Merry New Year!

And just like that, 2011 is over.  My 2011 New Year's Resolution was to make a list of places to eat at that either I had never been to or it'd been a while.  

As you can see, I didn't make it.  It sucks but oh well.  Perhaps in the new year I can finally make there but in Houston, many new and yummy restaurants open up and well, may as well add them to The List.  I'm not going to make a new list though.  If I make it, I make it.

My New Year's Resolution for 2012 though is to focus more on my own health.  According to my own doctor's, I'm doing very well.  But, with diabetes, I want to get better.  I always want to get better.

A much better update to follow detailing how I spent my summer and fall and the beginning oh winter.  

Beef jerky time.

Russo's NY Pizzeria

A few months ago, I noticed that Groupon was selling $20 coupons for $10 at Russo's NY Pizzeria.  Since they were on The List (my list of new food places to try in 2011) I had to scoop some up.  I managed to purchase 2 and saved them for when it was time to try another pizza joint.  Yesterday was that day. 

We met up with our good friend, Carlos, there and sampled a variety of items to give us a good indication on what kind of place we were dealing with.  The food was actually pretty good.  Their mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto was yummy while their flatbread, all coal fired cooked, was genius.  Of course, we had to get a pizza because, if a pizza place doesn't know how to make pizza then that's an automatic fail.  When the pizza arrived, it was perfectly crispy and full of toppings not unlike the wimpy kind I've seen at other places.  I ordered a pasta dish, chicken marsala, because I like pasta.  While I found the sauce a little too runny, the noodles were a perfect al dente texture. 

The Final Verdict:

Is it Brother's Pizzeria?  No, not at all but it makes decent pizza and pasta.  It certainly comes closer that the disaster that was Romano's.   But, would I go again?  Sure especially since I have the other $20 coupon still left to use.  Besides, another try at the pizza is needed.  And, I hear there is a brunch?  Holla.

Carlos probably playing a round of Words with Friends.  Cheater.



Chicken marsala = yum.



Smashburger

What can I say?  The burger is still amazing.  The fries, known as Smashfries that have rosemary and sea salt seasoning, were a little eh, but it's really all about the burger.  Isn't it always about the burger?  Though I recently went, without the BNC, the burger has remained the same; succulent, juicy, orgasmicy, and overall yummy. 



Troop loves it.  It's a small price to pay for me having lost his gun. 

Papa Geno's

Papa Geno's was chosen for dinner last night after having to run some unexpected errands that would have left me making our dinner too late.  It was a good choice. 

Papa Geno's is a philly cheesesteak joint that is supposed to be a Philadelphia transplant.  I say supposed because I don't know if they are or aren't.  All I know is that in Philly they use Cheez Whiz on their cheesesteaks and this place is doing it.  I'm not down with that kind of cheese.  Let me make a side note comment for a moment.  My momma didn't really feed us junk food.  I guess you could say that she was way ahead of the curve.  For example, as a 34-year old, I have never had a Happy Meal.  My mom doesn't like it when people feed their kids nothing but sugar or fatty stuff.  Sure, we went to Pizza Hut a lot but I guess we went to a) feed our Italian ancestry and b) my mom doesn't know how to make pizzas.  She always preferred to make our meals no matter how long it took.  Cheez Whiz was one of those items she didn't feed us.  So, rather than get the original Papa Geno's cheesesteak, I got a regular one with white melty cheese (the name escapes me right now).   Dudes, it was good.  The meat was wonderfully cooked and the cheese was awesomely melted and clinging to the meat and bread for dear life.  I didn't go, "ZOMG, this is SOOO good!" when I bit into it because it was just good.  It was good use of bread, meat and cheese and it came together great but it was nothing spectacular.  However, I would go again.  Maybe even try the other items on the menu.  The BNC on the other hand, whose childhood meals consisted of coming out of a box, and with a toy, tried the original with the Cheez Whiz.  He liked it. 

I know I should be taking photos of the food but oy, I don't want to be that person, sitting at the table, whipping out her camera, etc.  I'm sure they wouldn't mind but, what if they do?  Sometimes I can pull it off but then I am forced to share a crappy photo of something I can't even make out. 

