Texas – Page 22

Seafood, Reunions, Theater, & Bar Hopping

September 15, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

Yesterday was so busy I didn’t have time to blog! It’s been a long while since that has happened. Overall, it was a great relaxing day. I put down the worries and didn’t care. I went with the flow and everything went very well.

Nail Bar | Katy, Texas | Mimosa, Pedicure, Manicure

I started off getting a manicure and pedicure by myself to relax and enjoyed a mimosa while doing so. In less than half an hour I was out the door. They have great timing and get so many customers because of it.

I went home and relaxed for half an hour before heading back out the door with June. We went and got reflexology massage at Footworks. $30 per person for an hour. So freaking worth it.

Yummy Crawfish & Seafood | Katy, Texas | The Yummy-nator, Crawfish, Shrimp — The Yummy-Nator [2 pieces snow crabs, 2 pieces blue crabs, 2 lb crawfish, 6 pieces shrimp, 2 pieces corn, 2 pieces potatoes, mushrooms in combo mixer, spicy] | ~$50 • 1 lb crawfish [Cajun, medium spicy] | $6.99 • 1 lb shrimp [yummy house delight, medium spicy] | $12.99

June and I went to Yummy Crawfish and Seafood. We weren’t sure if it’ll be good but since my usual place closed down I’ve been searching for a new one. They have great flavour but not spicy enough. We will definitely come back even though it’s a bit expensive. I love having the snow crabs but didn’t care much about the blue crabs.

June and I believe I might be allergic to crawfish since I never feel well after. Shrimp and snow crabs only might be what I’ll have to end up having if that’s the case. With sporadic crawfish feast … obviously.

I took a nap and talked to London before heading out the door for dinner with Nancy. I haven’t seen her in a couple years since Thuy’s wedding. We shared beef noodles, pork chop bake, and Hong Kong French toast. I was glad she loved it and it warmed my heart that the toast reminds her of her dad. He would be super proud of the woman she’s become.

The Hobby Center | Houston, Texas | A Chorus Line | Nancy

Her boss gave her free tickets to the play, A Chorus Line, since they couldn’t make it anymore. We had no clue what it was about and it ended to being so good. We can’t believe her boss paid $90 for each ticket!

Electric Feel-good | Houston, Texas | Nancy, Carmen, Adam

We got an Uber and meet up with Carmen and Adam at Electric Feelgood. We ordered drinks and took a lot of pictures and boomerangs before heading to other places to check out the scene.

It’s the latest I’ve stayed out for a long while and was happy that I got to go and enjoy a night out in downtown, something I always want to do once in a while.

I finished Love Alarm from Netflix since I wasn’t able to fall asleep until 5am. I ended up sleeping for a good two hours before waking up. Today has been relaxing. Sissy and BIL came over with lunch from Aji Ramen, watched the Texans game and bought thickets to the Astros game. Meal prep took only 20 minutes thanks to the instant pot. I need to look for more recipes!

Wanna Bao | Houston, Texas

September 6, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

I finally did my Big Brother Big Sister interview. It usually takes two hours but mine ended up being an two and a half hours. I’m not sure how it went but I’m hoping I made it through. I would love to watch the kid grow up and everything. But I heard a lot of people get rejected so … Oh well if that happens to me.

Wanna Bao | Houston, Texas | Pork Crispy Bottom Bao, Shrimp Xiao Long Bao, Pork Xiao Long Bao, Colorful Dumplings Adventure — Pork Crispy Bottom Bao [pork filling pan fried crispy bottom bao drizzled with scallion and sesame] | $8.50 • Shrimp Xiao Long Bao [shrimp and pork filling soup dumpling] | $9.50 • Pork Xiao Long Bao [pork filling soup dumpling] | $8.50 • Colorful Dumplings Adventure [steamed dumpling sampler, Yellow: chicken + shiitake + bamboo shoots, Pink: shrimp + pork + corn, Green: mixed vegetables wrapped by fresh house made colourful vegetable dough] | $8

Afterward, I read a book my boss gave me for a bit before picking Salim up from work. Last minute plans since I was downtown already. We went to Wanna Bao, a place I’ve been wanting to try since they opened.

Definitely way better than the one we went to in Chinatown. There was actually soup in the dumplings! We ended up order a second batch of Xiao long bao because it wasn’t enough food for us both.

Overall everything was perfect and I’d want to come back in the future. It was packed even when we left around one so you know it’s good!

Kung Fu Tea | Houston, Texas | Boba Milk Tea and Yogurt Grapefruit

We went to Kung Fu after to talk about work and girls again. I tried a yogurt drink and it ended up being freaking delicious. They use real fruit juice and mix in Yakult which is a type of yogurt drink Asians have.

I took him home soon after and headed home myself. I took an amazing nap before getting ready again.

Mellie Dee with Jack and Claire at Michelle's

Michelle and Matt were in town from Buffalo and brought the kids as well. I finally got to meet Jack who is about to be seven months old and Claire who is turning two in a couple weeks. Her party is tomorrow which I’ll be going to as well.

