REVIEW: Immaculate Baking Co. Cranberry Orange Scones

Always looking for a shortcut, I stumbled upon this product in the biscuit aisle:   Immaculate Baking Co. Cranberry Orange Scones.

Good but a bit dry.  I will keep to my own scone recipe from now on because they were a bit pricey too.

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REVIEW: Golden Wok

Dim Sum.  Always I seem to miss the early Dim Sum on Saturdays or Sundays when they roll around the carts full of variety and choice.  At other times you are limited to a limited menu. No biggie.  I love to eat and still find plenty to consume.

Golden Wok is a fave from when we lived in that neighborhood but it is still worth the ten mile trek to get Pan Asian food.  Today I chose Dim Sum.

Dim Sum is a traditional Chinese cuisine in which small portions of a variety of foods, including an assortment of steamed or fried dumplings are served in succession.  Ha Ha---stole that right off the website. 

Had lots of food tonight, all with unpronounceable names, but all better than the dish before it.  Seriously, I always do enjoy the Dim Sum at this location on Wurzbach.  Next time YOU are getting the invite to join me and we’ll have a giant Dim Sum party.

PS:  the Koi Pond out front is always a Zen like experience. 

MSaiz

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REVIEW: Cheddar's Casual Cafe

So I have to admit I know nothing about Cheddars.  On the outside it looks like a Chili’s or Applebee’s---well---on the inside it looks like those places too so thus began my new adventure today.

I got there on the NW side of town about 12:30P.  The place was packed.  I tweeted to see if I should remain in line or find somewhere else to eat lunch? @spamatdan tweeted back and said I should stay FTW.  We took his advice and waited. Surprisingly our wait was not long even though there were tons of people before us. 

I ordered the steak and chicken tenders with baked potato all the way and red beans and rice.  I also ordered the buttered croissants since we did not get an appetizer.   

My medium steak was without flavor and dry.  I think the chefs did not let the steak rest after cooking.  The chicken tenders were good and appeared to be fresh and hand-made. The best part of the meal was the red beans and rice.  Again, it appeared fresh and hand-made.  The croissants were good but way greasy with the sweet butter.

I almost felt like I was being rude to the waitress who was being super polite and attentive but we just could not hear her when she would come by our table.  The place was super busy and super noisy.  I blamed it on the ceiling fan contraction above us:  pretty but scary.

The place is brand new and as we all know San Antonians love to go to new restaurants.  I should have waited a while longer before going to this one.  I think some kinks still need to be worked out. 

The prices were reasonable so next time I am in the area I will give it another shot. Now if we only had one on MY side of town??? 

PS:  the clouds were pretty and hung very low as we exited the restaurant that still had a huge line of people waiting both inside and out.

MSaiz

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REVIEW: PIEDRAS NEGRAS DE NOCHE

What am I---a viejito???  We ate supper tonight at 5PMish---because we were hungry.

We were in the area just south of downtown so we stopped at Piedras Negras. I am used to eating at this place late at night after a night on the town.  5PM saw a whole different crowd for sure.

I had the Steve’s Plate:  enchiladas; tamales; taco; tostada and obligatory rice and beans.  The food was fine but I can find just as good or better Mexican food closer to my house.  I won’t be in a hurry to come back to this Mexican food joint.

PS:  This place used to be housed next door in this two story building with steep, steep stairs and mirrors on every wall.  Then there was a fire so they moved into the old Pizza Hut building next door and to this day, there they still remain.  Seems like it has been years or is just my viejito memory???

PPS:  I never knew the real name of this place was Piedras Negras de Noche.  I have always just called it Piedras Negras.  LOL---I am viejito.

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Michael Saiz

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REVIEW: William's Confectionery Crafts

Looking for somewhere Mom & Pop to eat, did a quick search on Yelp and ended up at William’s Confectionery Crafts on the NE side of town.

First of all the place is small and was standing room only when we arrived at 10:30A.  We sat at a makeshift counter that overlooked the front window. 

I had the breakfast special:  Bacon, Eggs, Grits, & Toast. This was very tasty and definitely home-made. 

The wait staff were all very friendly and eager to serve.  I recommend this place if you are in the neighborhood by NE Methodist Hospital.  I will have to try their lunch menu next time.

