A girl’s gotta eat, right?  I usually call in my lunch order, pick it up, and take it back to my office.  Today is busy-busy, but I took the time out to dine-in at Pagoda Bistro, a newish Vietnamese restaurant down the street from the house.  I’m actually writing this at a table in Pagoda right now using their free WiFi.  Glad I decided to sit and stay.

The exterior of Pagoda - a renovated house - is bright yellow and belies the chic, smartly appointed interior.  You’ll find dark woods, yellow walls, and gorgeous shell chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.  Enamel artwork hangs on the walls, glossy snapshots of Asian life.

Hurricane Ike blew off Pagoda’s roof, requiring them to close for about 5 weeks to renovate.  They had to gut the place and start again from scratch, but they’re back with a delicious vengeance.

Proprietors Sandy and Ester Tran - sisters - have a vast selection of delicious items on their menu.  I’ve actually only eaten two of their entrees in the 4 months or so since they’ve opened: the scallops and Shaking Beef.  Shaking Beef is absolutely divine - a mouth-watering blend of cubed filet mignon, onions, tomatoes, and watercress - all seared and sauteed in au jus.  Pagoda serves up Shaking Beef with a side called tomato rice.  The tomato taste is faint - just enough to make your tastebuds curious and want more.

I dine at Pagoda (or take-out) 2-3 times each week and order the same thing - cheese puffs, Shaking Beef, and sometimes the Pagoda Rolls, too. If you dine in, the service is friendly and quick.  Definitely ask for their signature drink menu, which has some tantalizing options.  I highly suggest the lychee (”lee-chee”) martini.  Smooth, with the pear-ish tasting lychee fruit, this drink starts cold on the lips, wraps around your tongue, and finishes warm in your belly.

Pagoda Bistro comes highly recommended.  If you’re in the Houston area and are looking for an excellent dining experience with food that makes your tastebuds dance and keeps your wallet happy, definitely check them out - Inker St. at Shepherd, just south of I-10.  Check out their menu on their website (only IE-friendly).  Ask for Ester or Sandy and tell them Kendall sent you.  You’ll be glad you did.