Torchy's Tacos

In the River Oaks area of Houston, TX is a cool little taco shop called Torchy's Tacos. If it sounds familiar, it is a part of a small chain, with another location in Austin, TX. Torchy's is a funky little spot, complete with outdoor patio seating.

While out one day, I passed by and committed the name to memory, saying I would check it out one day. Well, a few weeks later I decided to drop in and have a taste. Because I had already looked up the menu I knew exactly what I wanted as I walked in the door. Although, while waiting in line some other options DEFINITELY caught my eye. I had two Beef Fajita Tacos and the Chips & Salsa, with an ice cold Dos Equis beer. The tacos were so filling and full of ingredients. Definitely not skimpy with the meat or peppers & onions....y'all know how I love my grilled onions...it got a bit messy, but so daggone delicious! It was so perfect. I am really looking forward to me imminent return.

So the next time you're in Houston, get on down to Torchy's Taco's and  grab a bite to eat. I promise you won't be disappointed. You know I wouldn't steer you wrong...ESPECIALLY when it comes to food. Until next time, eat well!

Chips & Salsa

Beef Fajita Taco

Crabs???? Yes, Please!!!

Just off the sandy white beaches of Pensacola, Florida is a cool spot called Crabs! We Got Em! They specialize in crabs...duh!!! You get to choose from King Crab, Dungeness Crab, Snow Crab and Blue Crabs. They boil 'em up East Coast style with a nice kick.

The atmosphere is very casual and relaxing. They even have an on site playground for kids to play. In addition, they have a full bar to pour up your favorite drinks; they have specialty drinks as well, including one called Diesel Fuel. *Drink at your own risk*

I've been to this little spot on two occasions and I was EXTREMELY satisfied each time. Initially, I had the King Crab legs....DELICIOUS!!!!! You get about 1 1/4 lbs for a reasonable price along with potatoes, corn and sausage if you would like. On this last visit, I had the Dungeness crab (pictured below), with potatoes and corn (no pork on my fork). I was very pleased with the presentation and most importantly the flavor and taste. I definitely suggest this place if you ever make it down to Pensacola Beach sometime. I promise you won't be disappointed. You know I wouldn't steer you wrong....ESPECIALLY when it comes to food! Until next time...EAT WELL!

Dungeness Crab

La Guadalupana

Everyone knows my deep passion for Mexican and Tex-Mex food. Well, during a study session I happened upon this little place in the Montrose area of Houston,Texas. It's called La Guadalupana Bakery & Cafe. They make their own tortillas, chips and desserts. They use fresh ingredients in the food. I also don't recall seeing any grease on my plate either...AWESOME!

La Guadalupana is a ducked off little spot. It's on the side of the road but you'd miss it if you weren't paying attention. From the outside it doesn't look like much but once inside, you're in for such a treat. 

I had the Tacos Al Carbon (pictured below), opted for no beans, rice only. Tacos Al Carbon are three steak tacos with lettuce, tomato, and cheese served on a lightly grilled flour tortilla. The service was really good, even though our server spoke very little English. I am already plotting on the enchiladas when I return.

So, hustle on down to La Guadalupana when you have time or drop by the next time you're in Houston for a tasty lunch, dinner or just for dessert. Trust me you won't be disappointed. You know I wouldn't steer you wrong....ESPECIALLY when it comes to food! Until next time...EAT WELL!

Tacos Al Carbon

To You I Say, Salu! Salu!

Right on the trendy and hip Magazine Street is a hot spot for friends, couples and an all-around good time. Salu is a Tapas restaurant which makes it perfect for groups to try everything on the menu. I had been to Salu for lunch once prior to going for dinner with friends and family. It was quite busy I must say, filling up quickly inside and outside seating was pretty much nonexistent. If you can't sit that must mean something good is going down. 

We had a great server who was on top of everything we needed. Cocktails were flowing and the food was hitting the table left and right. We ate so much that I can't even go into detail...however, I've placed pictures below for your visual pleasure. Salu takes the phrase "Sharing is caring" to a whole other level. 

Whenever you have some time go check out Salu on Magazine. You'll be glad you listened to me. You know I wouldn't steer you wrong...ESPECIALLY when it comes to food. Until next time...EAT WELL!