In closing, Ralph Macchio is going to be on Dancing with the Stars.  This may finally be the reason I need to watch it. 

Texas Cafeteria

Texas Cafeteria has been around for quite some time.  It's located across the street from the Fiesta, a regional grocery store, that my family frequented many, many times so naturally, I saw this place a lot.  (Fiesta features many latin foods hence the visits.)  My curiosity has always been piqued but finally, after decades, we went in to check it off The List and, unfortunately, I was disappointed.  The food was pretty standard though filling but it was nothing fancy.  Then again, we had the basic eggs, bacon, hashbrowns and pancakes deal.  It's pretty hard to fuck that up but, at the same time, I want omg yums and alas, dudes, it was just ok.  I still prefer my House of Pies usual of eggs, bacon, bagel and waffle. 

One of the problems I had with Texas Cafeteria was the way things were being run.  You order your food at the counter, because breakfast isn't served caferteria style, and you receive your ticket stub.  After your meal is prepared, they yell out your number and bring it to you.  Any extras you want, syrup, ketchup, Splenda, you must get on your own.  After you are done, you go back to the counter, swerving in and around tables, to pay.  It's an archaic and offputting method and I don't like it.  Let me pay as I order or have a station near the exit door so I can pay there.  The yelling is offputting as well.  But, having numerous photos of wildlife, such as bears, fish, deer and pigs, is more offensive than the gruff man yelling out ticket stub numbers because he thinks the waitress isn't loud enough.  Yes,  you read that right.  DEAD ANIMALS.  NEXT TO MY BOOTH.  I'm no vegetarian and I'm all for killing animals for food, etc. (cause I'm a Mexican) but holy shit, I don't want to eat some hashbrowns with a photo of a dead bear at my table. 

I may go back to try the lunch items but that is about it.  Disappointing but at least we finally figured out the mystery of Texas Cafeteria. 

Then yesterday, I went to the park and flew my Spider-Man kite.  Just like old times.

I also learned how to catch but not before I took one in the arm.  Holla!

The List

Being on vacation is the perfect time to shop and eat out while the rest of the world works.  Thank goodness for us, we have The List. 

One of the places we tried was Gatlin's BBQ.  I had previously read many great reviews from the Houston Press and was excited about finding a great BBQ place after my original go-to place started to dwindle in quality.  Dudes, Gatlin's was amazing.  We tried the juicy and smokey brisket, the yummy pulled pork and while the homemade sausage wasn't my favorite (purely a textural issue) it was still an amazing feat.  The BNC was impressed by all of our meats.  Our sides included the dirty rice, which was spicy and filling and could have been a meal all on its own while the macaroni and cheese was nothing spectacular with its overcooked macaroni noodle.  The potato salad, enjoyed by the BNC so according to him, was ok.  Overall, it's a winner and we look forward to sampling the much raved about ribs, the rest of the meats and, most importantly, the sandwiches.  Mmmm, mmmm!

When I was making The List, I left some open slots in case we managed to stumble upon a place that was worthy of including to The List.  I'm glad I did because we found Jonathan's The Rub.  After working hard in our friend's yard, as mentioned in my previous post, it was an absolutely amazing reward.  Sure, it was too much and it was quite a heavy meal for it being lunch but it was everything you shouldn't be eating every day.  Just look at it.

Chicken fried chicken with Jonathan's fries topped with bacon-infused gravy and a side of mashed potatoes.  The chicken was crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside as it should be.  The fries?  Yum.  The gravy?  Yums!  Mashed potatoes?  Whoa, very rich and heavy but good nevertheless.  I completely  intend on going back to Jonathan's but this time I am splitting the entree with the BNC.  I caught sight of other entrees leaving the chef's station and the portions were huge.  Personally, I can't see myself eating all of that food.  I'll gladly split it though.  Despite the big portions, Jonathan's The Rub still serves good food.  I'm looking forward to trying out other items on the menu and perhaps, making it a frequent haunt.

Benihana

I have been to other hibachi joints before but not the nationally known Benihana's.  As with all others on The List, I wanted to find out for myself what the whole hoopla was about.  Turns out, not much.  The food was okay, it wasn't something to ah over and over at.  The company was much, much better.  I believe it's because of the company that I'm being so easy on them.  Would I go again?  Maybe but it would depend on the company. 

