|
Chinese Food in Texas This is the strip center where Hunan Garden is located.  The cozy place reminds me of some of my favorite Chinese restaurants we used to frequent, in St. Louis. It took Don and me about 2 decades of living in the Houston area, to discover it. Just 20 minutes from home. Chinese Food Here and There Don and I aren't experts, but we've eaten a lot of Chinese cuisine over the years. We've traveled with our kids in China and we've enjoyed Chinatown feasts in New York and San Francisco. Houston has the biggest "Asia Town" in the U.S.  But our fondest memories are from places like King Doh and Mandarin House, in St. Louis. These family owned operations were in modest strip centers. So many memories of sharing platters of spicy Hunan dishes, kid-friendly sweet and sours... and of course St. Louis favorites like, Shrimp Toast and Crab Rangoon. Hunan Garden in 2020 It was in January, just before the pandemic, when Don and I parked next to this fine dragon fountain for the first time.  I love a festive fountain and this totally delighted me. Festive Decor The interior was festive as well.  Lots of bamboo and gold and red. Decor There were people seated below this impressive framed piece, so I snapped above heads quickly.  The curious image covered the wall, above 4 booths. Cozy We were seated in a booth in front, but I peeked back behind the partition and saw 2 fishtanks. I was reminded of 30+ years ago.  Oh how our kids used to love going to Chinese restaurants with their grandparents! Don's dad and my mom took them often and they loved a good fish tank. My Kung Pao in January of 2020 I searched my phone and found this photo of my lunch special on that January day. The Kung Pao Chicken & Egg Roll was even more appetizing when I added the sweet sauce!  Don and I were both pleased with our meals that day. We were eager to become regular diners, because it seemed like everyone who entered was greeted warmly by the owners. 4 Months Later We didn't have a chance to become loyal customers right away. Shortly after our visit, Covid 19 hit the news. Our world suddenly changed.  By May, we were feeling comfortable enough to get carryouts, but we were a long way from dining in. I don't think we were able to snag any masks yet, judging by Don's kerchief. 4 Years Later It's been 4 years since Don masked up and got our very first pandemic carryout order, at Hunan Garden. Since that time, we became grandparents. Charlie was born during the pandemic and got a late start in the world of dining. By age 3 she was a big fan of restaurant dining.  On a summer morning in 2024, Don and I picked up Charlie in Austin and drove her to Sugar Land. After 2.5 hours of driving, we announced we were going to stop at a restaurant before getting to the house. She was giddy. Greeting the Dragons Charlie already loved Japanese, Mexican and Indian food, but this might have been her first Chinese Restaurant outing.  She was delighted to say hello to the dragons. The fountain seemed to be missing some water, but she didn't notice. The Back Room The restaurant was fairly quiet on a Saturday at noon. We were greeted right away by staff. I'm assuming at least 1 or 2 were members of the Wang family who have owned the business since 1984.  An older gentleman ushered us to the back room, through the elaborate opening. Fish! The man ushered us to a corner table.
He gestured to the fish tank and it was clear he understood this would be good entertainment. It was! Efficient Our server brought menus right away. Maybe he mistook us for regulars because he seemed to think we knew what we wanted before we glanced.  It actually didn't take long to decide. Don and I got lunch specials, which began with soup. My Hot and Sour was hearty and flavorful. Egg Drop Share Poor Don only had a taste of his Egg Drop Soup. Charlie spotted it and thought it was queso.
