Finger Lucking Good Sticky Bun Recipe

Did you know that today is National Sticky Bun Day?  No, you did not.  Shame on you. 

Thanks to Grand Lux Cafe for hosting our dinner.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

In celebration of National Sticky Bun Day, Grand Lux Cafe is sharing their Warm Sticky Bun Bread Pudding recipe with you, my readers.  You can create this finger licking dish at home.

Warm Sticky Bun Bread Pudding-
Served with Whiskey Sauce, Sugared Pecans and Whipped Cream

Ingredients

1 lb.	Brioche or Challah
8 oz.(2 Sticks) 1/3 Cup, packed 1/3 Cup 1 tsp. ¼ tsp. ¼ tsp.	Melted Butter Brown Sugar Sugar Cinnamon Nutmeg Salt
2 Cups 2 Cups 4 ea. 4 ea. ½ C. 1 tsp.	Milk Heavy Cream Eggs Egg Yolks Sugar Vanilla Extract

Directions

1.       Cut the bread into 1” cubes. 2.       Place the bread cubes into a large mixing bowl.

3.       Combine the butter, sugars and spices in a mixing bowl, whisking to combine completely. 4.       Pour the mixture over the bread, tossing to fully coat the bread cubes with the mixture. 5.       Spread out into a 9x13 baking dish. 6.       Bake at 350° for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.  Be sure to stir the bread cubes once or twice while toasting.

7.       While the bread is toasting, make the custard.

8.       Whisk all ingredients together until evenly combined. 9.       Once the bread has toasted, remove the pan from the oven. 10.   Pour the custard over the bread cubes. 11.   Allow the mixture to sit for 10-15 minutes before cooking.

12.   Cover the pan with aluminum foil and place into a 300° oven. 13.   Bake for 20 minutes. 14.   Remove foil from pan and continue to bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until light golden brown and the custard has set.  You can test this by inserting a paring knife into the center of the pudding. If the knife comes away clean, or with very little pudding clinging to it, the pudding is ready.

15.   Allow the pudding to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.

16.   To serve: Top the pudding with toasted pecans and warm caramel sauce. Serve with either vanilla ice cream or crème anglaise.

If you try this at home and fail, you could always just head to your nearest Grand Lux Cafe like we did.  I am not the Betty Crocker when it comes to following recipes.  My husband will agree with me on that.  He has had to suffer through lots of my Pinterest fail dinners. 

Here are a few recommendations if you do not know what to order:

Appetizers-

Empanadas -   Flaky Pastry Filled with Beef, Chorizo, Peppers, Onions, Herbs and Spices

These are great tapas.  Also if you are not that hungry, this is a good, tasty choice.

Edamame -   Soybeans in Their Pods Stir Fried with Spicy Szechuan Sauce

I enjoy Edamame.  This is a great option to the steamed and it has a nice kick to it too.

 Entrée-

Spicy Ginger Beef-A Stir Fry of Beef Tenderloin, Shiitake Mushrooms, Sugar Snap Peas, Bok Choy, Red Onion, Sesame Seeds and Spicy Soy-Ginger Sauce. Served with Steamed White Rice

The perfect amount of spice.  This was a recommendation from our waitress.  It was exactly what I what wanted. 

Cedar Planked B.B.Q. Salmon- Roasted on a Cedar Plank and Glazed with Sweet and Spicy B.B.Q. Sauce. Served with Mashed Potatoes, Corn Succatash and Crispy Onion Rings

My hubby substituted the Corn Succatash for Brussel Sprouts.  These were very crispy and sweet.

Dessert-

Of course, the Warm Sticky Bun Bread Pudding makes the list.

Warm Rustic Apple Pie- Baked when you order it! Flaky Sugared Crust Filled with Fresh Apples and Topped with Vanilla Ice Cream and Caramel

My husband devoured this dessert.  Not your traditional Apple Pie.  It is a must try as well.

For more information, go to www.grandluxcafe.com.  No reservation is ever needed.  This is always a great option is you get your bum into a sticky situation at home, wink, wink. 

Let Grand Lux Cafe do the cooking for you!

Have You Tried The Best Shrimp On Earth?

Galveston is full of so many places to explore which include the beach, the island, and the food.

Thanks to Fisherman's Wharf for inviting us to their restaurant for a complimentary lunch.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Fisherman's Wharf is located right at Pier 21.  A waterfront seafood restaurant with great views of the bay.  You can't get fresher than this, right? 

