The Burger Shack

If you know me, in addition to loving cupcaked and chocolate, you know my next favorite thing is a good cheeseburger.  I had heard that The Burger Shack in West Houston made a mean burger.  And, that means....a mandatory trip.

The Burger Shack is a no frills burger eatery.  It is not so much a shack, but a simple burger dive. Patties are homemade and the fries and onion rings are hand cut as well.  I had high expectations for this burger mecca.

The Burger Shack

A dining companion ordered the Chili Cheese Dawg.  Okay, not so much a burger, but a delectable choice nonetheless.  It was a plump, juicy, beefy dog, surrounded by fairly good beefy chili and ooey, gooey, melty cheese.  The bun was fairly soft (but hard to cut with a fork).  The dish was good.  We paired it with their beer battered onion rings.  The rings were tender, fresh.  Thin strips of fried onions.  (Chili Cheese Dog - $3.75.  Onion Rings - $2.60).  Good start.

Chili Cheese Dawg with Beer Battered Onion Rings

Next up, the Spicy Southwest Cheeseburger ($5.75).  The burger had tons of flavor, but was a little over cooked, leaving it dry.  It wasn't so much spicy either -- more like a burger with some jalapenos thrown on it.  We paired the burger with a side of the seasoned curly fries ($2.60) -- which I think were voted our favorite item of the meal.  They were crispy on the outside, soft inside with a great seasoning coating them.

Spicy Southwest Burger and Seasoned Curly Fries

Finally, our table sampled the Shack Salad with Grilled Chicken ($4.50 salad + $2.99 for chicken).  Shredded iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, banana peppers, bacon, and sliced onion.  The chicken was a little dry and the veggies weren't super fresh.  Although, I did love the addition of the banana peppers.  The salad was pre-made.  I guess it was fine for a "burger joint," but I did expect a tad more.

Shack Salad with Grilled Chicken

The Burger Shack
14741 Memorial Drive
Houston, Texas 77079
281-870-8129
http://burgershacktexas.com/

Sweet

We have a new cupcake cafe in town.   A new addition to City Centre.  And, if you know me, you know that cupcakes = me!  So, off I went....

Sweet is a cute cupcake cafe.  The weather on Saturday was beautiful and the bakery had its doors open on two sides of the cafe.  The sunshine was gorgeous and the cool breezes made the bakery super inviting.  A chalk board menu and tiers of cupcakes welcome customers.  It's appropriately cute for sure!

Sweet

Tables outside allowed us to soak up the weather and dive into the yummy looking confections.  We tried several:  Chocolate with chocolate icing, Vanilla with vanilla icing, Peanut Butter, S'more, and their whoopie pie. (all cupcakes: $3.35, whoopie pie: $2.00)

S'more and Vanilla with Vanilla Buttercream

I think the biggest hurdlee cupcake bakers have is mastering the moist cake.  Too many cupcakes simply contain a dry cake.  And, I'm super sad to say that Sweet makes the same mistake.  The frostings were delicious -- creamy, good sweetness - buttery ratio.   Yummy buttercreams.

Peanut Butter Cupcake

Our favorite was the Peanut Butter, which actually had the moistest cake.  Great peanut butter flavor batter.  Icing was a heavenly piped ooey, gooey, yummy peanut butter.  Hello Divinity!  Second favorite was the S'more -- thin graham cracker crust at the bottom, chocolate cake cupcake, topped miles high with marshmallow fluff, dipped in melted chocolate.  This.  Was. Good.  Rich.  Very satisfying.

S'more Cupcake

Most disappointing was the Whoopie Pie.  The outside was a very dry red velvet cake with vanilla buttercream inside.  I loved the concept.  But, it just didn't work for us.

Whoopie Pie

Sweet has only been open a week to date and I well know kitchens need time to sort things out.  So, I'm really hoping Sweet can master the moistness.  I loved the location of Sweet.  The staff was extremely friendly, helpful, and nice.  I loved the creativity of the Peanut Butter and S'more cupcakes.  I'll have to go back in a few weeks and try them again.  I know, I know, any excuse to go eat cupcakes.....

Chocolate with Chocolate Buttercream

Sweet
801 Town & Country Boulevard (in City Centre, near Yardhouse)
Houston, Texas 777024
713-64.SWEET (79338)
http://www.sweethouston.com/

Paulie's

Paulie's is a neighborhood restaurant/cafe in Montrose that is casual (order at the counter) and friendly.  Their menu ranges from soups and sandwiches to pizza, ossobucco, and roasted salmon.  But, today I am focusing on their cookies -- and I tried their bread pudding!

