Alex Reviews All

Author: Alex

  • Golden Son Book

    Golden Son Book

    Usually book twos in a trilogy are slower with a lot of setup for the conclusion. However, Golden Son isn’t your ordinary follow-up. Pierce Brown is magic because he knows how to keep the stakes high and plot points moving at a rapid pace.

    I’ll say that I didn’t enjoy quite as much as the first book, but I’m still fully engrossed and itching to finish. The stakes are higher and it’s instead of dealing with a hunger games like entrance exam, he’s dealing with gold politics and maneuvers. At the time of this review (sick week continues) I’ve already started book 3.

    There’s a lot to like. There is a good amount of characters and they’re all nuanced and memorable. Sure there are those that feel like loyal lapdogs to help support Darrow, but he still earned that trust. I can’t help but root for him myself after everything he’s been through. I also found myself suspending my belief a few times at how convenient things worked out, but it’s fantasy after all.

    The twists are all great. I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump before this series reinvigorated me and I’m better for it. That ending… I was shook. It left me with many questions. How did the jackal know? How did he catch Fitchner aka Ares? What will happen to Darrow? Excited to find out.

    Rating: 797/1000

  • Puffs Ultra Soft Tissues

    Puffs Ultra Soft Tissues

    Sick reviews continues! I’ve been blowing my nose for almost a week now and for the second half I’ve been using these Puffs. I luckily already had two boxes stocked up at home with this new one holding 124 two-ply tissues.

    The tissues are indeed ultra soft. There were a few rougher ones I used initially, so these are more of a treat. When blowing my nose I don’t have rawness or dry skin forming, which is impressive for the amount of mucus I’m producing. It’s easy to remove from the box and I keep a mini trash can nearby for ease of disposal. I’ve also coughed up mucus and the tissue is sturdy enough to hold that when it happens. Nothing is leaking through.

    Well I’m sick and that’s all I feel like writing today. Not the most fun product, but it excels at what it does and I’m grateful for that.

    Rating: 817/1000

  • HEB Meal Simple Broccoli & Cheddar Soup

    HEB Meal Simple Broccoli & Cheddar Soup

    Sick reviews continue with the broccoli & cheddar soup. Nothing helps a cold like a hearty bowl of soup. The instructions call for this to be microwaved for 3-4 minutes and congested me is frustrated when the layer of film at the top doesn’t easily pull off. I ended up having to use a knife which was annoying af.

    After heating up with a stir halfway through, the soup was piping hot. I accompanied it with a mini baguette as every good soup needs bread to dip. First dip and I burn my tongue. To be fair that’s what I get for not letting it cool down.

    Let’s try again. It’s creamy and soothing for my raw throat. The broccoli and carrots taste like you’d expect them too. Perfectly average for a broccoli cheddar soup. I yearn for the cheesy flavors to be sharper and more pronounced.

    The bread dipped in is the best bit. It soaks up the soup and imparts all that flavor into each bite. Again, craving a cheesier element than what I’m getting.

    Rating: 538/1000

  • Tate’s Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

    Tate’s Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

    Welp, I’m sick. The one upside is that I feel the right to indulge in all my comfort foods to help get me through this. That has to include the mother of all comfort foods… the cookie.

    I’ve had the chocolate chip version throughout the years and always loved the crunchiness and the smaller size. My stomach only grows larger the more I eat, so it’s better that they’re small. My favorite cookie is oatmeal raisin, so I had to get a bag of these to alleviate my sickness.

    I ate that little helping of seven cookies like it was going out of style. The cookies are crunchy while still maintaining that oatmeal raisin-ie goodness that I know and love. For a store bought cookie it’d be tough to get much better. Drawbacks… homemade is still the undisputed king.

    Rating: 813/1000

  • Man on the Moon by Kid Cudi

    Man on the Moon by Kid Cudi

    This album reminds me of the dream worlds from the video game Battle for Bikini Bottom. Playing as SpongeBob, we get to have glimpses of Patrick, Sandy, and Squidwards innermost wants. Similarly, Man on the Moon transports us into Cudi’s brain and shows us the pleasant dreams along with the frightening nightmares.

    Released in 2009, I’m pretty confident I copped this off the apple store. Young Alex was enamored with these tracks playing from his iPod touch and older Alex feels the same today with his record.