Mussels w/White Wine broth

Calamari

Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes

Seared Jumbo Sea Scallops

Grilled Lamb Lollipops

Bacon Wrapped Prawns

Grilled Skirt Steak 

Don't Miss Vincent's

Another stop on the Italian lane is well-known local spot named Vincent's Italian Cuisine. Vincent's is located on St. Charles in the Garden District. No matter the day of the week or the time Vincent's seems to always have a crowd. With a classic Italian feel, Vincent's is a cozy restaurant that smells of garlic when you arrive, which is never a bad thing.

Awesome servers who've worked there for quite some time clearly display the love for their job. Always knowledgeable and ready to answer any question they can guide you through the extensive menu effortlessly. The signature dish for Vincent's is the Cannelloni, which I always get except this time. For starters, I had the Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms. Two large mushroom caps filled with a shrimp & crab meat stuffing. The mushrooms can literally be a meal by itself. I had the Veal Parmigiana for my entree. It was phenomenal. Large portion and full of flavor. I've never been disappointed at Vincent's and it continues to remain that way.

In the mood for Italian, check them out. I promise you won't be disappointed. You know I wouldn't steer you wrong...ESPECIALLY when it comes to food. Until next time...EAT WELL!

Veal Parmigiana

Me, Myself & Irene's

Tucked off towards the back of the French Quarter is an awesome restaurant called Irene's. A staple in New Orleans cuisine, Irene's never fails to live up to its reputation of excellence. Irene's offers Italian cuisine with a bit of New Orleans flair. I've been to Irene's a couple of times before but this last visit was the best by far.

As usual I had awesome service. Dan was my server this time, he's quite the charmer and entertainer. But isn't that what you want in your service though???? Of course! Well anyway back to the food. So this time I had the Oysters Irene & Mussels Marinara for starters; followed by my favorite dish, Cannelloni Al Forno for an entree. From start to finish....ABSOLUTELY DIVINE!

The Oysters Irene is a half-dozen oysters baked in the half shell and topped with tomatoes, pancetta and mozzarella cheese. Mussels Marinara are mussels cooked in a marinara broth with tomatoes and seasoning, served with slices of ciabatta bread. Light, flavorful and delicious. I'd never had mussels in a red sauce until then and will definitely get that dish many more times to come. The Cannelloni Al Forno is baked pasta tubes stuffed with veal, eggplant and spinach topped with mozzarella cheese and served over marinara sauce. A classic Italian dish. The special of the night was the Osso Bucco, a veal shank slow cooked for about 5 hours and served with saffron Parmesan risotto. *Muah..Bella!* Irene's also has a great selection of desserts to choose from as well.

Whether you're just looking for a new place to eat, celebrating a birthday or anniversary or a new date spot, Irene's is excellent for any occasion. Hustle on down there and get yourself a great meal. I promise you won't be disappointed. You know I wouldn't steer you wrong....ESPECIALLY when it comes to food! Until next time...EAT WELL!

Mussels Marinara

Oysters Irene

Cannelloni Al Forno



Osso Bucco

Root...I Root for You...

Right on the corner of Julia & Fulton Streets lies a hip, new spot called Root. I had the opportunity to pop in for a pre-dinner cocktail not long ago. I did not eat but after seeing the menu I wish I'd had. I did however try out one of their specialty cocktails.

I tried a drink called 'Watermelon Candy'. My mouth has never been more thankful.It literally tastes like a watermelon Jolly Rancher....DELICIOUS!!! Usually, I stick to my favorite liquors, whiskey and tequila; but something about this drink caught my eye. Probably the fact that fresh watermelon is used. The drink consists of Smirnoff Watermelon Vodka, fresh watermelon and fresh lemon juice; garnished with a fresh piece of watermelon. 

While enjoying my cocktail I took some time to peruse the menu and found several items I'd gladly return to try. Their menu is organized by the categories Socials, Beginnings, Middles, Principals and Endings. With a menu that includes in-house charcuterie/sausages (including Cured Lamb Pancetta); Grilled Compressed Watermelon Salad (tuna, goat feta, avocado, chili lime vinaigrette); Black Lacquered Duck Tortellini (Indian Orange marscapone, toasted pine nuts, vanilla tapioca, black duck tea); Lobster Laksa (Poached Maine lobster, grilled onions, pickled eggs & forbidden black rice noodles), just to name a few. Their menu has something for everyone. 

