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Chinese New Year Celebrating with Lilian... and more!

1/27/2012

Happy Chinese New Year!

What better way to add China to the blog than with a feast, celebrating
the Year of the Dragon! Lilian, (seated far right) hosts a gathering of friends and family each year to celebrate the Chinese New Year. This year Lilian picked Jasmine Asian Cafe on colorful Bellaire Blvd. for her feast. I've dined here before for Vietnamese food, but this was a distinctly Chinese spread of foods!

Food and Friends
This was a fun evening of food and friends, but in China we would celebrate much longer. The Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the 15- day " Spring Celebration".

Celebrating goes on

You don't have to go to Houston's "Chinatown" to get Chinese food. This great little Hunan restaurant is a favorite on Eldridge. It's cozy for dining in, but we do carry outs frequently.

Pearls and Silk
And if you're going to have carry outs, then why not throw on some pearls and silk to enjoy your Spicy Szechwan Shrimp or Kung Pao Chicken?

Family
The main reason for feasting during the Spring Festival is bringing families together.

Our American Thanksgiving encourages families to come together, but not for 15 days!

My family has always loved Chinese dining, especially with a round table and shared dishes. Even on a visit to China, my kids got over the scary fish who stared up at them from the plate and the unknown soup ingredients.

Chinese New Year makes me miss my kids.

Including Mom in Chinese New Year

My mother was the one who made my kids giddy fans of Shrimp Toast and Crab Rangoon! She took them to Hunan Garden in St. Louis, where the owner knew her by name. Sometimes she even followed the Chinese custom of giving children red envelopes with money tucked inside. So it's only fair that my mom would get to enjoy a little of her favorite food for the holiday!

A great thing I learned...

Since I am no longer able to take my mom on outings, I decided to bring her a feast for the Chinese New Year. My mother's Alzheimer's may have affected her ability to walk and converse...but she can still eat a whole meal with chopsticks! Witnessing that was 15 days of FAMILY HAPPY rolled into one! Go Mom!

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Belgian at Jeannine's Bistro in Houston

1/25/2012

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No Waffles...

This looks like a spot in the Sugar Land, but it's really at the fun/funky end of Westheimer Blvd. in Houston. We arrived early enough that Belgian waffles and coffee would have been a treat...but not on this menu.

Mussels in Brussels

We did find mussels on the menu and that is another thing Belgium is known for. Lorrie was getting a bit of a mussel steam facial at this moment, but the photo doesn't capture it. I sampled one of Lorrie's mussels and was surprised at how tasty it was... since I'm not usually a fan. They were served with French fries and homemade mayonnaise, which I also sampled. Yum. FF&M could become addicting!

More food

I ordered Waterzooi de Poulet, which is a Flemish creamy chicken stew with carrots and celery. It was good, but I had to add salt which I rarely do. Shari's, Carbonade Falmande (beef stew with Chimay beer, onions and carrots) was really much more flavorful. We had to thank our waiter Manuel, for pushing that one.

Flemish...Flanders...Belgium...Dutch?

Ordering "Flemish" food made me ponder a few words. Lorrie and Shari both have art history backgrounds and I've been to Belgium, but we were making ourselves confused. We all knew of many Flemish painters...and I recalled a movie "Dog of Flanders" which takes place in Belgium and has something to do with Flemishness...which I'm sure is not a word. Flemish...Dutch? We put that discussion to rest, but I was later delighted to see a print of my favorite Flemish painter Pieter Bruegel displayed in the restroom!

Food and Talk

Manuel was happy to take our photo as we finished our food. And he was happy to leave us to ourselves as we talked for another hour at least!

Beer?

We arrived before noon, hungry for waffles. But by the time we were leaving it was the time of day many start drinking beer. Come to think of it, we had a family friend named Al, who used to order waffles and beer frequently... wonder if that's a Belgian thing?

We'll have to come back to sample this huge selection another day!

Heading out...

I spoke with Manuel and owner, Jeannine as they were getting ready to close between the lunch and dinner hours. (siesta?) Manuel was friendly, but I could sense Jeannine was not up for one of my "People Encounters". Hey, she's not from Belgium so I'm going to assume there was nothing interesting to learn from her anyway.

What I learned? Our dining conversation lead me to a 1 minute research task. I am now reminded that Flanders is an area, which includes the north part of Belgium. Flemish are the Dutch speaking inhabitants of Belgium. So I guess Flemish food must be from Flanders. I will sleep much better now.

