Feb 14

The flowers were from Cindy. A very sweet gesture from one of my close friends who must love me a lot because she HATES Valentine’s day.

The joke and truth is, most (not all) of my most romantic gifts and dates and moments were usually shared with girlfriends. We go to Broadway shows, buy each other jewelry, send each other heart felt letters declaring our admiration for each other, and send each other flowers and cookies more readily than I’ve experienced from boys in general.

I’ve come to really cherish my girlfriends. As much as I adore the small handful of male friends I keep in my life, they’re usually not the nurturing types. Case in point, here’s a voicemail I got from my best guy friend. (He’s a great boyfriend to whomever he’s dating so this is not reflective of the romantic side to him.)

The answer to his question by the way, is zero.

Feb 5

Last weekend, Thomas, Kim, and Jessica and I embarked on a progressive lunch in Houston. Except for the photo of him and Jessica, photos used in this blog entry were taken by Thomas.

A progressive meal is where you go to more than one place for one meal. Some people like to do it by course: an appetizer at one eatery, the main course at another, dessert at a last place. My friends and I do it by what the restaurant is known for. Follows is the list of entries in series in chronological order.

Progressive Series
1. First stop: Niko Nikos
2. Asia Market
3. Straits

Asia Market

1010 W Cavalcade St Ste D
Houston, TX 77009
(713) 863-7074
asiamarket-hou.com

Asia Market was actually Willis’s recommendation and was supposed to be our last stop of a progressive meal the previous time we did a progressive in Houston. Willis took Thomas and me there but they were closed for Thanksgiving. You can see Willis’s review of Asia Market here. He wanted us to try the pastry puffs that were stuffed with curried chicken. (Willis couldn’t join us again this round because he went to LA. Funny, Thomas came to Houston from LA and Willis went to LA from Houston.)

Our little eating group of four trekked to Asia Market after our satisfying tasting at Niko Nikos. We each had a curry pastry (priced at under 4 dollars for a box of 4) and we sat our bottoms down at the very modest Asia Market and nibbled. We even shared a Dragon Fruit drink. I’ve confirmed with my parents that I’ve never had Dragon Fruit, a tropical fruit you can find in Asia. Very seedy, that fruit.



Yes. Kim and I totally inadvertently wore the exact same outfit. Leather jacket, leather boots, jeans, and striped shirt. What?

The puffs were tasty. The pastry was nice and flaky and buttery and the curried chicken, flavorful.

They had a Thai restaurant in the market with entrees for very reasonable prices. I’m tempted to come back to this place and try out their kitchen menu. It’s quite tiresome trying to eat the world.

So this concludes our trip to Asia Market. Next up, Straits! Stay tuned for stop number three of our progressive lunch.

Feb 3

I’ve been blue and I’m guessing this will be my general status quo for a while. I’m very much a type 7 kind of person so I don’t do very well sitting on my couch and feeling sorry for myself. I’m the kind of person who when faced with bad moods and heartache, I do my best to battle it with good times and reflecting on blessings. I cackle extra hard at mediocre jokes and I seek adventure. I’ve jumped out of planes and shot guns and traveled all in the spirit of avoiding pain. I’m pretty open to new experiences, but especially so when faced with adversity.

Although this is how I am, I don’t think it’s exactly healthy. I think we have to let ourselves mourn and feel what we feel now so that it’ll eventually run empty. It doesn’t mean I have to like it when my melancholy catches up to me and holds me in a lingering embrace. Actually it felt more like an unwelcomed, crushing bear hug. And that’s exactly what it did yesterday. The afterglow of my weekend in Houston wore off and I just felt extremely sad. All day. Most of the night. I’m a pretty rational person and I know bad times (and obviously good times) will pass. It’s just that I’m fucking impatient.

In the spirit of being more healthy about my coping with pain, I sat yesterday and bore the depression during work hours. Then, true to form I tried to use it as a trigger to propel me away. I completed tasks I was avoiding because I figured, hell, I’m having a bad day anyway, let’s just get this all out of the way. I cried my way through it and eventually made it to bed.

Here I am this morning. Ready to face it again. Tonight I’m meeting up an old/new group of friends and cooking something. Don’t know what yet. You know, to distract myself.

To nurse that afterglow I mentioned, I’m going to post random fun pictures from my weekend in Houston. (I have a progressive meal series to work on posting as well).









