Me and Julio down by the schoolyard....

I started a new job (well same job new place). It has me busy beyond belief.  I apologize for the delay in posting.
In my running back and forth to work and home I did manage to stop a random place with would have never even been on my radar.  I went to a teacher supply store after work and it was in the next strip mall off I-10.   The place was not so random.
 I was thinking I would just grab a couple taco's call it a night but Julio had other plans.  Its a pretty unpretentious place. Simple and Clean. The staff is friendly and helpful. The FOOD is reasonable, plentiful, and divine.  After some checking I found out they are a chain but its didn't feel like a chain.

  I had the steak and chicken fajitas with a mound of cheese and avocado in the center.   

 it came with grilled onion and peppers

 My husband opted for the torta.

Oh and they have breakfast and specials! Awesome Specials!

 If you are on the east side of town check them out.

At 11023 East Freeway, 77029....with 6 other locations throughout the city.

Berry Bubble and A Bra

The Hotel ZaZa Berry Bubble...Can you see the fruit essence hangout at the bottom.  The Best Part!

I was invited by a friend to attend a bra fitting for Wacoal.  Being a "busty" girl I said yes,. I know most women wear the wrong side and out boobies are constantly growing so what the hay. (TRUST ME THE FOOD IS COMING)

So, the night of the event was the 2nd night on my new job and I show up STARVED. My friend was running late and since I'm not shy I went into the event solo. My some really nice people and while I waited to be fitted I cruised the buffet.

I was offered a cocktail 1st a wonderful combination of I believe fruit puree and champagne.

I went for the tomatoes dusted with salt and heavy pepper 

Next came the cheese. I have a cheese problem so I had some of it all and I am that person that will scoop up all the garnish. So I attacked that back corner of pecans.

I added toast and flat bread for the spreadable cheese. 

Next, I opted to pass on the veggies. It was fill that didn't add anything. But the serving style was very cute. 

Veggie Shooters with Ranch. Cute but Pass!

And yes I scooped up more than my fair share of strawberries but hey a room of fashion bloggers I figured that all were on some type of diet and I wanted to eat. 

Everything was so good and perfect after work pick me up

**** Food Stops Here from here on its all Undergarments and Girl Power****

I haven't been fitted for a bra in at least 5 years, 1 wedding, 2 kids, and at least 15 pounds.  So I was excited to get my fitting.  The company hosted the event at Hotel ZaZa in the Rock Star Room. I've never been to ZaZa but Wacoal could not have picked a better place. It was a two bedroom suite and I would give up meat to have that bed (for a week) 

My Fitters were knowledgeable and very sweet. I was very comfortable especially considering they were messing with the twins.  I really enjoyed the fitting until I found out my size.  I'm a size ridiculous and who packs those around everyday.  

I caught her off guard and snapped a pic. She is the best and that is the SIZE Zexy bra I picked out. (its not a typo I'm damn near in a Z-cup)

I am super HOT in this bra and can't wait to get it.  I own the awareness bra and even in the wrong size its a fave. 

I'm psyched to try these. I plan to attend Fit for the Cure in Houston to pick some up. These some aloe,coffee, etc. build into the fabric to help smooth the appearance of those lumps and bumps. Who could have a problem with that. 

There was much Lycra and lace 

This summed up the night. I felt loved by this company and I learned a lot from women I didn't know and didn't have much in common with other than our underwear.  I plan to go to Fit for the Cure this month. Its a great what to get fitted for free and do something good. For every fitting $2 go to Susan G Komen for Breast Cancer research and support of women everywhere. When you purchase after your fitting the money stays local and $2 more goes to Komen.  Find a Fit for the Cure Event near you click here.

Stay Hungry Houston

Htown Hungry Girl

Taking a Veggie Break

Before moving to Houston I had a pretty meat free diet. We ate tons of fresh fruit, vegetables, and seafood.  Since moving to Houston I have become a card carrying carnivore.  So I was a little perplexed one afternoon when I found myself standing on the corner of Wheeler and Dowling in front of a green food truck that served vegetarian food. What the heck was I doing here you may ask? Well, some pretty reliable sources told me the food was good even by meat eater standards.  I was doubtful but since I was in the area and hungry I figure, why not give them a shot. 