    There are fifteen songs divided into five acts. You just want to lie on your back, stare at the ceiling, and let everything else melt away as you go through his story. It’s chill inducing. The lyrics throughout are real and layered enough that intently listening today was a time capsule into when I listened in high school. Cudi opens his heart up and that relatability hits for a time when emotions and mental health wasn’t as widely talked about. For most of my experience I held the gatefold like a book, following along with the lyrics and that made me feel even closer with the music.

    The insturmentals are incredibly dynamic, layered, and different than typical 2009 hip hop. Just like the concept of being a dream the beats are dreamy, eerie, and distinct. It starts strong and ends just the same. It’s easy to see the vision and there’s not a single miss. There’s a reason I’ll still hear Pursuit of Happiness and Day n Night out in public.

    Rating: 908/1000

  • Valpak

    Valpak

    Valpak is a little envelope that’s sporadically mailed to me. After counting it includes 36 ad slips with some featuring coupons and some just being informational. They also advertise the possibility of a $100 check to entice suckers into opening.

    I’ve decided to fully go through this today for the sake of the review. What I found was garbage. A lot of home/car improvements, banking, and cellular advertisements make this up. I’m also shook that you can get a haircut for only $10 in this day and age. I wouldn’t touch that.

    The standouts to me were the $3.50 off a bag of beef jerky, the Melting Pot happy hour, and the horse holding a lasso in its mouth. Mostly because of the uniqueness. Regardless, they’re all going straight to the trash the second my fingers are done with these keys.

    Rating: 33/1000

  • NSWY by Honne

    NSWY by Honne

    The album we needed in 2020. NSWY (No song without you) is a dream pop album with lo-fi elements. The intro starts off with a pen scribbling while the singers angelic voice leads into the opening song. I look at each song in this record as a journal entry and we’re jumping around different entries focused on a love interest.

    Honne’s music is incredibly wholesome and distinct. Each track has a completely unique rhythm that fits the overall theme. It’s a shame to be listening to this in my apartment when I feel like I should be in the clouds.

    If you’re making a playlist for a significant other, then there are many options to include from here. Loving you is so easy is my favorite track and you can’t help but bop your head to the guitar riffs. By my side gives break up vibes with Honne asking where you were when times were rough… until we learn you were by their side. la la la that’s how it goes makes you want to move your entire body side to side and then float off to space when the chorus hits.

    Overall a noursihing album that hit during COVID. There’s even a dreamy track about social distancing and having to stay away from each other. The use of background and ambient noises throughout makes me notice something different on each listen and yearn to spin again.

    Rating: 889/1000

  • Koffeteria

    Koffeteria

    This place is meant for good weather and luckily it’s one of the first nice mornings we’ve had in a while here. Koffeteria is a bakery and coffee shop that’s know for their pastries. It’s a poppin spot with a line to prove it.

    I ordered the Salty Cambodian to drink. A latte with sweet condensed milk, homemade butter, and sea salt. If you handed this to me and walked away, I would have thought it was a normal latte. It wasn’t special in the slightest till I made it to the bottom. I guess the salt sinks because the saltiness made it a completely different beverage full of flavor. For 85% of the cup I just had normal Cambodian. I’m salty.

    To eat I went with the featured beef pho kolache. It’s a milk roll filled with brisket stewed in pho. The roll was so pillowy you could take a nap on it. The brisket was soft and tender. It had a pho essence that warmed me up spiritually. It’s a perfect comfort kolache.

    I’d never order my drink here again in a million years. It was extremely average till the end and I know they can do better. Koffeteria is a place you want to go back to time and time again to try those delicious baked goods. Just make better drink choices than me.

    Rating: 605/1000

  • Simply Coffee Shop

    Simply Coffee Shop

    Simply features high-end premium coffee that boasts a plethora of tasting notes. Overwhelmed with all the options I picked from the top of the menu. It’s a Panama Boquete with notes of jasmine, passionfruit, citrus acidity, tropical fruit blackcurrent, and finished with silky lemon peel. That’s just one drink.

    I’ve been to places like this before and similar to wine I have issues tasting what they say I should. After drinking I locked in on honey and citrus notes. It’s amazing how much flavor can be packed into these coffee beans and the more I drink the more I can actually pinpoint the notes.

    My friends also ordered blueberry and strawberry teacakes. I had a bite of each and the compote was a little too heavy for me. No way I would have finished one myself.

