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An Old Favorite Our family has fond memories of dining at Rainbow Lodge, years ago. So the day after Thanksgiving we returned. We arrived before dusk and found the entrance already decorated for Christmas. 2001 We remembered the festive decorations from 15 years ago, when my mom came for Christmas. But as you can see, the entrance was different then... with stairs. In Back Before it got dark we took a peek at the deck and the landscaped acre of land below. I remember in 2001, thinking it was odd to have such a woodsy setting in the middle of the city. The country setting with white lights, looked as lovely as I remembered. Only this isn't what I remembered at all! Evidently the restaurant moved to a new loaction 10 years ago! Cabin in the Woods Rainbow Lodge left the Buffalo Bayou setting in 2006 and moved to another wooded area, this time beside the White Oak Bayou. The restaurant was built around a log cabin that had been sitting on the land for about 100 years. Interior Once inside we could see how the newer parts of the building blended with the old log cabin. There were 3 beautiful stone fireplaces and the original log walls. Dining Rooms This room with the 18- foot celing was once a living room. A stone fireplace covered one wall and the stairway, using Cypress knees was at the other end. Cozy Hallway This is the cozy space we passed through to get to the bar. I'm not sure if the leaded glass windows were original, but it gave a dramatic peek into the cabin dining room. The Tied Fly Bar This 20-foot hand carved bar was moved from the old location. 15 years ago, the kids were young and we didn't spend any time checking out the glass covered piece of art, carved from a single tree. This time we stopped for a little live music and some martinis before our reservations. Cheers The parents posed with glasses. We are too old for selfies, but not too old to ham it up. Scott and Heidi Heidi and Scott are young enough to handle the close ups! We had a few toasts and laughed as we recalled our last time together at Rainbow Lodge. Our Past Feast One of the few things we remember about our dining adventure 15 years ago, was how excited Scott was to try the Special of the Day. We were new to Texas and he was eager to take on the dish that included buffalo. That was also back when Don and I were new to the idea of our kids wanting anything besides chicken or burgers. When the bill came, we were stunned to see our 6th grader had just ordered a 60-dollar meal. Room of Windows The original cabin rooms were reserved for special parties, but the other dining spaces had great views of the trees and lights. I don't have a photo of our exact table from this visit, but we do have a few food photos. The Day of Food Pics 15 years ago, people didn't snap so many food photos. I love discrete cell phones. Heidi and Scott have grown to enjoy a wide range of foods, so they were excited about the wild game choices...and they did check prices! Heidi and Don went for the rainbow trout with lump crab and pecan brown butter. Scott had the Wild Game Mixed Grill with elk loin, venison medallions, wild boar chop and Lockhart quail. And I went for beef tenderloin with fried oysters. Our wonderful waiter, Jim, should have been exhausted after a huge serving day on Thanksgiving, the day before. But he was in talkative spirits and seemed quite excited that we wanted to order a burger, as an extra plate. We wanted to experience a sandwich using elk, venison & bison! We invited him to join us, but he declined. All was wonderful and we left stuffed. Heading Home We paused for a photo on the way out. A lot has changed since our last visit... besides the setting of the restaurant. So wish my mom could have been with us, like the first time!