The buttery flavor was nothing like queso, but she requested a taste and then went to town. She loved it! Egg Roll Time Don ordered the Shrimp with Vegetables. He was equally excited about his egg roll.  He was eager to try a new technique he'd learned about from some local food show. He sliced the crispy roll and opened it like a baked potato.  Then he flattened the steamy egg roll, before adding spicy mustard and sweet and sour sauce. No longer a finger food, but pretty fun! It looks like a sauerkraut sandwich in my photo! Sweet and Sour Chicken I ordered the Sweet and Sour Chicken. It came with sauce on the side, just as my Kung Pao did 4 years ago.  I usually don't choose this dish, but it was a fall-back option in case Charlie didn't like her noodles. She ended up only stealing a little pineapple and a cherry from me. Kid Friendly Food There were a few good options on the kid's menu, for around 6 dollars. But Charlie is a fan of noodles, so we ordered Chicken Lo Mein from the regular menu.  Charlie looks like she's scalding her tongue. But honestly, it's just a funny expression. Her mother on the other hand, was the same age when she let out a bloodcurdling scream in a Chinese restaurant. The scary moment came after she poked her finger into a freshly deep-fried crab rangoon. Every guest gasped and the waiter ran to the table with ice. We have been cautious with little diners, since.     The noodles were a big hit! The only thing that would have made it better might have been... chopsticks. We just forgot to ask.  This is Charlie eating Japanese Gyoza when she was 2. Chopsticks is usually a part of the Chinese dining adventure! Heading Off I'll always remember our cozy meal in the back room of Hunan Garden. We had the space to ourselves, along with the goldfish. Charlie seemed so content in that private little world, as if she was a celebrity who needed to be away from adoring fans.  Our waiter complimented Charlie's good job. "You ate so much!" Charlie looked a tad embarrassed. A new facial expression was added to her repertoire, As we headed out into the main dining room, Charlie shielded her face with her hands, as the gracious staff waved goodbye. Before stepping outside, she asked for her sunnies and quickly covered her eyes like a disguised movie star. When we got in the car I asked how she liked the meal. "It was yummy!" she began, "But I was a little shy."
What a fun and funny meal. Charlie's first Chinese restaurant, on the day she became shy.
0 Comments
Birthday Lunch at Hotel ZaZa I was blessed with Birthday Weather on my 68th birthday! That's the kind of weather that feels like a true gift! It was perfect for a birthday picnic.  I thought about it, but decided to go for lunch at Hotel ZaZa's Monarch Restaurant. I love eating on their open air terrace. It feels a little like a sidewalk cafe in Paris. The Warwick 1926 This is how Hotel ZaZa looked when it opened as The Warwick, in 1926.  It was one of the first luxury hotels in Houston. Bob Hope was a fan. Princess Grace was a guest. Modern Additions The hotel went modern with a big renovation in 1964. I'm not sure when the addition (with the rounded portion) was added. Probably when it became Hotel ZaZa in 2007.  On my birthday, we dined in the round, terrace section. Festive Meet Up In the past decade I've had memorable meals with good friends and family in the comfy-classy restaurant. It's always fun to start with a little wandering in the hotel.
It's a 30 minute drive from our house, so not exactly convenient.  But it's always worth the drive. Plus it's close to the museum district and zoo, so you can make it more than a lunch outing. Hermann Park The hotel looks out over Hermann Park. The park and the Sam Houston Memorial are older than the Warwick.  The elephant on the grass, (looking towards Sam) just arrived a week before my birthday. The Great Elephant Migration That lone elephant was crafted from the invasive weed, lantana camera. He was one of 100 life-size elephants created for a traveling art installation. We found the others further back in the park. A morning strolling through this incredible display, was the real focus on my birthday. It was the only thing I really wanted to do to celebrate. But we added a little lunch for fun! Lobby It was about noon when we left the park. We greeted the hotel's valet parking staff and entered through the hotel's revolving doors.  We passed Frank Sinatra's mugshot and some interesting celebrity photos.  We wandered past the photo display and paused to study a large piece of art, with some busy characters in colorful clothes!  Below the art was a koi pond that was also entertaining. Recalling The Warwick The hotel was pretty quiet on a Wednesday. We decided to do a little exploring to see if we could find the rooms where we once dined, 25 years ago.  We paused in an elegant space beneath a sparkling chandelier. I was tempted to play that shiny grand! I wasn't bold enough for that, but I did test out one of the upholstered chairs. Zoom in on those amusing faces! One cat and one dog! Hints of Old Warwick We moved further on and found some hints of the original hotel's style.  I looked at the beautiful arched doors and found myself confused. Where did we eat with the kids, when we came for an elaborate Easter brunch in 1999? New Year's Day 2000! We took a peek through another set of doors and spotted magnificent wood paneling and a marble fireplace.  It was set for a meeting, but we recognized it as the Hunt Room, where we had dined with my brother and his wife, on the first evening of the millennial! 1960s? I think I remember lots of plaid, but maybe I'm wrong. This vintage photo shows a formal yet cozy setting, with lots of red.  I remember such a peaceful, relaxed dinner. Mom was baby-sitting our kids and we enjoyed an elegant meal. We toasted with a bit of humor, to the fact we made it into the next century without some wild Y2K bug drama! Hungry After Elephant time and hotel exploration, it was time for lunch!  We headed down a snazzy hall with more entertaining art!   We peeked into the restaurant and lounge. Surprisingly empty.