While there, I had the pleasure of seeing them make Foie Gras Cotton Candy which is foie gras dipped in watermelon 'pop rocks' and then covered in cotton candy. Here is the link to the video:  How Foie Gras Cotton Candy is Made. A truly interesting sight. 

On Fridays & Saturdays they stay open until 2am and Midnight most other business days. Reservations are welcomed though not mandatory. Awesome service is what I received on my visit, always a pleasure. 

So go check it out & I promise you won't be disappointed. You know I wouldn't steer you wrong, ESPECIALLY when it comes to food...until next time...EAT WELL!

Watermelon Candy

Coop's Place is My Place

Down on Decatur Street past the cliche tourist traps is an awesome local spot called Coop's Place. It's a bar that happens to have an effing awesome menu. DEFINITELY NOT your typical bar food, not by a long shot. It's Cajun/Creole food on steroids.

If you happen to go at night and there's a line to get in, there's a reason. So be patient & WAIT! It's worth it; I promise you won't be disappointed. The menu ranges from Marinated Crab Claws to Duck Quesadillas to Rabbit/Sausage Jambalaya to Pasta Alfredo. There is plenty local fare with a twist for everyone (including vegetarians). My favorite items are the Seafood Gumbo, Lamb Ribs, Pasta Alfredo w/Beef Tenderloins and the Redfish Meuniere. F*!@!ING PHENOMENAL!!!!

The roux of the gumbo is not your typical dark roux but it is jam packed full of flavor. The gumbo consists of crab claws, shrimp and oysters only; topped off with a few green onions. Your mouth will thank you in return. The lamb ribs come with a homemade pepper jelly sauce on the side. The Redfish Meuniere is 2 pieces of redfish lightly battered and topped with shrimp and the Meuniere sauce over white rice with Creole green beans on the side. Portioned perfectly that you can either stuff yourself silly or get full enough to have some delectable leftovers later.

Now in order to fully appreciate the essence that is Coop's you MUST understand this...IT'S A BAR...NOT A RESTAURANT!!!! So for all you prissy & stuck up people out there...TAKE A CHILL PILL & ENJOY! The service is cool because it's bartenders slinging food & most importantly slinging drinks. They're busy and you're not the only person there so be patient, sit back and relax. Obviously to have been around since 1983, you know they've gotta be doing something right!

Soooooo...hop your ass on down to Coop's Place and maybe you just might see me there! You know I wouldn't steer you wrong, ESPECIALLY when it comes to food...until next time...EAT WELL!

Redfish Meuniere

Viva La Boca

When you think steakhouses in New Orleans what do you think of first? Crescent City Steaks? Ruth's Chris? Dickie Brennan's? Quite possibly. Well, it's time to change that way of thinking. If you haven't tasted the essence that is La Boca on Fulton St. than waste not another second on dropping in or making a reservation. La Boca is an Argentine steakhouse and the brainchild of local Chef Adolfo.

The staff is always pleasantly providing Grade A service. The chefs are phenomenal and the maitre d' is there to greet you at the door. Their food is reasonably priced and on Thursday nights from 9pm-12am they have S.I.N. (service industry night) Night, wherein their 5 most popular steaks are priced at $17 each and their appetizers are $5 and $6 side items. The choices are bountiful and sure to pleasure your taste buds no matter the decision. Shortly before your steak arrives at the table your server asks you simply one request, "choose your weapon." This is when you get to select your knife of choice from a wooden box holding approximately 7 different knives. 

The pictures below represent my latest meal from La Boca. To start I had a Watermelon & Arugula salad with blue cheese crumbles, red onions and bacon with a watermelon-infused vinaigrette dressing. Soooooooo freaking delicious!!!! For my entree I had the 8 oz. American Kobe steak cooked medium. Tremendously tender and flavorful, no need for sauce of any kind. On side I enjoyed they're cheesy mashed potatoes which are served in a cast iron skillet.

I promise if you go to La Boca once you will forever be a patron. I would never steer you wrong, ESPECIALLY when it comes to food....until next time...EAT WELL!

Watermelon & Arugula Salad

American Kobe Steak