Side note, I got a lot of flack for not liking Romano's Pizza.  All I can say is, I've eaten a lot of pizza in my lifetime, and I know what I like and what I don't like.  Romano's I don't like, Brother's Pizza I adore. 

Romano's Pizza, Etc.

Friday night we finally decided to start tackling The List.  There are 24 places listed and, if we average 2 a month, we'll be good for the year (not including any last minute additions). 

I was in the mood for pizza, and since we had a couple of errands to run, we opted for Romano's, which was in the general area.  B worked here over 10 years ago, after he quit working at the movie theater next door where the BNC and I saw many movies for free.  Romano's is also the place where B met his current girlfriend, a lovely girl that is soooo totally in.  I had only eaten at this place once before and never bothered to return so this year, since it's the Year of Try It, it was placed on The List.  Dudes, I really, really, really wanted to love this place.  It would have made me happy to find a pizza place that was closer and thus more easily accessible than my beloved Brother's.  However, it's not going to happen.  We ordered a regular pepperoni pizza because, if they can't make a basic then why bother.  It was so bland that the first words out of our mouths were, "It ain't Brother's."  I was so disappointed.  The pizza was just a small notch above pizza from the mall.  But, my disappointment doesn't go far since, afterall, this is the whole point of this; to try (and retry) new places.  The pizza may have failed but our mission hasn't.

There are a couple of more pizza places on The List but, after talking to B about them, I have learned that Pink's Pizza is bad.  I'll most likely end up going anyhow for researching sake because it's a permanent notecard.  It's the law and I am no lawbreaker.

Galtin's BBQ, which recently got a great review in the Houston Press, will be the next place to tackle.  Wish us luck.

In other food news, Troop, Chapa and I went to Wings-n-More Sunday afternoon as a precursor to the NFC and AFC Championship games.  As usual, a great time was had.

That is, until I lost Troop's gun at the BNC's show Sunday night.  Yea, I suck.  Troop gonna have to learn MMA. 

Troop and I

Having Spider-Man has been pretty awesome BUT, it's no fun to play with him while he's on his invisible motorcycle.  So, I did what any normal person would do, I bought a toy; A Storm Trooper whom I call, Troop. 

I was really looking for Han, Chewy or Darth, but they were gone.  I'm not too fond of Luke and Leia so no.  Troop though, being part of the Empire and pure evil, was the logical choice.  (I root for the underdog, ok?)  And now, our adventures begin.  First up, Smashburger.

Troop and I, along with Chapa, headed out to Smashburger, a location on The List to find out for ourselves whether it was still the best burger I ever ate.  The burger was juicy, seasoned very well, cooked to perfection (medium) and oh man, there aren't enough words to describe how awesome it was.  For realsies, I cannot wait to go back and eat another one.  The fries went down to ok after being ranked yum a few years ago.  But, who cares when you have that burger, the one I forgot to take a picture of because it was delicious.

You so silly, Troop.  This isn't Return of the Jedi.



Sundays typically are House of Pies days for us, and Troop was happy to join in.  So far, we're having a good time and no waitstaff have given me the you crazy eye from playing with Troop as we wait for our food. 

Bitty Girl, on the other hand, isn't too frazzled by another evil entity in house.  Not while it's time to clean the fur, that is.  Will they join forces or will a war break out?  Stay tuned.

Cliff's Notes

Here is more info on the places on my list. 

100% Taquito 

It's a taco place and apparently it's one 100% of the time.  That means it's all the time.  C'mon, man, you can't go wrong with that.

Benihana

A hibachi joint that I am very much looking forward to. 

Chacho's

It's a Mexican restaurant that is mostly known for their yummy tacos and you know how much I love tacos.

Chiloso's Taco House

I'm picking up on a trend right now, are you? 

Feast

I've tried several times in the past to hit this place up but have always had a few roadblocks stop me from proceeding.  Rest assured that I will come here and enjoy the British food since rumor has it that it may close down since no one is going.  It has consistently been on the Best of Houston lists so it's a priority.