She had her aunt and grandparents over and we had some food made by her dad. I didn’t get much as I wasn’t too hungry but it all tasted delicious.

Michelle and I got to catch up a bit which was nice. It’s harder now since she’s so far away and busy with two kids, a job, and a husband who is in residency. Two more years and they’ll be back home. I’m making plans to visit them sometime next year, when it’s not cold as eff.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Part 2

September 1, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Breakfast of Leftovers

Sissy and BIL went and got Dunkin’ Donuts for breakfast for everyone. Brudda and I ate a random assortment of leftovers instead.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Wi Wei Din Chinese Cuisine | Plano, Texas | Pork Ear, Spicy Wonton, Xiao Long Bao

A few hours later met up with Katie’s family at Wu Wei Din Chinese Cuisine. Pog ears, spicy shrimp and pork wontons, and Xiao Long Bao.

This is by far the best Xiao Long Bao I’ve had in Texas and was happy I got my fix. Still searching for the best in Texas though so if anyone has any suggestions, please share!

2019 Labour Day Weekend | TocoToco | Plano, Texas

We stopped and got boba tea. They have a jelly called crystal noodles and they’re much better than tapioca balls.

I love their decor as well. I thought the wall was little wooden balls but it’s made out of paper. What a cool idea!

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Rizzo and Pluto

We went home and all chilled. We watched some weird Chinese movie where a group of friends were helping one friend find breast milk to replace the one she accidentally gave to a client to drink. Some parts were hilarious but it wasn’t really worth the time spent.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | O.D. Wellness Massage and Reflexology

Soon enough Sissy, BIL, SIL, June and I left for reflexology massages at O.D. Wellness. They did a pretty good job in all. SIL went in her own room, Sissy and BIL in another while June and I had our own. They left the room a couple times totaling 6 minutes to get hot stones and hot towels. Overall good and relaxing.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Pool Side Drinkin'

We went back to the house and chilled a bit. Everyone went to dinner with SIL’s parents while Sissy, BIL, Brudda and I went to the pool. We enjoyed a few rounds of passing a ball around and seeing who can swim fastest.

It’s pretty nice getting time with Brudda since he doesn’t live in Houston and we rarely get to see him. And when we do see him he’s always busy with Emmy and things around the house.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Bols | Plano, Texas

We all went back and showered and enjoyed delivery from Bols. Japanese/Korean fusion. I have so much leftover for tomorrow.

All the kids are in the media room watching Spiderman Into the Verse while Sammi watches The Secret Life of Pets 2 on my iPad. Time to enjoy the rest of the movie. Night world!

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Part 1

August 31, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Whataburger Breakfast

We left the house so early in the morning and got Whataburger for breakfast. Emmy are some of my chicken strips, fries, and toast before her nap.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Popeye's Lunch

By the time we got to Dallas Brudda left to get lunch for Emmy, the parents and June. Lots of Popeye’s Chicken but no chicken sandwich. Bummer.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Marufuku Ramen | Frisco, Texas | Geso Fry, Marufuku Bites, Hakata Tonkotsu DX — Geso Fry [fried squid legs] | $6.25 • Marufuku Bites [Japanese steamed buns filled with homemade pork Chashu, 2 pcs] | $6.25 • Hakata Tonkotsu DX [Hakata Style Ramen with Rich Pork Broth with Chashu pork (simmered pork belly), seasoned soft boiled egg, green onions, kikurage mushrooms, bean sprouts, buta kakumi (braised thick pork belly), corn, nori seaweed and sesame seeds | $14.95

Michael dropped Rosanna off and we all hung out a bit before SIL, Sammi, Rosanna and I, went off to meet up with Jenny at Marufuku Ramen for lunch. Lots of catching up while we stuffed our faces.

Sammi and I decided to share since we were super hungry. My favourite is the squid legs. The Chashu from the buns was a bit dry so not worth it. The ramen was good though we asked for ultra spicy and we didn’t feel the heat. But they don’t skimp on the noodles like other ramen places.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Somi Somi | Frisco, Texas | Ube and Matcha

In the same area was Somi Somi which I got a shot of SIL’s ube and matcha swirl soft serve.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | T-Swirl Crepe | Frisco, Texas | Matcha Azuki Bean — Matcha Azuki Bean [sliced strawberries, red bean, matcha custard cream, whipped yogurt, matcha ice cream gelato, almonds, chocolate Pocky sticks] | $8.99

While they all enjoyed their ice creams we walked next door so that I could get a crepe. I couldn’t finish it even with bare minimum help. Their crepe was crispy yet fluffy. Much better than Eight Turn Crepe.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Diaso | Frisco, Texas | Sammi & Mellie Dee

After our desserts we went next door to Diaso to check out random things. Sammi wanted us to wear masks so she could take a picture. My eyes look so creepy!

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Jenny, Mellie Dee, Rosanna, Tammy, Sammi

We had a photoshoot outside and I’m happy about how they came out. I also got a Save the Date from Rosanna. Cannot wait to watch her walk down the aisle next year!

