Restaurant Week Hit #2 - Brasserie 19

Out with the girls and...I forgot to photograph my dish, again.
I typically get the Roasted Hen, and I’m not a roasted hen kind
of person. But, the Roasted Hen at B19 is soooo good. But, I
decided something new today, Steak Frites! Steak good,
fries so yummy, sorbet was fine. Two of the girls thought the
sorbet was the best. It had 3 different flavors, lemon lime,
raspberry, and cucumber. Yes, I said cucumber. The cucumber
was definitely different...interesting, but still not my favorite.
Fyi, B19 has a really good warm apple pie. As always, I enjoy
Brasserie 19, and think it’s always a great place to go. It’s
currently one of my favorite restaurants at the moment.

Tiny's No. 5 (West University)

Do you not know?  Have you not heard? Tiny Boxwood's West U is now opened!!  It's official name is Tiny's No. 5.  Most have heard the buzz on the street about the new Tiny's in West U, but unsure about opening date.  I'm happy to report, it is officially opened and it's really nice!  It's big and spacious.  Same beautiful and inspiring interior.  Kind of empty at the moment, I think mostly because people don't know it's opened.  It started out opened for dinner only, but they're now opened for brunch and lunch too...without that long line! 

I got the Arugula salad, not so good, it was pretty dry.  At one point, I thought I was going to choke.  Janice got the Chicken Sandwich, which she said was the same dry.  I think if my salad had a little more grapefruit, it would have been perfect.  I should've gotten the Turkey Burger, which is ahhhh-mazing!  They've discontinued it at the original location because it takes so long to cook.  It's better than the Buffalo Burger, in my opinion, and the BB itself is really good.  We also got a Kolache and a Cinnamon Roll.  The Kolache was ok, the Cinnamon roll was really good!  It was moist and sweet...very good.  The staff was really good too, attentive, followed up.

Of course they had to include the same patch of grass as at the original location.  It's a little odd, I'm not sure what they use it for or what's its function.  I guess it looks kind of nice.  You're probably wondering what the golf cart is for.  I was told that if you call Tiny's, they will come and pick you up from your house!  That's if you live in West U.  That is the coolest idea!  Love it! 

South Beach Auto Spa (Midtown)

I called the boys at SBAS about tree sap again.  Last time, SBAS fixed me up when I had serious tree sap issues all over my white suv.  They did it for 4x less than what Mister Car Wash quoted me.  They told me to swing on over and I did.  Everytime I go over there, I always think how nice and cool these guys are.  They also told me that with weather conditions like what we're experiencing now, in 100 degree plus weather, if I let it sit, it'll bake into the paint.  That's pretty common sense, but I just didn't think about it and I'm really glad he emphasized it.

They told me it was going to be an hour job, so I'm kind of bummed, that's a  long time to sit in the waiting room with nothing productive to do.  I walk into the sitting room, Hallelujah!  I forgot they have a computer!  I can do some work.  I'm looking around and it's a really nice set up for customers.  Computer, massage chairs, tv, gourmet coffee, water, etc.  Above and beyond the average car wash shop.  They really did think of everything.  I jumped on the computer, got a client phone call and 30 minutes later, they tell me my car is done.  Sweet!  They said it wasn't as bad as they thought.  I am very happy with my experience and highly recommend them!

Tell em Soo sent ya!

Ruggles 11th St Cafe

I keep forgetting Ruggles took over 11th St Cafe.  That's the best news I've had all year...well, almost...no, not really.  But, it is great news!  I've always wondered how 11st St Cafe was staying alive. I heard they were going to shut down, but amazingly Ruggles saves 11th St Cafe.  With this amazing news, I just keep wondering why I keep forgetting about this great new marriage.  It's been maybe a couple of months and I'm just now visiting, it's totally bizarre behavior.

