Andrew and I have been on a cooking spree lately. We both love to cook and we’re trying to get super healthy (more on that later). On Sunday I decided to make something up based on ingredients in our fridge. We’re always skeptical when I do that. 
May I introduce… my Chicken Kiwi-Pomegranate Salad
Super easy salad to make! It basically consists of a roasted chicken, grape yellow tomatoes, kiwi, pomegranate seeds, lime and carrots with a pomegranate vinaigrette dressing. The lovely platter came from Sur La Table.
This weekend I was kicked out of my first (and last, I think) restaurant in Houston. I’m still in shock. The place I’m talking about is The Grove, a Schiller Del Grande restaurant which is located in Discovery Green park in downtown Houston. It was so horrific that I had to post about it.
What started out as a friendly after work happy hour with some friends turned into one of the worst restaurant experiences. As some of you know, I’ve had the worst luck with this place. Last time I was there, I pulled a box staple out of my mouth (think LARGE two inch staple) while chomping on my salad. The manager was not concerned whatsoever so we vowed to never go again.
On Friday I had a weak moment and forgot about my bad experience. I’m still scratching my head and trying to figure out what happened that night. It’s a looooong story but we were WAY overcharged for some drinks on our bill and after a brief altercation with the manager, we were asked to leave and escorted out by the cops and management. I think it was bad night and he picked on us but that is typical of management there. I’m definitely contesting the charge with AMEX and writing SDG a long letter explaining that nights events. I was so disappointed. I want to love this place so bad because the building is so modern and beautiful. But just avoid it. They only cater to the convention center tourists whom they will never see again. Such a shame to waste a beautiful space but I hope this place eventually goes out of business so Caswell or someone with a focus on customer service turns it into something great.
My rave is for the Strip House, the famed Manhattan steakhouse which also has a location in downtown Houston. In my opinion, they have the BEST steak and burgers in Houston. Not a place for the kids though with roaring 20s “girlie” pictures on the walls. It’s beautiful with red velvet walls and plush seating. They also make a mean blackberry martini. I love this place.
Just a little education about the restaurant scene in Houston. More to come…
BTW, for you inner “loopy” folks, be sure to bookmark my new blog about “Houston Loopies.” It will be a one stop resource for everything inside the loop. www.houstonloopies.wordpress.com
I’ve been a slacker so I’m starting from scratch with a wordpress blog. I really like their features versus blogger so it was time for a change. My old blog is here in case you are looking for it.
I’m sure you are wondering… Eckerman files? Huh? Well it was my attempt to be witty and have a name that would last forever. I paid for it so now it’s mine. 
More to come soon!
