Category Archives: H-town (Houston)

Righting a Wrong

Vallone’s is D’s favorite steak restaurant in Houston. So when he got the news about his promotion, it was not a surprise that he chose to celebrate it here. As luck would have it, I also got an email from their management that they have finished their renovation and it would be nice if we came in to check it out. I had no doubt that this is a good choice to celebrate another milestone in D’s career.

The last time I was here, I was on this crazy diet that made me order fish in this amazing steak place. What was I thinking??? All throughout our meal, I kept reaching over to get a piece of D’s steak. He did not like that. So for sure, this time, I won’t make the same mistake. I will definitely have a steak!

This is what the renovation was all about. In place of the big window overlooking the streets, a wall was built with an amazing light wall fixture made of different kinds of lightbulbs.
Cabernet and Strawberry Basil Hickey—off to a good start!
This is a smoked salmon pizza—crust is actually crispy potato strips and the sauce is chive creme fraiche
This is me righting a wrong—I had a 55 day dry aged rib-eye
D, of course, had filet mignon
Predictably, I ordered truffle mac n cheese because it was on the menu. We ended up taking home 3/4 of this because the steaks were quite hefty.
Dessert is midnight cake —a dark Belgian chocolate cake.

Renovated or not, Vallone’s continues to impress. It never bother me that the old windows actually overlooked the crowded streets. I guess, the new look now has improved the ambience a thousand fold. Food quality and service is still impeccable.

D is a very hardworking man and this promotion is well-deserved. True, we don’t usually wait for a reason to have great steak. But having a reason to celebrate takes the guilt away from the binge. Sure, sure. Whatever makes us sleep at night, right?

 

Seasons 52

We were supposed to be in Fredericksburg for the weekend. There is a Light the Night Parade that we were looking forward to witness. But you know how it is, “we plan, God laughs”. The rain was incessant. We decided to sit this one out in fear of flooding and getting us stranded as it has happened before.

I had no plan B (not very smart; I already know about how bipolar the weather is here in Texas), so I left D to think of what to do with this rainy and gloomy Saturday. As always, we turn to food. He picked Seasons 52. Never heard of it but online menu looked good. Beans opted out, choosing to sleep all day. He is growing to be more and more like me…

Interior is good. I like good (flattering lighting) on restaurants. Having lots of wood paneling makes it all cozy.
Interior is good. I like good (flattering) lighting on restaurants. Having lots of wood paneling makes it all cozy.
Cocktail list include a bramble (my favorite!) and D had his usual petite syrah.
Cocktail list included a bramble (my favorite!) and D had his usual petite syrah.
If you noticed that most of my pics shows me holding a drink, it's because I always order a cocktail drink. I'm not a soda nor ice tea type of person. D, on the other hand, will always have some sort of red (syrah or malbec). His cocktail of choice is always a Manhattan.
If you noticed that most of my pics shows me holding a drink, it’s because I always order a cocktail drink. I’m not a soda nor ice tea type of person. D, on the other hand, will always have some sort of red (syrah or malbec). His cocktail of choice is always a Manhattan.
The waiter suggested this backbend steak and blue cheese flatbread for appetizer. It was amazing. It's crunchy enough without falling apart when you bite.
The waiter suggested this blackened steak and blue cheese flatbread for appetizer. It was amazing. It’s crunchy enough without falling apart when you bite.
Seafood paella!!! I did not expect and entire lobster tail for this entree, yet there it is!
Seafood paella!!! I did not expect and entire lobster tail for this entree, yet there it is!
D had a crabcake sandwich which turned out pretty good too. I like how they put the pickles in a teeny tiny mason jar. Nice touch.
D had a crabcake sandwich which turned out pretty good too. I like how they put the pickles in a teeny tiny mason jar. Nice touch.
All their desserts come in this tiny shot glass. Like they already know that you don't have any extra calories to spare after all the courses. Haha. D had a raspberry canoli and I had the pecan pie in a glass.. Both were amazing
All their desserts come in this tiny shot glass. Like they already know that you don’t have any extra calories to spare after all the courses. Haha. D had a raspberry canoli and I had the pecan pie in a glass.. Both were amazing

This restaurant reminds me of Houston’s, also on Westheimer, except not as swanky. Food quality is solid and,  considering that this is located in River Oaks District, reasonably priced too.

We went to Spec’s for some wine and  cheeses, then to Trader Joe’s for a seasonal brandy cake. Our activities are usually food-themed, I know. I wish I could tell you that we did anything else. But like I said before, quoting Julia Childs,  “People who love to eat are the best people”.