Houston's Steak Nights

Well, our night began with the plan to pick up Lucy from Doggy Daycare, feed her, then get ready to head to the Dynamo game.  Actually, the Dynamo game was what I thought I would share tonight. Our love for tailgating and parking-lot gourmet would have been the subject.  However, we had a change in plans.  First, the radar looked like there would be more rain tonight.  If you know Brian, then you know he tends to think his third major was meteorology--the ability to predict weather better than your grand dad.  That being said we told our friends we would just meet them at the game, no tailgating this time.  Instead, we would grab a drink at our new favorite spot, Mongoose Vs. Cobra, then head to our all-time favorite Leon's Lounge for steak night, and end the night with a little, "Dy Na, Dy Na, Dy Na, Dyn-amo, .....Dy Naaaaa, ...Dy Nuhhh Moeeeee."  Then Brian realized he left the tickets at home.  Hmmm.  The beer was so good at Leon's, and we just finished a pretty decent steak night, that the idea of rushing out the door to back track and deal with parking seemed unreasonable.  So we enjoyed our new and old favorite sites.

Leon's Lounge

The best part was it has given me a great opportunity to share with you what we love about Leon's Lounge and the new Mongoose versus Cobra.  First, for me Mongoose vs. Cobra probably earned cred through their first venture, 13 Celsius, which is basically my favorite wine bar in Houston.  And what we noticed this evening was we love the eclectic crowds these places draw.  It is no Washington Av, thankfully.

"...try things you've never experienced..." I love that statement.

Wait.  That brings up another thought from the evening.  The Pedal Party.  Forgive me, for those who have enjoyed pedaling and puking around Houston's finest or drunkest spots, but seeing these folks gave me no choice but to take the opportunity to make fun.  Oh, I know, what you are thinking, "Karra, give them a break.  At least they are not bored."  Yes, true.  They are not bored.  And they allow me to not be bored, as well.  "Thank you, Pedal Party, you have given me something to laugh."  Seriously, though.  It is Wednesday.  What do they think Thursday will feel like?  "More importantly, Pedal Party, do not ruin the coolness Midtown has become since your headquarters, Washington Avenue, took over our town."  Thank you, Washington Av., Kung Fu party and 8 is enough is far, far from my reality.

I spy...a hangover.  

Oh, yeah, I got a little side tracked...Leon's Lounge.  Steak Night.  $17.  It was a deal.  The dinner starts with a nice little salad.  I meant to share a picture, but thought about it too late.  Let's see if words can give it justice.  It was the good lettuce, --not iceberg, slightly browned, chopped for a Sonic Burger with a little diced tomatoes.  Nope.  It was actually something you would expect from its neighbor, Reef.  Spring greens tossed with feta cheese, sliced carrots, fresh tomatoes and a refreshing vinaigrette.  Then the steak came just as we ordered, medium.  It was a New York strip, which isn't my favorite, but it was good.  Brian is a big fan of NY strips, and he definitely enjoyed it. I am either one of two people: the woman I aspire to be, filet mignon or my hometown gal, ribeye.  Nevertheless, it was a nice little dinner.  You should try it.  Wednesday night is steak night at Leon's.  Another great steak night is Community Bar, Tuesday nights, you can take your dog and share your left overs without the bag.  

A delicious Saison beer

I forgot to mention the potatoes...delicious!

Back to Mongoose vs. Cobra.  Last Thursday was my first time there, and they probably make one of the best Manhattan's in town, next to Anvil and Hearsay.  Tonight, we enjoyed a Brooklyn.  Actually, Brian probably enjoyed his more than I.  It is made with dry Vermouth, rather than sweet Vermouth, which is the ingredient I appreciate in a Manhattan.  Yeah, yeah, --then I should have ordered a Manhattan. Both drinks were made with Rye, which is the best.   We started here, went across the street to eat, then ended the evening back at Mongoose vs. Cobra with our favorite digestif, Cynar on the rocks.  I recommend you try this evening.  You will not be bored.    

Cynar on the rocks