This picture makes me laugh out loud. I accidentally grabbed his butt right at the very second the picture was snapped. I thought it was his back! I did this to Jessica earlier that same day too. Oi.


What do you do when you’re feeling down?

Jan 20

1219 South Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78704

One of my close friends, Cindy came up for a visit (first visit to Austin in a very very long time) this weekend. I met her up at Madam Mams for lunch on Saturday and then for a delightful second trip to Gourdoughs on Sunday. She was enamoured with the pictures posted from my first visit and insisted we go. How can I deny my friend?

I got to add 2 more donuts to my list of donuts (now at 9!) tried at Gourdoughs. I’m moving on up their menu.


Cindy, her boyfriend, and her boyfriend’s brother.


Bromance! That’s Cindy’s best friend, Vince and his old roommate, Daniel. I’ve recruited them to be my food buddies.


Mm. Black Out Donut – Brownie batter, chocolate icing, and chocolate covered brownie bites. It was so fricking rich. Pictured next to Son of a Peach.


Bring the Heath: cream cheese icing and Heath chips


I look extra chinky squinting at the sun….

Jan 11

Warning: A lot of food porn ahead.

1219 South Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78704

www.gourdoughs.com

I had a dinner date at 7pm with a friend yesterday. It’s 2 pm and I’m about to head out so I decided to eat lunch and try to last til 7 to be able to eat dinner. I usually get hungry about 3-4 hours after eating unless I STUFF myself silly. So I did just that and stuffed myself SILLY at around 2pm.

3pm I get a text message from Liz whom I haven’t caught up with in over a YEAR. “Hi, I’m in Austin. Want to grab a midday snack at Gourdough’s?”

Dammit. I made the decision quickly but my stomach was already starting to hurt knowing what I’m about to do to it. I haven’t chatted with my Liz in over a year AND I’ve never been to Gourdoughs. Easy decision at the expense of my stomach. My poor poor stomach.

I met Liz up with her boyfriend and buddies, a party of 7. I find out later that the more people you bring, the better to Gourdough’s. I’ve met some of her friends a few times through the years but the occasions were pretty unremarkable. After eating here with them, they will always be remembered as the fun-loving, food-loving hilarious group that introduced me to Gourdoughs. (4 were regulars, Me, Liz and her boyfriend were neophytes.)

So what is Gourdough’s?

Gourdough’s Big Fat Donuts is a trailer eatery pretty close to my first trailer-food-love, Flip Happy Crepes. What is it about food trailers in Austin? I haven’t been back to Flip Happy in a while because ever since Bobby Flay did a feature on it, it hasn’t been the same. Gourdough’s (in case you don’t know, “gordo” translates to fat in Spanish. Already, this place has charmed me; I have a strong affinity for puns.) is a gourmet donut eatery. Yes, you’ve read right, gourmet. donut. eatery.

Her friend Jon, was giving me the low down on the menu. He said there’s a secret menu that is no longer secret as it’s made it on the paper menu (not pictured). Jon also instructed that once you gain more “experience” you can even order your donut with a side of ice cream (vanilla or chocolate) AND all donuts for an extra dollar you can have meat on it. Otherwise, donuts are just $3.25. He was just there yesterday and said the Porky’s really good. Porky’s is a donut with Canadian bacon, jalapeno jelly, and cream cheese. Did you read that? Go back if you need to. He mentioned a few donuts he’s had. The PB&J one which is donut with grape filling, peanut butter icing with peanut butter morsels sprinkled. The Slowburn with Habanero Pepper jelly with cream cheese. The Flying Pig with bacon and maple syrup.

I cannot wait to try these creative combination of ingredients. For now I will share with you what we’ve shared. We ordered 7 different donuts but I think I left out 2 in my distraction of sheer joy and delight.

Miss Shortcake

Jon’s order. I love the sounds and words that kind of fall out of foodies’ mouths when they eat something SO good. It’s as if they forget they’re not alone and this is truly their most authentic and personal reaction. I believe his reaction was “………God….. this is SO. Freeeesssssshh.” He wasn’t talking to any of us in particular and we all laughed, tickled that we just got a glimpse of a private moment he had to himself. He’s right though. It was pretty damn fresh.

