Mini-Reviews Fall 2012

Okay folks.  Every once in a while I go back to a place I've reviewed before and tried something new.  Rather than do a full second review,I like to do a set of mini-reviews.  I've done some of this before with interesting dishes and with my 44th Birthday Blitz.  And now it's time for another round of Minis!

Corner Bakery and Café:  Bacon Tomato Macaroni and Cheese

The Corner Bakery makes a very good crumb topped macaroni and cheese as is.  However, add some bacon and tomato and it takes the flavour up a couple of notches, to be sure!  As fall weather kicks in and things cool off (well... not so much here in Houston) people want rich, hearty warm comfort foods like chili, Poutine, macroni and cheese, and clam chowder.  This particular version is made a bit heartier and more substantial with the added ingredients!  Kudos to Corner Bakery for this great dish!  Grade: A

Saint Arnold Pumpkinator is Back for a VERY Limited Time

As if the chase a few months ago for the Saint Arnold Divine Reserve 12 wasn't exhausting enough, their annual October Pumpkin beer known as Pumpkinator (makes me want to do a bad Arnold Schwarzenegger accent) came out this past week.  Several pubs, including my beloved Flying Saucer Sugar Land had one keg or cask of the stuff.  I was lucky enough to buy a couple of bombers before they ran out at a local grocery store, and I was able to get a snifter of this wonderful Pumpkin Stout ale at The Saucer.  (Thank you Macy for serving it up, by the way!!!)  This rich stout has a hint of pumpkin, cinnamon and clove, pours with a thick head, and feels like a beer with just a hint of pumpkin pie thrown in.  Another great beer from Houston's own Saint Arnold Brewing Co!!! I'd suggest you check the #Pumpkinator hashtag on Twitter to see if there is any left.  There could be, but I kinda doubt it...

Steak'N Shake S'mores Shake and Oktoberfest Burger

As fall has come in, Steak'n Shake has rolled out a pair of big guns:  A S'mores Shake (blended graham cracker crumbles, marshmallows and chococlate chips, topped with the same) and an Oktoberfest Burger:  a Double Steakburger™ with Swiss cheese, beer cheese sauce, onions sautéed in tangy mustard, and thinly sliced Black Forest Ham served on a delicious toasted pretzel bun!  I know this may sound similar to Red Robin's Oktoberfest burger--but it is a little different.  Steak'n Shake has a thin patty burger, while Red Robin has a thick patty burger.   This burger is different but just as good as Red Robin's and like RR's, it's only around for a limited time!   Oh and the S'mores Shake makes a great dessert for after you're done! 

Red Mango Frozen Yogurt

Okay folks.  It seems that other frozen yogurt places are going back to the probiotic tart style of FroYo, and that includes the Red Mango chain, founded by Daniel J. Kim (not to be confused with Daniel DAE Kim who was on Lost and the new Hawaii Five-Oh).  The chain set up a new location in the Woodlake Square shopping centre near Gessner and Westeheimer and I stopped by.  I found the yogurt to be on the same level of quality as Pinkberry--and they had fresh toppings, including awesome Mochi balls, and great tart flavours like Pomegranate. I went ahead and tried the Pumpkin swirled with the Madagascar Vanilla.  I topped it with Mochi Balls (SWEET and chewy) with some granola (crunchy) and I must say it was quite good.  It'll definitely be in my rotations for sure.

Well, that about wraps it up for these mini-reviews!

And Remember to Eat Happy, Y'all!!

Hank on Food