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Hruska's for Czech Kolaches - Ellinger, TX

1/23/2012

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Nearly 200,000 in Texas of Czech Heritage...

So that's why I needed to get some Czech food on the blog... And Czech bakeries are in abundance, especially in the Hill Country of Texas... And since we pass Hruska's on Hwy 71 driving from Houston to Austin about 30 times a year, why not stop and choose from 16 varieties?

First store...then gas station...

Hruska's is really part gas station and part food/gift shop. The Hruska family has been in the business since 1912. This is a mural in the newly remodeled (3,000 sq ft larger) shop that sits next to the gas station. I wish it still looked like it did in the 1930's or 60's. In the 1960's kolaches were made in the home of Adolphine Krenek who used her Czech family recipe as well as dairy from her livestock and poppy seeds from her garden. (the "old timers" still love the poppy seed kolaches best!)

Modern Hruska's

Today Hruska's is a busy place! It seems every car on hwy 71 stops for gas or food or to browse at the ever growing gift shop...filled with everything from Texas doodads to scrapbooking materials. The gift shop is in fact so spread out that people browse themselves right into the large welcoming restrooms (also filled with sale items) It is a bizarre setup and more than once a man has wandered into the ladies room in a confused state!

Visiting with Mary

This is Mary. She has worked at Hruska's for 20 years. There have been lots of changes in this 100 year business, but even in 20 years Mary has seen quite a few. She used to help make the kolaches when they were hand scooped. She helped make them across the road in a big house, but regulations changed that. She used to help grind the seeds in the popular poppy seed kolaches. Those seeds came from Adolphine's garden, and were much tastier than the seeds they purchase for baking today.

16 Kinds!

Here are just some of the 16 varieties! Mary likes the cream cheese best. Of course the meat and cheese filled kolaches are a big hit.

The Kolache House?

Right across Hwy 71 is this old house. I'm guessing this is the home Mary was pointing towards when she mentioned making kolaches. It's kind of fun to imagine this old farm with dairy cows and poppies in the garden. Even Teri, who owns Hruska's now, started helping make kolaches when she was 11. It was her great grandfather who opened up the first Hruska's in 1912.

Poppyseeds!

These are not tiny bugs nibbling at the corner of my kolache. This is gooey poppy seed paste, oozing out of the center of my kolache.
That's a lot of poppy seed! And evidently eating poppy seeds can lead to a positive drug test. Hmmm. That got me wondering about the poppies that grow in neighborhood gardens...

And I learned?

And since I now try to make some kind of discovery from every dining adventure, I took this whole poppy thing a bit too far. Since I was in the passenger seat as we traveled Hwy 71, I spent 90 minutes googling on the iphone to find out why we can grow poppies in our yards if they can create opium. Well I won't go into the details of all I learned, but there is a ridiculously long article about poppies and opium and... "One Gardener's Encounter with the War on Drugs"
http://www.wesjones.com/pollan1.htm Enjoy?

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Sabor Venezolano! Dining at the Gas Station!

1/22/2012

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Venezuelan Food Truck

Sabor Venezolano is a food truck. The restaurant I wanted to try was closed, so this seemed to be the only choice for Venezuelan food in Houston. I have nothing against food trucks. They have blocks of trendy food trailers in Austin, TX and Portland, OR. But this is the real deal. This truck is plastered in posters and colorful, spray painted words in Spanish. It sits in the corner of a gas station lot on Westheimer Blvd., next to what appears to be a Gentleman's Club. So what lured me here? The internet of course. Write-ups by Venezuelans as well as newcomers all gave 4 out of 5 stars. Plus I had my interpreter, Don. I heard they don't speak English.

Not a Just aTaco Truck!

There is nothing wrong with a taco truck, but this is much more! However, seeing Don standing in front of this truck reminded me of the first time I heard the term "taco truck". 14 years ago when our kids were 8 and 11 and dreading our impending move to Texas from Oklahoma, Don did his best to encourage them with wonderful images... "We'll actually have palm trees in our neighborhood and who knows maybe we'll get a pool. And you know how the ice cream truck comes in Tulsa? They have taco trucks in our neighborhood! They serve tacos and burritos!" And yes, when we moved in, we heard the funny musical honk of the taco truck driving down our street each day. But we never actually joined the roofers and construction crews who gathered at the truck for lunch break.

The Food

We knew from reading "Yelp", which items were best. There are 10 different kinds of arepas, with a variety of fillings. The Cachapa is the most authentic Venezuelan choice. And if you order the Patacone (with crispy fried plantain) eat if first! Nothing will compare after. And as you can see prices are listed...for .99 to $7.00!

