Midnight Shenanigans!!

What do we do on a Saturday night?

"Let's grab a pizza and binge watch House of Cards," gushed out my friend.

"Bleh!!" blurted out the gourmet incarnate in me.

I have taken an oath thereon which urged me to propagate the idea of avoiding the couch whatsoever during weekends, primarily Saturdays. Now that I got off to a great start, out popped the question - "Where do we go on a Saturday night?"

After a taxing week, I needed something to unwind and slacken up a bit. That would be the cue for me to spend the rest of my night chugging some ale.

I chose Midtown as my destination as it is a place brimming with the exuberance of millennials. You are bound to be spoiled with the amount of options you get in Midtown (I'm no exception!).

"What do I do?" echoed my voice in despair. I wanted a bite of everything (Excuse my slavish addiction for being a glutton) and I could do it the traditional way, the PUB CRAWL.

That was the only legitimate way to fulfill my craving to get the best from each place.

So, there is this street Morningside Dr which has a reputation it is carrying off its shoulders for the years as a party street. I happened to be there in attendance (Yes, will make the most out of it) and it had this pleasant vibe perpetuating throughout.

I stopped at what looked like an age old dwelling. Came near to have a glimpse and it said The Ginger Man. I had this itch which would only quench by entering this abode and which also happened to be a 30 year old bar as told by the two muscles guarding at the porch. Getting ID'd is a customary ritual in this part of the town so be prepared of it. Entered the bar and I was astonished at the sight in front of me.

A Beer Garden is just what I needed and the sheer enthusiasm at what I am looking has baffled my senses. I might be glued here for the rest of the night (Pardon my excitement, we still gotta get some food. Not a worry!)

I went ahead and bellied up to the bar and asked the bartender for few tasters on the blonde ale (I like to start it off mellow!). She gave me the Bombshell Blonde and it was alright, not that refreshing kick to it. I said her the same and she suggested me that there is a wheat ale if I would prefer. And, she also added that it is one of the locally brewed seasonal lineups. I was all excited to try it out. Out came the taster and it was just perfect. Never had such a good wheat beer in quite some time. Without further ado, I told the bartender to hit me up with it.

The Karbach Staycation. One of the many things Texas can be proud of. I can't stop but admire the experience I have been put through. The ABV was around 4.8% which is pretty decent for a wheat ale. It had these citrusy hops complemented with the smoothness of wheat which creates a refreshing and perfect reprieve from the summer. Created flawlessly to withstand the Texan heat. Would recommend it on any humid day or night when you want to take a load off.

Taste: 8/10

Next up, I am done with the tasters. I told the bartender to surprise me with a pale ale. She set me up with one of their specials outright.

This time up, it is the Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA. I never associated a golden, amber color with a pale ale. And at the first look, I asked the bartender if this was an IPA. And...

Out came the Cersei in her. She gestured me to take a swig of it, which I did. IPA's have always tend to carry a taste of bitterness for me. But, this one was nothing close to it. The mosaic hops with a tinge of citrus and a fruity flavor to round it up, all made this beer, a personal IPA favorite. I do not consider it as a stronger beer considering the ABV of 6.4%, as I have had Dogfish and other IPA's which have higher percentages. But, if you would want to have a pale ale which isn't heavy on your head and provides the bracing tang, then I would suggest this IPA.

Taste: 9/10

"Enough with the quaffing," I uttered to myself.

Need something to stuff myself with. I would not recommend eating anything at the Beer garden as there are other places out on the street which serve better food. So, I came out of the bar and continued with my pub crawling. Saw people thronging around at what looked like a food truck. The line was just building up and I was told it does get hectic in the later part of the night.

Before getting myself jammed into it, I wanted to check out the menu to know what's on offer and for what I had signed up. I advanced towards the hub and glanced at the menu.

"Perfect pairing!!" I shouted in an unending avidity. It had to be Korean. I went back to my spot in the queue and waited. And, waited. And then, waited.

"What can I hook you up with, bud?" a distorted voice said.

"Hey Bud, you here?" said again.

I got a little nudge on my shoulder and I came back to my senses. I was at FRONT OF THE LINE!!

Now, I have not constructed a template yet on the dishes which would be cherished in my tummy. So, I went ahead and ordered their best sellers which are Pork Dumplings, Gogi Melt & OMG Fries(listed on the napkin).

They were reasonably priced for a food truck, but I had to wait until I can actually tell you guys if they were worth it.

First up, I got the Pork Dumplings.

They were hot and appetizing. It came smeared with red chili powder, small handful of cilantro and a tinge of lime and served with a Thai Chili Dipping Sauce. I immediately dipped the dumpling into the sauce and popped it into my mouth. The filling consisted of minced pork, cabbage amidst other Korean spices.

These dumplings are far from juicy but the flavors are really outstanding. The pork was cooked really well and the dumplings were pan fried just perfectly. My only implication was it would be better if it was a tad bit juicy.

Taste: 8/10

While, I was finishing up the rest of the dumplings, my name was summoned again. It was the Kimchi Melt.

Looking at it, Toasted Bread is what I got. I was perplexed. Gathering some nerve, I went ahead and nibbled into it. It had Monterey Jack and Colby Jack cheese on it, along with stir-fry Kimchi. The cheese complemented the toast quite well. It was melting and the acidic flavor of Kimchi was a perfect match.

"Anything with Kimchi on it, goes down well!!" voiced my intellect. With that being said, I would rather hold myself from ordering it as the price is not complemented on what's offered.

Taste: 7/10

Finally, I get the final order served up. The OMG Fries.

Just the mere sight of it makes me drool. The fried egg is an add-on which costs a dollar extra. I had other toppings such as a drizzle of extra spicy mayo and jalapeños. You have the option of choosing the type of fries you need upfront such as Korean Beef, Teriyaki Chicken (my choice) or Kimchi Stir-Fry.

I readily munched into them with my fork and the fries are freshly made and crispy. The Teriyaki chicken is perfectly marinated and the flavor was bursting. I cut through the egg and the runny yolk along with the chicken and fries is a combination to die for.

Taste: 9/10

The spicy mayo and jalapeños provide an unparalleled seasoning to the dish. The quantity is adequately large for one person. A no-brainer to order whilst in a group. However, with the voracious appetite of mine, I chowed down all of it.

Worth a Saturday to remember!!

Details#1

The Ginger Man

5607 Morningside Dr

Houston, TX 77005

(713) 526-2770

Overall#1