The interior looks great, different!  Layout is still the same as 11th St Cafe, but much more decorated.  I love the new decor inside.  It's so green and lively!  This new marriage really is an exciting development for the Heights!  Speaking of development, does everyone see all the new restaurants and real estate coming into the Heights?  Christian's Tailgate, Liberty Kitchen (Oyster Bar), Revival Market, Down House, not to mention the amazing restaurants and bars that are already over here like Stella Stola, Shade, Asia Market, Onion Creek, Pink's Pizza, etc.

Ok, back to Ruggles.  So, Ty and I both ordered the Texas Goat Cheese Salad, which is my favorite at Ruggles.  He had it with Salmon, I had it with Chicken.  Same great tasting salad.  Not much else to say, Ruggles is Ruggles, good food!  Ok, I know where I'm going to be a regular at...

My Hairstylist John Chao (Cutloose)

People ask me all the time where I get my hair cut.  I've been going to the same guy for maybe 6 years now, I think, maybe longer.  His name is John Chao and he's at Cutloose Salon located off of Westheimer and Dunlavy. 

He layers really well.  He's a little wild, so I always tell him not to go too short on top, as he gave me a mullet my first visit.  I wore my hair in pony tail for a few weeks as I was so abhorred by my haircut.  But, after a few weeks, it started to fall right and to my surprise, people kept asking me where I got my hair cut.

What I like most about him is that he gives me a hairstyle and not just a haircut.  He knows what he's doing.  He doesn't need to be told how to cut your hair, minus to not cut it too short on top.  I go in with all these pictures of celebrity hairstyles.  But in the end, I just let him do what he wants...minus not cutting it to short on top...did I mention to tell him not to cut it too short on top....see, I was traumatized.

He shows you little tips about how to make your hair look fabulous once you get home.  His services are not cheap, my haircut is now $80.  For me it's worth it since I only get my hair cut once, maybe twice a year.  He looks a little wild in these pictures, but he's a little puppy.  This orange hair is new, he's always had poofy black hair.  He said he's had it for 8 months, so don't be frightened by his punk look, he's super sweet, skilled and attentive.

Brasserie 19 (Second Visit)

On my second visit, to this place I already love, I asked our server to suggest something good.  He suggested the Hen with Mash Potatoes and Spinach and I was a little hesitant because Hen isn't the most yummiest or tastiest item on the menu, usually.  Though I was a little apprehensive, I went with it.  On food arrival I was still a little...ehh...and as I tasted everything, I thought, wow, this is really tasty.  As I kept eating...(and I did eat the whole thing)...I thought...wow, I feel like closing my eyes while I'm eating...yes, that good.  Janice got the Shrimp Salad, said it was good, a little salty.  I didn't try it, as I'm not a shrimp fan.  We were so full, but as you all know, we always have that extra compartment for dessert.  I got the Berry Sensational Shortcake, she got a fruit cup thing, not on the menu...sooooo full, but I took a break and finished it, and it was yummy.  Coffee was brought out in a French press and was also very strong, which I like.  Our server was very mellow and friendly and I thought he made an excellent suggestion...again...a great experience!

Best Sweet Potato Fries

At Barnaby's, seriously.

Black Hole (Museum District)

My latest find! Discovered on a chance incident on our way to dinner by taking a wrong turn. Feels totally like a word of mouth place, but come to find out it's a sister of Antidote, opened only 6 months. I'd be impressed if someone brought me here. If you like Antidote, you'll appreciate Black Hole. Similar food, atmosphere, bigger, casual, buried cafe. Love it here!

4504 Graustark St
Houston, TX 77006
Neighborhood: Museum District

(713) 528-0653

Brasserie 19

Though I missed the highlight for this new noteworthy opening, thanks to my girlfriend Janice, I was duly informed.  If the description from My Table Magazine of "So you think all the ladies who lunch are at Tiny Boxwood's?  Not if they know about this new spot from Grant Cooper and chef Charles Clark", doesn't interest you, then you probably won't like Brasserie 19 at all.  Same owners as Catalan and Ibiza.