Taking our order

This is Alicia, who peeked out of her tiny window to answer our questions. That's a mighty tiny serving window. No room to peek inside and snoop. That could worry some, but I choose to just find it kind of cute, like the window Dorothy speaks through before entering the door to OZ!

Alicia warmed up after a bit and Don did a pretty incredible job of conversing, for someone who has only been learning Spanish on his own for a year. After asking about the food, Don asked where all the customers were. Alicia explained that we had missed the daytime rush hour, but night is a different story! On Fridays they are open until 4:30 in the morning! I gathered from her raised eyebrows that this might have been a whole different blog write up had I decided to visit at that hour! I speak no English, but pantomimed that I hoped she was home in bed during those hours! "Si!!" she smiled.

With Cachupa and Alicia

I finally convinced Alicia to come out of the truck to pose before I devoured my cachapa. I've never tasted anything like it! The sweet corn pancake is doubled over a filling of handmade soft white cheese. Both cheese and pancake are imported from Venezuela and that is why it costs $7, (which is a lot for a food truck dish) but very worth it for such a different flavor experience! The rich, sweet, buttery corn pancake worked well with the salty cheese! Online comments from Venezuelans say this doesn't compare to tasting a cachapa freshly made in their county, but they also agree this is as delicious as you could ever hope for with imported ingredients!

Arepa!

An arepa is a dough patty (pita-like) filled with meat and/or cheese. Don chose the "Reina Pepiada" arepa, filled with shredded chicken, avocado and mayonnaise. This was a cold sandwhich, very much like chicken salad. Perfect for lunch. We actually shared half and half. There is no way I could have eaten that whole rich cachupa by myself!

And where did we enjoy our food?

Right in the gas station lot of course! We had a nice little plywood wood bench and lots of posters to view!

What I learned? I no longer end the blog with a number rating. I Instead mention one thing I learned from my dining adventure. Today I learned there are little treasures hidden in every nook and cranny of every city.All the worn out houses, buildings and even trucks we drive by every day, might just have some kind of surprise inside. If I'd ever even noticed this truck as I drove by this cluttered section of Westheimer, I would never have guessed there was imported cheese and corn pancakes waiting inside... to create dishes you can find nowhere else in Houston!

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Nigerian Food at Finger Lickin'...by Myself!

1/15/2012

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With my Trainers

Here I am with owner, Bola-O and his partner Oghosha, being treated like a V.I.P! I honestly said nothing about writing a blog, I just asked for a carry out menu. Next thing you know, I was being seated at a table with a huge plate of food. I'm not one of those people who likes to eat by myself, but as it turns out, I didn't spend much time alone. One host, one waiter and two from the kitchen, kept stopping by begging to know what I thought. Then, Oghosha took on the role of personal trainer as he described how I must be introduced gradually to Nigerian food. "Ahhhh!" he laughed when he saw my plate. "You have not even stepped onto the continent of Africa! We will do this slowly, with many visits."

Curious Location

There are quite a few African shops and restaurants on this section of Bissonet, so what made me stop here? No it was not the name. (I should have asked why they gave this Nigerian restaurant such a Colonel Sanders type name) And no it was not the welcoming building... which you may recognize as a very worn looking Bennigan's. I give credit to a sweet caregiver at my mother's nursing home, who argued one day, that this was the best African food in town. She wasn't arguing with me, but with another caregiver from Ghana, who clearly believed "Ghana House" was better! Another day...

Here is Shaddy, showing me a case with meat pies and sausage rolls and some packaged bean dishes. I really planned on just taking a menu and coming another time, but Shaddy's enthusiasm made me consider at least taking home a sample from the heated display.

Before long Shaddy and another young woman from the kitchen were eagerly discussing which foods they thought I would like. Shaddy wanted me to sit down and try FUFU, which I still am not clear on. There was a lot of debating between the two, but I was getting more caught up in their accents. It made me want to know more about the languages in Nigeria. I know English is their National language, but I believe hundreds of others are spoken.

Shaddy finally said, "If only you would sit down and eat, we could give you the best!" So I sat at a nearby table and let them serve me.

Food

TOO MUCH!!

Shaddy handed me a complimentary meat pie while the main dish of "Jollof Ri" was being prepared. That would have been enough. This gigantic serving of rice, chicken, beef and plantain became a whole new meal the next day as leftovers! There is no way I could finish this dish.