Gatlin's BBQ

Yelp has this BBQ place listed with 5 stars (from 17 reviews) and well, we're in Texas so BBQ places have to be on The List.

Genghis Grill

You design the food and someone else cooks it for you?  Wait, what?  Ok.  It's a chain though but still, it's on.

Gorditas Aquascalientes

Gorditas!  I love me a good gordita.  A gordita is just some masa shaped into a semi-thin disc, imagine a thick, slightly smaller corn tortilla, that is either fried in oil or cooked on cast iron.  Once cooked, an opening can be sliced and beans and cheese stuffed inside (my favorite filling).  Mmm...  Aparently this place makes them that doesn't involve me whining to my mom, or grandma, about making me some because theirs is ALWAYS better. 

Gourmet India

I haven't been here in a while and I miss it.  I miss the yummy Indian food with its naan and paneer and basmati rice.  Hopefully the service is still good.

Hugo's

I have heard many great things about Hugo's and its Mexican menu, mostly how it's incredibly traditional and worth it .  I've also heard glowing things about its brunch buffet.  This will require me wrangling up my posse of hungry Mexicans who want to do brunch like the folks over at How I Met Your Mother.

Jus' Mac

Just macaroni and cheese?  Shit, where do I sign up, son?

Mai's

Mai's Vietnamese Restaurant has been closed for a while but it's on the list because it is scheduled to reopen soon and rather than wait for another fire to take it down again, and perhaps run the risk of the owners opting to not reopen, I must go and visit this Houston nightlife staple.

Miyako

I had my Bachelorette Dinner here, a little over 6 years ago, and never went back.  The food wasn't bad but I just never got around to going back and really tasting and enjoying the food without holding up crotchless panties in the air for all my girls to see.  Well, 2011 is here and so is the reason for The List.

Mongolian Hot Pot

You get to assemble your own food?!  In a hot pot?!  Like soup?!  Sweet.  These guys and Genghis Grill are on to something.

Pizzitola's BBQ

Another BBQ place but I have read so many reviews, including one from a renowned Houston food critic, driven by so many times, that to not visit would be a fail of my list.

Pink's Pizza

Finally, a pizza place on The List.  This place now occupies where a Pizza Hut used to sit so it's nice to see those ovens put to use.  I grew up in this neighborhood, my old high school is just a few blocks over, so I am hoping it doesn't suck because you know how much I love pizza. 

Rainbow Lodge

Typically known for its seafood, something I am not too fond of unless it's Lent and I have to, you know, for soul saving purposes, but Rainbow Lodge is known for doing seafood very well and I'll give anything a whirl, or two.  Besides, there are other items on the menu and if it's not Lent Season, then I may sample those. 

Romano's Pizza

Oh, Romano's Flying Pizza is the right name.  You would think I would have remembered this since B worked here many, many, many moons ago.  As a matter of fact, he met his girlfriend here.  I haven't returned since he made me pick up his last paycheck for him about 10 years ago, (still waiting for my Best Sister trophy) but I will triumphantly return, without Sister Duties, and scarf it down. 

Russo's NY Pizzeria

Russo's is a pizza chain but one that does its pizza and marinara very well. It's been a while and I am eager to try them once more.

Smashburger

Ah, Smashburger, another one that I have neglected for far too long.  The burger still stands as the best I have ever had but I'm scared, Monkey Shines terrified, that it may have dropped as Title Holder.  A visit will help to decide if its cuisine still reigns supreme.

Taconazo

Many of my peeps tell me that this place has the best tacos in the city and that is saying a lot especially when it's located in a predominately Mexican neighborhood.  Sooooooo....

Taco Tote

Most Sundays, the BNC and I wake up, wipe the eye crispies from our eyes, and head out to House of Pies where they know us as Charlie 2, the BNC's real name and how many people are in our party.  Taco Tote is next door and this past Sunday, I admit, it smelled heavenly.  I have resisted visiting this place merely for spite.  About a year and a half ago, I lent my BFF my vehicle, for Mexican wedding purposes, and she lent me her mom's.  (I have a Sequoia, do the math.)  As I was pulling out of my parking spot at HOP, Mr. and Mrs. Douche started to pull out of Taco Tote.  I honked and honked because obviously they were stupid and didn't notice me and BAM, they hit my BFF's mom's car.  They were so douchey about it, waiting for HPD to show up and refusing to exchange info with us much less talk to us.  Their request went unanswered until the BNC called them himself where they immediately showed up.  (I should mention that the BNC's dad is a retired HPD veteran of 35 years. Yea.)  Anyhow, our insurances ruled in my favor so take that, Douches.  Back to Taco Tote, I know it wasn't their fault but, the smell on Sunday was enough for me to put them on The List.  It better be good.

