Soo & the City Blog

Things have changed, and so have I. After a break since 2022, I’m starting fresh in Ann Arbor, Michigan—a charming college town known for its small-town vibe, big nature scene, and four seasons (including snow!). What I love most about Ann Arbor is that it’s everything Houston is not—focused on non-materialistic values, outdoor living, and a slower pace. It’s a wonderful place to raise a family, which is why so many people move here for exactly that reason. From outdoor adventures to charming spots, I’m exploring it all and rediscovering myself along the way.

That said, Houston will always be home. It’s where my friends, family, and real estate business are, and I visit often. I’m excited to share the best of both worlds with you!

Update on Cacao Cardamom

February 23, 2015 in Shops

I wanted to post an update on the actual chocolates. I ordered the set of 12 and realized they're really not chocolates, at least most of the ones I chose. I thought they would be most chocolate with hints of these tropical flavors, but no...they tasted more like gooey candies. I think if I knew what to expect I would have enjoyed them more. I purchased them for Matt and I to enjoy together but after a few he didn't want anymore. I have to agree, they were so so for me as well. The actual chocolate pieces I chose were probably the best out of the bunch. Now I know.

Ruggles Black (Upper Kirby)

February 20, 2015 in Restaurants

I have been wanting to visit and finally, on this beautiful day, perfect for a visit to Ruggles Black. I have to admit I thought it would be a little fancier, but I'm glad it's more casual than I thought. I think it used to be Bennigans? Handsome, ecclectic, fun place...we decide to sit outdoors on their patio under these beautiful oak trees, super cozy. It's a tad chilly so this decorative fire pit is just perfect! We order the Brussel Sprouts for appetizer and split the Kale Salad with Chicken. They're both super tasty! I love the atmosphere and can't wait for it to get a little warmer, but the interior is also a great spot to hang.

Cacao Cardamom (Galleria/Post Oak)

February 13, 2015

Since Paris, I have wanted to find my go to place for fine chocolates. Not as a regular spot, but for those special occasions. Today, I did a search and found Cacao Cardamom. It seems like a smally family business, not as refined as Patrick Roger, La Maison, Pierre Herme, etc...but still intriguing and interesting looking flavors. I ordered a box of 12 chocolates...which I will report back on. Owners are really nice and I accidentally left my bag there and they were nice enough to hold on to it untill I called back the next day. I hope these chocolates are good!

Mary'z Lebanese Cuisinse (Washington)

February 04, 2015 in Restaurants, Inside the loop

I'm glad to have a Lebanese restaurant nearer to me than Aladdin, although Aladdin is more of a self-serve than full service like Mary'z. They have been on Richmond in the Galleria area for many many years, just soft opened on Washington yesterday. At the Ricmond location they have packaged pita bread, whereas the Washington location has fresh bread made in their stone ovens. I wouldn't think I would prefer the packaged bread, but it happened to be softer than the fresh bread and easier for me to eat.

There were 4 of us plus a toddler. We ordered in a family meal like fashion and we girls got the hummus, tabouli, and falafel appetizer and the guys got the meat sampler. The guys also ordered tabouli and a green bean dish for their appetizer so they actually weren't able to finish their meat sampler they had so much food. I thought everything was great, but my falafel was different than I was used to. The outside was crispy, but the inner was very soft and airy, which was different. We were really full by the end of the meal, but they brought us out free baklava, which was nice. They also brought out strawberries for the baby, which was super nice. We thought the staff was great. We'll be back here for Lebanese food!

For Sale: 1 + Loft/1 Bath (Medical Center)

February 04, 2015 in Real Estate

Wonderful, updated* 1 bedroom/1 bathroom with loft floorplan located in the Medical Center. This beautifully landscaped complex is located within a gated community with a 24 hour manned gate, has 3 tropical pools, a clubhouse and includes a fitness room and a dry sauna! Cable TV and water included. Updates include recent paint, granite countertops, window treatments and floors.* This unit also has vaulted ceilings, boasts great sunlight, and is located on the second floor. * Per Seller

www.har.com/2282503 2300 Old Spanish Trail #2066

Soo Kim

Greenwood King Properties

soo@sookim.com

Weights + Measures (Midtown)

February 03, 2015 in Restaurants, Inside the loop

I've been sort of waiting for WM to open for some time that I lost track until I saw a client/friend comment on their visit and I was so excited, I made it there within the week! The interior looks like a cross between True Food Kitchen and Canopy. A very open, casual, clean, refreshing, kitchen like space with mid century furnishings. We're finding out they've been open for 2 weeks and our server does seem a little new. WM has Sourdough Bakery near the entrace, great display of pastries, I want to eat it all! But, you know I got to watch my girlish figure, so I only ordered two, the raspberry linzer and the chocolate croissant. The raspberry linzer was sweet and tasty, the chocolate croissant was ok. Nick and I decide to share so we can try more things...so, for our main meal, we shared a butter lettuce salad and a sausage pizza. The salad was ok too. The pizza was tasty, but it was a little limp to pick up, probably because of the sauce. It was good, we both liked it. For dessert we ordered the chocolate flourless cake which our server highly recommended. I don't typically lean towards desserts that are chocolate, but I'm glad we listened to him because it was amazing! That cake was just delicious! Super super good! I liked it all, great experience, I would definitely go back...after all, got to try all those mouth watering pastries they have!