I've ordered Paulie's Shortbread cookies over the years for fun, special occasions ($3.00 each).  They have never disappointed me.  The cookies are soft and tender.  Buttery.  Excellent shortbread.  Thick enough to sink my teeth into and feel satisfied, but not too thick as to be tough and dense.  The icing is subtle, adding an additional flavor and texture, but not distracting from the actual cookie.  Plus, Paulie's does a great job decorating.  I tried a Valentine cookie, while I was there to pick my own special order.

Valentine Shortbread Cookie

My special order:  Mallard Ducks -- and they didn't disappoint.  I'm not sure Paulie's had done Mallards before I special ordered them, but they were precious.  And, of course, tasted just as delicious as always, and as expected.

Mallard Duck Shortbread Cookie

I also tried their Panini Bread Pudding with Amaretto Syrup ($4.25).  It was moist and warm, not mushy.  The Amaretto flavored syrup (not a thicker sauce) was delicious with amaretto prominent, but not over the top strong.  A good amount of cinnamon was present within the bread pudding -- a good ratio of the spice to the dessert.  The bread pudding was satisfying and substantial.  My only complaints were that I wanted more of the soft raisins in the bread, along with another dose of the syrup.  That syrup was delicious and really made the dessert, of course, as is typical with bread pudding.  I need more amaretto!

Panini Bread Pudding with Amaretto Syrup

I recommend Paulie's particularly for their shortbread cookies.  But, while you are there, make sure you have some lunch/dinner or other treat.  The staff is always friendly and helpful.  The cafe is just a nice, casual, happy place. 

Paulie's
1834 Westheimer
Houston, Texas 77098
713-807-7271
http://pauliesrestaurant.com/index.html

Kiran's Restaurant and Bar

I really like Indian food, but I must admit I'm pretty much a novice on the subject.  The various dishes and terms are most foreign to me.  But, I do know that I like me some Indian flavors!  So....I went to Kiran's today.

Dining Room at Kiran's

I started with the Mushroom Samosas ($8).  A samosa was described to me as an Indian Empanada (which, is a much more familiar term to this native Texans girl).  Empanadas? Sort of.  But  we all agreed these fried stuffed pastries were really good.  I mean, truly delicious.  I wish I had had a platter full of these puppies!  Along with the chopped wild mushrooms, the samosas included melted goat cheese and pieces of sundried tomatoes.  There was a hint of spice to these little guys.  And the samosas were served with a side of fig chutney, the most perfect accompaniment.  Magnificent.

Mushroom Samosas with Fig Chutney

I ordered the Tandoori Chicken for my entree (chicken, yogurt and spices cooked in a clay oven) ($18).  My chicken was fantastic -- very moist and tender.  A really nice smoked-type of flavor.   The dish was served with Apricot Biryani (aka rice), Dal Makhani (type of thick, chunky gravy made of lentils and beans), Naan (oven baked flat bread), and perfectly cooked crisp-tender vegetables.  Also, on the side, a mango chutney. All superb.  All delicious.  The Biryani was moist and flavorful.  The Dal Makhani was great for dipping my Naan.  And, that mango chutney was a tad sweet with a touch of heat.

Tandoori Chicken

While not an expert on Indian Food, great experiences like this one today make me anxious to learn more about the Indian food tradition and historical flavors.  Kiran's was an excellent experience.  While the service started out strong, it did peter out somewhat during our visit.  However, our server was funny and friendly, and extremely knowledgeable.  I am looking forward to going back!

Kiran's Restaurant and Bar
4100 Westheimer
Houston, Texas 77027
713-960-8472
http://www.kiranshouston.com/

Philippe Restaurant & Lounge

I was super excited about trying the new Philippe in the BLVD place on Post Oak Boulevard.  (Almost next door to RDG).  The buzz surrounding Philippe has been big, so off I went....

Let me ruin the ending...yes, I liked it.  I think it has huge potential.  While not perfect, pretty darn close. 

I loved the entrance.  The eatery is two story (like RDG).  But, the downstairs area (the bar) is extremely inviting.  Walking up the stairs seems to be a narrative in itself, nice carpeting, a landing, stone wall with candles.  You first set your sights on the private room...then the host stand.  Then the upstairs bar with white marble counter.... Very inviting.

