For living in suburbia, visiting downtown Houston is a special treat that I only encounter a few times a year. If it were up to me, I would go everyday during the summer to entertain myself with some sort of mini adventure that would break the monotony of the movie theatre or Sonic. Sadly, my mom is "not too crazy about" the prospect of me driving downtown. Me behind the wheel? Totally not scary at all.
I made you think about it, didn't I? You can trust me, though. I can decipher the amateur driver sightings of fresh green from a point of no return. I have been didactically ordered to shout the slurred chaos of "SNIPER-CHARGER LEFTRIGHTCENTERPEEK-BACK" [insert pseudo Texan accent] by my driving school. You would think they would just let you drive without the verbal baggage of acknowledging every corner you turn and every hue of the stoplight you see. It's a longstanding joke between my friends that will never lose value.
Let me not veer off the road.
Empire Cafe is my destination. My friend Sarah and I had been craving the ultimate refreshment, the "Mojito Limonada" for months. We basically drove 45 minutes for a sip of this seriously amazing concoction of sugar, limes, and fresh mint. To my dismay, the cashier tersely told me they had ran out of mint. It's not like you can make this at home either. Imagine sugar strewn across the floor, a bloodied finger thinking you could chop mint like you are the great Martha, and worst of of all, lost faith in the I-can-totally-whisk-crap-together-and-make-it-edible department. I guess lemonade would have to suffice.
We all shared the "Dips of the World," a plate of warm pita slices with a Tuscan marinara, black bean dip, and Mediterranean spinach dip. I was slightly disappointed that the dips were the size of shampoo caps despite the $6 price tag. The spinach dip was the favorite. I could have snacked on it all day. I'm obsessed with sauces and dips of kinds.
My other friend Lydia (my twin from another life) ordered the Margherita pizza. Sarah and I made it obvious that we would devour her leftovers if she graced us with a slice for the hungry. She did. SO GOOD.
I ordered the eggplant panini and the cream of potato soup. Both were wonderful; the panini came on this delish focaccia bread with basil pecan pesto, slices of grilled eggplant, and caramelized onions. Really hearty with a hint of sweetness. I would nix the greens, but that's just me. The soup was equally tasty.
Posing my food for a photoshoot despite the quizzical/disapproving stares from customers
I was at a slight disadvantage because I received my meal last (I am the slowest eater EVER). Sarah's prompt and wonderfully blunt statement of "the stores are closing soon so we might want to pick up the pace" accompanied with her classic hand gestures meant it was time to start savoring the last bites. She keeps me in check. We got a slice of the massive tollhouse cake to go for dessert on our way to the Galleria; I can say it rekindled my love of homemade icing and natural desserts (sorry boxed cakes...you have had your fair share of glory moments!)
The aftermath.
If you have not tried the Empire Cafe in Houston on Westheimer (in between Shepherd and Montrose), now is your chance. It's in a wonderful location with a fresh spin on casual cuisine that should not be overlooked.