I was pleased to discover the meats were not too spicy, but later learned from Oghosha that this was the mildest beginning to experiencing Nigerian food. He explained the progression of meals I should have, to build myself up to the complicated spices in the more authentic dishes with curious names like "Amala, Eba Tuwo, Lafun..." Goat, snail...lots of goat!

New Friends

Here I am thanking my two friends from the kitchen who talked me into staying so I could experience some of their foods. I have never been so surrounded by such eager servers and staff.

Points for Finger Lickin'? I'm tired of my silly rating system that I've been using for 6 months. I like words better than numbers anyway. I think I'll end each blog with something I learned from my visit.

Two Things I learned from Finger Lickin'
(these have nothing to do with the food)
1- Dining alone actually allows for more interaction
2- When a restaurant is welcoming, customers give more in praise and tips. (so is the economy making restaurants friendlier these days?)

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Marini's Empanada House for Argentine Food- With Monica and Gang!

1/14/2012

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Over 65 Kinds of Empanadas!

The Original Marini's Empanada House is owned by the Marini Family of Argentina. I get to add Argentina to the list, but better yet, I experienced this wonderful little spot with Monica (on right) who is from Argentina! 3 bonus points for that!

This restaurant is located at 10001 Westheimer in an attractive "newish" building. That's why I'm a little confused why they would call it the Original, because it isn't. The original was on Montrose and was opened by the Marini Family in 1971. But I won't deduct a point for that... since a fire caused their move.

Sangria!

Monica had Sangria waiting for us when we arrived! It was quite festive with small chunks of fruit (which I prefer to larger hunks that make you reach for a fork) We could have chosen from a large selection of Argentine wines, which they sell in their little shop area, along with homemade pastries.

Family owned!
This glossy menu reveals the Marini Family. Mom and Dad still come and go, but the kids (and their kids) run the place now! Debbie, pictured on the right was working in the kitchen and at the counter. She was very welcoming to our group, even though she seemed to have much to do. 3 bonus points for witnessing the family members at work!

EMPANADAS!!!
This is what Marini's is known for! With 40 different kinds on the menu (and that does not include 28 dessert empanadas!) you can see why! I took Debbie and Monica's advice and ordered "Gaucho" with ground beef, hard-boiled egg, olive, onions and spices. Monica says in Argentina, each province makes their beef empanadas a little differently. She said her children found these to be a little sweeter than their favorites at another restaurant.

Besides beef, I tried an empanada with chicken, mushrooms and wine and another with avocado and cheese! The only problem, was telling them apart. Monica said they usually mark them in some way...but maybe the surprise added to the fun! The CHIMICHURRI SAUCE was excellent! Highest rating of 5 points for food at Marini's!! 1 bonus, for great prices! $2.50 each! 2 bonus points for allowing you to be healthy if you choose! They will bake empanadas if you prefer!

Cozy Food and Atmosphere!

Here we are, nibbling our fig, walnut and cheese dessert empanadas, sprinkled with powdered sugar! The smell of this piping hot treat matched the flavors! It reminded me of something I should be eating on a cold winter night, in a cozy cafe. Well, it had been in the '70s during the day, but the atmosphere was cozy! We were surrounded by family photos, art and letters... memorabilia that probably escaped the fire from the original place. With counter service only, it felt like we were at home every time hopped up from the table to go get another order or an extra glass. Not everyone loves such a casual place, but it was perfect for this gathering!
4 bonus for cozy... minus 1 for a TV playing Food Network instead of Argentine TV!

People Encounter

Here we are posing with Debbie in her colorful chef hat. Her brother-in-law took the photo. I would have liked to have learned more about what it was like growing up in the restaurant world...or marrying into it. But I'll save that for another time, when they are less busy...and maybe I have fewer friends I'm eager to catch up with! 1 bonus point for enjoying some of the Marinis...for a moment!

18 points for Marini's!

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La Pupusa Loca # 5 with the Spanish Speaking Boys- December 28

1/3/2012

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What is a pupusa?

"Pupusa" comes from the Mayan word that means "sacred food". Long ago, this cheese, bean, and meat filled "tortilla" was a typical meal, exclusive to Salvadorians. A few years ago I started hearing about pupusas in Houston. Even a well known fast food chain had one on the menu.

But here we are, enjoying homemade pupusas (and taco de carne on left) at a real Salvadoran restaurant. 5 bonus points for learning quite a bit about pupusas!