Philippe Lounge (downstairs)

The decor is minimal.  Neutral colors.  Yet, many textures.  The ceiling in the main dining area is a cross between clouds and really soft bedding.  I loved it! (Not sure that the picture below really does it justice).  The eatery is high energy, relevant, and hip, yet comforting and relaxing.  I really liked the vibe.  The service was friendly and knowledgeable.  The menu was full of fun, tantalizing choices.  I had a really hard time deciding between pizza, salads, sandwiches, mussels and fries, and lobster ravioli.  

Main Dining Room (with cool ceiling)

So, I ordered the Hot Press sandwich with chicken, gouda, and whole wheat bread ($15).  The bread was very toasty, but I would not call it "pressed."  The grilled chicken slices were substantial and hearty...also very tender and moist.  The gouda was gooey, but I wanted more of it.  I also wanted a condiment - a garlic aioli, a pesto mayo, a dijon mustard.  Something.  But, it was still good, just could have been better.  It came with the choice of fries or side salad.  I opted for the side salad, which comprised of very fresh field greens with yummy, zippy, refreshing citrus vinaigrette. 

Hot Press with Chicken and Gouda

My dining companion ordered the All-Natural Chicken with honey-rosemary glaze, couscous and garlic confit pan gravy ($17).   The couscous was light and airy and had nice flavor.  The gravy was flavorful.  The chicken was extremely moist and tender.  The vegetables on the side (carrots, squash, and potatoes) were a little too tender -- no crispness, but their flavor was still good.  The chicken dish was very good, but needed a kick of something.

All-Natural Chicken

No dessert this time.  But, I'm going back for that...and some wine.  The dessert menu had more tantalizing and tempting choices.  From Crispy meringue with pistachio ice cream and grapefruit ($7) to Butterscotch Parfait with chocolate shortbread and dulce de leche ($7).  See....VERY tempting indeed.  Anyone up for dessert?

Philippe Restaurant & Lounge
1800 Post Oak Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77056
http://www.philippehouston.com/

Cinq

Cinq is the revamped restaurant at the Houston boutique hotel La Colombe d'Or.   La Colombe d'Or is the former home of W.W. Fondren, Sr., founder of Humble Oil and Refining Co., now known as that little company called, ExxonMobile.  The historic little hotel off of Montrose Boulevard includes five guest rooms, which is where the restaurant found its name - Cinq.

Cinq is Romantic.  Classy.  Quiet.  Beautiful.  Simple.  Elegant.  Old wooden floors.  White table cloths.  Orchids on each table.  Little open salt bowls with little spoons -- love those!  We went for lunch and the dining room was relatively empty.  Is dinner a busier time?  Knowing the kitchen couldn't be all that busy with a mere 2 tables, the service was extremely slow, yet professional and courteous. 

Cinq

The new Cinq boasts a chef who, among his culinary accomplishments, worked recently at the Mansion on Turtle Creek.  I had high expectations for the European inspired menu.  However, nothing really tantalized my desires.  I wasn't particularly drawn to anything.  I did start with the soup of the day, a celery-fennel soup ($8).  It was indeed beautiful and tasty.  Subtle flavors, elegant dish.  Cream based.  Wait, cream based doesn't do this rich, thick dish justice....it was oozing cream and butter.  Very delicious.  Infused oils on top, including a roasted red pepper.  The perfectly toasted crouton was a great crunchy contrast to the creamy soup. 

Celery-Fennel Soup

We ordered the Japanese Soy Marinated Steak Salad ($17).  Field Greens, tomatoes, green onions, wasabi roasted peas, bean sprouts, ginger, and horseradish.  This dish was most disappointing.  While the steak had a nice favorful marinade to it upon first tasting, the flavor immediately disappeared.  The marinade did not soak through the meat.  Furthermore, the steak was extremely tough.  It was so disappointing!  Also, the salad was too heavy on bean sprouts.  And, where were those wasabi peas, the ginger, the horseradish?  We could not detect any of those great, prominent flavors. 

Japanese Soy Marinated Steak Salad

We also tried the special of Filet Rouget Cannes ($22).   It was nicely plated with a delicious, light cream sauce with tomatoes and small shrimp.   However, the fish was a little over-cooked.  Otherwise, a pleasant dish. 

