Bootsie's Heritage Cafe - Southern Star Beer Dinner

I had two good reasons for buying tickets to attend the Southern Star Beer Dinner at Bootsie's Heritage Cafe.  Having not been to Bootsie's yet was the first.  The second was that Michelle turned 40 the week before and I was scrambling for a gift.  See how clever that is of me.  I have a gift for buying gifts that have something in it for me.  I like beer which is a third reason, but I promised you there were only two reasons so forget I said that.  The beer part was just a nice add on.  Not a reason.  Seriously.

Michelle likes wine.  She'll have a beer when no wine is to be found.  Michelle is never far from wine, so she almost never has beer.  This was the perfect dinner gift in my estimation.  Hiding my desire for beer behind Michelle's desire for a foodiegasmic dinner was brilliant.

Mom and our buddy Dennis Tam joined us for this fine event.  Inside of 5 minutes after arriving at Bootsie's Michelle asked Chef Randy for a glass of wine.  I knew this was going to happen. Just Priceless.

Chef Randy Rucker

That wasn't the look Chef Randy gave Michelle when she asked for wine.  That was the look he gave Michelle when he over heard her trying to convert 53c to 127.4f which was the temperature at which a farmhouse egg was cooked for one hour so the egg white and yolk arrive at the same creamy texture.

Review - Crust Pizza Co.

A friend tipped us off about a new pizza place in The Woodlands, TX called Crust Pizza Co. Michelle and I stopped in for lunch last week to check it out. This place is simply delightful. The pizza is great, the service is warm and friendly, and its a relaxing spot to visit. The decor is modern and inviting. We enjoyed it so much Michelle and I decided to go again this week. I've seen some great looking sandwich's and salads head out to the tables, but haven't tried any of those yet. With the care going into all Crust Pizza is doing, I am certain everything on their menu is worth a shot.

There are just certain foods that require a weekly fix. Good cheese enchiladas(with onions!!!), BBQ, a well made hamburger, and a great pizza are among the foods that I must crush on a regular basis to remain civil. Without them I am not such a joy to live with. Michelle would welcome the opportunity to explain this to you.

Review - Just Burgers / Update

Revised Review 03/27/2011

Got an update for you guys on Just Burgers.  I received an anonymous comment from someone saying that David is not the owner.  I guess I just assumed all along that David was the owner because of his obvious passion for putting out a heck of a burger.  We have no idea whether or not the source of this cowardly comment is reliable or not.

Fat Mike's at the Market

There really isn't a good explanation for me not stopping in to eat at Fat Mike's any sooner than today.  It's right next to the Theiss Farm Market in Klein, so I've seen the restaurant many many times.  I went to Klein High nearby, and still marvel at the way the area has grown.  The HEB we frequent is right there as well, but for whatever reason the mitt just never closed around the ball.  Our day job office is up in The Woodland's, so getting over to Fat Mike's for lunch isn't normally in the cards. That's the excuse I am sticking with anyway. 

Mancuso's Italian Table

If you blend fine Italian food, a substantial wine list, a charming atmosphere, and local family style attention you get a place like Mancuso's Italian Table.  Since 1896 is in reference to the Mancuso's family presence in Houston, while the restaurant is about two years old.  A clever play on a family heritage.  You can read their story here.

Chef Greg has put together a menu filled with classics and updated regional Italian dishes.