Crusader – A Haiku
Defending the Lord
At the cost of life and death
Always a blessing
2019 Albert Moyer, Jr. Poetry
Al Nakhil Restaurant
Posted: September 29, 2019 in FoodTags: Al Nakhil Restaurant, Cooking, Culinary, Houston Texas, Iraqi Food, Travel and Tourism
Al Nakhil is an Iraqi restaurant in Houston, Texas that offers original dishes from Iraq. The food is really flavorful and prepared with time and love. Some may say, “Iraqi’s? Didn’t we go to war with them?” Well, I like to think we we were at war with a government, because the Iraqi people are very nice and they strive to build greatness just as many people do around the world. They have a wonderful culture and aim to be free just like Americans. Anytime I have been in their presence they have made me feel welcome and they are very willing to share culinary secrets. Iraqi food is a labor of love for sure. If you are in a hurry, you probably will be disappointed in Al Nakhil, because in Iraqi culture enjoying a meal is not about being in a hurry. Thank God not all cultures believe in stuffing their face real fast to get back to work right? As of now, I do not believe Al Nakhil has a website, but I will leave your with some photos and a menu. You can see more about them on YELP. These are images from the Family Kabob Platter with extra sides of Hummus and Baba Ganoush, and after dinner hot tea.
Polonia Polish Restaurant
Posted: August 12, 2019 in FoodTags: Food and Drink, Houston Texas, Poland, Polish Food, Polonia Restaurant, Travel and Tourism
Polonia in my eyes is the official Polish restaurant of Houston, Texas. The food offers up all the delicious dishes and tastes of Poland. Growing up my father had a taste for many of these dishes and they were served at home. It was so common that as I grew older, I wondered if my father was part Polish. Someone once asked me if the Polish were vegetarians? I kind of laughed at that notion. The Polish are meat specialists as evidenced by the Polish store next door to the restaurant where you can get many Polish meats or snacks to take home. For more information..visit Polonia’s website http://www.poloniarestaurant.com/
Ritual
Posted: August 5, 2019 in FoodTags: Burgers, Food and Drink, Houston Texas, Ritual Houston, Steaks, Texas, Travel and Tourism
Ritual is a meat lover’s dream restaurant! The freshest dry aged meat hanging on racks for you to select your perfect steak. The finest meats and ingredients all cooked to perfection in what was once a Citgo gas station that was redesigned into an extravagant restaurant in the Houston Heights. Outside on a statue is a pig with wings…..If pigs could fly. Their pulled pork sandwich is flying because it tastes heavenly. The Ritual burger is so messy delicious! 1/2 lb of beef with caramelized onions, blue cheese, and a pile of brisket oozing BBQ sauce. Yum! The chicken fried steak is true to the bone Texan flavorful. The onion rings fat and perfect. The Death By Chocolate cake…..Ummm, oh baby! To learn more visit their website http://www.ritualhouston.com/
Update: Closed. Out of business. COVID-19 killed it. Very sad!
Jus’ Mac – A Mac N Cheese Lover’s Dream
Posted: July 31, 2019 in FoodTags: Food and Drink, Houston Texas, Jus' Mac, Macaroni, Travel and Tourism
With the thousands of awesome restaurants in Houston, Texas it is always not easy to get to them all at once. Jus’ Mac has been on my bucket list a long time. Upon entry I was pleasantly surprised by it’s small size (capacity 55). It gave the place a real homely feel. The service was excellent. Waiting for my dish my family and I shared some Spinach Artichoke dip. It was the best I have personally ever had. I have eaten it a lot too. When my dish came…Chicken and Waffle Mac N Cheese, it made my heart dance and the my olfactory senses happy. This places is no diet haven. This is full on heavy food that keeps a person fueled for a good time. It was everything I hoped for and then some. I’ll definitely make it my Mac N Cheese stop. For more information visit their website http://www.jusmaceatery.com/
Velvet Taco- Lovely!
Posted: July 28, 2019 in FoodTags: Food and Drink, Houston Texas, Tacos, Travel and Tourism, Velvet Taco
I just love Tacos! They are so versatile for those of us who are true foodies and know, love, and understand quality food. The Velvet Taco lives up to their hype 110%. They offer some of the best tacos I have eaten anywhere and they win the creativity award. A shrimp and grit taco? WTF? Really? That is a home run for us southern folks. Chicken and Waffle tortilla taco? Off the chain! And a cheeseburger taco? Oh, baby! For more information check out their website here https://velvettaco.com/
The San Antonio Botanical Garden is a place that was well-thought out for those who like walking and viewing a variety of garden like environments in a peaceful setting. There are exhibits that cover urban farming, Japanese gardens, hill country gardens, rose gardens, tropical gardens, cactus and succulent gardens, fern gardens, ponds, Texas native trails, and bird watching blinds. There is not as much canopy in Zilker Botanical Garden in Austin which I wrote about last year, but there are ample spots to re-hydrate and the tropical green house has air conditioning. Even though it was 100 degrees I had a blast taking hundreds of photos. Here are a few and I hope you make a trip to the San Antonio Botanical Garden to enjoy it’s peace and beauty. San Antonio Botanical Garden https://www.sabot.org/
Old Baldy at Garner State Park 2019
Posted: June 13, 2019 in TravelTags: Concan Texas, Frio River, Garner State Park, Old Baldy Garner State Park, Spiny Crevice Lizard, Texas
Old Baldy is 1,849 feet up a steep half-mile climb of rugged back country in Garner State Park in Concan, Texas. I would recommended someone be in somewhat decent physical condition because of the angles, slopes, rock climbing, tree roots, and the Texas heat. Watch your ankles, wear good solid shoes, and follow the yellow footprints. Most of the trail is shaded with Mesquite and I believe Cypress trees. However, at times, there is no shade. The reward at the end is awesome! The valley overlooking Garner State Park and the Frio River. I took several photos along my hike. I hope you enjoy the photos and visit Garner someday too.
Along the San Antonio Riverwalk 2019
Posted: June 11, 2019 in TravelTags: Digital photography, river cruise, San Antonio River Walk, Texas, Travel and Tourism
One of my favorite places to relax, stroll, and take photos is the San Antonio River walk. No matter how many photos I shoot, I notice differences in all of them and never loose enjoyment taking them. I hope you find inspiration in the photos and choose to take a trip to this wonderful place.
Enjoy the photos!
The Medina River Bandera, Texas in Photos 2019
Posted: June 10, 2019 in TravelTags: Bandera Texas, Kayaking, Medina River, Texas, Tubing
The Medina River is sourced by cool natural crystal clear springs that occur in the Balcones Fault in Central Texas. Many species of plants and animals live either east or west of the Balcones Fault which makes it important to ecology. The water is cool and refreshing in the hot Texas sun. The Cypress trees that line the banks provide a shade that creates a calm and relaxing atmosphere. I had the opportunity to tube the Medina River recently, get it off my bucket list, and take some photos. Enjoy the pictures! My services were provided by the excellent Medina River Company. https://www.themedinarivercompany.com/
Albert Moyer, Jr. 