We bid our farewells with Jenny, then dropped Rosanna off before we headed to Queens Beauty supply store near SIL’s home.

By the time we got their everyone else was dressed for the pool. We were going to go as well but with the time the pool was closing for cleaning, the rest of us decided to stay behind and hang out in the media room.

2019 Labour Day Weekend | Meso Maya | Plano, Texas | Margaritas (Mango Sangrita, Serrano Berry, Remolino Swirl, Cucumber), Queso Blanco, Carne Asada, Elote con Crema, Charred Brussel Sprouts — Margaritas (Mango Sangrita [fresh housemade mango sangrita with frozen house margarita & tajin salted rim] | $9 • Serrano Berry [fresh muddled strawberry & Serrano pepper, triple Sec, ambhar tequila Blanco, fresh lime juice] | $10 • Remolino Swirl [homemade sangria swirled with frozen house margarita] | $8 •Cucumber [freshly squeezed cucumber & lime juices, simple syrup, triple Sec casamigos tequila Blanco] | $9) • Queso Blanco [ chihuahua, Monterey jack and muenster cheese, housemade white corn tortillas, signature queso poblano] | $12 • Carne Asada [wood-fire marinated steak, homemade sweet corn tamal, crema Mexicans, queso fresco, black bean & cheese tostada, creamy Serrano salsa] | $21• Elote con Crema | $5 • Charred Brussel Sprouts | $5

After they got done at the pool, showers and naps later, we headed to Meso Maya to celebrate June’s birthday with the whole family. Everything was delicious and came out perfect. The only thing I was sad about was being too full so fast!

We came home and all hung out in the media room again before we all retreated back to our rooms. Tomorrow is a new day. Less crazy but hopefully just as eventful.

2019 June’s Birthday | Chatime | Slurping Noodles | Katy, Texas

August 30, 2019 by Mellie Dee Leave a Comment

An early morning where I woke up to the sound of Emmy singing downstairs. We played with her for a long bit before putting her down for a nap. When she woke up, we went off to lunch.

We had places in mind and a plan to do so many things but time was limited since she is still use to two naps in one day. This kid fits right in with our family.

Chatime | Katy, Texas | Mango Smoothie — Mango Smoothie [regular] | $4.25

We ended up at Chatime since it wasn’t as crowded. Emmy is used to getting Mango Smoothies when she’s with her parents so we got her one. She seemed to enjoy it a lot and drank way more than we thought she would. Kid approved!

Slurping Noodles | Katy, Texas | Xiao Long Bao, "Karaagi" Japanese Style Popcorn Chicken, "Unagi Don" Grilled Eel Rice Bowl, Chicken Katsu Curry Rice Bowl — “Unagi Don” Grilled Eel Rice Bowl [sweet caramelized Unagi sauce drizzled over perfectly grilled eel, served with green onion, pickled ginger, broccoli and carrots] | $9.99 • “Karaagi” Japanese Style Popcorn Chicken [Japanese fried chicken with crisp texture in outside and super juicy and tender on the inside] | $5.95 • Chicken Katsu Curry Rice Bowl [Japanese curry rice bowl with panko chicken cutlet on top, served with green onion, pickled ginger, broccoli and carrots] | $8.99 • Xiao Long Bao [signature Chinese steamed soup pork dumplings] | $6.95

Chatime partnered with Slurping Noodles so we ordered food as well. The price isn’t bad especially with the amount of food they give you. Everything tasted great. But the rice bowls could use more sauce as it felt too dry for us overall.

Emmy loved the popcorn chicken and ate majority of it. June and I both loved the Xiao Long Baos the most. Compared to the place Salim and I went to last Saturday, these actually had soup in it so it’s on the top of my list in the Houston area. But if you compare it to Ding Tai Fung in Taiwan, it obviously doesn’t compare. I’m already wanting to go back for more soup dumplings. Who wants to join?

They also have super cute and calming decor and I fell in love with the mosaic tile floors.

Eight Turn Crepe | Katy, Texas | Emmy| Crepe Brulee & Harajuku Fruit Cocktail — Crepe Brulee [served Mon – Fri; fresh strawberries, creme brulee cream, crunchy flakes and caramelized toppings] | $7.99 • Harajuku Fruit Cocktail [fresh blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, mango, and banana, whipped yogurt, custard cream and sliced almonds | $8.96

We walked across for dessert. I’ve been here before with Mallory and Leah but have always said I’d come back to try their Crepe Brûlée since it’s only on work days. It was so worth it. I was surprised but the caramelized topping in bites as I made my way down the cone! Emmy ate all the fruit, mostly strawberries, out of both of ours. It’s safe to say this is a hit for any age group.

We got home and all relaxed and took naps. We ordered Thai Cottage for dinner to celebrate June’s birthday and had a lovely coffee mousse cake.

I spent a few hours with Emmy, cleaned part of my room, and have packed. I’m starting to donate my old clothes. I have stuff from middle school! How crazy!