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Getting Healthy in Small Town Texas! I pass through this town often, on my way to 2 centers where I volunteer. It's fairly new and I never knew it existed, until my friend from one the centers mentioned it. I've been trying to change some eating habits since I was diagnosed with cancer. My friend, Terri is in the same boat and she highly recommended the place. Interior So I had my first intro to the place when friends, Lorrie and Shari decided I needed to get prepared for my first chemo, by going wig shopping. I was sort of dreading that outing, so we made sure to start with a fun... and healthy lunch. The inside was as cute as the outside. Quotes and Cowgirls The theme seemed to be sort of Texas Cowgirl and Homey Comfort. I loved the retro red refrigerator and the wooden kitchen table with metal legs. And yes, lots of cowgirl "pin up" artwork. The quote above the door caught my eye. Creative Touches I liked all the clever touches with chalkboards and jars and who knows what that lamp was made out of? Some old espresso maker? Into the Kitchen We could peek into the kitchen through the windows, or sort of through the very curious revolving door... which was holding some bananas in an attached holder. More Cowgirls I almost missed these little ladies below the upper counter. Quite a collage, I would say. Some with frying pans and some with guns and one with a cup of cold- pressed juice! Back Room The front room was small but there were more tables in back. I loved the cow and horse art. And Trough! What a curious name for the place. Best Table We 3 got my favorite table, right by the window. It was like a wooden version of my grandmother's white and chrome table. The occasional trains rumbling by just outside our window, added a little more nostalgia! Juices Lorrie had been before so she knew about the organic cold-pressed juices, made daily. The Trough tags were helpful since they listed the ingredients in your drink. Lorrie went for Green Pastures, the healthiest. Shari went for sweeter, Ruby Red, with apple, beet and celery! I went for the Dragon Fruit or something. I'm confused what I had... because I accidentally drank Shari's first, so we got small cups to sample them all. Food The meals were all $8.50, just about the price of a juice. I ordered the Super Trough Bowl, recommended by my friend Terri. Brown rice, kale, cucumbers, tomato, pickled veggies, cranberries, sunflower seeds and ginger sesame dressing. Lorrie got Avocado English Muffin and Shari got a combo of Salad with Grilled Cheese. I couldn't finish, but refused to leave a thing behind. I carted mine home to top my salad for dinner! Off to Shop After our healthy feast we headed into Sugar Land to "Care & Company", a wonderful wig salon, owned by a Mother/Daughter team, both cancer survivors I was helped by another daughter, but her sister, mom and aunt, were all helpful with suggestions, support and tips. ordered a wig similar to the one on my head and Lorrie and Shari were good enough to put on some flowered hats to pose with me! Another Visit Before starting up with chemo, I met up with Terri for lunch another day. I was once again surrounded by delicious, healthy foods and fun stuff to look at. I got a better look at "Pearl", the juice-drinking Cowgirl. And I loved the slim legs of the Carrot Woman, posing in the basket! It was wonderful getting to catch up with Terri, since we have much to share. She frequents The Bar often and chatted with many. It was also a nice surprise to learn more about the history of the business. The inspiration came from a mother of 4 who became proactive with her cancer by totally changing her diet. After kicking cancer, she and her daughters transformed this quaint little building to become a healthy and quick alternative to fast food. It's their shared love of horses that brought on the name... along with a reminder that these energetic beasts can thrive on a trough of grass!
I love living in 2016, a time when we no longer whisper the word Cancer. Coming to The Trough, I felt like I was celebrating my good-bye to Cancer! Celebrating After The Doc This cozy little family owned cafe/store was my pick for lunch the other day. We were downtown for my post-op doctor's appointment. I felt like celebrating my decent report with lunch in Rice Village. But I still felt the desire for a little comfort food! Appointment Before Lunch I took my donkey mascot along to my doctor's appointment. We both enjoyed the view. My post-op appointment was with my surgeon, for a lumpectomy 2 weeks earlier. My doc had gotten results from some, but not all lab work. It looked like my cancer was actually not stage 2, but stage 1. I was also thrilled when the doctor said there was a chance I might not need to do chemo. That was worth celebrating. I Need Italian It was about 100 degrees, but I was in the mood for this little cafe that serves pasta and bread... my favorite comfort foods. We came in through the back and found the atmosphere pleasantly busy. Passing Through The back room was a cozy with a small bar on one side. The opposite side had a wall of posters and stacked boxes on a high shelf. Front Room A very efficient waiter seated us at a tiny table in the front, next to arched windows. This cafe is only 20 years old, but it felt pretty authentic... at least for Houston. If not Italy, then I could at least pretend I was back in St. Louis at one of the many cozy Italian spots on "The Hill". Lunch Special It had been a long time since I'd been to D'Amico's. I'd forgotten they have a daily lunch special that offers 3 items for $8.95. That's pretty decent for Rice Village. Our Orders Our waiter was friendly and I could at least pretend his accent was Italian. He didn't roll his eyes when we asked if you could pick 2 entrees. So Don got a Caesar salad, Tilapia Grandeza & Chicken Amore. I got salad, Bolognese Lasagna and mushroom soup. All hit the spot, with the fresh bread and olive oil. Off to Explore Before the food arrived I decided I should "powder my nose" as an excuse to explore. Mona greeted me with her smirk, from the Ladies' Room door. I forgot to look at the Mens' Room door to see what character they might have had. Leonardo himself, maybe? Gelato & Ravioli I peeked at the colorful gelato choices and hoped I'd have room for dessert. I could also see some dinner options, if we wanted to take home some fresh Mushroom Tortellini. Shopping And I peeked at the shelves stacked with jars and cartons of foods, imported from Italy. There was a huge container of olive oil on one shelf, where we could fill, or refill bottles of D'Amico's oil. I even liked the shopper who had been dining behind us earlier. He was dressed like an Italian gentlemen! The Patio I had fond memories of eating lunch on the patio with my mom and sister about 10 years ago. It had been comfort food for us, after my mom's long appointment at Baylor Medical Center. It had been heavenly weather back then, but maybe I could just buy a gelato and sit by the fountain.. and gaze at the statue of David. But when we stepped out, I could see the patio had been updated. Had I just dreamed up the fountain and David? Where were they? Oh well it was too hot anyway. We headed out with happy stomachs and some leftovers as well.