Side note: (Totally unrelated sidebar they are parked outside my Freshman Psych professors place and I ran into him and got to reminisce a bit. I had a good time in my 20s.)

The owners Mattie Merrell and Rodney Perry- are vegans and supporters of the raw food movement. Mattie explained while a looked over the menu that most of the customers aren’t even vegan.  Their menu has plenty to offer it’s pretty varied and easy for those wanting to try some meat free options.  My favorite had to the mango smoothie.  It was all mango and real fruit not something poured out of a carton, you could see the fruit chunks.  I also had the dill potato French fries which were ok. I didn’t hate them but I didn’t love them. They were good fries. I opted for the dirty burger as my main dish.  It was nothing like a Boca burger so don’t even picture that. This was clearly handmade in-house and topped with microgreens, cilantro, tomato, onions, and mustard served on a wheat bun. It was pretty soft in consistency but pretty good. I’m not saying that I plan to give up my meat habit but when I think it is time for a break I will make it a veggie break and return to Green Seed.

Their preferred location of Wheeler and Dowling in the heart of Third Ward most days except Monday when they are closed.  They have joined the Urban Harvest Green Market at City Hall on Wednesday but up to date information can be found on their Facebook or Twitter feeds.  Like most trucks it’s the best way to communicate. You can even text in you order to eliminate the wait.

Green Seed Vegan

2305 wheeler @Dowling
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 487-8346

Twitter @GreenSeedVegan

Facebook/ www.facebook.com/greenseedvegan

Slow Cooker Pot Roast...Raining Day Cooking

My Rival Slow Cooker

• 
  
Perfect Rainy/Cold Day Dinner
• My husband loves pot roast something I really didn't know how to cook or eat before meeting him.  My mom just didn't do pot roast. So me ,being a "Good Wife", I attempted to make pot roast for him shortly after getting married. It tasted and looked like a rubber chicken. DON'T ASK!  I refused to be defeated by a side of beef so I made another attempt a a year ago using a recipe from the kitchen queen Martha Steward(love her). It was perfect and we at the entire 3lbs. I tweaked it by adding parsnips because they are awesome. 
• Since it was raining cat, dogs, and donkeys in Houston one Sunday I decided to make the pot roast again(minus parsnips)
• It was great again this is so a great workday meal just set the crook pot and leave it. Perfect when you get home. I follow the directions pretty much to the letter only I add parsnips and a few more spices.  
• 
  
• Slow Cooker Pot Roast (Courtesy of Martha Steward)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 8 medium carrots, cut into thirds
• 2 medium onions, each cut into 8 wedges
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1 beef chuck roast (3 pounds), trimmed of excess fat
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1. In slow cooker, stir together cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Add carrots and onions; season with salt and pepper, and toss.
2. Sprinkle roast with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; place on top of vegetables, and drizzle with Worcestershire. Cover; cook on high, 6 hours (or on low, 10 hours).
3. Transfer roast to a cutting board; thinly slice against the grain. Place vegetables in a serving dish; pour pan juices through a fine-mesh sieve, if desired. Serve roast with vegetables and pan juices.

Happy Cooking Houston 

Htown Hungry Girl

Garlic Cheese Biscuits

My father in law is a very interesting man. My husband is his carbon copy looks, personality, and cooking skills.  One of the things that I found so attractive about my husband was his ability to cook. I mean really cook not just open a can of sauce but make full meals with two vegetables and a starch. The kind of cooking I don't really do.

His dad has made some pretty good dishes in the 8 years we've been together but his garlic cheese biscuits are the best.



Mr.O's famous garlic cheese biscuits

Look at the cheese buttery goodness that is these biscuits.  Trust me they taste 20x's better than they look. 

He was so kind as to give me the secret receipt and I tried it out. Mine came nowhere close to tasting as yummy as his. 