2200 Harborside Drive
Galveston, TX 77550
Phone: (409) 765-5708
Fax: (409) 765-7074

Hours of Operation

Sunday - Thursday: 11am - 10pm
Friday & Saturday: 11am - 11pm

In the 1940s, this was a shrimp and fish “factory”.  Fun fact-Shrimp from this very place was served to President John F. Kennedy at the White House.  Many have said that this is the “best shrimp on Earth.”  Shrimp Po-boys have been served here since 1970. 

So of course, we had to try them.

Shrimp Po-boy

Grilled Chicken Po-Boy

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

My husband loves Shrimp Po-Boys and he said, "it was one of the best tasting ones he has ever tried".  We all enjoyed our food.  It was very flavorful.  The portion size was great too.  The ambience was amazing.  You can dine in and outside.  The restaurant is kid friendly.  And the staff was great too. 

To check out the menu and find out more information, go to www.fishermanswharfgalveston.com. 

No Reservation Needed-Ten Bar & Lounge

It is Friday night and you feel alright (that song just popped into my head? Sorry, back to the post)….it has been a long week.  The weekend is finally here.  You want to go grab some dinner.  You do not want to be bothered with lines and you definitely did not make a reservation.    

Thanks to the Wyndham Houston West Energy Corridor and Ten Bar & Lounge for hosting my family for dinner.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

If you told me to meet you at a hotel for dinner, I would look at you crazy.  Don’t think I’m crazy just yet.

Ten Bar and Lounge is located inside the Wyndham Houston West Energy Corridor at 14703 Park Row, Houston, Texas, 77079.  They have table and bar sitting available. 

Monday – Saturday

4 pm to 11 pm

Sunday

4 pm to 10 pm

Happy Hour

4 pm – 6 pm

Justin Strang is the new Executive Chef at Wyndham Houston West Energy Corridor.  With this new appointment comes an all-new menu.  Justin is a culinary veteran.  His love for food is found in the flavor of all his dishes.  He plays with different flavors, textures, and what you get it really good food!

The menu had so many options to choose from.  My husband and I had a tough time trying to decide.

Chef Justin came out to talk about the menu and he even made a duck soup that he brought out for us to try.  It was delicious.  So flavorful.  My daughter tried it and liked it as well.

Duck Soup

 Cilantro Crab Cakes

 House Cut Rib Eye

Mojo Grilled Boneless Pork Chops

Caramel Flan

First of all, we were not expecting so much flavor in every dish.  We tried new things that we never tried before.  Chef Justin really did bring lots of new to this menu.  Our taste buds were extremely happy. 

But the best part was the service we received from every person.  I never thought about going to a hotel from dinner.  The menu prices were not ridiculous and over priced.  You get good food, in a relaxed environment, and you leave very satisfied.  We did not have to fight a crowd.  We did not have to make reservations.  This is great for after work meetings or events.  It is also a perfect spot for an Anniversary or Birthday celebration. 

For more information, go to Wyndham.com/Houston.

To Brunch or Not to Brunch

Our Monday through Friday schedule is so full.  We are so go, go , go.  Early days and late nights.  But on the weekend, we get to sleep in and relax a little bit.  Most weekends we wake up late, way past Breakfast.  We have discovered the Brunch.  In case you are lost and never heard the word Brunch, it is the meal in between Breakfast and Lunch.  Where do you eat Brunch?  And what do you eat for Brunch?

Thanks to Grand Lux Cafe for inviting my family and I to come experience their Weekend Brunch.

My son loves French Toast.  He decided to order the Grand Lux Cafe French Toast which is extra thick slices of Brioche Bread served with maple-butter syrup.  You can add fresh strawberries which he did.  My daughter stole some of his plate while this picture was being taken.  The bread takes like you are biting into a piece of tres leches cake.  This serving was huge.    

I did not know what to order with so many delicious options and recommendations.  We have never been to Grand Lux Café for breakfast or lunch.  As I was undecided my husband pointed out they have chicken and waffles and he knows I have been craving some.  That is what I ordered.  When placing my order the waitress asked if I had any allergies to nuts, specifically pecans.  I normally am the one asking or checking all the ingredients.  My waffles came topped with crispy fried chicken strips and pecan honey-butter sauce.  I really liked the flavor of the crisp on the fried chicken.