I liked the zebra, but longed for an elephant! The Terrace We passed the test with the host. Gotta love a flashy sign to remind guests about their attire. "Monarch Stylish... Sensual and Dignified...So are you... Appropriate Dress Required"
The Terrace was also very quiet, which worked just fine for us! Quick Trip I made a dash to the Women's Room to wash up. I do love a bathroom that with curious decor.  Black toilet and shiny green wallpaper with alligator bumps! Love it! Lunch to Amuse! I ordered the same fried chicken sandwich that I enjoyed on my last visit.  I hoped it would be as comically large (and tasty) as before! Yes! My sandwich was impossibly hard to eat, but worth the struggle! Caesar Salad was very yummy.
I failed to get a photo of Don attempting a bite of his bacon burger. It was crazier than mine! Both tasty and both happy.
What a wonderful meal, following a leisurely morning at the park. I'm sad to realize I'll never be able to enjoy that perfect Elephant/Monarch combo again. Soda Fountain in Rosenberg, Texas On Sunday we drove about 15 minutes, to Another Time Soda Fountain, in Rosenberg. The building did indeed remind me of another time!  The impressive corner building has housed many things in its 120 years, but a soda fountain has always been on the first floor. Since 1904 The structure was completed in 1904, when Meyer-Forster Land & Loan Co. occupied most of the space. That was the same year the waffle cone was invented at the St. Louis World's Fair.  That trivia makes me guess the old fountain only served ice cream in dishes, when it first opened. But we know the ice cream CONE eventually made its way to the Rosenberg soda fountain. More on that later! Last Visit It was 2014, when I last visited Another Time Soda Fountain. Don and I went on my 57th birthday.  It's been 10 years since I got ridiculously excited about my Birth-Year-Birthday! Since my age matched the year I was born, I figured I'd celebrate like it was 1957... at a "malt shop".  I ordered grilled cheese with bacon, fries and a milkshake! If it had really been 1957, I'm sure I would have ordered a malt. 11:15 on a Sunday We arrived for an early lunch, last Sunday. A few tables were filled with "after church families", but the stools were all vacant.  That would have been fun, but we had our 3-year-old granddaughter with us. She wouldn't have been able to reach the counter. Charlie Charlie was excited to sit anywhere. She loves a restaurant outing and she dressed for the occasion... in jewels!  On the drive to Rosenberg, I pointed out the train tracks that ran parallel to Hwy 90. "We'll see train tracks near the restaurant... and maybe we'll see a train!" So Charlie was eager when we parked between the restaurant and tracks. Silly me for getting her excited. There was no train. "Maybe later." I stupidly assured. Seated in Back Luckily Charlie was eager to go inside the big building. She didn't know she was missing out on those fun stools, when our hostess guided us to the back of the room.  I was glad to see the soda fountain hadn't changed in a decade. The pressed tin ceilings and decorated walls looked just how I remembered. Odd Table We couldn't spin on barstools, but we did have a curious feature at our table.  Each corner had an interesting cupholder. 8 holes in all! I guess this design accommodates left-handed people. But we forgot to use them! What's Up? After ordering, I was entertained watching Charlie and Pop Pop chat.  Suddenly they both looked up at something that I hadn't noticed. The little figure above us was familiar to me. My family had one in our New York apartment, in the 1960s!  A little clown on a unicycle was going back and forth on a tightrope, right above Charlie's head. We clearly had the best seats in the house, for clown viewing. Unless you're scared about a high wire mishap.  Evidently this clown has been entertaining customers at the soda fountain since 1946. The current owners inherited the clown when they started up Another Time, about 20 years ago. Ruth Our server Ruth couldn't have been nicer. She even had a bit of a 1950s vibe going on, with her hair tied up in a scarf.  