BRC Gastropub

I've been dying to visit BRC Gastropub and finally get to do it today.  If you're like me, you're probably wondering what's a gastropub?  Well, according to urbandictionary.com, it's a pub that sells high class cuisine.  Ok, now what's up with the name of the restuarant?  BRC, which is short for Big Red Cock.  That name is so shockingly vulgar and then you realize there's really a big red cock in the front of the restaurant, and then you're like oh.  But, you're still thinking...what's up with that name?  I don't have an answer, I'm just saying...



Immediately when I walk in, I'm greeted by friendly staff.  I tell them I'm waiting for my lunchmate, they walk me to the bar.



They have these pour jars of Sangria, Mimosa and Strawberry Mojito, I was almost tempted.



I take Mike with me and he apprently forgot about our appointment or something so I'm sitting by my lonesome at the bar, chatting it up with the bartender and this is sitting in front of me.  I had to order it.  They warmed it up and told me to use the mustard with it.  It was nice to have as an appetizer.  Not anything really special, but it's definitely different to have these hanging on this stand at the bar, you can't resist.  But, I'm telling you, it's not worth it, skip it, go straight to your food and save some room for beer or drinks or dessert.

 



I love the decor, I think it's so cool.  Vintage patterns mixed with contemporary finishes with some rustic touches.  I think this is my new favorite place!





I love the idea of the way they list and promote specials on these large rolls or brown paper.  It's fun and clever.



I order the BRC Pub Burger and because I don't claim to be a foodie, but a health foodie, I substitue the bacon and cheese for avocado.  Look at the container for the french fries...it's a mini commerical deep fryer!  It's so cute, I love it!  My burger and fries were yum.  I loved it, it was good. 



Mike got the skirt steak with the fries.  He said it was good.  He also had a beer, by the way, they have tons of beer on tap.  Apparently one of the things they're known for.  I hear people also complain about the size of the space inside, I had no complaints.  It's a decent size, I thought, maybe not for late night activities, but definitely good enough for a lunch crowd.  I loved the decor, atmosphere, food, loved it all...the pretzel not so much.



One last observation, the restroom, had a unisex area, it was a trough...interesting.  However, they do have individual male and female restrooms.  Overall, I liked it, Mike liked, fun place, go check it out!

Jus Mac Coming Soon…can’t wait!

Outside looks ready, curb appeal check, all we need are some open doors!

Christmas in September

It's September And Christmas lights are already going up in the neighborhood of River Oaks near Whole Foods Mkt!

mmm…cupcake

Yes, that is the name of this cupcake shop, which works straight out of this truck, no brick & mortar for this one.  Jim and I ran into this cupcake truck in Rice Village right outside Urban Outfitters.  We stop by, guys are super nice, I think they're the owners.  They didn't have a credit card machine, so they gave us free cupcakes.  Jim had a problem with that so we went to the atm and paid for them anyways.  Some people just can't accept a gift, oh well.



I open the box and pretty disappointed, these cupcakes are actually pretty ordinary looking.  No pizazz.  Do they realize who they're competing against?  Picture below from Celebrity Cupcakes, purchased a couple days later for a client...on presentation alone, there is no comparison.



Look how cute Celebrity Cupcake's cupcakes are.  They make me want to eat all of them and they taste yummy too!  My favorites at Celebrity Cupcakes are Red Velvet and Lemon Raspberry.  Thanks to Diana Yoon who likes cute things and introduced me to Celebrity Cupcakes.  She's so cute, love her and she's a brain...Postdoc at Rice as a molecular bone reconstruction something, I don't know, very technical stuff, but she loves cupcakes and makes them too!



However, I pull it out of the box and I actually think it's cute.  It's different.  Simple.  I like how the cake doesn't go far passed the cup.  The bright red cup.  I don't like how the truck looks, it is not very cute.  Looks cheap.  Hate the design.  This pictured here is Lemon.  Lemon is actually tasty, however, it doesn't taste professional.  It's more like something someone baked and brought to the office.  The nicest owners say "it's all natural".  I tell Celebrity Cupcakes owner and she says..."everyone's is all natural" and that they (Celebrity Cupcakes) uses organic ingredients.  Anyways, I still love Celebrity Cupcakes, they're the best.  However, I did try the Vanilla Bean the other day, and did not think that was very tasty.  The top of the cupcake is decorated with sugar sprinkles and just didn't taste very good.  I didn't finish it.  I think I'm gaining weight...I might have to lay off the cupcakes for now...this might be my last cupcake entry...maybe someone should come out with a new dessert concept and call it..."so long cupcake".   :)