Ingredients:

2 cups Bisquick

2/3 cups milk

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Mr.O likes fine chop)

1/4 melted butter

1/4 garlic salt

generous dash Italian Seasoning

 Preparation:

Combine 1^st three ingredients. Dough will be sticky.  Spoon into greased cookie sheet.  DO not use paper liners. Combine last 3 ingredients; brush  ¾ evenly over the batter. Reserve ¼ of mix.   Bake 10-15mins at 450 degree until golden brown. Brush remaining butter mixture on complete biscuits.

The before

The After! Can a biscuit be SEXY?

The complete plate. Yes its heavy on mac and cheese its so good!

I have to get the recipe for my mother in laws steak next....

Someone needs to be Fired@ Wing Fire Grill

I'm the type of person who will not say anything bad about someone else publicly. Even if I really don't care for them I tend to internalize things.  You really have to piss me off to make me get vocal with you or about you (read McDonalds their a roach in my drink) Even the smoothie disaster didn't induce me to go off I just won't go back.

Today, we stopped at WingFireGrill. They were parked at little Woodrow's in Midtown. Ive been wanting to try them for awhile now thinking I would have a new wing place. I WAS SO WRONG ON SO MANY LEVELS.
1-the staff was bothered by our presence.
in today's economy can you really afford to be rude to paying customers?
2-They were not open to questions about the menu
read explanation one.
*At this point I would be put off and walk away but my hubby doesn't like scenes so I simmered down
3-Their food was served slow and lacking flavor
My Asian wings should be called Canadian considering they were quite bland and lacking any flavor.
(no knock to Canada but you get my drift)
The fried corn my hubby wanted was greasy and turned me off.

Im not sure what was more of a turn off the service or the food. Strike that Im sure it was the food. I've put up with some rude sister for good food.(Frenchy's) But your rude and your food is nasty not good.
Don't think I will give them a second shot. Total waste of money.

HtownHungryGirl

Birthday Ecstacy

I am not one of those people those people that gets extra hyped for my birthday. I generally love simple celebrations of the day I was born.  Cake is generally the most important aspect. Really good cake no fancy but good.

This year I turn 36. Not really a big birthday in terms of milestones but for some reason I wanted to celebrate the entire week. I have magically morphed into one of those people. The people who take off work and party the entire month. I planned to get the festivities started a week early (baby steps).

Birthday Ecstasy for a foodie. I couldn't think of anything better than a "Miracle Berry" tasting.
Miracle berries promises to send me on a "flavor trip" turning foods into super sweet versions of themselves. ALL foods even normally sour lemon, spicy hot sauce, and tangy vinegar become tasty sweet treats.

The tasting will be at the Antique Bar on Bissonnet. Will let you know how it goes for sure. 

I also by to be there for Reserve 101's tasting Tuesday. Which falls on my actual birthday! The have created (in my honor in my mind) an aged mix cocktail and plan to crack open the barrel for tasting. I'm so there. You can be there, too. Visit their website and reserve your spot.

This should be awesome!!!! Hope to see you there. 

Below is the stuff that I didn't to kick off my week. I posted the events that are coming up first. 

How I Kicked off the Week

I started planning months in advance.  I picked up a ticket to go to Shecky's Girls Night Out.
An event planned for women old that includes free drinks, mini makeovers, shopping, and a stuffed gift bag. I went SOLO. None of the folks I asked to go could and I had no plans to miss out so I went alone.  First, I can see the appeal of coming to this type of event with at least one girlfriend but I managed to have an awesome time with me. I met some amazing folks standing in the line to get my makeup done. They had great vendors and taste "FREE" drinks that flowed all night.  I also ran into a great old friend who I lost contact with and she pulled me on to my next outing. Karaoke!!!!

I don't go out much have two kids but my wonderful hubby was cool with it so I beat it to Drink Houston.
Located right off I-10 and Silber it is 3 different clubs in one.  After many, many birthday shots (Juicy P was my favorite) I was having a ball and tempted to sing. Tempted but I have a voice that is akin to a sack of wet angry cats.  Good times were had and I will be back.