As Ruth delivered a few baskets of chicken strips, she answered my soda fountain questions. I'd gotten curious after studying a nearby case, filled with vintage ice cream parlor goodies.  Ruth said there had always been a soda fountain on the first floor. "For years there was a doctor's office upstairs. Patients were given a wooden nickel that bought them an ice cream cone at the soda fountain." I loved picturing kids with their cones, (after 1904!!) at the soda fountain. But I also loved comparing my own memory! Memory Tangent! Dr. Grimmer was my family's doctor in Grinnell, Iowa in the 1960s. After our check ups, Dr. Grimmer would write us (me and my sibs) prescriptions for ice cream cones, at Cunningham Drugstore!  The Cunningham Drugs building (rebuilt after 1954 fire) doesn't look nearly as picturesque as the Rosenberg building. But, my fond ice cream memories likely match those of many Rosenberg kids, way back when! Blue Plate Special I didn't repeat the grilled cheese order on this visit. Instead I went for the Blue Plate Special. How could I pass up a retro diner feast for $10.00?  Pork steak with gravy, on top of sauerkraut! Served with potatoes, salad and roll. The meat was tender and tangy! The slightly mashed potatoes were delicious. I took half home! Ice Cream! When Ruth asked if there would be anything else, Heidi ordered a dish of ice cream for Charlie. I missed getting a picture of Charlie's expression when she shrieked with delight. I didn't get a video a second later, when she leapt from her chair and twirled around 5 times, squealing "Ice Cream! Ice Cream!" at the top of her lungs.
But I did get a million pictures, during the 19 minutes of icy vanilla bliss! The 3 adults were totally entertained. She started with giddy gusto and finished by tipping the dish and slurping up the melted cream at the bottom! Headed Out On our way out, I paused briefly to take in some of the many photos covering the walls.
I love this old building and its history. The exterior looked completely different when Frank Dedek took over the pharmacy in 1967. Amusing!
 Wheelchairs, hobby supplies and photo processing! All available at Frank's! I have no idea when this police photo was taken! I didn't have time to ask Ruth. We needed to get Heidi and Charlie to the car before rain started up. They were headed home to Austin. The Big Building I walked with Heidi and Charlie across the street. Charlie asked about the train tracks again, but there was no time to walk over for a look. It was sprinkling and skies threatened.  While Heidi got Charlie in the carseat I studied the 2-story brick building and suddenly appreciated the owners (the Butlers) who purchased and refurbished over 20 years ago. What a beautiful landmark. Bye Charlie Charlie was halfway buckled, when the clanging started. Suddenly a freight train was rumbling down the tracks, while the red lights flashed.  Charlie had a great view from her seat.  What a perfect ending to our soda-fountain-near-the-tracks-adventure! Another Time I said good-bye, then Heidi and Charlie headed off, just before the skies let loose.  I crossed over to where Don was parked and peeked up at the old building once more. The train was still thundering by. I peeked at the sign for "Rosenberg Railroad Museum" right next to where Heidi had parked.
"Another time!" I thought! "We'll come back to Rosenberg, go to the railroad museum, watch trains and come back to Another Time for ice cream... at the counter! Sugar Land, Texas I love sushi and I love a little fun with my dining.
So when this unique sushi bar moved to a new shopping area near our home, I was pretty excited. Revolving Sushi? I had no clue about "revolving sushi" until my daughter filled me in. Heidi has enjoyed food on a conveyor belt, in Japan and she's also had the "Kura" experience in Austin, where she lives.
We're lucky we don't have to travel to find a Kura. There are a number of them in Texas and California... and one in Georgia. When Heidi visited Sugar Land in February, we gave it a try, arriving on a busy Sunday night. The Wait Heidi, showed us how to check in on the electronic tablet. We could keep an eye on our progress by watching the numbers, as they lit up on the screen. We also got a warning text, to let us know we'd be seated soon.