PS:  Since the joint has Confectionery in its title, had to try something sweet for the road.  I grabbed this pecan tart thingy which was good and fresh albeit a bit dry.  They have a nice selection of sweets and cakes and pies.

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Michael Saiz

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REVIEW: THAI CHILI TAKE-OUT

So you starve a cold; feed a fever.  What do you do when you suspect H1N1?  Eat Woon Sen Soup w/ Pork of course!!!

Thai Chili is one of my fave Thai places in town. It’s only 4 miles from my home so perfect for some take-out.

So I tackled my suspected case of swine flu w/ pork and glass noodles soup: always spicy and always good.

I’m sure I will make it in to work tomorrow after eating this tonight. It cleared up every last bit of illness that was clinging to my raggedy body.

MSaiz

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REVIEW: HA PHO LONG

So it took 38 miles for us to meander along the south side from the north central part of town only to end up on the northwest side of town today at HA PHO LONG for lunch.  It helps to have a plan.  Well at least I wasn’t’ wasting MY gas. I tweeted for suggestions of places to eat but everyone was ALL LATE.  LOL.

No web address for this popular Vietnamese noodle shop across from Ingram Park Mall but the food has always been good.

Had the #11 and of course I have already forgotten what the meats are in this pho but whatever they were they were delicious.  Noodles were tender and the assorted meats were tender.  The garnishes were fresh and always add to overall flavor of the soup.

Their version of bubble tea is called boba tea.  Had the mango and it was super sweet and super delicious too.

So if you ever find yourself on a 38 mile trek around the city, head on over to HA PHO LONG and enjoy a big giant bowl of pho. I personally guarantee it.

PS:  What’s the difference between the large and small bowl---75¢.

PPS:  Next time I’ll try the soul cooking place this guy was hawking on his wearable cardboard sign.

PPPS:  Wait staff was super attentive and polite. When you go to an Asian restaurant and it is full of Asians, you know your meal will be good.  When you go to an Asian restaurant and it is empty of Asians, you know the place has been Americanized. This place was packed with Asian diners.

MSaiz

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REVIEW: Muse - The Resistance

My friend GB recommended this band’s newest release last night and to be honest with you I had never really paid attention to this band. 

Then it turns out they were on the MTV Video Music Awards the other night but darn, I stopped watching that show years ago.

Found their music online and took a listen.  I’m digging what I’m hearing.

Muse are a twist of Queen and Radiohead and U2 and Classical Music.  Somehow the combination is good progressive rock meat pie.

This sound is definitely fresh and welcomed right about now. Most new music is bland in my opinion.

Their first single is Uprising.  Lyrics that speak of liberty but not in a preachy way are core to the success of this song.  Bouncy and slightly poppy, this song should be a hit.

My fave song on the album is United States of Eurasia. This is the song with a strong Queen homage.  I look forward to seeing them (fingers crossed) live when they open for U2 next month. 

So if I had to rate this album, after only two listens, I would give them 3.5 stars out of five.  Every song is familiar yet fresh and I was left wanting more. 

Give them a listen why don’t ya???

MSaiz

Uprising by Muse  
Download now or listen on posterous

01 Muse - Uprising.mp3 (9863 KB)

United States Of Eurasia (Collateral Damage) by Muse  
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04 Muse - United States Of Eurasia [Collateral Damage].mp3 (9968 KB)

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REVIEW: Pralinutta Duo

So you already know my pre-occupation with the chocolate hazelnut spread called Nutella, but I have found another product that just might take the place of my usual morning snack.  Found Pralinutta Duo next to the Nutella in the peanut butter aisle of my Lincoln Heights Grocery Store.

It looks like nutella but would it taste like nutella??  Gosh darn-it, it did.  And this tasty spread was less expensive too.

I totally recommend it for your mid morning pick-me-up snack.  Mine was on H-E-B French Toast bread.  Yummy.

MSaiz

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REVIEW: Josephine Street Cafe

Last time I reviewed this local fave was in January of this year and documented here.  Tonight, on the verge of a rainstorm, I review it again and find that I had the exact meal as I did nine months ago.  I am the king of consistency: the king Saiz of consistency.

Always have loved the little beer glasses at this joint. Where can I snag me a set?

