Inside the loop

Underbelly (Westheimer/Montrose)

Underbelly has been on the top of my to do list, but somehow it's taken this long to visit.  I really got a mixed set of reviews, but I have to say, I'm a definite thumbs up for Underbelly.  As a matter of fact, I thought they would have more exotic meats, which actually makes me a little apprehensive.  I think it's neighbor, Hay Merchant, has chicken feet and fried pig ears, that actually look like pig ears.  I was scared.  But, I am happy to report, the most exotic thing they had on their menu was maybe, pork belly?  Man, I really loved it!  Actually, I probably only liked two out of the four main dishes we got, but those two were so so good.  My favorites were the Korean rice cake dumplings with braised goat...a definite must try.  I also loved the seared Wagyu beef dish...made me have a moment.  Anytime a restaurant has Wagyu, it's what I am getting!  My party of 4 agreed.  We also got the swordfish and butternut squash dish, which were good, but not as fabulous as the two I previously mentioned.  For dessert we got the vinegar pie and doughnut dessert.  I gave our server permission to surprise us on desserts.  The vinegar pie almost tasted like lemon pie...and you know...I love me some lemon pie!

I love a restaurant that has a beautiful interior and Underbelly has it.  It's one of those places that you just want to visit often and stay awhile.  I like most and don't say it often, but I love loved this restaurant.  This is definitely one of my favorite spots!

Cleburne's Cafeteria

A long while back I knew someone that knew I liked cafeteria food. He suggested I check out Cleburne's Cafeteria...5 years later, I'm having lunch with Seth and that seemed like a great opportunity to finally check it out.

On arriving, I found myself really excited and looking forward to the eats. The selections looked amazing behind that glass casing. I chose my usual fried fish, mash potatoes with white gravy, green beans, and a white roll. Outside of a cafeteria, I never order these things. But, like I was telling Seth, it's me revisiting my childhood and I love it! It's just what I have always craved and get at a cafeteria.

I am first in line and since I don't want to take too long, I go ahead and just order my usual. Seth behind me spots the turkey and dressing! Grrrr! I didn't see that! I never got my turkey and dressing this year since I was in Europe for thanksgiving. Oh well, next time! My gosh the desserts were massive.  It should be a criminal...I think they were a quarter of the cake sizes.  We definitely don't have a mayor regulating.  I'll be good this time and skip it.

The food was ok. I'm not going to lie, I was a little disappointed. I think I do prefer Luby's. Plus, I can get a Luanne plate which is half the size of the main entree. They wouldn't allow half orders at Cleburne's, I asked.

Oh and be prepared, they only accept cash. 

Pluckers Houston (Shepherd)

Recently, a client asked me if I had gone to Pluckers yet.  I knew nothing about it, nor had any idea where it was.  On doing some research, it was a block down the street from me!  Pluckers is also located in Austin, San Marcos, Dallas, Louisiana, and a few other places.  We decide today is a good day to go and off to Pluckers we go!  

First, parking is insane...there is none and they have a large parking lot too!  We end up parking a block down the street and on walking in, there is a 20 minute wait.  But wait, there's something going on here...Jose Altuve, an Astro, is here with some Hall of Famer radio announcer named Milo Hamilton.  That's pretty cool!

Our server, Brittany was the best!  She was very helpful and offered options and other suggestions.  I ordered the bone-in wings, in Bakers Gold and Spicy Lemon Pepper.  I would definitely recommend the Bakers Gold, the Lemon Pepper was a bit too salty.  Brittany also brought a plate of sample sauces so I could choose, which I thought was very helpful.  We also ordered the fried pickles which I thought were amazing!  The sliver of pickle and the breading was just right, yum!  Brittany comped us on the pickles because we were first time guest.  She said they try to do something for first time guest, so ask for Brittany and let her know you're a first timer!  Fun, fun!

Heights General Store (19th St)

I was very excited to visit, it's a great place, food was great, one of the best chocolate chip cookies I've ever had, and the staff was great!  Tip, do go upstairs.  There is a full restaurant, outdoor patio, and bar!

Michael's Cookie Jar (West U)

This is a visit a long time in the works...3 years later, here I'm am!  I was pretty excited since I've had a taste of MCJ, since some of the cafes I frequent carry or used to carry MCJ's products.  The shop is in the back behind the Joanne's on Weslayan, which you have to drive through to get to it.  Oddly, on arriving it looks pretty empty.  They really don't have as much as I thought.  It's a really small shop, which is mostly the kitchen.  I ordered 4 cookies, chocolate chip, toffee, sugar, snicker doodle, sand tart, and a ginger bread man.  I thought they were all good but pretty average cookies, nothing really special.  The cookies I have previously tried from cafes that carry or used to carry MCJ were better than what they offered at the store, I thought.  Antidote used to and Black Hole still carry their products, if you would like try to their product before making a trip to the store.

The Popcorn Bar

I was given a bag of popcorn (Oreos' flavored) from the Popcorn Bar as a gift and since I had recently used the Poparazzi Popcorn for my wedding favors, I definitely wanted to make a visit and compare.  By the way, the Oreos' flavored popcorn is really good.  

On finally making a visit, I did some sampling.  I found PB was a lot more flexible about sampling than Poparazzi.  Poparazzi asked me to make an appointment for sampling, which I thought was unnecessary.  She probably thought I was going to be excessive in my sampling.  I guess, I can understand that.  At PB, I think I tried 7 flavors and ended up sticking with the Oreos and I got it in mini size.  It's just so good!  Denyse got the Jalapeño Cheddar which was really good as well.  Cameran, who is 9, initially didn't want any, but later when I forced her to try one, she couldn't stop eating it.  On the other flavors, I thought were all pretty good.  The buffalo and ranch, salt and vinegar, and others were tasty and had nice flavors.  However, I didn't like their Chicago mix as much as I do at other places.

PB also has candies and tins for gifting.  They're located off 59 near Buffalo Speedway, a much better location than the other gourmet popcorn shops.  It's a fun place to visit, but for me, I must restrict my visits and practice self control!  But when I am feeling not so controlled...I'll probably be hitting up the Popcorn Bar again!