That was helpful, in case we wanted to wander outside a bit. But we stayed inside with the crowd, standing patiently. We chuckled with a few others nearby. We agreed that we did not want to end up at the table near the door, surrounded by the waiting crowd. Eating at the Counter? There were table options as well as counter seating.  It was tempting to sit facing the parade of food, like these folks. But I wasn't sure we would get the full experience. Food and Toys I learned a little something by watching a nearby table. The kids seemed pretty delighted with the table-side contraption that offered up prizes. But I watched other tables and realized it was not just for kids.
In the past, you had to be a kid to get a toy with your food. There were no Happy Meals when I was a kid. However the Flaming Pit had a treasure box, where kids got to choose a prize, after dining with their parents. More on prizes later... Corner Table! Yay! We got a corner table.  I sat with the food prep behind me and the conveyor belt beside me. I could also see some little eyes, peering at the moving food. Mr. Fresh There were a few helpful signs, like this one.
But even with this explanation about the special serving dish, called Mr. Fresh, I was still glad to have Heidi along to keep me from make a beginner mistake, like grabbing the whole container off the belt. It was very exciting and slightly intimidating. You Like, You Grab Heidi let Don and me sit by the exciting revolving belt that wound around the restaurant.  Don skillfully grabbed a plate of Soy Sake Marinated Salmon Nigiri. The lid popped up properly and he neatly placed the little $2.25-dish right on our table. Cheers Not everything was available on the moving belt. Sake, Udon, Ramen, Tempura and desserts could all be ordered from a food screen.  A waiter initially greeted our table for any special requests. Quick and Fresh After our 25 minute wait, it was nice not having to wait for food. We saw what we liked and grabbed.  It was also nice to learn that Kura serves all organic foods, free of additives and MSG. I also was pleased to find out that there's a system for automatically disposing of the uneaten food plates, that for some reason don't get picked. So no worries about picking a food that's been lingering. Eating with Pros I was the only one at our table who has not eaten sushi in Japan. Don used to travel on business. Heidi and her husband Jamie, were engaged in Japan.
Also, Don and Heidi share an odd college experience, 30+ years apart. Both spent a period of time at University of Michigan, eating dorm food only with chopsticks. I love dining with pros. Nigiri... It's hard to pass up some bright salmon and fresh tuna, when it rolls on by. We ended up eating lots of basic nigiri, but the rolls were tasty as well.  The green plates were all $2.25, which seemed like such a bargain, but it's also easy to get carried away with the fun. That's kind of how I remember cafeterias as a kid. It's so easy to grab a lot! A Giddy Diner I obviously loved the little box that held my food. I was pretty excited about the whole concept of this place. I also seemed to be the only one looking around and snapping pics, like a tourist.  In fact I felt like I was a tourist on a trip. We live in Fort Bend County, which is ranked the most diverse U.S. county, in many studies. When I looked around, I could easily imagine that I was actually eating a meal in Japan. None of the other diners seemed to make a fuss over the exciting vibe. No one else seemed to be "learning the ropes". Relaxed Staff I turned around in my booth to peek at the "sushi makers" now and then. They seemed pretty laid back in the festive atmosphere.  I should have paid closer attention to observe the system for adding and removing plates from the belt. For a moment, I amused myself with a thought of the iconic I Love Lucy episode. Except I pictured Lucy, stuffing her mouth full of salmon and shrimp, instead of chocolate! Bikkura-Pon! This was my first dining experience that involved a little game-like fun, at the table.
Above our table and the belt, we had our own colorful screen. There was a little animation first and then some words, encouraging us to "defeat him" by inserting more plates. Below the moving belt was the slot, where we inserted our empty green plates. Our plates became tokens to keep the story moving on the screen. The Prize Above the animation screen, was a clear box that held the round prize holders. I was glad we had 3 people since it took 15 plates to earn a prize.
I felt like I was in Vegas when we inserted the 15th plate and the Bikurra-Pon released a red & green ball! Down the slide it came, landing in the plastic tray! Oh boy, a little stamper. It was pretty lame for over 35 dollars worth of sushi. But I didn't care. I was the kid that bought Cracker Jacks, just for the prize. Share the Prize What a fun food outing! It wasn't the absolute best sushi I've had, but it was the quickest and most entertaining! Maybe next time I go, I can ride my bike.
