[Beaumont] Rao's Bakery

Gorgeous seemingly upscale bakery and cafe, but with very fair prices. This is the Beaumont location but there are a handful of locations in the area.
Rao's serves various pastries, drinks, and to-die-for gelato.







I got a schnecken (buttery sweet roll with raisins, top image) and a kolache (sausagewrapped in a blanket, lower). I got my kolache with cheese and jalapeño. Kolaches seem to be only found in the south. They are delicious and surprisingly filling.






And a spiced chia tea (here she is making it for me!)









The menu is way too extensive for only one trip. Egg and olive sandwich, you're mine!

More Info: http://www.raosbakery.com/

[My Apartment] Chili peppers!

When I moved in, I felt kind of lonely so I bought some plants to keep me company. Here's my first chili!!! It will grow up and make a great curry.




Here's my lavender plant. Lavender cookies?

I also have oregano and basil (bruschetta?). The weather here is perfect for plants - 95 and humid. Not so good for me.

[Beaumont] Happy Donuts!

Right by the highway en route to work is a tiny little donut shop that sells donuts, croissants, and kolaches. First kolache ever! It's like a jazzed up pig in a blanket (bottom right of the image). They are so yummy and are especially filling for breakfast. I also got a dozen donutholes for $1.

So so so cute.



Also, I have planned some yummy places to go to! Can you wait? I can't. Work takes up so much time, I haven't had a chance to eat out much. But don't you worry. I promised hole-in-the-walls and deliver I will!

[Beaumont] Cattle Company

A common trend of the South is its diet centered around beef and frying (especially deep-frying).

For dinner we started with deep fried appetizers: onion rings, cheese-stuffed jalapeños, pickles.

There were lots of great choices on the menu. But two options stuck out like a sore thumb to me.

• The Cowgirl - Center cut filet mignon wrapped in Hickory smoked cured bacon
• Shrimp Brochette - Large Gulf shrimp stuffed with a sliver of jalapeno and Monterey Jack cheese, wrapped in bacon and grilled to perfection
  

Meat wrapped in meat? Really? This is offered on a menu? I thought it was only a heaven you could create in your own kitchen.

I hope you have a chance to try it. It tastes exactly how you think it does, but better.