Texas Cafeteria

Much like my beloved Barbecue Inn, I've driven by this place so many times over the years and never once walked in.  Wait no more because it's about to get stuffed in my belly.  It seems to be your basic American diner food but it must be doing something right for it to have remained in the same spot, much like the aforementioned, as it watch me grow up from afar.  Word.

Zelko Bistro

Cap'n Crunch crusted chicken?  For realsies?  Shit, it's on.  This place is new to the area and it has opened to much fanfare and good word of mouth, the best kind of advertisement.  I have dreamt of this place and that chicken, as has the old ball-n-chain, and to say that we aren't eager would make us liars. 

And that's The List.  I'm sure some will be added as the year progresses but it won't be done without want.  Many are central to where we live in Houston, with Pink's Pizza, Zelko Bistro being in The Heights, the neighborhood where both the BNC and I grew up, went to school, still have our parents living in, and hope to ultimately live out our golden years in.  Trust me when I say that no place in Houston compares to The Heights area.  It's the oldest part of the city and suddenly, one of the most expensive to move into.  But, boy, it does have delicious food, places that have withstood the test of time.  I'm looking forward to 2011 like I have never done with any other year.  It's full of such uncertainty but promise, if that makes any sense.  It's going to be a good year and I am going to sop it all up with a biscuit.  Yum. 

And, because I have it on the brain..

"Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, but thy eternal summer shall not fade." Phat! Did you write that?
Duh, it's, like, a famous quote.
From where?
Cliff's Notes.

I'm Ready

Ha!  And, I left blanks at the bottom for those last minute, we're-dumb-and-didn't-think-of-it-last-minute add-ins. 

The List

The BNC and I have been working on The List since before NY and I think we finally have it completed.  Towards the end of the year, we both started visiting places that had either popped up in the neighborhood, driven by or just received glowing reviews from friends.  Oh, and coupons.  So, we decided to make a list about places we would like to try and then it took off from there.  It was then decided that it would be our NY resolution.  We don't really eat fast food, except for the occasional Wendy's or Subway outing, but when we do, we want to make it count.

I can't tell you how excited I am about trying these places out.  Very few, perhaps 7, are chains and while I'm not a big fan of giving money to big chains, I'll give props to chains that do food well.  For example, Smashburger, a place we've visited before, about 2 years ago, still has the best burger I have ever had the pleasure of making When Harry Met Sally noises to and yet, it's a chain.  It's yummy.  It's on The List simply because it's been a while since I've been there and, well, I have yet to find a burger that still has me talking about it well after.  Besides, I'm curious to see if it's still just as good.  I hope it is or my search for a good burger will resume once again.  I've also started making notes in my yearly planner about all the times I eat out and where. 

Now, what place will be the lucky one to go first?


PS....my apologies for the bad handwriting yet again.  And, the horribly made stars next to the name are places I've stuffed my face at before.  :)

2011

In keeping with tradition, I made a New Year's Resolution but that's as far as traditional as it gets.  Rather than make false promises, with good intentions, about hitting the gym more often, stop making up my own commentary during House Hunters, etc., I made a list of restaurants I would like to try, or just revisit, in the Houston area.  It's growing ever so slightly since its inception but I am looking forward to tackling it as soon as time permits.  January is a rough month filled with birthdays, working weekends and throwing a Chuck-E-Cheese party for Logan and Apolo (they're turning 9) but we may squeeze a new place before the month is over. 

I am incredibly excited about what 2011 may bring us.  We have so many things on the agenda, not just with yummy places to eat but things to do and futures to set. 

As for The List, I am making cards to carry in our wallets, with enough space for last minute add-ins, and will preview them as soon as time permits (again).  

May your 2011 kick some ass.