It's close enough and that would add to the playful dining theme. I could also leave the prize behind, like one person did. I pity the families with kids, begging the parents to purchase 15 more plates for another prize! Yikes.
Heading for the Sign, on Cinco de Mayo! Larry's may not sound like the name of a Mexican Restaurant, but that is the nickname of Eberardo Guerrero, who opened this restaurant over 50 years ago.
The sign may be considered politically incorrect to some, with its stereotypical image of a sombrero wearing Mexican sleeping in the shade of a cactus. But this sign has been drawing customers from Highway 90, since 1960. More Signage Don and I live only 5 miles from Larry's, so we decided to head over for a festive lunch on Cinco de Mayo.  We parked beneath another Larry sign and headed for the front door. Little Change Not much has changed since we moved to Sugar Land and visited Larry's, almost 20 years ago.  I'm pretty sure these red lamps were here then and probably when the restaurant opened, in 1960. More Lamps We passed by a few more festive lamps, before opening the door. I read the sign above the glass and was glad I did't see the words, "No Costumes" added to the list.
I sort of felt like I was wearing a costume, when I put on my festive Mexican dress with colorful embroidery. "Please don't be embarrassed." I begged Don. "I have to wear this, because it's Cinco de Mayo and when else..." Not Busy... Yet It wasn't even noon yet, so there were plenty of open tables with colorful chairs. A little mariachi music made my outfit seem just right.  But the serious waiter who motioned for us to be seated, made me suddenly feel self-concious. Clearly this restaurant was open for business as usual. No whooping it up for those Americans who love to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Efficient Service Our waiter was efficient, delivering our menus, chips and salsa. I never felt rushed, but I could sense that his energy was already geared up, for a crowd.
Sure enough, by the time my chicken taco salad and Don's chicken enchiladas and soft tacos arrived, the place was filling up. Our waiter's pace suddenly fit. Better than before? It's been a long time since Don and I stopped to eat at Larry's. I honestly don't remember the food and menu that well, but the food was a tasty surprise. I was amazed at the amount of chicken in my salad. Don ended up with leftovers that fed him lunch the next day.
Not only do I now appreciate the food a little more, but I appreciate the history. Wandering Around I already looked out of place in my silly dress, so I figured I'd just wander around and study some of the artwork and old photos and learn some history.
There was a photo of the original Larry, who died over 10 years ago. His son took over for a number of years and now his grandson, Eberardo Guerrero III manages the family owned restaurant. Elenor, the daughter-in-law of the Larry Sr., works the cash register. Retro Counter Elenor was seated with friends at a table near the candy-covered counter. As I wandered over, she popped up and was happy to answer my questions. I'm not sure when she met her husband, (the son of the first Larry) but she said she first ate at the restaurant when she was about 19.  She laughed about how little had changed. "If we try to change anything, people get mad. They like it just the way it is." Good People Encounters By the time our waiter brought our check, he had slowed down to laugh with us a bit. He chuckled about Don's name. "Don Don!" Don gets this a lot, since Don is a courtesy title that goes before the name. He was confused by my name Beth, until I said it was short for Elizabeth. He seemed to think that was very royal and told me the Spanish word for crown. I wish I had a photo of our waiter! Posing with Elenor After a little more chatting with Elenor at the cash register, I convinced her to pose with me for a photo.  She was quite a good sport, saying she doesn't usually do photos. Heading Out I had one last people encounter, just as we stepped out the door. A blond woman wearing a purple version of my Mexican dress, was headed inside. "Oh! I like your dress!" I laughed, as I held the door for her. "I like yours, too." She added.  Too bad I didn't get her to pose with me!
|
The Dining Blog
This is a blog about Dining Adventures. Sometimes, I talk about food. Below, you can read how this started. On July 4th 2011, I set a goal to try 50 culturally diverse restaurants in one year! (I knew that was possible, living in the Houston area) I spent the year pulling in friends and family to join me, on some unusual dining adventures. I met some curious people, tried some scary foods and explored places and cultures I never would have otherwise. Even though I met my goal, I learned too much to end my adventures in dining. I have continued blogging about memorable dining adventures of all kinds, near and far... and all the discoveries and funny things I've learned along the way! Locations and types of dining adventures, are listed further down. Archives
May 2025
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed