. I really liked the apricot mimosa. Food wise was the scramble scramble. I ordered a side of bacon just in case it didn’t come out okay. Everything ended up being pretty dang good but if I come here next time I’m good with bacon and potatoes. With an apricot mimosa of course!

2019 Cousin's Trip | Papago Park Hole in the Wall | Phoenix, Arizona

We drove and hiked up Papago Park’s Hole in a Rock. It’s crazy how nature makes such beautiful views. This wasn’t a crazy hike but the kind of hike I like. Short, not hours and hours long, and you get to see such beautiful views.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Driving to Flagstaff

Then began the two and a half hour drive to Flagstaff. I jammed out to music while I drove and we stopped for a pee break and for the other car to change drivers before we finally made it. The views were so beautiful and I was a little sad I couldn’t take pictures since I was driving.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Portabella Jerky

Joanna had loot from her conference so we now have a lot of snacks. One of them is the Portabella Jerky. Surprisingly not bad and BIL, the hater of mushrooms even tried and ate it all. If he could chose, he wouldn’t eat it but he doesn’t hate it which says a lot.

2019 Cousin's Trip | Fat Olives | Flagstaff, Arizona

We chilled around the house watching football and baseball before heading out for dinner at Fat Olives. Guy Fieri came her for Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives. We ended up ordering both the things he tried and they were both a lot more amazing than I thought. There were two pieces of deli meat in Sissy’s salad and it was pretty dang good too. I wish I knew what it was so I could get some!

2019 Cousin's Trip | Starry Night from Airbnb

We went back to our Airbnb and looked out at the sky. The temperature feels so nice to where I was freezing. I managed to get a shitty picture of the stars in the sky. I’m hoping I will get better when I actually have more time and with foreground.

Half of us are asleep or getting ready to sleep while the other half is up watching the Astros game. It’s against Kiran’s team, Tampa Bay, so it’s funny to hear them.

Night world!

Filed Under: Eateries & Drinkeries, Travel Tagged With: Arizona, Breakfast, Breakfast and Brunch, Flagstaff, Italian, Phoenix, Pizza, Sightseeing

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