Simple Living

Joe’s Bakery: A Breakfast Stop Worth Making Joe’s Bakery is definitely worth a stop for breakfast. They serve a delightful mix of Mexican food along with classic American bacon and eggs. The scrambled eggs are amazing, and the barbacoa is a standout. It pairs perfectly with some tortillas, creating a delicious combination. The prices are very affordable. I opted for the small half-price plates, which were quite filling for me. Also, these are my first few photos taken with the new iPhone 14 Pro’s camera. It’s an improvement over the 11—not a giant leap like the upgrade from the 6s to the 11, but still a noticeable enhancement.

iPhone 14 Pro vs. iPhone 11: A Comparison This comparison may not be entirely fair, as the iPhone 11 is the entry-level model for the 11 series, while the 14 Pro is one of the premium offerings in its series. However, I own both and am very familiar with the 11, having used it for two years, while I've just started using the 14 Pro. Initial Impressions Since the 5.8-inch iPhone X, most modern iPhones have looked and behaved quite similarly. They seem to have standardized around the 6.1-inch form factor introduced with the XR and then the 11. The only real difference between the XR and the 11 was the single versus dual back cameras. With the 14 Pro having the same 6.1-inch screen as the 11, it feels functionally similar to its predecessor. Yes, the 14 Pro boasts triple cameras that are significantly larger, along with a 48MP sensor compared to the 12MP of the 11. It also features an OLED screen, a better processor, and increased memory, among other improvements. However, many of the...

Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen Review I recently got the Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen in 44MM, featuring the Cellular + GPS model. I'm curious to see how it compares to my old Series 2, which only had GPS. After wearing it for a few days, I'm ready to share my thoughts. Initial Impressions Overall, the SE 2 feels very similar to my old Series 2. Update - 10/1/22: 10-Day Review After a solid week and a half with the watch, I can say it’s a good choice for anyone looking for a smartwatch without the hefty price tag of $400 for a Gen 8 or $800 for an Ultra. The SE covers all the basics and truly helps me "untether" from my phone. There's something liberating about not always needing to have my phone on hand. Configuring the watch faces took some time, and I plan to continue experimenting until I find the perfect set that suits my style. Another significant benefit has been the activity rings, which motivate me to exercise more. I've pushed my daily walking average to about 8,0...

Cappuccino Search in Dallas I'm still on the hunt for a great cappuccino in Dallas. Recently, I visited Kona Reserve in Frisco, but it was just meh. They slightly burnt the espresso, which surprisingly helped avoid the overly milky taste that often plagues cappuccinos. Aside from the coffee, the café itself is quite nice. The staff is friendly, and there's ample parking—something many coffee shops in Dallas at least have going for them. That said, I’m still searching for that perfect cappuccino. Cappuccino Rating: 5.5/10

Labor Day Taco Fix and Frozen Margarita I got my taco fix and decided to enjoy Labor Day by knocking back a frozen margarita. The margarita set me back $12.99, which surprisingly cost more than the taco plate! I managed to finish it and ended up feeling pretty buzzed. Next time, I think I’ll try the smaller size.

Lemma Coffee: A Mixed Bag How is Lemma Coffee rated 4.7 out of 5 on Yelp?  That’s the same rating as Summer Moon! You really can’t trust Yelp anymore, even with 115 reviews. If they’re giving high marks for location, ambiance, and staff, then sure, it’s a 5. But the coffee itself? I’d rate it around a 3.8. So far, in the dozen Frisco coffee shops I’ve tried—except for Summer Moon—they all seem to think a cappuccino should taste like a glass of warm milk. Am I ordering it wrong? Cappuccino Rating: 5/10 Update - July 2023 - Tried again.  Nope, espresso is just way too bitter. Core issue with Lemma is their espresso shot.  It’s just too bitter and difficult to drink.  Should be more creamy and closer to dark chocolate than just bitter. I’d have to drop the rating to 4 in 10 for espresso shot.

Searching for the Perfect Tonkatsu I'm still on the lookout for a good Tonkatsu spot (Pork Katsu). I’ve tried the food court option at Mitsuwa, and while it’s decent, Kurobuta is clearly better. At Kurobuta, you get quite a bit with your meal, which can be both a plus and a minus. The pork is flavorful and tender, but it just lacks something in the panko batter and the sauce. For now, this will have to suffice for my Tonkatsu fix.

Fuzzy's Taco: My Go-To Spot I dine at Fuzzy's Taco way too much; it’s become my go-to place for my taco fix. Tuesdays are obviously the best time to order tacos, but the Taco Plate special is also a reasonable option any day of the week. The chips they use for the queso are hit or miss, but when they hit with the seasoning, it’s delicious. I’d prefer the queso dip from Torchy’s, but overall, I’d rather order from Fuzzy's than Torchy's. It’s not the best tacos in DFW, but they are delicious and definitely worth a try. I’d rank them a solid 6.5 out of 10 .  