 My husband ordered the Buttermilk Pancakes.  He actually ordered this thinking they would be small but they were huge!  The pancakes were very fluffy.  (We loved the syrups that were served with these dishes.) 

For his main dish, he ordered the Chorizo and Cheese Omelette.  It had ground beef, Spanish chorizo, peppers, onions, tomato, cilantro, pepper-jack cheese and red chile hollandaise.  It was delicious.   

For our daughter, we ordered her the Kids' Mini Hamburgers that come with fries.  Everything comes on the side including the baby lettuce and tomatoes.  The burgers were her perfect size.

We invited to try the Grand Lux Cafe’s Short Rib Grilled Cheese Sandwich which is served every day.  (photo courtesy of Grand Lux Cafe)  It is slow roasted short rib, caramelized and pickled onions, arugula and melted cheese on grilled country bread.  It is served with a Mixed Green Salad or French Fries, you choose.  I have to tell you never, ever, would I have ordered this.  Grilled cheese sandwich with rib?  Who does that?  Grand Lux Café does that and they do it very well!  It is so flavorful.  The arugula and the caramelized and pickled onions were my favorite.  My husband was very skeptical but after just one bite, he gave this dish two thumbs up.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day is coming on April 12, Grand Lux Cafe invites you come in and try their amazing Short Rib Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

I can't wait to go back and try the rest of the brunch menu and have another  Short Rib Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

Check out the rest of the menu at www.grandluxcafe.com.

Tasty Thursday-Pollo Tropical

***Disclosure-I was invited to a preview event to this restaurant opening.  All opinions stated are my own based on my own personal experience.

Just recently I was in Florida.  I love visiting there so I can enjoy the food.  Florida is like Houston, both being melting pots of different culture.  In Houston, we get the hispanic/latino flair of food.  A new restaurant has hit Houston that comes with its distinctly Caribbean flavors.

Pollo Tropical has opened 2 restaurants in the Houston area, one in Pearland and one in Tomball.  It serves handcrafted food based on the islands’ melting pot of culinary cultures. These flavors, displayed in Pollo Tropical’s rubs and marinades, enhance fresh vegetables and meats such as pork, beef and Pollo Tropical’s signature chicken dishes.

And now, they are opening a new location in the Houston area at Westheimer and Voss.

Pollo Tropical’s signature island-inspired offerings, include:

·         Pollo – fresh, citrus-marinated and grilled over an open flame. Order a whole grilled chicken for the family, make a single meal out of a half or quarter chicken platter or enjoy a boneless, skinless pollo

·         Plantains – a staple of the Caribbean diet, are cooked to a golden caramelized finish

·         Yuca (pronounced YOU-kah) – a root vegetable that’s like a potato with a tropical kick, served boiled or fried and are excellent paired with curry mustard or cilantro garlic sauce

·         Mojo Roast Pork – slow-roasted for four hours in a versatile mojo marinade - a blend of tangy citrus juices, crushed garlic, olive oil and island spices

·         TropiChops^® – bowls with flame-grilled chicken, pork or beef, with a base of rice, mashed potatoes or lettuce, then topped off with choices like beans, corn or sautéed onions and peppers (vegetarian is totally an option here)

·         Saucing Island – where any dish can be personalized with one of 10 signature sauces, including Curry Mustard, Guava BBQ, Pineapple Rum and Cilantro Garlic

There is a wide variety of food to choose from.  I like the variety that is offered.  The beef tips are delicious!!  Thinking of the new year, we need to find places where we can eat as a family that we can all enjoy.  But also, places were the food is healthy to eat as well.  

Pollo Tropical offers a Nutritional/Allergens tab.  You can always look up the ingredients to your meal.

Pollo Tropical offers a 21 Healthy Meal Plan that offers a nutritious approach to better living.  You select your region and it pulls it up lunch and dinner.  It has the calories and protein.  They offer tips and suggestions.  You can also join a walking club in your region.  It is never too late to start.

Tasty Thursday-El Pollo Loco #HoustonWeHaveAPollo

***Disclosure-I received an invitation to sample the menu.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

El Pollo Loco is coming to the Houston area.  There are 3 locations set to open this year:

Sugar Land - October 2014
Copperfield - Fall 2014
Katy - Winter 2014

And even more locations to come in 2015.

