A Green Lunch
There is this quote of Anton Ego that I heard again tonight and is still ringing in my head: “In many ways, the word of a critic is easy. We risk very little, yet enjoy a position over those who offer their works and their selves to our judgment.” That is true: the critic (or the self-proclaimed critic, aka the food blogger) goes to a restaurant, eats the food, and writes about the food with respect to his expectation of what it should be. The expectation usually comes from a long list of preset rules that he goes through with check marks and x’s: beef is tender, vegetables are crisp, bread is crusty, truffles are included, lobsters were kicking the tank minutes before they turn red. But every so often, his expectation might come from friends’ recommendations. The judgment then includes not only the subjected restaurant or dish, it also indirectly includes the friend’s credibility. Whatever the (self-proclaimed) critic puts down in writing, be it positive or negative, he risks a part of his friend’s and his own credibility in his friend’s eyes, which is not a “very little” thing.
As such, I feel like tiptoeing with my words tonight. Der Miller has recommended Ruggles since last year and I was looking forward to their coconut crusted shrimps, but they only open for dinner. With 4 hours to go until dinner time, we swung by Ruggle Greens, where der Miller attested to be basically the same as its dinner sister, only more downtown-lunchy. It has take-outs.
The parking lot was packed. If we are to judge a restaurant by its number of patrons, Ruggles Green has no fear. If we are to judge it by price per fillingness, from this Berkeley-trained student’s perspective, Ruggle Greens is quite reasonable. I was full after an appetizer and half a dessert. Der Miller was full after two thirds of an appetizer and half a dessert, which kinda made me question my appetite. 😛
The hempenadas (hemp–empanadas?) ($9) were mealy, as expected of a hemp-and-wheat coat and a crowded filling of hemp seeds, raisins, beef, cheddar, and mozzarella.
The crab cake ($14), as der Miller put, was “bready”, but softened by its accompanying roasted tomato butter sauce. I’ve always liked the mini crab cakes that you can put all at once in your mouth like a sesame ball, break through the rough crunchiness into the sweet shredded meat, and repeat. I missed that with this Ruggles Green’s solo gargantuan version.
The bread pudding ($7), unlike the crab cake, didn’t have much “bread”. Coupled with a melting chocolate lace and vanilla ice cream, it sure was as warm, gooey, and chocolatey as puddings ought to be.
How would I rank Ruggles Green? Der Miller said that I’m a difficult eater, but he is one himself. His eyes showed neither approval nor disapproval of the food that day. For me, it is pleasant to see that the Houstonians are embracing the green fashion of today’s cookery, and that the Houstonian restauranteurs are making it a casual, affordable affair instead of some hippie hipster thing, which it isn’t. Although I don’t remember seeing any bamboo hats, I like that they show you how to stop junk mail. 🙂
Next time, I’ll go to Ruggles.
Address: Ruggles Green in River Oaks
2311 West Alabama, Suite C
Houston, Texas 77098
(713) 533-0777
www.rugglesgreen.com
*Bread pudding pictures credit: Jason Miller
Hello.This article was extremely motivating, particularly since I was browsing for thoughts on this topic last Tuesday.
1As I website possessor I conceive the content here is very good, appreciate it for your efforts.
2Can I simply say what a relief to search out someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You undoubtedly know how one can convey an issue to gentle and make it important. More folks must read this and perceive this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more widespread since you undoubtedly have the gift.
3Hi there would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using? I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m having a difficult time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S Sorry for being off-topic but I had to ask!
4Magnificent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too wonderful. I actually like what you have acquired here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it sensible. I cant wait to read much more from you. This is actually a great web site.
5I used to be very happy to search out this net-site.I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you weblog post.
6Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say great blog!
7I have read a few good stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort you put to create such a excellent informative web site.
8I’ve read a few good stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort you put to make such a excellent informative website.
9I discovered your blog web site on google and examine a couple of of your early posts. Continue to maintain up the superb operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking ahead to reading extra from you afterward!…
10Admiring the dedication you put into your site and in depth information you provide. It’s nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed information. Wonderful read! I’ve saved your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.