Sausage and queso for the appetizer as usual, apparently, but it is oh so good.  I don’t seem to remember the queso being on the side but it was a good idea as we could slather the queso on the heart attack on a plate appetizer as we desired.  This appetizer is so delicious.  You must try it.

So sitting under the light of the blue neon sign which reads steaks, it hits me, order the rib eye steak dorkus maximus. If we would have sat in the exact opposite side of the building the blue neon sign reads whiskey.  How different my night could have been.

Rib eye steak was a bit fatty but still full of flavor.  Those mashed potatoes are always tasty too.

Then the rain hit.  A stampede of people ran into the little building from the eating patio to escape the downpour.  As every table was already occupied they just stood around with their drinks and plates.  Those funny pictures did not come out clearly with the poor lighting in the restaurant and the poor iPhone camera.

This is a place we often frequent before a Spurs game but the neighborhood is changing.  S says the Liberty Bar next door is moving to Southtown and will be replaced by a parking garage.  Makes me wonder how much longer Josephine Street Café will be around too?  Go quickly and enjoy before they are BOTH gone.   

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Michael Saiz

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REVIEW: Tong's Thai Restaurant

When I used to work in the Austin Highway area in the late 90s, eating at Tong's Thai was a weekly experience where eating just the combination fried rice was a meal in itself. And although this restaurant is still pretty much in my neighborhood, for some reason have not been here in quite a while.

Always I gravitate to the Pad Wun Sen on a Thai menu. Off the lunch menu: glass noodles sautéed with chicken, green onions, celery and carrots and bean sprouts in a garlic/ginger soy sauce. This was pretty good but I could taste the thickening agent for the sauce. Whether it was flour or corn starch or something else, there was a hint of something that didn't quite belong. Something almost raw tasting. But this didn't stop me from cleaning off my plate.

Potato soup was delicious. Wish the bowl was bigger because my bowl was quickly emptied.

I let the waiter pick my bubble tea for the ride home. It was called Tiger something or another with a combination of mango and other tropical fruits I quickly forgot. Sprinkled on top w/ peanuts which I learned sank to the bottom and were only sucked up through the wide straw when I was almost finished w/ my drink. The tapioca pearls were tasty and plentiful.

All in all it was nice to be back at Tong's Thai for some good food. The interior had been remodeled since last I was here and it appears to have picked up a hip; eclectic crowd. Was I really the oldest one in the room??? You should try it again too.

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Michael Saiz

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REVIEW: HOUSE OF PIES in Houston

It was after some late night/early morning binge that I first discovered House of Pies in Houston and always make an effort to make a quick stop when I am in the Bayou City.

Since there are no more Bennigan’s in San Antonio, saw the Monte Cristo Sandwich on the menu and thought I’d give it a try.  Understandably, a place called House of Pies probably isn’t going to make the best Monte Cristo out there.  Sadly, that was the case here.  I barely ate a fourth of my sandwich as it was greasy and cold and slimy all at once.  Do not recommend it.

Got a slice of the French Blackbottom to go; always good---always fresh.  

This place is on Westheimer in Houston, so next time you are in H Town.  Give their pies a try.  I think the other food is not so good unless you are drunk.

PS

I would love to open up my own pie shop here in San Antonio.  I am mulling over these two names:  Pies in the House of Love or Pie Town. 

First name was stolen from Was Not Was – Spy in the House of Love.   Enjoy.

Second name was stolen from that little town in New Mexico:  Pie Town.

PPS

Now I’m in a pie baking mood.  Mmmmm Cherry!

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REVIEW: San Jacinto Monument

When I first moved to Texas I sub-contracted for the State of Texas as a substance abuse counselor in the Prison systems.  In addition to the normal and usual Federal Holidays like Labor Day, we were also granted a fistful of State Holidays including San Jacinto Day.  It was nice to have a Holiday almost every month.

Now first thing I wanted to do was pronounce Jacinto in Spanish but was quickly told that it was not pronounced in Spanish but with the soft J sound.  I relented.

So I was always fascinated with Saint Hyacinth after that stint in Prison and finally learned after 14 years in Texas, that the monument to this battle was a mere 20 miles east of Houston.  This was the battle of all battles as it granted Texas independence from Mexico. As these are desperate times and no room in the budget for my usual big Labor Day trip, boot scooted over to Houston for a day trip.