One of many Pupusa spots

La Pupusa Loca is proud to have 6 locations in the Houston area. As you can see this place has no curb appeal. I actually discovered it five years ago (with my mom and sister) in a strip mall on Hwy 6, sandwiched between a liquor store (with a parrot that strutted up and down the counter) and a Pennywise Thrift Shop. We were determined to find out what a pupusa tasted like, so in we went. We had a hard time ordering at the counter because no one in the restaurant spoke English.

Now, my husband and son like to come so they can practice their Spanish!

It was quiet on this visit, a few days after Christmas. We were able to spend more time asking questions while ordering. I only spoke one word of Spanish. "Nuevo?" as I pointed to the 3 new flat screen TVs on the wall, which were showing a Spanish soap opera.

Behind the counter is a window into the kitchen, where Don (who is a foot taller than me) could spot a table holding a mountain of pupusa dough. He also spotted the Pupusera, (pupusa specialist) who kneads handfuls of dough , then flattens them into tortilla shapes. After filling with cheese, beans or pork she cooks them on a clay pan (comal) until piping hot!

ATMOSPHERE?
I have shown you the most appealing part of the restaurant decor. I believe the wall mural adds a nice folk art touch! There's also a flag of El Salvadore and a juke box. (Shakira was the only artist I recognized) The tables are a little fast foodish and there is a worn feel to this 26 year old restaurant. This is not a place I would recommend to everyone I know. You have to be up for adventure. But since the purpose of my food exploration is to "give me an unusual or authentic experience", I think this place achieves that. 1 bonus point for the mural and 1 bonus for the flag!

More about the food!

Curtido and Pasteles!

I will admit, it has taken me 4 visits to really begin to appreciate the food here. The curtido (dilled slaw) looks very scary in the jar. But it does add a great tang to the pupusas. The pasteles (meat pies) are packed with meat and spice...piping hot and filling! I finally feel comfortable in this setting, eating on sheets of waxed paper, surrounded by Spanish TV or voices or music. I will give 4 points for food at La Pupusa Loca!

PEOPLE ENCOUNTER!
It's more difficult for me to have a people encounter when I speak no Spanish, but wouldn't you know I would meet an English speaking fellow after all.

I think I was so surprised when this artist said hello, that I forgot to ask his name. He spotted us through the window and kind of like the street vendors who recognize the tourists in Europe, he felt sure we would like to have him do a quick portrait for $20.00. Now sometimes I find this annoying, but he was soft spoken and polite. I explained we had only a few minutes more because we were off to take Scott to the airport. But I asked if I could pay him a few dollars for a photo of him with his work. He was more than pleased. A win win for all! 5 bonus points for a different kind of people encounter!

16 Points for Salvadoran Experience at La Pupusa Loca!

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Chinese New Year Celebrating with Lilian... and more!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Celebrating goes on

Including Mom in Chinese New Year

A great thing I learned...

Belgian at Jeannine's Bistro in Houston

No Waffles...

Mussels in Brussels

More food

Flemish...Flanders...Belgium...Dutch?

Food and Talk

Heading out...

Hruska's for Czech Kolaches - Ellinger, TX

Nearly 200,000 in Texas of Czech Heritage...

First store...then gas station...

Modern Hruska's

Visiting with Mary

16 Kinds!

The Kolache House?

Poppyseeds!

And I learned?

Sabor Venezolano! Dining at the Gas Station!

Not a Just aTaco Truck!

The Food

Taking our order

With Cachupa and Alicia

Arepa!

And where did we enjoy our food?

Nigerian Food at Finger Lickin'...by Myself!

Curious Location

Food

New Friends

Points for Finger Lickin'? I'm tired of my silly rating system that I've been using for 6 months. I like words better than numbers anyway. I think I'll end each blog with something I learned from my visit.

Two Things I learned from Finger Lickin'(these have nothing to do with the food) 1- Dining alone actually allows for more interaction2- When a restaurant is welcoming, customers give more in praise and tips. (so is the economy making restaurants friendlier these days?)

Marini's Empanada House for Argentine Food- With Monica and Gang!

Over 65 Kinds of Empanadas!

Cozy Food and Atmosphere!

People Encounter

18 points for Marini's!

La Pupusa Loca # 5 with the Spanish Speaking Boys- December 28

What is a pupusa?

One of many Pupusa spots

More about the food!

16 Points for Salvadoran Experience at La Pupusa Loca!

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Two Things I learned from Finger Lickin'
(these have nothing to do with the food)
1- Dining alone actually allows for more interaction
2- When a restaurant is welcoming, customers give more in praise and tips. (so is the economy making restaurants friendlier these days?)