A Mighty Fine Experience

 

  A burger with everything except lettuce – which meant a generous helping of what Mighty Fine calls Red, Yeller and White – ketchup, mustard and mayo to us city folk. The fries were good, hand cut crinkle fries – they weren’t the steak fries your mama might be able to turn out but they were good.

Admittedly I’m a burger snob. It’s gotta be good. It doesn’t have to be expensive, it can still come in the greasy bag just as this one did. But it has to have a bit of messy quality while the bun doesn’t fall apart and above all, it has to taste like beef, not some “beef product”…and this definitely lived up to it’s name!

On first sip the milkshake (vanilla!) was a bit thin, but proved to have standing power as I had my first few sips! I despise a too thick milkshake, if I didn’t  want to drink it, I’d have gotten a sundae! Sadly Mighty Fine doesn’t serve up onion rings, but if you’re going to do something – do it right – and so if they’re omitting them because lack of talent – then my hats off to keeping the burger fabulous!

 

 

Mighty Fine Burgers – www.mightyfineburgers.com - (512) 524-2400

Rating: spoon, fork & knife – it lived up to it’s name!

Good for Business

  I went on a business luncheon recently to Fratelli’s. While the location isn’t supremely convenient, it’s worth the drive. I had the Tagliatelle con Ragu Bolognese –  it was fresh hand made tagliatelle pasta with ragu Bolognese meat sauce. I’ve only shared my meat sauce recipe with one other person on this earth, so that said, I understand how hard it is to get this right.

They do a great job of it. Amazing in fact so much so that I overlooked the somewhat stale bread. The salad is typical greens, the balsamic isn’t necessarily a vinegarette, but a heavier dressing where I think the heft isn’t needed. The pasta was cooked perfectly though and the meat sauce isn’t overwhelmed by any of the spices, as I find alot that meat sauces do.

The atmosphere is homey, with a touch of class. I found myself staring at the oddly arranged palm tree orchid “garden of Eden” like center of the restaurant, thinking that another table could fit there, but besides that the service is tops, and I never want for more, they refill and check in periodically, always ready to lend a hand. Definitely recommended for a business lunch, I can always hears the people I’m with and there’s no clanging pots or noise issues.  Although busy, there never seems to be a wait either, a big plus in my book!

Fratelli’s -http://www.fratellishouston.com/ -  (713) 957-1150

Rating: Spoon and  Fork – good, but could be better!

Friday Night's Sandwich

Brick Sandwich

1 Jar of Red Bell Peppers, packed in oil
1 small jar of olive tapenade
1 large circular loaf of bread (preferably a hard crust, ciabiatta works well)
12 slices of ham
12 slices of turkey
6 slices of bacon cooked
12 slices of provolone
Sweet Banana Pepper rings
2 Roma Tomatoes, sliced thin
Hellman's Mayonnaise

Split bread down the middle and spread both sides with mayo. Spread top piece with tapenade. Layer meats, bacon and cheeses on bottom. Then red bell peppers, pepper rings, tomato. Replace top of bread. Wrap tightly in saran wrap and place in fridge with a brick, cast iron skillet or other heavy weight on top. Wait at least an hour (if you can.) Unwrap, slice into fourths. Enjoy!

I know, I know, it's fattening. and you must use the mayo - it helps to "seal" the ingredients in. Serve this with a fantastic kosher dill pickle and kettle cooked potato chips. Forget the rest of the evening, this sandwich makes for a great nap!