11I haven’t checked in here for some time since I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are good quality so I guess I will add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
12I love assembling useful info, this post has got me even more info! .
13Absolutely pent content material, Really enjoyed looking at.
14F*ckin’ remarkable things here. I’m very glad to peer your post. Thanks a lot and i am looking forward to contact you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?
15I’ve been browsing online greater than three hours these days, but I by no means discovered any attention-grabbing article like yours. It’s beautiful value sufficient for me. In my opinion, if all site owners and bloggers made excellent content material as you probably did, the web will probably be much more useful than ever before. “We are not retreating – we are advancing in another Direction.” by Douglas MacArthur.
16Someone essentially help to make seriously articles I might state. That is the first time I frequented your website page and so far? I surprised with the research you made to create this particular publish extraordinary. Great activity!
17I appreciate, cause I found just what I was looking for. You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
18I like this weblog so much, saved to fav. “I don’t care what is written about me so long as it isn’t true.” by Dorothy Parker.
19Simply want to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness in your post is simply spectacular and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the rewarding work.
20Thank you for every other great article. Where else may just anyone get that kind of information in such a perfect method of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I am on the look for such information.
21I’m not positive where you’re getting your info, however good topic. I must spend some time studying much more or figuring out more. Thank you for excellent information I was searching for this information for my mission.
22Exactly what I was looking for, appreciate it for putting up.
23I consider something really special in this web site.
24I am continually searching online for posts that can assist me. Thanks!
25My wife and i ended up being very thankful when Michael could complete his inquiry from your ideas he made out of your web site. It is now and again perplexing to simply find yourself giving out steps many others could have been selling. We really remember we have got the blog owner to thank because of that. The type of explanations you have made, the straightforward website navigation, the relationships your site make it easier to engender – it’s got mostly sensational, and it’s really letting our son and our family imagine that the issue is pleasurable, and that’s really indispensable. Thanks for the whole thing!
26Great, I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and related information ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, website theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Excellent task.
27I am now not positive where you’re getting your information, however good topic. I must spend a while learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for great information I was in search of this info for my mission.
28My wife and i have been absolutely happy that Chris could finish off his researching from the ideas he came across out of your web site. It is now and again perplexing to simply possibly be freely giving information that some other people might have been making money from. And we take into account we’ve got the website owner to give thanks to because of that. All of the explanations you’ve made, the straightforward blog menu, the relationships you can make it easier to promote – it’s got all incredible, and it is letting our son in addition to us believe that the subject is amusing, and that is unbelievably vital. Thank you for all the pieces!
29I have recently started a site, the information you offer on this site has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work.
30You are my breathing in, I possess few blogs and rarely run out from to brand : (.
31I like this post, enjoyed this one regards for putting up. “No trumpets sound when the important decisions of our life are made. Destiny is made known silently.” by Agnes de Mille.
32There are some interesting points in time on this article but I don’t know if I see all of them center to heart. There is some validity but I’ll take maintain opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we wish more! Added to FeedBurner as properly
33I have been browsing on-line greater than 3 hours these days, yet I never found any fascinating article like yours. It’s beautiful value enough for me. In my view, if all site owners and bloggers made excellent content material as you did, the net will be much more useful than ever before.
34Wohh precisely what I was looking for, thanks for posting.
35After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.
36I think other site proprietors should take this website as an model, very clean and magnificent user genial style and design, as well as the content. You are an expert in this topic!
37When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks!
38Hiya! I just wish to give an enormous thumbs up for the great information you’ve got here on this post. I will probably be coming back to your weblog for more soon.
39Whats Going down i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It positively helpful and it has helped me out loads. I’m hoping to contribute & assist different customers like its helped me. Good job.
40An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!
41I appreciate, cause I found just what I was looking for. You have ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
42I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. thank you
43I am not rattling fantastic with English but I get hold this real leisurely to read .
44Thanks for the article, is there any way I can get an email sent to me every time you make a new update?
45