Unknown Donut with Honey Dipping Sauce


Savag (I hope I spelled his name correctly) ordered a donut that came with a honey dipping sauce. I couldn’t find it on the menu. He’s one of the more experienced Gourdoughers, so perhaps he ordered from the formerly secret menu that hasn’t been posted on the website yet.

Mystery donut makes it’s rounds around the table. There he is with my friend, Liz.

Here’s a sexy close up of mystery donut with honey dipping sauce.

Mother Clucker

Liz ordered the Mother Clucker. A donut with honey butter icing topped with FRIED CHICKEN! This was one of my favorites because I love combining savory with sweet. Moreover, the other 6 of us got sweet donuts so this one was a nice little break in comparison. The crispy chicken on the warm doughy donut was truly comforting. This is definitely going to be one of my regulars when I frequent (note I said “when” and not “if”) Gourdough’s.

Son of a Peach

This is Andy’s order which is from the formerly secret menu! Son of a Peach. So fricking GOOD. My friend Dave is in love with peaches. I’ve already mentally bookmarked this donut to share with him in the future.

Funky Monkey

My order! Donut that comes with grilled bananas, cream cheese icing, and brown sugar baste. It tasted like a banana’s foster on crack. I’m smacking my lips right now as I type this which is a feat as I’m still in physical pain from all the eating I’ve done. I was 110 percent pleased with my order.

Granny’s Pie

Granny’s Pie is crowned with caramel, pecans, bananas, and graham crackers. This was pretty good of course. Really rich. It didn’t completely suit my palate but I’m guessing all fans of pecan pies (all the boys that I know) would love this donut.

Closing Thoughts

As often as I rave about food, it is a little rare when I’m completely head over heels with a place. I’m head over heels with this place. What saddens me is we spoke to the nice owner and we learned the Foodnetwork is coming to do a feature and film on the 25th of the month. When Bobby Flay did that to Flip Happy Crepes, the trailer eatery is now OVERRUN with people and can take over an hour to get yourself a delicious crepe. I’m pretty sure the exposure to this modest trailer will do the same. Luckily, Gourdough’s hours are much more accessible (everyday 10am- 2am). In the meantime, I can not wait to come back to Gourdough’s Big Fat Donuts!

Jan 5

1103 S Shepherd Dr
Houston, TX 77019
Phone:713.521.2239
http://www.backstreetcafe.net/

After Kim and I released our balloons right before the year’s end, we had our new Sunday in Houston tradition of eating brunch at a nice place. Instead of Hugo’s, we went to Hugo’s sister restaurant, Backstreet Cafe. We were pleasantly surprised to see that Backstreet Cafe is a two story house (apparently built in the 30s) renovated into a restaurant. Very quaint for Houston. I’m still exploring Houston, but whereas Austin is abundant in quaint, romantic, little restaurants, Houston seems to have a knack for grander interiors.


We were seated upstairs not far from the fireplace which was housing a real fire.


Our window.


We both ordered the wild berry mimosa which I liked even more than Hugo’s guava and watermelon mimosa. I had to consciously not drink it too fast. (I have to REALLY pace myself with alcohol.)

For an appetizer, we shared the roasted pear salad. Neither of us have had a roasted pear and I think both of us have thought about roasting our own pears. After eating this delicious warm pear, more than ever, I’m resolved to roast me a pear now. So warm and moist!


My first roasted pear. It definitely won’t be my last.


Stuffed with bleu cheese, dried fruit and nuts, served with greens.


Bistro Breakfast

Pictured above is Kim’s order, the Bistro Breakfast, which is comprised of a grilled 4oz tenderloin served with two poached eggs, rosemary potato cake, spinach and tomato hollandaise sauce. I had a taste of her tenderloin and it was magnificent and tender. I have to watch it with steaks because it’s usually tough on my lockjaw but this one was perfect.


Spinach Soufflé

I ordered the Spinach Soufflé (pictured above) with mushrooms, poached eggs topped with sabayon and crumbled crisp bacon with a small artichoke salad. I thought I should attempt to eat more greens in the spirit of a new year and new beginnings. I managed half the salad. The soufflé was just as it should be, light and fluffy. The poached eggs on top gave it a heartier bite. I wished they were a tad more generous with the bacon but all in all this dish is a winner.


Bread Pudding

Kim and I never skip out on dessert when dining together. It’s our rule. The bread pudding was good. It didn’t blow me away or anything but it was not a bad tasting bread pudding.

