houston restaurants – ChefsGirl

Thai Spice Express (Sharpstown, Houston, TX)

chefsgirlnola@gmail.com — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 00:49:36 +0000

Every time I go to Houston, it’s mandatory that I go to Thai Spice Express. There’s multiple locations throughout Houston but this one is my favorite! It’s got the best and homiest Thai food around! I’ve also tried quite a few other restaurants in the city and they may be nice BUT not as flavorful. There’s counter service, they bring the food to you, and you pay afterwards.

Pad Ka Praw. Ground Meat. Green Beans. Chili Basil Sauce.

Spicy Combination Pad Thai (with chicken, shrimp, tofu, and egg).

Yellow Chicken Curry.

My favorite items to order are Pad Ka Praw, Spicy Pad Thai, Yellow Curry, and Green Curry. The portions here are usually rather large so it’s best shared family style. You can add spice to anything to kick it up a notch. Other items that I enjoy: Fried Whole Fish, Thai Tea.

Any particular specials to pay attention too? YES! If you’re looking for single portions, there’s a great lunch special for $6.99. If you happen to work in the area and looking for a homey, delicious lunch, this is THE spot. I miss it and wish we had one in New Orleans!

Rating: 5/5 spoons!

Bradley’s Fine Diner (The Heights, Houston, TX)

chefsgirl — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 02:26:52 +0000

At my first visit to Bradley’s, “The Chef” and I didn’t realize that Bradley’s Fine Diner was a play on “fine dining” so we were a bit underdressed. (Click here for our first Bradley’s experience!) Fortunately, the setting is actually more casual to business casual than “fancy” or “cocktail”. It was at this visit that the waiter told us that Bradley’s Fine Diner was a play on fine dining. Haha for some reason, I didn’t catch on at first, but now I get it! Honestly, I could care less about dress or decor. I come for the food!

It was Restaurant Week in Houston so there were some options to choose from on their tasting menu…

Bradley’s Caesar. Whole leaf romaine. Parmesan. Croutons.

Popcorn Shrimp. Watermelon. Cilantro. Chili-lime aioli.

Pan Roasted Trout. Corn relish. Cherry tomatoes. Brown Butter Caper Sauce.

Yankee Pot Roast. Garlic Mashed potatoes. Roasted baby carrots. Buttered breadcrumbs.

Chocolate Banana Cake. Chocolate Cookie crumble. Salted Caramel Ice Cream.

Bradley’s Butterscotch Pudding. Brown Sugar Rosemary Cookie.

Yum. What else can I say? Everything was presented beautifully and well-composed. The flavors were on point. From the tasting menu that we ordered, my favorites were the Popcorn Shrimp, the Pot Roast, and the Butterscotch Pudding. Being a Southern girl and coming from a place where seafood is exorbitant and prepared just “a bit” differently, I’d have to say that the fish was a little under-seasoned for my taste but is probably great for West Coast palates. Down South, we tend to “blacken” our fish and it could be overwhelming for milder palates, but Bradley’s fish was a more delicate and refined dish. Still, very good! “The Chef” ordered one dessert and I ordered another so we’d have a variety, but I really wish we ordered two of the Butterscotch Puddings. It was surprisingly delightful…and I wish I didn’t have to share it!

What can I say? I’ve been here twice and I’ve enjoyed every bite! Why are you still here? Set your reservation tonight!

Rating: 4/5 spoons

Common Bond Cafe & Bakery (Montrose, Houston, TX)

chefsgirl — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 19:37:12 +0000

During a mini trip to Houston to move my last few belongings back to New Orleans, a friend had recommended Common Bond for “the best croissants”. I did a little research and found that the chefs and staff at Common Bond all have extensive training from the top restaurants and culinary schools from around the country as well as experience in Europe. Looks like a pretty accomplished staff and it’s very evident…

Pastry display.

Macarons.

Americano.

Cappacino.

Soft Scramble. Daily veg.

Homemade Sausage, Egg, and Pork Sandwich.

From top to bottom there was something so refined about every menu item. It was pretty busy, but service was still great! I loved the soft scramble. It was very delicate so I would recommend adding a sandwich to make the meal a little heartier. I really liked the almond croissant (not pictured). It was light flavored with amaretto and wasn’t too sweet. Unfortunately, I’m leaving Houston so I won’t be able to frequent Common Bond as often as I’d like, but I’ll definitely be back.

Rating: 4/5 spoons