A Houston Lunch Adventure My friends Lorrie and Shari, let me pick a place for a birthday lunch. None of us had been to Harold's, but it sounded like a fun place with a good story. The purple Chef Gator on the wall got me excited as we approached. And the retro "Harolds" sign appealed to my love of anything authentically retro! History in The Heights The Heights is a good place to find real retro, since it's one of the oldest neighborhoods in Houston. What an adventure to eat in a spiffy modern restaurant, housed in what was once a well-loved clothing store. For nearly 60 years, Harold Weisenthal sold suits to locals. Two clients happened to be US presidents. Alli's Pizzeria Finding our way to Harold's (on the second floor) was the first adventure. There was a little construction happening on the new Tap Room, so we entered through the Pizzeria. I had to pause and absorb the fun feel of this colorful space, which obviously welcomes small people! Up! We headed out a side door and followed the correct arrow up some stairs. We paused to admire an unusual piece of art that seemed to float beside the brick wall. Sorry I didn't take a picture. First Guests We were the first to arrive, so I snapped a few photos before I annoyed anyone. We were given a great table beside the window. Upstairs Terrace The inside bar looked appealing with comfy stools, but the outside terrace with strings of lights and a fireplace for cool nights, looked fun. Evidently it gets very popular in the evenings. No Apostrophe On the terrace I spotted another Harolds sign. The sign does not have an apostrophe. (You'd never know from this photo) Anyway, I just keep going back and forth, using an apostrophe here and not there, in my write up. I'm confused. The store did belong to Harold, after all. Allie We were pretty delighted when Allie Jarret greeted our table. She had waved to us when we passed through the pizzeria earlier and then Shari recognized her image on the back of a tee-shirt. Allie, who owns the pizzeria and Harold's, filled us in. The "American Gothic" image shows Allie with Chef, Antoine Ware.The words, "We Know Our Farmers" is a reminder that Harold's partners with local vendors for the produce, meats... even grains, cheese and berries that go into their food. ... and Maneul It would be just rude to only show Manuel's back. After all, he kept our water glasses full and gave good guidance for the restroom. He was very pleasant and I just now noticed... his Harold's shirt has an apostrophe! Wood and Brick Allie pointed to some exposed brick that was original to the building. Then below she explained how she brought a little of her South Carolina roots to the walls. The beautiful boards came from a barn floor, of a South Carolina cotton farm. The same wonderful wood (with a greenish tint) was underneath the glossy finish of the tables. From South Carolina to Texas Allie said she moved from South Carolina to the area about 16 years ago and bought a suit at Harold's. The store had a small women's department, but they had a gigantic mirror in the dressing area. I'm sorry I never got to experience a Harold's shopping spree, but at least I got to pose in front of the mirror. More History A restroom visit revealed some fun history about Harold and his business that began in 1950. Harold was just 21 when he and his brother of 23, opened the clothing shop. Table with a View Our waiter graciously snapped a picture of us with our food... and our view! High and Dry in The Heights Shari and I were quite amused when we were asked for identification after ordering wine. I'm almost a decade older than Shari, so this was much more exciting for me! Honestly, we knew we weren't being carded.
