gini "mockbird" r.'s Profile

oh jax how you never disappoint me ...

met up with family and friends this last weekend at Jax - friends from out of town so I knew it would be an experience for them.

Portions - huge
Service - fast
Food - VERY tasty

When asked for recommendations all i could say is everything i've ever had there has been great - my SIL gave the same answer and running through the menu thought my nephews had pretty much tasted everything.

I went for the gyro which was a special and teamed it up with onion rings - nom!  the gyro is huge, the cucumber sauce a bit milder than niko nikos, but still good and i didn't feel like i would wilt anyone by breathing on them later!  The table also had quesadillas (more huge portions), a ribeye (filled the plate) and chicken fried chicken (not as big as the chicken friend steak, but that just leaves you comotose!)

Jax's can get really packed on a weekday lunch but i've never not found a table or gotten my food quickly - they really have the system down

Like Barnaby's one of my go-to restaurants.

Ok this was one of the NYC trip disappointments - the 4 and 5 star rankings i'm finding really amazing.

Ok - so close to my hotel and the museum of natural history made this the go to place for lunch upon arriving in new york. After reading all the reviews I was excited and looking forward to an amazing burger. Not so much.

Walked over to the place around 2 and it was still very busy - i'm guessing alot of museum business keeps this place packed. I'll give them points for their marketing and packaging - graphics were fresh and catchy ... wish i could say the same about the food. Ordered the single and cheese fries and an ice tea (no dr. pepper, this is new york after all) and the hunt begain for a place to sit - sitting is really limited and a rainy day opted out crossing the street and finding a bench.

Sharing a table with an out of town couple my friend and i could hardly wait for that first bite. I tried the fries - throwback crinkle cuts smothered in weak queso where what they were calling cheese fries - i had about 5 and offered them up to the table. The burger looked great - patty looked hand formed, condiments looked fresh but on the second bite i hit raw meat - not rare - rare i could handle ... raw.  I ate around the edges because i was starving but ending up leaving over 1/2 the burger as inedible.

The shakes look good though we didn't try one - i didn't hear raves so figured i wasn't really missing too much.

All this left us craving was smashburger back in houston.

ate at the grill portion (the bar) having originally just stopped in for a cocktail since it adjoined the Excelsior where we were staying. Their west side gimlet ... outstanding! atmosphere on the night we were there very laid back, quiet and relaxing.

After a drink or two decided to stay for dinner -- first impulse was the soft shell crab poboy which unfortunately they ran out of before we ordered so went with the hamburger ... what seems like a staple came out and really was stellar ... meat was tasty and cooked perfectly - bun exceptional and the side sauce really good.

Best of all chef sent out a dessert sampler for us .... OMG .... we died and went to heaven ... little bites but to the moon goodness ....

Went here based on Yelp reviews and once again everyone was dead on.

Great atmosphere ... great food ... great fun

Went with a group of 5 - got seated at a roomy corner booth. We started with the sampler appetizer platter of crab cakes, calamari, oysters and something else i can't remember .... but everything was excellent and plenty to share between us all ....

Picking an entree was a challenge - so many choices and temptations - went for the lobster ravioli in vodka cream sauce ... amazing ... huge chunks of lobster you could actually taste - others at the table got lamb chops (slightly overcooked), sliced steak (served with plantains - nom) and the raw bar slection (HUGE portions)  .....  the atmosphere is very laid back, night we were there a jazz/ r&b duo and in between r&b playing ..a bit loud but a patio out back would be a good alternative if looking for a quieter spot ...

would go here again next visit to the city....

adorable and yummy

passed by here on one of our first days in the city and were drawn to the breakfasts that were being eaten on the outdoor tables.

made it for lunch a few days later. While it seemed like the specialty was breakfasts ... and i was tempted by the lemon riccotta pancakes i went for the crab cake sandwich ... excellent choice! the crab cake was large with little flller - light and fluffy - to call it a sandwich is a misnomer because there is no way you could wrap your mouth around this .. the base was a homemade english muffin - dense and flavorful with the top good enough to each alone. served with a pear and beet salad, greens and matchstick potatoes was really really delicious!