But whose of us who have never heard of El Pollo Loco, see below:

Ok, now that I have your attention let me tell you about my tasting experience.  El Pollo Loco got started in California but it is growing in popularity.  They marinate fresh, whole chickens in a citrus marinade. They cook the whole chicken right in front of you on open flame grills.

Then are hand-cut, and served.  Everything is made from scratch even all the salsas, guacamole, and cilantro dressings.

And no worries if you are watching your calories, there is the 5 under 500 calories.  But even the family meal can be proportioned for each individual, below is my plate which included broccoli.

Next we tried the Poblano Avocado Burrito - Can you see the chicken, avocado, rice, pinto beans, corn, cilantro, diced onions, cheese, and Poblano salsa?

The burritos were cut in half and that was a big serving so this could also be shared with a family member.  After this, like if I had room, we tried the Tostada.  I added cilantro salsa, yummy.  This is not your typical tostada that you are use to.

The tostada is like a salad served in a bowl.  The bowl is the crunch for those of us that need a crunch.

On a budget, try the Pollo bowl.  It is only $5 and comes with tortillas, and a small drink.

(this is a sample size not actual serving size for tasting purposes only)

Dessert anyone?

We love Churros!

The menu offered a variety of options for everyone to enjoy.  I like that it is all fresh. I can't wait to take the family to check their menu out!



   

Tasty Thursday-Lucha Libre Taco

When in San Diego last month, we visited a local taco shop that is unique because it;s theme is Lucha Libre.

We actually passed right by it when we were driving around without even noticing it.  It is right on the corner of this shopping center.  You can order to go or get in line to order in.  Sit outside or indoors.

If you want to sit in the Champions booth, you must reserved it in advance but this whole place is all too cool to be in.  Check out the menu:

My husband and I decided to order 2 different items that we could share and taste a little of everything.  While we waited for our food to come out, we headed towards the sauce and drink station:

The food did not take long to come out.  I got a little bit of every sauce to try.  The carrots were good!

We were stuffed after we ate these food.  It was really good.  The corn is like the street roasted corn in a cup, we should have ordered 2 of these.  There was no evidence left after we finished.  We lucked out because this is a hot spot for locals.  It got crowded as we were leaving.  Who can blame them as this place is affordable and it has tasty food.  If you ever visit, don't forget to check out the restrooms, really cool decor!

Tasty Thursday-Schlotzsky's Bunker Hill

Disclosure-I was invited to a preview event to sample menu.  All opinions are my own based on my experience.

Believe it or not, I had never been into a Schlotzsky's.  I thought they made Italian poyboys/sandwiches or that it was a high end Subway.  But today I found out that it is neither. 

There were so many choices to choose from: sandwiches, muffalotza, pizza, and salads.  I ended up picking the #2-Smoked Turkey Sandwich that came with a pickle, chips, and a drink.

(Smoked Turkey Breast Sandwich - Smoked turkey breast and light mayonnaise with lettuce and tomato on toasted Sourdough bread. Contains egg, milk, soybeans and wheat.)

The sandwich was really good.  The bread was amazing.  They have a bakery and bake their bread fresh, everyday!  For those that are asking do they have GLUTEN free options, headquarters is working on a bread formula now, release date is not final as it is in the testing phase.  But you can always ask for no bread, make it a wrap, or any way you want-customize.  Online you can also find a Schlotzsky's Allergen Scorecard that tells you what ingredients each menu item has or just ask your cashier.

But what makes this Schlotzsky's different, is that they have Carvel ice cream!!!!!!

The ice cream is to die for.  Soft serve ice cream.  You can get Vanilla, Chocolate, or twist.  Then you get to top it at the topping station with sprinkles, m&m's, oreos, fudge and/or caramel. They also have cookies, Cinnabon...mmmmmm, and shakes.

Kids menu is available for only $3.99 with different selections like sandwiches and pizza, a side item and a drink.

Today, May 9 is this store's GRAND OPENING and they will be having a Spin the Wheel. 

Located at 9746 Katy Freeway in the Bunker Hill neighborhood in the shopping center. Doors open at 10 am and the first 100 people to buy a Cinnabon 6-Pack will get FREE Schlotzsky’s each week for a YEAR!

*One small The Original sandwich per week at this location for 52 consecutive weeks commencing on May 9, 2013 and expiring on May 9, 2014. Only valid for persons 18 years or older. Offer valid only at the Houston Bunker Hill Schlotzsky’s.