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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
I purchased my record player during COVID to become my new hobby. However, once arrived and setup I still didn’t have a record. With the quarantine in play and no where to go, I ordered this one. Why? Maybe it was the cheap cost, maybe it was all the songs I recognized, maybe it was the first option that popped up. Who knows except 2020 Alex.
Weezer’s Teal Album features ten cover songs starting with Africa and ending with Stand by Me. Weezer obviously has good taste in music cause the tracklist is fire. My main knock is that it’s not doing anything differently. Of course they’re covers, but aside from the vocalist it sounds a little TOO alike. Nothing about the instrumentals feels changed.
Still, I could have done worse for a first album. It’s basic, but still fun. I just needed more of a stamp imprinted to have this make my regular rotation.
A limited time exhibition for the Museum of Fine Arts, Floating World combines science and art to create a technological marvel. There were four main rooms with each having a different theme. To preface, I’m not an art or museum fan, but I enjoy unique experiences. Time to explore.
The first room displayed aluminum rocks symbolizing volcanic rocks and lights meant to mimic the northern lights. Neither of these kept my attention past a quick observation. The next room was covered with a curtains and it was hard to tell if it was open yet. It took a few minutes before someone walked through and then we followed suit.
The second room featured a wall that spits out humongous bubbles. Akin to what we’d blow out as children, they’d float before dissolving and wetting the floor with the leftover liquid. It was a nice experience sitting on a bench and watching the different shapes forming, bumping of bubbles into each other, and pops. Another nice touch was the lighting that’d illuminate the area of a newly formed bubble.
The third room was the fog circle wall room (see title pic). The room was open with beanbags to sit on near the middle. It’d shoot off the rings horizontally and they’d start to falter and lose course the further they went. It was easy to admire, but nothing to keep you lingering past a few minutes.
Lastly was a room of hanging lights that generated plasma. The plasma made an electrical bzzzz sound to admire in the silent room. We basically watched lighting form.
Overall, it was something I wouldn’t recommend visiting unless you’re already going to the museum. Then, of course go! It’s a short experience meant to be more of an add-on than a full on attraction.
I was out and feeling hungry, so a bagel and coffee was just what I needed. Cue, Jeff’s! I was greeted immediately upon entering with a smile and welcome. I told my greeter it was my first time and got an explanation of the store. They bake all their bagels in house and package the smears separately to ensure freshness. It was also summer of sips which features two new drinks every other week.
I went with an everything bagel, onion & chive smear, and was sold on the featured wildflower latte. Two people both said it was great and who am I to pass on a recommended item for a review? It ran $12 total which is solid considering I just shelled out $9 at another coffee place.
They only have two small tables inside, so it seems like it’s meant more as a to-go establishment. The wait was short and I was off to indulge at home.
They really go all out with the branding. Even the spreader has a logo. The bagel was cold which is fair although I wish they asked if I wanted it toasted. Good thing I have my own. The cream cheese portion is also extremely generous and there’s plenty leftover after application.
Let’s start off with the bagel. I have doubts it was made today because it unfortunately felt stale. Not enough to ruin the bagel, but it took out a lot of the enjoyment. It should have been an extremely high rated bagel, but it shot itself in the foot. The smear was creamy, flavorful, and the perfect addition. The everything seasoning was so good that I was picking up the remainder off the plate. But the staleness…. bummer.
The wildflower latte was average. I should have ordered something more my wheelhouse, but they seemed to like it. Kudos to the fact that it has all the notes you’d expect from a wildflower drink with lavender being the most notable. It wasn’t bursting with sweetness, but it was more than I would have preferred. Nothing about it makes me want to keep drinking.
Overall, I was disappointed on my visit. I believe this place had the potential to be in the 800’s, but it just wasn’t my day for that. Despite my below average score I would give Jeff’s another shot based on the potential.
La Tazza or The Cup in English, has quite the charm. It’s located in an unassuming parking lot shared with a Walgreens and other small businesses. The outside doesn’t look special, but the inside is homey and inviting. I love how there’s a bunch of two seaters squeezed in and the chatter that promoted. When I was studying during college or for the CPA exams, this environment was my sanctuary.
I was between the Cardigan (honey cinnamon latte) or the iced shaken old fashioned espresso. Both intrigued me and I asked for the baristas opinion. Since I was sitting in he suggested the cardigan. The latter would be best suited as a refreshing drink to have on the go.
I choose one of the empty tables and spent the time reading. The laid back music combined with the surroundings of people studying and enjoying each other’s company was perfect for focusing. By the time I left there wasn’t a single empty table in the house.
So the drink… I can happily say that it was delish! The honey and cinnamon flavors swam onto my tastebuds like Phelps going for gold. That combo with a good espresso was elite. Every piece of the latte puzzle fit like a glove (not OJ’s) and was prevalent. I sipped it throughout my book and every taste was as decadent as the last. My nit picky knock is that the latte art wasn’t picturesque.
I’m in my Spanish learning era and my motivation relies entirely on a drink reward system. When I need a pick me up… fun drink to the rescue! Today’s reward is a prickly pear cactus water drink that advertises the super fruit as the ultimate thirst-quencher. It contains antioxidants, electrolytes, vitamin C, and only 7g of sugar.
I have to concur, the drink is extremely refreshing. It’s light and meant to be drunk chilled. My main knock is that it’s lacking in the flavor department. I get small notes of the mango, ginger, and prickly pear, but I really have to lock in to notice them. What’s interesting is that when I chase a sip with a swig of natural water, the lingering flavors come out. It’s a fun way to enjoy and get even more hydration.
I wouldn’t purchase this again, but I’m open to trying the other flavors in the future. Ultimately, it was the visuals that made me prick(lee) this off the shelf and I’m not mad about it. It’s good enough to last through a study session and keep my dopamine system at bay, so that’s a win. It also felt beneficial drinking it with all of the noted benefits.
Alex Reviews All 