    While the coffee was enjoyable, I couldn’t justify the $20 order total. It’s a premium coffee bean so I knew what I was getting into, but it didn’t leave me eager to come again. I’d recommend an occasional visit to someone who wants a different experience than the normal latte shop.

    Rating: 657/1000

  • Houston Dairymaids

    Houston Dairymaids

    Welcome to the cheesemonger of Houston. Wheel you please have a seat?

    I entered with my girlfriend and was immediately greeted with a genuine smile and told there’d be another tasting in a few minutes. Don’t mind if I do friendly cheese woman.

    When it was our turn the woman explained they feature different cheeses each week and you can only get them in that window. In addition, they have local specialty items like honey or bread. For any cheeseheads out there this will brie your economic downfall.

    We got to try five different cheeses. One was a cheddar that tasted sharper than my knife. Only I know how dull that knife is and I’m not telling here. Three I couldn’t tell you what they were, but I liked them. Last was the blue cheese. I wanted to jump on that table and disco with how funky it was. $6 later and their inventory was one lower.

    As I write this an evening later I am out one inventory as well. Part of it was used for a salad, the rest devoured with mini toast things from Trader Joes. Curse my self control.

    So yeah, cool shop and I’m happy Houston has little gems like this in it. Next time I want to try out a cheese I know where to go.

    Rating: 841/1000

  • Loro

    Loro

    Loro is an asian bbq fusion that would make Goku and Vegeta recheck their power scanners. After you finish admiring that sentence check out how it looks inside:

    Pretty cool, huh? They practice a “go-to the counter to order system” instead of the typical waiter way. Let’s now commence with the drinks.

    We try’d out the happy hour and saw $5 boozy slushies. I typically avoid frozen drinks due to their hangover-inducing symptoms, but it’s a good deal. I ordered the mango sake and a frozen gin & tonic for my girlfriend. Unfortunately, my slushie was lacking flavor. It’s as if every ingredient gained consciousness and agreed to hide from me.

    Skipping ahead, we went wild and got a round of the Vietnamese Coffee slush. We both love Viet coffee’s, so it seemed like a gimme. Instead it should’ve been a shimmy… away. The bourbon hits you hard first, but then the classic veit flavor lingers. It’s a weird combo that doesn’t leave you craving another sip.

    Happy hour also means cheap bites!

    Bite 1: Smoked Salmon Dip
    It was mixed with a salsa verde that hemmed while the salmon hawed. The thick chip was the perfect vessel for this substance that tastes as if you took a smoked salmon and dip-ified it right then and there. However that works.

    Bite 2: Pulled Pork Tostadas
    The fried corn tortilla chips were crispy yet firm enough to hold that weighty pulled pork goodness. The crema spread added a smoothness that the smoky pork amplified.The red onion on top was the little bit of freshness it needed.

    Bite 3: Smoked Wings
    The wings were smoky and easy to pick apart. However, these were made 10x better by the accompanied miso blue cheese. It’s the best blue cheese I’ve ever sauced with. The miso and blue cheese flavors are doing acts in our mouths that we shouldn’t be watching, but we know it’s meant to be.

    So absolutely amazing food with below mid-tier slushies. The slushies are featured, but I should have knew better. Next time I’d get a beer or try a cocktail.

    Rating: 798/1000

  • Hope by The Strumbellas

    Hope by The Strumbellas

    I love the first two albums by these guys. They are gritty and fully of heart. However, the record I own is the third release titled Hope. Let’s do just that.

    Unlike the predecessors, this folk rock album has a lot of polish. It feels more tight and that leaves it with a cleanly spirit. I want that grittiness back. It’s also features more anthem tracks with repeated lyrics. Some great messages, just not my favorite delivery of them.

    With all the negatives out of the way, it’s still not bad. I love the lead singers voice, the lean towards folk style instrumentals, and that beautiful cover art. I need to talk about these more because they have an attention grabber. Points to gryffindor for the floating whale.

    With both pros and cons weighed, I’d consider it an average album. All artists have to grow and change. Doesn’t mean that growth is upwards.

    Rating: 497/1000

  • Red Dessert Dive

    Red Dessert Dive

    Continuing on the string of coffee reviews, my girlfriend said she knew a spot. And know she did. Red’s is part bakery, part coffee shop, full charm.

