Zoës Kitchen Review

Zoës Kitchen feels like something out of a Scandinavian country, with IKEA-type of furniture, vivid spring wall colors, and staff who wears khaki shorts to work (though I'm not sure folks in Scandinavia really do). This eatery, right off Shepherd and 59S, might be missed by those just passing by. However, good luck finding parking! Zoës Kitchen is almost certainly packed for lunch.

Just like its minimalist decor, don't expect too much from the menu of this chain eatery. Everything there is simple, but it doesn't mean it's not good. Zoës Kitchen is all about health conscious stuff. Think olives, pita bread, tuna salad, etc. It's mediterranean food meets contemporary chic. And, it's apparently where lots of good-looking people gather to eat, too.

However, my experience at Zoës Kitchen started off on the wrong foot. After getting my pick-up number, all the tables were taken, except for one which hadn't been cleaned yet. I set my stuff on that table, waiting for someone to clear it out. With no luck, I decided to take matters into my own hands (even though I dislike cleaning up after people I don't know). Immediately after, a lady came over to wipe the table, but I had pretty much done all the work.

However, however, such small incidents don't discourage me from what could be a good place to munch away. And, when my Chicken Quesadilla arrived, I have to admit I was pretty happy. This quesadilla was different. The dough was made of pita bread and it was nice and warm. Inside there was spinach, chicken and feta cheese. It also came with a side of fruit, salsa and sour cream. These last two condiments were much needed. The pita makes everything really dry.

And, that's exactly what my co-worker, Ricky, a graphic designer, said about his order. He had the Tuna Salad Wrap with a side of rice pilaf and jalapeño cheese (which looked like a mountain of play dough). He stole my salsa and smeared it all over his wrap. Apparently, though, he said his food tasted really good, especially the rice. (However, notice his shirt says "obey propaganda").

We both ended up spending about $11 each with drinks.

Using my rating system of BURP=delish!, GULP=pretty good, and BARF=yuk, Zoës Kitchen gets a GULP!

Zoës Kitchen
3701 South Shepherd
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 522-7447

100% Taquito Review

100% Taquito is 100 percent local. The mastermind behind this laid-back eatery is Marco Garcia, a U of H graduate, who wanted to bring the feel of Mexico City into his restaurant. The place is literally a city complete with street tiles, a facade of houses, car shop, taco stand, street lamps, and even clothes hanging out to dry on the roof, just like they do in Mexico City! And they're always playing Latin music videos on their TV screens.

Walk into 100% Taquito and the first thing you'll notice is the classic V-Dub taxi with what looks like scary lifelike puppets inside. The tables are set on the "street" making you feel like you're eating on the run, which you really are because at 100% Taquito, you order, take a number, eat, and go - perfect for lunch!

What makes 100% Taquito authentic is the size of the tacos (and of course, the taste). They are not your usual Tex-Mex size. They are small, just like in Mexico, which means an order of three tacos might not be enough to satisfy your appetite (think appetizer size).

Well, that's what exactly what happened to my intern, Claire. She ordered the exquisite Chicken Tacos. They were really good and tasted fresh! But, it just wasn't enough. And at around $4 per order, Claire was not too happy. She asked me to recommend what else to get and I told her to go for the Chicken Quesadillas (which I had never had there). To our surprise, her quesadilla order was basically the same as her taco order, except with cheese! We found out later that exact disclaimer was stated in the menu.

I went for my usual Chicken Mole Torta. "Tortas" in Mexico are sandwiches, which I find funny because in many Latin American countries, "tortas" are cakes. And, for those who don't know, Mole is a traditional chocolate sauce. Yes, you read correctly: chocolate. From what I've been told, this exotic concoction has indigenous roots. A chef once told me the word "mole" is french, meaning to grind. He said it came to be used when French nuns would yell out to the natives: "molé, molé!" and forced them to grind chocolate beans. However, there are many stories about this famous Mexican national dish.

Mole is an acquired taste. People are not fond of the look or the taste. Claire said the chicken mole on my baguette looked like dog food. I can assure you it doesn't taste like it (not that I've ever tried dog food). But it is a strange taste to describe. It's not sweet, for sure. It's kind of like having barbecue sauce, but without the sweetness.

100% Taquito is an experience. A pricey one, nonetheless. My sandwich and a frozen mango slushy cost me about $11. Using my rating system of BURP=delish!, GULP=pretty good, and BARF=yuk, I'd say this place gets a GULP!

100% Taquito

3245 Southwest Frwy.

Houston, TX 77027

(713) 665-2900

Empire Café Review

Hidden behind bushes and parked vehicles is one of the shrouded gems of the Westheimer Curve. Empire Café feels like a hub where artists, writers, and wretched poets would gather to discuss passions and politics over coffee and cigarrettes. But this artsy-fartsy café is much more than that, it's a place where you can get lunch.

Having been there several times to stuff my face with pasta, I had arrived there with a different kind of appetite. I wanted to try more of a poor man's meal. I decided to go for what seemed like the logical option when you just want a bite. I went astray from my usual and got the Soup and Sandwich combo (OK, maybe this would require a couple of bites rather than just one).

My intern and I sat outside in the patio to enjoy the outdoors, and not necessarily the view (it's just passing cars). As we waited in a table under the shade, we noticed the mixed crowd of people who eat at this ecclectic eatery- and let me tell you, it was far from my romantic vision of philosophers. This crowd was rather much more realistic, with folks in business attire or trendy Emo-getup. However, the one thing that remain true to my vision was the smell of cigarrette smoke, as the guy sitting next to us slowly burned one in his mouth. Ugh!