Walking up, I'm already impressed.  I love that summer-white-wicker-Hamptons-brunch spot look.  If you do too, then I'm sure you'll like Brasserie 19.  This new restaurant is located in the old Tony Mandola's Gulf Coast Kitchen (TMGCK) spot off of W. Gray.  Tony Mandola's is currently constructing their new building, almost done, off of Waugh, close to the New Whole Foods Market Montrose. 

Kevin made a comment about the average age of TMGCK being 72, funny, but true.  The demographics here was definitely younger than TMGCK, but not young either.  This crowd was a mixture, young, old, working, priviledged, groups of women, etc.

The interior is just so indulgent.  I love the lighter interior than TMGCK had.  Lots of white, marble, wicker, pin cushion banquette seating...very pretty.  Kevin is already eyeing the Lobster Club sandwich and when our server walks up.  Coincidentally, that's what she recommends, so he's already got his item down.  I let her choose my sandwich and she decides on the Tartine sandwich (olive oil poached tuna sandwich with quinoa salad).  I did let her know I'm a blogger, so the pressure was definitely on.  But, she seemed confident with her choice.  The quinoa salad that came with my dish was light, hints of nice subtle flavors, texture good, everything was nice.  However, on arrival of my open faced sandwich, I was a little disappointed.  She said it was going to be seared, as I'm not a huge cooked tuna fan.  However, it was cooked...but, I took a bite, wow, it was really good.  The combination of the subtle tuna flavor and capers were actually really good and had a nice little kick to it.  I tried Kevin's lobster roll sandwich, yum.  The bread on both sandwiches were really good!  His sandwich I could really taste the bread and the bacon, the bacon was, my gosh, delicious!

The service was excellent.  It seemed like all the servers were helping each other out.  I liked that the servers were wearing jeans, including the managers.  The managers were topped with jackets, but it was a good look for the entire restaurant.  They all had a look of excitement and pride about the resturant, and rightfully so. 

Our server also brought us the wine list on an iPad.  How technologically advanced is that?!!  It was actually really informative, you could quickly pick a glass or bottle and look at an elaborate description with a map of the region!  I thought that was just so impressive.  They have an incredible selection of beers as well, which was suprising.  But, no wine for me for lunch, maybe next time for dinner.

We ordered the Apple Galette, but they also brought us the Dark Chocolate Cake and the chef delivered it himself, awesome!  The DCC with ice cream was nice, rich, but the cake could've been warmer.  The Apple Galette, was delicious, the crispy flaky crust with the warm spiced apple middle with ice cream was just mm mm mm.

Wow, I really liked my entire experience.  I don't usually give a really horrible review, unless deserved.  But, I'm also not generous with excellent reviews, unless deserved.  My entire experience here was excellent.  I definitely like Brasserie 19 in this spot better than Tony Mandola's Gulf Coast Kitchen...actually, love it.

1962 West Gray, Houston, TX 77019 | 713.524.1919
OPEN: Mon-Th: 11-10 | Fri-Sat: 11-11
Sun: Brunch 10-3, Dinner 3-9

Whole Foods Market - Montrose OPENED!!

Before

After

Jodie and I visit Whole Foods Market Montrose today and it was so much fun!  It's really exciting to have a WFM in our hood.  The energy inside is amazing.  Everybody is ecstatic about the opening, including the staff.  Guess I won't be going to the Kirby location much anymore.

It's a nice set up and feels about the same size as the original location, but designed completely differently as far as layout is concerned.  There were a lot of similar things in their meals/food section, but my staples weren't present, which I was disappointed about.  Today, I had my regular salad and tried some Indian food.  I was in the mood for some spice and wanted a kick of flavor, so I reached for the Indian food, very satisfying.  It's in the corner of my lunch crate.  Jodie had the Blackened tilapia, macroni and cheese, and fruit salad.  For dessert, Jods and I had this decadent fruit cup.  The only probablem was the fruit.  It kept getting in the way!  The chocolate wafer was so divine!  Tasted like chocolate and toffee, so good!

On a side note, isn't it awesome that it's been raining all day?!!