BBQ Wars...and the winner is

Triple J's Smokehouse 

If you a ask 5 people in Houston where to find the best Bar B Que you will most likely get 12 different answers. Most folks from here, well Texas, believe they are experts on the subject. We all have a preference, including me.  I love the trailer off of MLK and Griggs. He makes some of the best homemade sausage I have ever smelled forget eaten.  I can get full just smelling it. Which funny enough is what I would do leaving work driving down MLK I would roll down my window just before Griggs to try and catch a whiff if I could smell the sausage I knew he was cooking and I should make that right turn.  No smell keep it moving.  Everything else he does is pretty good too. But, yes their is a but, hands down if I want BBQ without the guess work I beat it to the north side of Houston to Triple J's SmokeHouse.   I really can't believe I worked in this neighborhood beginning last year and went almost 6month without trying this place.  I was mad with me for quite a while once a friend at work dragged me here.

There's a really nice man out front selling fruit. Buy some its local. He grows it &will pack it to the car for you.

I love my BBQ without sauce it just gets in my way. I want to taste the meat and only the meat. The beef flavor here makes me giddy with joy. Its so good I tend to do a little happy dance in my seat.  There's no weird after taste. Its not overloaded with seasoning. It's in  a word Perfect. YEAH I SAID PERFECT!!! I almost always get the exact same order here. A chopped beef sandwich.

I had a sandwich from a chain BBQ place a week before eating here mostly fat. The brothers at Triple J's have never, not once, giving me a sandwich consisting of inedible fat.  They trim and chop it right in front of you so there is no question about what they are chopping.  

My other favorite here is a stuffed potato called the Big J. It comes loaded with the addition of all the meats (ALL THE MEATS BEEF,SAUSAGE,AND A RIB). Its slightly ridiculous but oh so good.  Its really enough to feed a family of 4. 

The other stand out on their menu has to be for me the CAKE!!! Homemade moist perfection.  

The have a few different types of cake. I prefer the basic. Plain white cake with white icing. It reminds me of my best birthday cake.  Clean and simple but lots of fun. I'm pretty sure it what I want for my birthday cake this year.  *Hint Hint* to those that can make it happen.  

I love this place. Its beyond affordable. You can eat like a king and have a daiquiri to go for under 20bucks.  

The menu and one of the J's 

My husbands favorite (sliced beef with sauce)

Find Triple J's at

6715 Homestead Road
Houston, TX 77028-5046
(713) 635-6381

and they are now on Facebook (like them I do)

Come Hungry Houston

H-town Hungry Girl

Food Gods Descend on Houston....

OK not Gods exactly but the Cooking Channel is coming to Houston .  They will be at Canino Produce from  11-4pm dishing out FREE cool treats courtesy of Good Pops.

Canino Produce    2520 Airline DriveHouston, TX 77009-1118

You can track the truck to see when they will be in your part of the country. CLICK HERE.

Stay Hungry Houston and Cool with Free Treats

Htown Hungry Girl

Food Truck Friday! 7 in 1 shot...

Have you ever read the fairy tale call the Brave Little Tailor, it is on of my favorites.  It basically involves a tailor who kills 7 flies with one blow. He makes a belt that proclaims the glory of the deed reading "Seven at One Blow". It is misunderstood by those reading it and fear of the little tailor ensues. Throughout the remainder of the story he uses cleverness to trick a host of characters into thinking he really did kill 7men with one blow.
Well, the crafty folks at Noel Furniture (59South at Kirby) have managed to bring us 7 Food Trucks in one blow.  They are hosting a Food Truck Court this Friday 9Sept11 from 11a-1p.  The participating trucks include some old favorites like Eatsie Boys and some I've never heard of like The Lunch Bag. I'm super excited about this food court and plan to be there in full effect. Houston weather has been kind since the month started and I'm ready to hang out and sample whats there. So let's be like the Brave Little Tailor and go out into the food world and strike 7 in one blow.

Here are all the details:

Location

Noel Furniture2727 Southwest Freeway 

Houston, TX 77098

(Kirby Exit on East side of Frwy)

.