    We were both hungry and were eyeing the kolaches. They one with bacon, cream cheese, chives, and one with potato & chorizo. Two people so may as well try both. I also opted for a classic cappuccino to fit my mood.

    There’s places to sit and chat in the main coffee lobby, but there’s also a side room with more tables that appeared to be for the more quiet people. I’m not sure if that was the intent or just a mutual understanding of today’s patrons, but good vibes. Cozy music such as Here Comes the Sun amplified that atmosphere.

    The kolaches were unbelievable pillowy and smooth. The chive one was chock full of flavor and every component perfected its part in the play. One I would have bought a week’s worth of tickets for. The potato version wasn’t as enriching. Catch me at the matinee showing.

    The cappuccino was solid. They are harder to judge because I don’t know how to talk about beans, ratios, and that kinda jargon. The espresso was pronounced and seemed of quality, albeit a touch on the bitter side. The latte art also wasn’t much to speak of. Overall, for my cappuccino craving it did the trick and left me satisfied. However, I wouldn’t order one here again in hopes of finding a gem.

    Rating: 783/1000

  • Dumpling King

    Dumpling King

    I haven’t had the best luck with Chinese food in Houston. Do I dare make another attempt? The answer is yes.

    My girlfriend and I were looking for a chill dinner spot and happened upon this place. It’s a small rectangular room with a scattered tabletop and chair setup. We sat ourselves before being greeted by a friendly face.

    We ordered a 10 piece assorted pan fried dumpling combo and pan fried noodles with chicken and veggies. The noodles arrived with a bed of veggies on top and white sauce underneath. At first taste, the crunchiness of the noodles reminded me of ramen before being boiled. However, the longer it sat in the sauce the softer and more cooked it became. It was fun to have the texture switch up on us and both ways were mostly enjoyable. The veggies and chicken went well with the dish. The white sauce just wasn’t my favorite due to the runny consistency.

    The dumplings followed. The table hosted jars of minced ginger, peppers, soy sauce, oil, and vinegar that we combined to make a sauce. In addition we asked for chili oil to add some heat.

    The dumpling wrap was silky smooth and melted in my mouth. Our assortment featured chicken, chives, pork, and vegetable options. We made the move to split each one in half so we’d share the same experience. The first dumpling I had was a flavor bomb and the follow-ups were similar. Whatever they cook those in adds such a unique flavor that’s hard to describe. Chicken was my absolute favorite and next time I’d consider just getting a plate of those.

    Overall it’s a solid option. The price was $23ish before tip which is solid for the amount of food you get. I’d recommend a visit.

    Rating: 767/1000

  • Boomtown Coffee

    Boomtown Coffee

    Boomtown will always have a special place in my heart. I’ve been in love with their oat bars for years and nothing will take away that special connection we have.

    Today’s featured raspberries baked in and even with the oats, it maintains a soft and delicate texture. This used to be my treat spot and I’d have to get two of these. I’ve really grown.

    For the drink I ordered an Ice Capp which is espresso plus half and half shaken until fluffed and then topped with spices. The result is a cup that shockingly feels as light as a feather when picked up. I’m not sure if the picture shows the full effect, but you can see where the darkness ends and the fluff begins. Take a whiff and the smell of cinnamon will attack you full force.

    The drink is delicious and light. With the small amount of liquid, it’s a sipper. I got 1.5 hours out of this drink while reading and it was delightful to the last drop. Light, rich, and complex. I found myself swirling it in my mouth to let each tastebud get a turn. However, if you’re someone who devours drinks, then I’d steer clear for a fuller option.

    Final word of advice. This place fills up quickly on the weekends! Lines are long and tables are full. I was blessed to go on a weekday and to my surprise it was mostly empty. It’s also not the most aesthetically pleasing coffee shop as you can probably tell in the picture. One other one-off note, their ceiling fan kept making an annoying clicking noise today and it’d occasionally ruin my focus.

    Rating: 849/1000

  • BHBG Coffee

    BHBG Coffee

    After finishing up a run on a surprisingly nice Houston morning I craved more outside time. Beer Heights Beer Garden to the rescue. The coffee shop is located in a building within the beer garden separate from the beer and cocktails. The beautiful outdoor area combined with the oscillating fans was quite the treat to read in. The indoor portion is also homey and cozy, but I feared my stink would be too much even after changing shirts and doing sniff tests.