There was quite an artistic, pewter-looking list of the names of Harold's Club Charter Members. Shari and I paid no fee, so I'm afraid we won't be seeing our names on display. Sandwiches and Wine! I don't think I've ever ordered a glass of wine with a sandwich, but it all worked. Lorrie and Shari had chicken salad on cranberry nut bread. Yum! I had a pimento cheese sandwich on toasted sour dough. (It was National Grilled Cheese Day) It had a rich, spicy zing to it, which I loved. The chips were homemade and plentiful! Bottom Line... A Good Mix I liked the mix of old and new, from the vintage storefront photograph to the colorful painted cow. It was a great atmosphere to chat and linger and eat very yummy food. I had a great time Harold's...or Harolds!
To Christie's with Kristi! For many years, I've been curious about this restaurant with the glowing anchor & steering wheel. My dining buddy, Kristi was game to go! Lots in Common Kristi and I actually met over 3 years ago through this dining blog. She was googling a trapeze term and managed to find my write up about "trapezing", which lead her to the dining blog. We communicated and concluded we both lived in the Houston area. We've been meeting up for food adventures since! Over the past few years we've determined we have more in common than taking a trapeze class. We share an enthusiasm for posing with odd things, like giant lobsters! At Christie's Last November I'm a little slow with this write up. It was actually a weeknight last November when Kristi and I planned on meeting up at the iconic Houston restaurant. I arrived a little early and peeked at the blue bar, with mounted fish and I loved it. I was told that this room was where owner, Jim Christie was often found sitting and chatting with customers, until he died 2 years ago. Looking Around I enjoyed a few minutes, absorbing some of the decor! The oars, anchor and life preserver were pretty festive. The words on the orange circle reminded me that Christie's has been in the biz since opening in Galveston in 1917. Coat Check? I was somewhat amused by this structure with the arched window. The kid in me immediately thought, "puppet theatre!" Then I had a moment of nostalgia and felt sure I knew just what it was. I asked the woman who was smiling out from the window, "What is this? Is this a coat check?" She seemed confused and smiled back at me. Assuming she didn't speak English, I tried to sort of pantomime my question again. Then she suddenly laughed and spoke with only a slight accent. "Oh! No, they only have those in the Northeast. We don't have those in Texas!" We shared a chuckle and then I noticed the computer and desk behind her. Silly me. Waterfall and Crabs I sat for a moment and enjoyed the trickling fountain with little ledges holding potted plants and crab figures. And then Kristi arrived and we moved into the dining area for more fish and boat decor! A White Table Cloth I like a booth with a white table cloth and we were seated in a comfy one. It was good for catching up on Kristi's latest marathon and my latest road trip. We ordered some fried mini-crab balls, which looked like hushpuppies... And then we ordered our dinner, which I remember little about. No it was not amnesia or too much alcohol. I just waited too long to write this blog. Kristi got some kind of grilled fish and I got fried shrimp and maybe a baked potato. It was all good, but the food wasn't as memorable as the feel of the place or the conversation. There was much to catch up on. A Lively Place A table of business men jabbered and laughed nearby and a birthday group celebrated in the next room. But Kristi and I blocked out the noise and jabbered about travel and sports injuries. The main thing I wanted to find out was, "When are you and The Giant going to get married!" This is Not The Giant Kristi would rather have posed with "her Giant" Jim, than this swordfish, but it was the best we could do. Kristi's British beau, Jim (who happens to be very tall) was in England. He was also in England back when Kristi was looking up trapeze terms, so she could email Jim with news of the stunts she was learning in trapeze class. Since Kristi and I started meeting for meals, I've learned from her just how tricky long distance courting (and wedding planning) can be! The History Before heading out, we peeked at the guest book on a memorial table, honoring the late, Jim Christie. Too bad Kristi and I didn't get ourselves here 3 years ago. Mr. Christie obviously was well loved and we probably could have had a nice chat with him about the restaurant and the people he loved so much. The Christie's Experience So I kind of wimped out on this dining blog entry. I can't remember the food. And I hardly focused on the restaurant history, which is a great story that you can find on their website. But my memory of the restaurant is mostly about a relaxing, nice evening catching up with my dining buddy. Maybe Kristi and I should return soon for another catch up... since I need to hear about her honeymoon! CONGRATS TO KRISTI AND JIM! They got married 2 days ago!
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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
November 2023
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