Date-Time

Friday, September 09, 2011 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (CT)

Trucks Attending

Eatsie Boys,Oh My Gogi's, Hit 'N Run, Good Dog Hot Dogs, The Lunch Bag, Juice Girl, and  Frosted Betty

Food Truck Chaser Tip

Bring Cash. A lot take cards but CASH is king.

Click Here to Go to Noel's Food Truck page

Come Hungry Houston

Hungry Girl

When the Hungry Girl Cooks or Southern Style Breakfast of Champions

I know it may not seem like it but I do cook. On occasion. This morning I was feeling real Southern or kinda country depending on your perspective.  My daughter woke up asking for (demanding she's 3) pancakes so being a wonderful mom I obliged.  I didn't just make pancakes however, I went all out and made cheese grits, fried fish, chicken sausage, and eggs for my husband.
My mom makes fish and girts on special morning. Its not an everyday dish so I'm not sure why I cooked it up this morning. I must have been feeling special having had the first full night of sleep in two weeks. My entire house has passed the flu on one to the other and finally to me. We are all feeling better now so a big breakfast was in order.
I would share the receipt but there really isn't anything major to share.  Luckily we had mix for the pancakes because from starch was not happening this morning.

 

*My husband picked this mix up it was cheap but good. I'm a food snob would have never purchased*

 Ive been making grits since forever and always do it the same but I didn't use anything special.  Quaker 5min. grits. Same as my Mom perfect every time.

The fish I get the big bag of individually wrapped tilapia from Costo. They are perfect since you only use what you need. I slipped the frozen packets in a bowl of water for 5mins and they were ready to fry. Seasoned with just salt and pepper and a light dusting of flour. 

The finished plate!!!! Yum-O!

Yes, I used paper because I didn't want to wash more dishes. I'm a lazy cook. I forgot to turn on the chicken sausage in the over. I had a little help in the kitchen from a 3yr old budding chef and I was too busy trying to keep the mess to a minimum.  I still made it and my husband ate them. They are from Costo too(love that store if you haven't guessed yet.)

When the Hungry Girl gets Thirsty

I am by no stretch of the imagination a drinker and when I was checking my twitter timeline and see a tweet for a free tasting posted by  @HtownCheapEat for a free tasting downtown I kept it moving. (YOU REALLY SHOULD FOLLOW THEM IF YOU ARE NOT OR CHECK THEIR SITE  
( http://cheapeatsinhouston.blogspot.com ) 


After look at the timeline again and think well it sounds interesting....maybe...let me check it out..


Next thing I know I'm registering for the Tuesday Tasting at Reserve 101  Whiskey Bar


Reserve 101 is a hip take on old school whiskey bar. Its bright well lit and the bar is well stocked. I learned that they host these weekly tasting with a host of different liquors.  


We had the pleasure of being there for the Flor de Cana's  4yr, 7yr, and 12yr Rum tasting.  
  

4 yr old.  Burned my chest. Felt like I was breathing fire. It was good but is so not for shots in my opinion. Needs a mixer. I purchased a Coke and wiped it out. 

Above is the 12yr. This was much smoother on my "light in the loafers" taste buds.  I was able to sip it down with no problem. Sweet and vanilla after taste. Love it. NO COKE NEEDED.

The Rums were all fairly reasonable. Nothing we tasted was over $30-35a bottle.   They do have 15yr and 21yr aged bottles that sadly we didn't get the opportunity to taste.

The tasting room behind the bar was not too crowded and would be perfect for a party! 

 The tasting last about an hour and half. It is really nice of the owner and we will be back. Check out their website at www.Reserve101.com

After sipping we needed something to get me walking straight and walked over to Lucky Strike in the Houston Pavilions.  If you haven't made a happy hour here make plans to catch it.  So awesome!

Hubby decided on the sliders 1. goat cheese truffle oil and beef patty and 2. Salmon

Hanger Steak Jerk Skewers

Reserve 101 Bar Info:

1201 Caroline St @ Dallas Directly across from the House of Blues

Website: Reserve101.com

Tasting Tuesdays Check out their Website for upcoming events.

Lucky Strike

1201 San Jacinto Street #321
Houston, TX 77002-6930
(713) 343-3300