Backstreet Cafe is unique from its brother, Hugo’s. The feel, the food. It’s a lot quieter and calmer than Hugo’s. It’s a great place to unwind after a crazy night out whereas Hugo’s ambiance is not so good for a hangover. I’m definitely bookmarking this place for future reference. Hugo Ortega, the executive chef, owns Hugo’s, Backstreet Cafe, and Prego. I nominate Prego to be our next brunch or dinner stop for Kim and me next I’m in Houston.

I’m loving Houston’s eats!
Jan 3

Balloons waiting to be written on.

Every year at aroud New Year’s for the past 3 years, Kim and I, inspired by an article in O magazine, release balloons. We adapted what Lance Armstrong’s exwife did (she released balloons to symbolize things she was letting go) and we write on 2 balloons. 1 with the things we want to let go that we had trouble letting go of in the year prior, the other with things we desire and hope for in the year to come. It’s an extremely girly thing to do but we enjoy it tremendously and look forward to it when a year draws to an end.


Each balloon gets a quotation we choose/vote on.


Our quotation chosen for our wishes, desires, and hopes balloon.


I transcribed this quote for our regrets/letting go balloon and inadvertently left off two words that you now see ungracefully inserted in.


Kim adding to our wishes and desires for 2010.


Here are some things we look forward to and hope for.


Some more things we look forward to and hope for.


Things we’re letting go.


More things we’re letting go.



Video of our balloon release

Cheers to 2010.

Jan 1

I wish everyone a safe, better than 2009, healthy new year in 2010. I had a wonderful time last night and spent today eating good barbecue, seeing Jen T one last time before she goes back to Philly tomorrow, browsing a bookstore, and now I’m doing some cleaning and game planning for 2010. I’m feeling good over here.

Dec 31

In comparison to 2008, 2009 was awful! The one thing I can think of that 2009 had over 2008 was that I read more than double the books I read in 2008. I’m anticipating the fresh feel of a new year that is 2010. In the meantime, here’s a review of how my year has gone with heavier emphasis on my blessings verses my misfortunes.

Note: All links open in a new window.

January 2009


Celebrating New Year’s with the boyfriend

February 2009


Alan and I at the Killer’s Concert

March 2009


Rodeo, Austin, TX

April 2009


Selina’s Birthday

May


Celebrating Sae’s law school graduation

June 2009


Cindy and me at Grand Lux Cafe in Houston

July


Brandi and me on Fourth of July

August

  • The first two weeks of August, I tried to squeeze in as much time as I can with Alan because he was about to leave for Korea for up to 4.5 months.
  • Starting, August 16, I started counting days Alan was gone.
  • Kim came to visit the weekend of the 22nd and we saw Wicked.
  • I saw 500 Days of Summer three times this month, in theatre, of course. This is the first movie I’ve done that.
  • Jon visited from NYC.
  • I got a part-time, part-time (yes you read that right) job, thanks to Brittany dropping a good word for me.


Alan’s last night out with friends before going to Korea.

September

October

November


Having hot chocolate at Ren Fest.

December


After party in the car.

I’m a blessed girl. Instinctively, I’d tell you my 2009 was pretty awful but when I write it all out like this and focused on the good rather than the bad, I can see now I’m still quite lucky. Farewell, 2009.

Tell me how your year went. Or better yet, if you have a year in review entry, I’d love to read yours.

Dec 30

5120 Washington Ave
Houston, TX 77007
(281) 701-4248

Okay, let me get this fact out of the way first. Taps has NINETY-SIX BEERS ON THE WALL. NINETY-SIX.

I was in Houston for the holidays and had a fun night out at Taps with some Houston girl friends. I like the crowd here. No attention hungry loud girls, no dudes in Affliction/douchebag t-shirts, just young professionals in their mid-twenties to mid-thirties. The bar staff is super friendly, the prices were reasonable, the beer abundant. I’m liking this place on Washington Avenue. It would be a great place to come back to on an off night when it’s less crowded and watch a sports game.


More beer on tap


Cindy, me, Pinky.


Lovely sisters: Pinky and Aishah. Aishah was a roommate of mine in college for three years!


In case you are wondering, Aishah’s doing a fist pump, a la Jersey Shore.


There was a time when this girl was in middle school and would come up to Austin to visit her sister and me in college, now she’s all grown up and is our fricking designated driver.

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