Torchy's Tacos: A Chain Experience I heard great raves about Torchy's Tacos and decided to give it a try for lunch. Overall, it was okay. After trying several dozen more Mexican spots across the West Coast, I’d say it’s a decent chain restaurant. The queso is probably the best I've had in DFW, thanks to its nice kick with some spice, guac, and cilantro. However, the tacos were just decent; they seemed to be lacking something that I can find in other local taco shops. Between the two chains, Fuzzy’s and Torchy’s, I’d lean towards Fuzzy’s. I’d rank Torchy's a 6 out of 10 . Still good tacos, but not quite hitting the mark for me.  

Disappointing Visit to Original Pancake House I had high hopes for Original Pancake House since I've enjoyed their Dutch Baby and other offerings at different locations. However, the Frisco location fell short and was meh at best. I'm still on the lookout for a solid breakfast spot to satisfy my bacon and eggs fix. Update - 2024 The Plano location is decent, however since discovering First Watch, that's become my go-to breakfast spot.  

Sweet Break at Tous le Jours Bakery I stopped by Tous le Jours Bakery inside the H-Mart in Allen. After grabbing some groceries, I took a break to enjoy a cup of coffee and some pastries. The pastries were definitely better than the coffee, although the cappuccino was acceptable. For those who prefer bread-type pastries, Tous le Jours is a better choice compared to the sweeter donut-style offerings at Paris Baguette . Cappuccino Rating: 6/10  

IKEA Addict: A Love for Swedish Meatballs and Furniture I've gotten hooked on IKEA Swedish meatballs , enjoying them almost every week for a cheap and simple meal. They’re just so satisfying! However, I may have gone a bit overboard with my trips to IKEA. I’ve spent way too much money on random items and probably furnished half my home with their furniture. It's hard to resist when everything looks so good and functional!

Summer Delight: Paht Bin Soo at Sul & Beans A perfect summer treat for me is Paht Bin Soo , the delicious Korean shaved ice. A great spot I found for this is Sul & Beans in Frisco on Preston. I've tried both the Injeolmi and Strawberries flavors, but I definitely prefer the Injeolmi . The combination of textures and flavors is just unbeatable on a hot day.

Soondae Delight at Moobongri If you enjoy Soondae (blood sausage), Moobongri in Carrollton near the H-Mart is definitely worth a visit. It’s an acquired taste, but they do a fantastic version of it. The setup is like a self-service food hall, allowing you to enjoy as much rice and kimchi as you like. I highly recommend ordering the Soondae on the hot platter; it stays warmer longer and truly enhances the flavor.

Texas Roadhouse Experience When you're in the mood for food that's extra salty, Texas Roadhouse can fit the bill. The steak is acceptable if you don't mind the saltiness, but the ribs were a bit dry and the baked potato came out a little mushy. The onion was decent for a few bites but not a standout. I definitely needed the salad and beer to balance out all that salt. I’d consider going back, but I’d be sure to ask them to go easy on the salt next time! And don't forget to ask about the peanuts, those are a decent snack.

Hutchins BBQ: A Must-Try for Brisket Lovers If you're on the hunt for excellent BBQ, Hutchins is one of the best spots to check out. I visited their Frisco location and was once again impressed by their brisket, which has always been a highlight for me.  I typically go for a brisket sandwich along with some delicious sides. If you're a BBQ fan, this place should definitely be on your list!

Cruz Alta Reserve Malbec: A Hidden Gem After trying over 30 different wines in the past year, I finally found a great bargain with the Cruz Alta Reserve Malbec . This wine strikes a pleasant balance as a medium-dry, full-bodied red that's easy to drink. It offers a nice middle ground between a heavy Cabernet and a lighter Pinot without being a blend. I also explored some Spanish Riojas, but the more expensive options above $20 didn’t seem to outperform this $12 Malbec. If you're a fan of Chianti, particularly enjoying it on the second day after opening, you'll find that this Malbec fits the bill beautifully at an excellent price. Update - 7/9/23: Give It Time to Breathe One key takeaway is that this Malbec needs to breathe . When I first opened the bottle, I was disappointed and thought it had gone bad, but after letting it sit for a day, it transformed into something delicious. I keep forgetting how much this particular bottle benefits from a little patience.

Bottled In Bond: Happy Hour Highlights You can't beat the $7 Happy Hour specials at Bottled In Bond in Frisco! It's a great spot to unwind, though parking can get a bit tricky, especially during peak times when the Happy Hour crowd arrives. While I tried the Old Fashioned , which uses Evan Williams , it was just acceptable for my taste. Personally, I still prefer the Old Fashioned from Legacy West for a more satisfying experience. Old Fashioned Rating: 6/10 Overall, Bottled In Bond is a nice place to chill with friends, but if you're an Old Fashioned enthusiast, you might want to explore other options!