Butch E.'s Profile

My son and I enjoyed a slice at Russo's New York Pizzeria today for the first time. I've never been to New York, or have I?

When we first walked up I noticed several tables of families with small children enjoying a long awaited cool and breezy sumer day. I held the door for a family that was entering just as we did. We were welcomed with a "Welcome to Russo's!" from the other side of the small but well decorated dining room.  I was a little unsure at first if I should wait to be seated, just find a table, or order first at the counter. As it turns out at Russo's New York Pizzeria, you simply grab a menu from the counter and find a table or the "regulars" just ordered their favorites straight away.

The menu had a nice selection of everything that you would expect from a pizzeria. They also had a lunch menu with special entrees that included a small soup or salad. My 10 year old son and I each chose a slice. He got the kids meal cheese pizza with meatballs and a drink. I opted for the Giant Slice with chicken, fresh spinach, mushrooms and sun dried tomatoes with minestrone and an ice water.

I noticed that they tout  "brick oven pizza" but only a metal oven was found. The restrooms were clean and well stocked. Was only about 1/4 filled when we got there but quickly filled to about half full.

Fresh garlic bread was delivered to our table and soon after my minestrone arrived.  My soup was delicious. Lots of great tasting vegetables and only a few penne pasta. My son tried it and really liked it despite his childish hatred toward vegetables.

Just as soon as I could inhale the soup our pizza arrived.  The kids slice was nearly the same size as the giant slice just not quite as wide and perhaps a little shorter. We were both pleased with the portion sizes. My pizza was very good. It was only towards the last few bites that I realized that they forgot my mushrooms.

My son pointed out the weekly specials from 5-9. Monday half price large pizzas, Tuesday kids eat free, Sunday beer discounts. I only have one eye so I couldn't make out all of the specials. So, you may want to verify those. There is also a sign that said that they now offer gluten free medium pizza.

We both noticed the array of cakes that were conveniently positioned at the counter. We decided that we needed to try the chocolate cake. I also ordred a cappuccino. And the cashier said that she would need to check it they had any in stock. It was then that my suspicion that they didn't actually make Italian coffee there was confirmed. I had not seen a fancy espresso machine but I thought it must be in the back. It turns out they make them some other way. I'm a coffee snob so I told her never mind on the coffee.

The chocolate cake was a very very large slice and very very good. It was too much for the two of us to eat. Although we made a good effort.

All in all Russo's New York Pizzeria was very good. I will come again. My son said "that place was awesome!" I haven't been to New York, but Russo's was a good introduction.

Today my family and I celebrated my 3 year cancerversary at Ninfa's! Surprisingly, it was not too busy, especially for a Saturday night on a holiday weekend. There was a large noisy crowd and many of the tables were filled with happy customers, but a few empty tables and only one lonely man at the bar. The restrooms were clean, but one of the automatic hand towel dispensers was broken in the men's room. Oh, and the water pressure at the double sink was very low.

I have always enjoyed Ninfa's in Dallas and Houston. I've been told that the food and service diminished after "Mama Ninfa" died. I don't really know if that is Urban Legend or Truth. But, I do know that I like it. They have great salsa and green sauce. Today I ordered the "El Eddie". It was very good and filling. Three soft tacos with rice and beans. I've been on a soft chicken taco kick, so I ordered with shredded chicken. Excellent choice!

Since we were celebrating we ordered a half dozen sopapillas. While I was too full to eat them, I did anyways. Life is for living, right!

The service was pretty good. Very attentive by more than one person. My iced tea was never empty. I even got a tea togo!

So, if you're celebrating another year of life or just want some good Houston Tex-Mex, Ninfa's is the place.

Excellent customer service! Open seven days a week. Truly free checking. The oldest bank in Texas. I dropped Chase to go with First Victoria. I'm glad I did. I only wish I had done it sooner.

Love Pic Love is awesome! Erick is very professional and nice and full of great creative ideas and easy to work with and...I could go on and on. Their prices are crazy cheap, but their photos are super sheik. I've seen lots of photography portfolios and they all look the same - lame. If you want cool and creative shots for a great price call Erick and tell him that Butch sent you! If you want overpriced run-of-the-mill blah blah anybody with a DSLR is a photographer type of photos call anybody else.

I love Vietnamese sandwiches and this place makes them perfectly. The spring rolls are very fresh and delicious.

Everything here is good! This is the first place that I've ever had egg fu yung, I'm hooked. The staff is very friendly. This place is always busy, but I've never had to wait for a table. The portion sizes are perfect, perhaps a little large, but that's good!

Little pillows of heaven. These empanada's are wonderful. I love the wide array of fillings. Everything that I've had has been great. It takes a little while to get your food after you order because they are cutom making each empanada when you order it. The staff is very friendly and do a great job of making sure you know which empanada is which (they all look the same). The only downside for me is that they don't have Dr Pepper.

Love it!  Some of the best huevos rancheros in town. The staff is super friendly and very quick. There is always a good crowd enjoying some amazing food. It is very spacious and it seems like they are always adding on.

Cool place. It's a little small and parking is a bit of an issue. But, the coffee is great, the staff is very friendly and they make some awesome breakfast! The decor typical/appropriate for downtown Richmond. It's a great place to go with my wife, but I wouldn't hang out there with the guys.

One of the best burgers in town. Love it! They grind their own meat and the make it regular or spicy. Spicy is the way to go. The cheese steak is really good too. It's not much to look at, but I kind of like it that way.