By the time our food had arrived, the smell of smoke had instantly dissipated. I could smell the soup... an extravangant Tomato Basil. This soul warming consommé instantly made me sweat (because it was already really hot outside). I don't really like tomato, but I'm a sucker for tomato basil soup and Empire Café is one of a few places in town which makes a really good cup!

Then, there was the sandwich: breaded chicken, provolone cheese, tomato, and bacon?!! on ciabatta-batta (an insider joke) bread. It tasted like it should be illegal. My intern had ordered the same thing, but she said hers was too buttery. I ate the whole thing.

Considering I was going for a poor man's meal, I spent about $11 on this plate, plus an iced tea. Using my rating system of BURP=delish!, GULP=pretty good, and BARF=yuk, I'd say this place gets a GULP!

Empire Café

1732 Westheimer Rd.

Houston, TX 77098

(713) 528-5282

Julia's Bistro Review

For those who don't know, anything "bistro" means it's going to be tiny portions. So, walking into Julia's Bistro for lunch, I had arrived with the pre-conceived notion I was not going to be full. However, Julia's Bistro is a really nice place, especially, if you're looking for a place to impress your date. It serves a fusion of Mexican and Latin American cuisine. It's posh, colorful and contemporary, so you might want to dress up for this one.

Anything "bistro" also means it's going to be pricey. Luckily, my co-worker and I were there to take advantage of the lunch menu.

I was really craving something healthy, so I went for the "Croquetas de Salmón" (salmon croquettes crusted with bread crumbs) without realizing I had ordered from the appetizer section. When the plate came in, I was shocked to see the food was really, really tiny. For sure, I was not going to be full! Needless to say, the salmon was heavenly. It was crisp, tangy and tasted like delicacy. I killed it in 5-min., but I was still very hungry!

Thankfully, my co-worker and her Mixto Exotica were staring right at my face. She kindly shared half of her delicious, exotic salad which included shrimp, a mix of fruit, like pineapple and mango, and was served with a Tahitian vanilla vinaigrette dressing. Her salad was plenty enough to be shared by two people (or at least that's what my co-worker said after I asked her if this was enough for her). She also ordered the Potato Soup and was extremely pleased by it.

Figuring I still had room for dessert, I decided to go ahead and order the Bread Pudding. Let me tell you, fresh off the oven, this was as good as it gets.

Julia's Bistro may be a bit pricey (our bill came out to be about $40 including our two drinks), but the food is really great. Using my rating system of BURP=delish!, GULP=pretty good, and BARF=yuk, I'd say this place gets a BURP!

Julia's Bistro

3722 Main Street

Houston, TX 77002

(713) 807-0090

Aka Sushi House Review

After hearing about how packed Aka Sushi House gets during happy hour on Thursdays, my best friend and I decided to check it out for ourselves. His reasoning was not to savor the happy hour prices on appetizers, but to take pleasure in looking at the college hotties who allegedly hang out at this place.

The idea behind the whole happy hour concept is that you're supposed to take advantage of how cheap prices can get. The happy hour section of the menu is like a list of "japanese tapas," in which items are served in small plates and come in items no more than you can count your fingers in one hand. Plate prices range from $3 and up.

Disappointed at the unfulfilled premise of college hotties packing and roaming around the restaurant (it was a normal crowd of what looked like young professionals), my friend ordered a Spider Roll and a Sashimi plate.

Of course, I had to pig out and went for the kill. I ordered several things: My favorite was the Beef Carpaccio, which I had two of those. For those who don't know, carpaccio is raw meat. I am very anti raw anything. However, the Beef Carpaccio at Aka Sushi House is bathed in a peppered vinaigraitte that's very hard to resist. My friend begged to differ.

My second favorite dish must have been the Firecracker Shrimp. This is very typical of Chinese cuisine in which they smear the shrimp with mayo. Very yummy! It kind of tasted like popcorn shrimp.

My third favorite dish was the Basil Chicken Wings. This had a kick and it was very spicy!

And last, my favorite dish was the Baked Mussles with cheese. I'm not really into mussles either, but these were OK.

Overall, it was a nice place with reasonable happy hour prices. We spent about $36 for two people, including two iced teas. Using my rating system of BURP=delish!, GULP=pretty good, and BARF=yuk, I'd say this place gets a GULP!

Aka Sushi House

2390 W Alabama St.

Houston, TX 77098

(713) 807-7875

Pronto Cucinino Review

The great thing about Pronto Cucinino is that it's true to its name. This quick Italian eatery is a favorite for workers like me, who want the convenience of a fast food restaurant without the feel of it being fast food.

Pronto Cucinino is up-to-date with what other restaurants are doing to remain cost-effective. Order at the counter, take a number, get your food and go. However, what they have not cut back on is the food quality.

It took about less than 10-min. for my food to be served. Yes, it amazes me every time because pasta is served on a plate, not a bun. And the taste... using my rating system of BURP=delish!, GULP=pretty good, and BARF=yuk, I'd say it's a GULP!

I had the Pasta Rustica: large tube pasta, eggplant and sausage mixed in a red sauce. And, though my interns said the sauce looked like cat barf (you be the judge), I was pretty satisfied for a quick lunch.

I spent a total of about $11 on this meal, including an iced tea.

Pronto Cucinino

1401 Montrose

Houston, TX 77019

(713) 528-TOGO (8646)