First thing you notice is that you are in the middle of refinery city.  Tanks and refineries dot the landscape for a good 10 miles before you even reach the monument.  I am sure this was pristine bayou back in 1939 when the monument was completed but today it is smelly, oily money.

$1 to get in---you can't beat that, and my adventure was to begin.  I have to admit that this monument is better looking than the Washington Monument.  Something about the crowning star that just sets the monument apart. 

Whisk up to the observation deck for a quick view of the scenery and instantly disappointed.  I had it in my head that we would get to go to the star crown for a viewing.  We were a good three stories below in the hermetically sealed, not for the claustrophobic, full of kids, observation room. The views were awesome.  Shame it was cloudy and about to rain so the view to downtown Houston was not very clear.

So I did my patriotic duty and took in a History Lesson of the San Jacinto Monument.  I live in the city with the Alamo so I guess I just need to find me other historical spots to visit soon.  Any ideas?

Pix are here.

You should do your patriotic duty and visit soon too.

PS.

The words San Jacinto pop up often in popular Texas culture.  This song from the 90s always reminds me of a special time and place.  David Garza mentions San Jacinto about 1:16.  Dude is from Austin. Enjoy. 

http://www.veoh.com/collection/David-GarzaMusic-Videos/watch/v18425127kqyZGycF#/search/videos/q/hayden

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REVIEW: Zito's Delicatessen & Sandwich

So I have passed by this place on Broadway and 410 half a million times.  I always thought the place was out of business because I never see any cars parked out front.  Turns out they are only open for lunch.  My friend I.R. recommended this place but she's the one who recommended this other place before and it was not so good.  I was wary.  But I ventured on today for I was hungry for something different.

No website and no to-go menus so I went on intuition and selected the house special.  They had the whole sandwich for $9 and change and the halfahouse for $6 and change.  Got the halfahouse.  OK I admit I am not to sure what kind of meat or cheese or sauces were in this Italian inspired sandwich but the sucker was way good.  Should have ordered the whole sandwich.  I was left wanting more.  I will definitely return.

BTW, the place was packed and the cashier knew several of the patrons by name. It's nice to be a regular.

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Michael Saiz

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Thoughts on the @WholeFoods #BUYCOTT and review of my own Linguini with Sausage and Peppers. #tlot (or) Where I mix Politics with Eating.

OK, here’s the deal.  John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods wrote this OP ED piece in the Wall Street Journal suggesting market-based alternatives to the current administration’s plan for health care reform.  I have read his piece up and down and was unable to understand why a boycott of Whole Foods has been orchestrated by this guy here. A lot of what Mr. Mackey said makes perfect sense to me. So it boils down to freedom of speech and if you boycott everything you do not agree with, you’ll find yourself in a party of one.  

That’s why I was inclined to join the local buycott, details are here. And although I was unable to attend at the appointed hour, I shopped at Whole Foods today in support of John Mackey’s right to free speech and made supper with what I purchased.

Now for the food:  Linguini with sausage and yellow peppers made with a butter sauce and sprinkled with arugula, made for a tasty and quick and easy supper.  The chicken sausage from the meat market at Whole Foods was fresh and spicy.  And isn’t arugula often the butt of Whole Food jokes?  I just had to mix some in the dish instead of the usual spinach and it added a more rugged and rich flavour to the mix.

For dessert found this freshly made Blueberry White Chocolate Bread Pudding in the bakery department of Whole Foods.  Totally crisp and savoury, it was totally worth the $5.99 for the 28 oz dish.  Totally.

So although I do not often shop at Whole Foods, I felt disposed to support the buycott because I do not agree with the boycott.  Make sense?  I’m all about freedom and the coercion and hatred coming from the folks of the boycott was something I just could not ignore.  Mr. Mackey simply expressed an opinion.  This opinion did not sit well with the boycott organizers so as is their tactic, they have attacked their target.  Mr. Mackey you do not stand alone and I support your right to express your opinion even if it does not agree with the current administrations directives. 

And why can’t we bring our own ideas to the discussion?  Why does it have to be enacted so quickly?  There is time to figure this all out.  What can I say?  I’m a Libertarian.    

BTW, Whole Foods was busy.  As usual.

MSaiz

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