loved that an order of ice tea brought out not only a ice filled glass (a rarity in nyc) but lime, lemon and a small pitcher of additional tea ...

my friend went for the berry bread pudding and wasn't willing to share -- she wanted to lick the plate with all lthe goodness ...

would definitely recommend for a nice lunch or brunch ... serve was friendly and prompt ... and care seemed to be taken in what was being served

one place i was really looking forward to going to  ... and what a huge disappointment .... went to the food counter for a late breakfast ... place was still packed, and dirty, garbage full to overflowing. Bagel nothing special and my friend ordered a bagel with lox and cream cheese ... it was prepackaged and not too fresh ...

went into the store next ... while it does beg you to wander and explore you can't unless you want to risk life and limb to crotchy old folks weilding walkers and canes ....

What a wonderful place!

A special treat with some local regulars left two texas girls with jaws on the floor. A cute street taco stand - a secret door - stairs - kitchen and voila you enter a new world.  A great atmosphere - sexy, sophisticated, fun .... and the food - off the chain.

Truffle quesidellas .... don't even need to say more but i can! The roasted corn, the shrimp, steak ... well everything we tasted was fantastic

I guess the restricted admittance helps keep the crowds to a reasonable number - the bar afterwards was busy but not packed .... a great night, great new york memory.

Stayed here on a recommendation of a friend who had previously stayed here. Upon reading other reviews i was prepared for a rude staff .... that never occurred. Front desk help was courteous and prompt and the doormen and housekeeping staff friendly and quick to help.

Room was small but for twin beds very comfortable - probably one of the most comfortable hotel beds and pillows i've slept on. Bathroom was well stocked with toiletries and towls ... shower was always hot and great water pressure. Rooms are relatively quiet and the design of the floors makes it so they are not on one long hallway which probably helps keep the noise down.

Across from the Museum of Natural History and near central park the location is excellent. Neighborhood restaurants and shops were an quick and easy walk and cabs of course are plentiful.

Location is also quieter and a bit removed from the craziness of times square and downtown areas.

The restuarant that is attached to the hotel EightyOne was excellent. We stopped in for a drink after an exhausting first day and ended up ordering off the grill menu. The gimlet was excellent and even a simple hamburger was stellar.

wouldn't hesitate ot stay here again or recommend.

i'd heard about Royer's for years and finally made the trip ... i was a very happy camper.

Downtown Round Top is a bit like stepping onto a movie set - all the cuteness and charm that small texas towns are supposed to be. Royer's cafe is in the middle of the block - dressed up in all the coca-cola fineness - coolers invite diners to have a beer and use the honor system (unless your a lawyer) luckily we didn't have to wait and got right in.

The grilled shrimp BLT was out of this world ... talk about tastes that compliment each other, wow ...  then on to the main event ... pie! Unfortunately we were there late in the day and they were already out of peach and apple ... boo ... so i went for the key lime buttermilk .... others at the table went for strawberry rhubarb and chocolate chip ... forks and plates were passed so we all got to sample .... not a bad bunch in the lot and that you can get it with a scoop of amy's ice cream .. even better! Everything is cooked with love  and so worth the drive.

Make a day out of it .. or do what we did - go see some Shakespeare down the road in Winedale .. then head to Royers.

awesome

Miller Outdoor Theatre ... i think is one of those jewels in the crown of houston .. weather hidden or known, it sparkles!

came here recently for a symphony concert with a handful of friends .. what could be better than a gorgeous night, great food, great music, good wine, and friends. The range of entertainment they schedule is great ... from the symphony to last year's flatlander's concert there really is something for everyone, and it's free!

Parking can sometimes be an issue though i've always been lucky enough to get a space at the garden center. But don't let that discourage you. Leave the attitude at home, go with the flow and relax. It's houston, and it's great.