Artisans in Midtown

Located in the Mix @ Midtown (where 24 Hour is located) this French restaurant is so unique & fun! The restaurant revolves around the kitchen. For a front row seat, ask to sit at the "chef's table" so you catch a glimpse at how clean everything is & the occasional drama. For foodies & chef lovers this is a must! I read reviews so I can know what to expect & have a hint on what to order - majority were right.... Service needs some work although our waiter was attentive & explained a lot. I got the tasting menu b/c of the reviews & I am so happy that I got to try so much. The most popular thing I saw on the reviews was the Chilean Seabass Pistachio Crusted which was great but not my favorite. So, the tasting menu... The amuse bouche tasted almost like a ceviche in two beautiful bites. It was citrusy, juicy, crunchy & delicious. Second course was the foie gras - cooked to perfection atop two pieces of bread. I didn't eat the bread so not sure how it tasted but everything else was quite nice. The third course was Le Poisson du Pacifique aka Chilean Seabass Pistachio Crusted - mine perhaps was a bit overcooked but it was tasty. I love risotto and I was terrified by what I thought were lima beans & didn't want to try but I made myself and in fact they were fava beans. They were an expert pair - fava beans & risotto, omg I adored this. I couldn't stop eating until I decided to push my plate away since I knew I had 2 more courses coming. Fourth course - I am not much of a carnivore but the Black Pepper Crusted Beef Tenderloin blew my mind! Not only was I full & ate the entire thing, but it left my mouth watering for more! I made my friends try it even though they were full. They loved it. The fingerling potatoes were cooked perfectly. Potatoes are my favorite thing in the world & these are by far some of the best I have ever had! They were crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle and everything had amazing seasoning. No need for salt or pepper. Fifth & final course - I was stuffed & was not happy about chocolate for dessert since I am not much of a chocoholic. But, one bite & I was sold! The only way I like chocolate is if there is a crunch factor, this one had it! The bottom crunch layer was "Crunchy Feuilletine" according to google it means "crunch" so that would mean crunch crunch lol, I assume it was chocolate on chocolate but prepared differently for a delectable bottom crust. The fresh berry compote and frozen yogurt were great compliments & were a great finale to an amazingly delicious dinner. I can't wait to go back! Wow does the place make an impression! Visit www.artisansrestaurant.com for more info. Jenny Vargas Broker Associate, CNE, Relo Specialist 281.948.2951 jenny@myplaceinhouston.com

Timbergrove

Timbergrove doesn't only offer beautiful homes Inner Loop but it offers a small array of delicious eateries close by. Kojak's and Pappa Geno's are my favorite Timbergrove eateries. Both mom and pop shops with a generous warmth.

Pappa Geno's is located at 1801 Ella Blvd, Ste C 77008 next to one of Houson's privately owned gas stations and in front of Food Town (across the street from 18th's street HEB). Look for the orange and white striped sign and building. I may be partial since my favorite sandwich is a Philly Cheesteak (I was born in NJ) but this is by far one of the best I have ever had EVER. Now, I have been to Philly and tried the 2 famous joints but to me....1) I don't like Cheez whiz on a Philly 2) I thought they didn't have much flavor 3) I like mayo on my Philly! I know, I know, but Pappa Geno's makes it however you like and has several ways they make their Philly so it's totally up to you! The secret they say is in the bread - which they get delivered from New York! This sandwich is huge, filled with tender, juicy, peppery meat, melted cheese (I always get it with provolone) and onions. Again, I am a fry lover so you really have to wow me with your fries for me to continue to come back. Their fries aren't the best BUT its a strange combination that really works for me. Fries topped with brown gravy! Somehow it works and tastes delicious. Come to Pappa Geno's with an appetite!

To see what the Houston Press had to say about Pappa Geno's, read this....http://www.houstonpress.com/2010-11-04/restaurants/come-to-pappa/

Kojak's is located at 1912 West 18th Street between Ella and Seaspray in a small shopping center. Their menu changes to reflect chef's specials so every time I come I am pleasantly surprised at how great it is and their variety. Their soups and sandwiches are tasty. The environment is clean and friendly and lends to a perfect little cafe in a great neighborhood. Free wifi and BYOB at dinner time. Come pick up a magazine and relax in this classic Timbergrove staple. Visit http://www.kojakscafe.com/ for more information.

Your foodie,
Jenny Vargas
Realtor, CNE
281.948.2951
Jenny@MyPlaceinHouston.com