Tobacco Road Sports Cafe

If you live in or near Durham, you've probably heard of the Tobacco Road Sports Cafe.  I've never gone because I can't seem to tear myself away from my favorite haunt, Cuban Revolution that's like 200 feet away.

So anyways, one day we were on that side of town and decided to try it based on some recommendations from coworkers.  We got on Blackwell St. but couldn't find the place.  There was also some construction going on so we didn't see the restaurant right away.  Couple of minutes later, I saw a small sign pointing in the direction of the cafe.  We walk in and it's a light-filled airy and bright space.  We seated ourselves at the bar and ordered a couple of drinks.  I didn't particularly like their draft selections and the couple of things I wanted to try, they didn't have.  

So coming to the food, I was happy to see they had a few mains for vegetarians and quite a few appetizers as well.  I ordered the pimiento cheese and fried green tomato on wheat. It came out perfectly done and delicious!  It also came with a side of Mexican rice and black beans.  I actually thought I could've eaten the side by itself, it was SOOO good!!  That was some good eatin'!!!

Just in case you're wondering, pimiento cheese is a famous cheese spread in North Carolina.  And it is DELICIOUS!!!!!  It's usually cheddar cheese, red pimiento peppers, sometimes mayo (yuck!!) and spices.  

El Camino Real

We went to grab a quick lunch at El Camino Real.  It was in this little strip shopping center so I wasn't really expecting anything grand or formal.  When I tell you the food was superb, it was just that!  I ordered the Chile Poblano and a Pina Colada.  I normally don't drink rum, but hey, they had a $2.99 special on them so I had to give it a go!

Top of the Hill and He's Not Here

We were just walking along Franklin Street looking for a place to grab something to eat in time to watch the Patriots game when I was directed to this little spot... too too funny, don't you think?   There were some benches outside in what seemed to be some sort of an ice-house but it was too cold to sit outside.  The name of the place just made me LOL!

So instead, we grabbed a drink and ate at this impressive little rooftop bar called Top of the Hill.  Their lunch menus are so adorable; they're little black & white, sephia-tinted postcards and their dinner menus are like landscape photos.  I was surpised to find the prices were very reasonable given the upscale ambience.  I ordered a lager on tap and a 'Courtney's Cheese Pizza' which was basically a white pizza topped with a basil-cashew pesto and Monterey Jack cheese.  My companion ordered the 'Thumbs & Toes' which were chicken tenders covered in a Thai chile sauce.  The pizza was a little disappointing with a flimsy, soggy crust that tasted like it was made hours earlier, but the view was incredible, so surprisingly, I wasn't bothered a bit by lunch.  Here are a few snaps during game time. 



hobbit cafe

friday nite my supper club went to the hobbit cafe. it's been a houston institution for over 30 years and originally started off as a healthy vegetarian joint. nowadays however, they serve non-vegetarian items as well.

it's known for that bohemian atmosphere, and just by looking at its clientele you can see why this is so. there are all ages and ethnicities eating there. like one of my dear friends put it, "it's a place where art history professors come with their sketchbooks."

so you get the drift right?

it's near downtown and housed in an old dilipidated tudor style building. i didn't have high hopes for this place. but then we ventured forward and i was so happy we did. the house is like you've entered hobbitdom. so small, cozy and with all that soft lighting you'll wish there was a fire going with some elves sitting around drinkin some strong ale, singin folk songs about slaying the evil dragon... er... back to the real story.

the doorways were arched so you felt so tiny and well protected. the walls had what else? J.R.R. Tolkien posters and art. this is the place to be if you're a hobbit or lord of the rings fan. which i am. the hobbit is in my top 10 books of all time. while i was enjoying the walls, our waiter a handsome young guy seated us towards the back. funny thing about the waiter, he has an identical twin brother who works the patio area. that was a little freaky. but in a good way.

the menu pays serious homage to Tolkien. all the items are named after his characters and other places and things from the books. the sandwiches are sold in either slim or regular. just a fyi, if you can't eat a whole pizza by yourself you should be ordering the slim. the portions are made for hobbits who are known for their greedy love of good food.

the gandalf sandwich comes with avocados and mushrooms with melted cheese on whole wheat bread. this is a serious sandwich. your group will just have to accept your prudeness while you dive in with a fork and knife.

then there is the fatty lumpkin which is a tuna sandwich, also on whole wheat. there is the smaugs delight, the withywindle and bilbo the magnificent with tomatoes, sprouts, guacamole and cucumber sandwich and the very popular drink, mithrili, a fruit smoothie which as far as i can recollect is made of pineapple, strawberries and bananas. aren't the names just fabulous?

i ordered the black bean burger and iced tea, i know, i know... i'm such a lame ass for sticking with a sure thing, but in my defense, i was really hungry that nite and wanted to hit the bull's eye. all sandwiches are served with matchstick carrots but i substituted mine for fries. the fries here are legendary as the place itself.

i was also warned that if you order a sandwich with avocado, you are likely to get a tree in return. this place unlike so many others is not stingy with this green wonder of a fruit. i love this place!!!

if you live in houston or plan to visit here, be sure to try out this landmark. it's truly off the beaten path and the menu will leave you grinning.

Rating: A+ for the timely and friendly service and the excellent food. my only grievance is there were quite a few tables packed into a small space which didn't give you much room to squirm around.

Notes: i promise i will try to remember my camera the next time i am here. image of the restaurant was taken from here.