    I asked for a coffee recommendation and was suggested the iced flat white. The friendly barista said it really let the espresso shine and is served as 8 ounces. The drink ended up coming in a big cup which is fine, but I also enjoy a nice aesthetic. The first couple sips were a touch too bitter for me, but once the ice watered it down it was great. The espresso was quality and it needed to be for the drink to work.

    My hungry eyes settled on a potato and egg taco to complement. It came with a mild salsa and was pretty solid. Nothing about it stood out, but it satiated my hunger. I’d order again in a pinch.

    Rating: 691/1000

  • Vinyl Postcard Record Club

    Vinyl Postcard Record Club

    Imagine a world where a slick piece of paper is all you need to spin a fun indie song. Now pretend you can get one of these papers delivered to your mailbox every month. Vinyl postcard record club gives the key to that small figment of your imagination I unlocked before you just locked it again.

    The club is exclusive, but you can sneak in a spot at $7 twelve times a year. As a thank you, you get a handwritten postcard from that month’s band. My card features a smirking cat. I’m curious on if the artist writes the same note for every card, mixes it up, or if that’s handwritten and then mass printed out? Pretty sure the last one.

    My main issue with the idea is the practicality of it. Yes it’s cool, but I’m never going to bother spinning one song. It also took some pressure to get the paper in my first play, but it loosened up after.

    My months tune was a “dreamy and energetic ode to road trips.” I rather enjoyed the tune and would agree with the sentiment. I’m leaving it hidden right above my speaker and can see how having a collection could become a vibe.

    Rating: 687/1000

  • poppi – orange flavored

    poppi – orange flavored

    poppi (or poopy depending on who you ask), has taken the world by storm. A prebiotic soda with only 5g of sugar. I’m not a big soda guy myself because of the high sugar, so this is a good alternative. Or is it? Read on to find out.

    When I close my eyes and drink this my mind instantly thinks “Orange Fanta.” It’s very carbonated and soda-ie. However, the more I drink it the more I notice how the orange flavoring doesn’t taste pleasant. It’s a non-ripe orange with an overwhelming flavor profile. That is, someone screaming bloody murder in my face that they love oranges. Even my burps have that metallic orange note.

    I have more in the fridge and hoping I feel more inclined to drink them in the future. Maybe I’m just too hyperaware at the moment to enjoy such a beverage as they’re usually drank while I’m distracted by other activities.

    Rating: 183/1000

  • White Woods & Peach Candle

    White Woods & Peach Candle

    I’m sorry old friend. I’ve had you for years and it’s time to finally go. You started up all peach and the soot hit you hard. I’ve burned you for the last time.

    You were good to me though. Your blend of cinnamon peachy goodness went up my nostrils like my vacuum after I shaved my head. I enjoyed burning you most in the winter as I closed my eyes and imagined myself in a snow globe, just me and you. Too bad the summer had to come and melt us.

    P.S. I just never understood why your woods were white. Why not green or orange like a normal woods?

    Rating: 722/1000

  • Sigh No More by Mumford & Sons

    Sigh No More by Mumford & Sons

    The banjo album is what some would call this (some people being me.) Listening to this album brings me to a weaver of stories performing at a farm barn similar to the one in Sinners. The raspy vocals with the banjo instrumentals make this one a college favorite of fine.

    The albums starts with a slow pace and doesn’t pick up much steam later. The kicker? A slow pace is just what the doctor ordered.

    It feels more like he’s telling a story about his life than singing. Sometimes he’s chill about what’s happened and other times he’s pissed while recollecting his thoughts. In tandem, it also felt more spiritual than I remember. One song is literally about you awakening your soul… and it smacks. The lyrics are tight throughout and I could just listen with my eyes closed and imagine Mumford telling his story.

    Speaking of Awake my Soul, this felt like the perfect closer. The peaceful, inspirational tale had come to a perfect conclusion. After ending, I got up to stop the spinning and was shocked when the next track started. Mumford is angry. He screams with his raspy voice and you can feel his pain as the story unexpectedly continues on. He wanted his soul awakened and now he’s in disarray.

    Ultimately, it’s such a cool album. I’d 100% recommend giving it your full attention and listening like it’s your grandparent recounting his past. A few tracks that could also make your playlists.

    Rating: 805/1000