Churrascos, Houston

Seems like ages ago when I was in Texas last. If you couldn’t tell, this KbK has been in some sort of extended hibernation as I began my graduate program in England and got settled with my new living situation.

This is the latest part of my Texas series, about 8 months delayed. Stephen took me here for my 22nd birthday, recalling positive dining experiences with his father when he still lived in Houston.

Buffalo Grille, Houston

I absolutely love brunch. I already love each of the “normal” meals, but brunch is extra special because it is impossible to be in a bad mood while having brunch. Usually brunch time means you got to sleep in and/or it’s the weekend. And because it’s such a filling meal, with both salty and sweet elements, you’re pretty much set for the rest of the day until dinner. I could eat brunch every day.

Now, the Buffalo Grille in Houston is not a brunch-only sort of place, but I was in my brunch mood (which was heightened by the general happiness from being on vacation) and everything that touched my mouth was awesome. It kind of reminded me of Urth Caffé in Los Angeles, only with Texas-sized portions, a general embrace of fried elements, and of course real maple syrup.

Funfetti Cake Pops

One of the most influential blogs on the Internet belongs to Angie at Bakerella. Her fun, playful style, crafty, creative ideas, and ceaseless passion for everything cute and sweet in life is infectious and inspirational. When I first started blogging, Bakerella was where I headed for tips on everything baking, especially when it came to the crucial photography moments. But, despite Krafted by Kelly’s two year history, my first time making cake pops was last week. And Bakerella’s famous book has already spawned various kits, international editions, and most recently, a cake pop toy set. When I finally decided to make cake pops, I wasn’t quite ready to master the complicated shapes and characters she details in her book, but to capture her colorful, fun-loving take on baking and decorating, I knew funfetti cake pops with rainbow sprinkles and non-pareils would be a faithful homage.

Chuys, Houston

I had the best steak fajitas when I was in Houston. They were so good that when I crave steak fajitas now, I am specifically craving Chuys’ steak fajitas. Chuys, a chain that started in Austin, is another one of Stephen’s top spots. Boasting a cantina vibe, deep margaritas, funky decor, and honestly fantastic Tex-Mex cuisine, this is a place that makes the Tio Lio’s or the El Torito I know a few miles away in San Diego as interesting and tasty as stale white bread.

Crack Pie

When my family recently hosted an impromptu dinner party and I was in charge of the dessert, crack pie was a great choice because it delivered as both an interesting conversation starter and as a well-received dessert. Crack Pie is one of the destination desserts that people have to order upon arriving at momofuku milkbar. At $44/pie (according to their website), this sweet disc of ooey-gooey, oaty, crunchy, and salty harmony is surprisingly easy to make.

Becks Prime, Houston

One of the things that I find awesome and unexpected about traveling regionally in the US is the wide range of popular “chain-type” eateries to which I am completely oblivious. Californians are often cited for their self-centric tunnel vision in many areas, and I am not an exception. As a teenager, after having visited a Potbelly and a Soup Box (this was in Chicago), the experience was both eye-opening and left me wishing they each had locations somewhere in LA or San Diego (they didn’t).

These are the sort of chains that everyone nearby loyally knows and loves, but might not have national infamy (like McDonald’s or ChickFilA) or be so individualistic that they land on city culinary lists targeting visitors. Nonetheless, they warrant a mention and a visit because they are just good, solid places to eat. This is what a place like Beck’s Prime means to me.

Mission Burrito, Houston

Earlier this summer I visited the great state of Texas. I was especially excited for this trip because Stephen, over the course of the past few years, has continuously extolled the virtues of authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, which is as delicious as it is ubiquitous in Houston, his hometown. According to him, Mission Burrito is the Mecca of his Tex-Mex belief system. We stopped by the Mission Burrito location that he dined at practically every day during high school right after our flight. The generous, Texas-sized portions, hearty, full-bodied flavor, and casual atmosphere was exactly what I needed.