Filet Rouget Cannes

We were under-whelmed with our visit to Cinq.  And, disappointed at that.  We had high expectations and high hopes.  While the restaurant is beautiful, the food and service just did not live up to our anticipation.  I'm not sure I can recommend this place.  We didn't even order dessert.  It was a sad day. 

Cinq
La Colombe d'Or
3410 Montrose Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77006
713-469-4750
http://www.lacolombedor.com/

Ninfa's on Navigation

I'm embarrassed.  After growing up in Houston, I have to admit that I had never been to the original Ninfa's on Navigation before.  I blame my parents for this, of course.   I'm not sure how a Native Houstonian can get away with this kind of behavior.  Clearly, I had to make amends.  I finally tried Ninfa's.  Well, what did I think?  Were my expectations too high?  Was the original Tex-Mex eatery everything I had hoped?   A little of both, actually.

I loved the Old School Tex-Mex Charm -- open kitchen and freshly baking tortillas right inside the front door.  The Mexican Tiles on the wall and Saltillo Tile on the floor.  The wait staff in Mexican dresses and shirts.  The no frills and low lighting.  All of this does make the perfect, authentic Tex-Mex place.  It reminded me of the Molina's I grew up with on Westheimer (before they moved to the Old Boston Sea Party Restaurant location -- and totally lost the authentic charm, if you ask me).  I digress.

For starters, The Navigation Margarita ($9:50) - Espolon Blanco Tequila, fresh squeezed lime juice, agave nectar, and Cointreau - was delicious.  Again, Classic.  Fresh.  Cold.  The tangy lime juice and cointreau is a perfect pairing - and contrast -- to the salt.  A good margarita.

The Navigation Margarita

Queso.  Ahhhhh....My Love.  Again, I love that Classic, Old School-ness of what Ninfa's serves up.  Their Chili con Queso ($7.95) was smooth, velvety.  The cheesiness coated my mouth with melted goodness.  Heavy on the melted cheese, light on the peppers.  No spice at all (contrary to their menu description as "spicy cheese").  Fine with me -- this Queso is the way Queso was invented.  Ninfa's serves their melted cheese with fried flour chips - instead of corn.  Very different.  I prefer corn, however.  The flour ones reminded me of layers of thin fried pastry  Interesting.  Corn wins.

 

Chili con Queso

Next up, Tortilla Soup.  Their tortilla soup was different.  I couldn't determine if it was broth or cream based.  I think broth with their jalapeno crema combined.  It was a thinner soup, with corn, bacon, cheese, shredded chicken and tortillas strips.  I tasted a sweetness in the soup, but our sever swore there was no cinnamon or sweet spice or condiment in it.  Maybe the sweetness from the bacon and corn? Seemed more than that, though.  Lots of kernels of corn making way for big corn flavor.  Fresh, ripe, yummy avocado on top.  I am a tortilla soup freak.  And, while this was really good soup, by far not the best I have had. 

Tortilla Soup

The Nachos - with fajita chicken ($8.95 + $3.95 for chicken) -were fine.  The refried beans and melted cheddar were layered on top of the chips, of course.  But, Ninfa's uses the flour tortilla chips here as well.   We all agreed that corn chips are a better nacho base.  The chicken was a hunk of chicken.  They were fine.

Nachos with Chicken Fajita

For our Enchilada Dish -- we went with the Antiguas Enchiladas ($10.95) -- Cheese and Ranchera Sauce with rice and beans.  More old school goodness.  The Ranchera sauce was a little heavy on the tomato flavor -- but very good.  Classic.  And, the rice was very moist. 

Antiguas Enchiladas

Finally, The Fajitas.  I mean, Mama Ninfa Laurenzo brought THE Fajita to the masses ($17.95 for 1/2 pound).  We had to try it.  We were not disappointed.  This is the real deal.  The meat - real skirt steak - had great grilled flavor.

Beef Fajitas

So, in summary, how was  my experience you ask?  Well, very good.  I did feel rushed -- a churn in and out kind of place.  I felt the food was Classic, Old School - as Tex-Mex should be.  I was not disappointed.  However, I don't know that would not make a special trip there just for Mexican.  There are many other super great Tex-Mex eateries in Houston.  We are so lucky to live here!

Ninfa's on Navigation
2704 Navigation
Houston, Texas 77003
713-228-1175
http://www.mamaninfas.com/