Houston has had a total of like 3 ¼ days of rain this summer and as misfortune would deliver, it rains on our day – the day of a scheduled Triple C tour.  We originally planned on attending the 14^th Annual Kemah Jazz Festival and dining at one of the waterfront restaurants on the perimeter of the Kemah boardwalk.  With the intermittent downpour, a quick plan B was put into action.  The general consensus was to select a lite and casual outing. Something we didn’t have to get dolled up for and something relatively convenient for most.  Stadia Bar and Grill (Pearland) here we come!  Greasy bites, ice cold drinks, high resolution TVs, and a BONUS — the Mayweather vs Ortiz fight.  

Most members grew uninterested due to the weather and change in plans.  It all worked out perfectly in the end as the last seat available in the house was a booth that accommodated the group perfectly.   We were near the entrance, so we were able to people watch and oh was that interesting.  One of the waitresses adorned in a tight fitting, cleavage revealing referee striped top and 12 inch mini skirt approached our table to take our orders.  Friendly, attentive and knowledgeable, she was able to give us some pointers in the way of cocktails.  I was in the mood for a refreshing drink with a kick.  She recommended the Purple Mayhem ($7).  A cocktail made with UV grape vodka, watermelon pucker schnapps, Malibu, blue curacao and orange juice with a splash grenadine.  Refreshing — check.  Kick — not so much.  The taste can be likened to grape Kool-Aid or perhaps grape Gatorade, with just a hint of liquor. I would recommend ordering a side of clear vodka to jazz it up a bit.  Tasha sipped on Grey Goose w/sprite for the night. With mostly vodka and only a splash of sprite you’re guaranteed to ignite a buzz.  Kudos to the bartenders for being so generous with the liquor!!  At least one of our drinks was kicking.  

What’s a sports bar without chicken wings, Philly cheese steak, burgers, potato skins and­­­­ cardiac arrest inducing fries.  With a choice of 9 different wing flavors, the crew couldn’t leave without a sampling.  We ordered honey BBQ and spicy garlic wings.  We would have ordered more flavors, but there is a minimum to how many flavors you can divide 10 wings into.   My first thought when I see the plate: “These are some huge ass wings!!”  It’s not so often you’re served wings with plenty of meat on the bones— especially these days.  They arrived piping hot…just asking to be devoured.  My favorite out of the two would have to be the honey BBQ.  I enjoy the fact that there is a nice balance between the honey and BBQ flavor.  In fact, the BBQ flavor is so subtle you will barely taste it which is just fine for my palate.   After taking a bite of the awesome honey BBQ wings, I had high hopes for the spicy garlic.  Unfortunately, I was let down. The spicy garlic did not do it for me in terms of savor.  What happened to heat?  Where’s that garlic flavor?  Both flavors peeked through the curtain then quickly disappeared, never to be seen again.  The redemption factor is the fact that you can get 10 wings for only $8 bucks!!  The price is comparable to establishments like Buffalo Wild Wings, but the wings are about 3-4 times bigger.  You do the math…. 

After a few wing tastings, we moved on to the Philly cheese steak and burgers.   I wasn’t expecting much considering the venue (sports bar), but let me tell ya, that’s a cheese steak!!  The crusty bun was jam packed with steak strips, peppers, onions and plenty of cheese, adorned with homemade chipotle mayo.  For only $9, you get about an 8-10 inch sandwich and heaping helping of fries.  This dish can easily be split between two people, with plenty to go around.  

I’m sensing a little trend here.  They go BIG at Stadia!  The chicken, the cheese steak and now the burger.   Tasha struggled to get through even half her burger.  I’m not sure about the exact weight of the patty, but I do know that it’s made with 100% angus beef, not that mixed-meat stuff some places proudly serve.  As she sliced through the mound, the juices flowed symbolizing its awesome construction.  I tend to prefer home cooked burgers over restaurant burgers, but as I sit watching this ooze I can’t help but to covet Tasha’s meal.  Shame on me!!  Just greedy!! 

Sometimes I feel like we suburbanites are sort of missing out.  Oftentimes we’re forced to drive great distances in order to find decent grub whether it be fine dining or bar food.  It’s nice to know there are good places right in our back yard.  We just need to take a chance and give these places a try.  I’m sure glad I gave Stadia a chance.  If you live in the Pearland, Sugarland, Katy, The Woodlands area or just happen to pass one of Stadia’s locations, be sure to stop by.  It’s quasi family friendly (in the day time) and the food is quite appetizing.  

Until next time…Cheers!!