Sunday favorite: Tiny Boxwood’s

One of my dad’s most common compliments for a fabulous restaurant is this: “It doesn’t feel like you are in ______ ” (insert city that is not NYC or Paris or any other culinary capitol). While I in no way want to knock Houston or Birmingham or any other non-Paris of the world, it is true that part of a great meal is the ability to feel like you are “getting away,” even if it’s just for the duration of brunch. My favorite place to do this in Houston is at Tiny Boxwood’s. You’ll notice when you click the link that you have been directed to the website of a landscape architecture company/garden shop. Tiny’s is a small cafe located on the site of a nursery- so as you can imagine, the surroundings are gorgeous. There is some seating outside under big umbrellas, and an open dining room inside. Outside is my favorite- if you can get over the 110+ heat index, you are instantly transported to a grassy Parisian park.

Indoor Dining at Tiny's (photo from www.tinyboxwoods.com)

Cutest outdoor dining in the city, hands down (photo from www.tinyboxwoods.com)

I’ll have to admit: I’ve only been for one meal here, and that’s brunch. Tiny’s also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well. The lunch menu looks particularly good- it’s next on my list to check out. There’s just something about brunch though- number one, it’s my favorite meal. If you time it right and eat enough, it can be your single significant meal for the day. Number two, coffee. And it’s great at Tiny’s.

One of the things I love most about this place is that you order at the counter. Now, it has resulted in some people waiting much longer than others for their order since they’re not grouped together. But I love it because there’s no awkward, annoying discussion of how to split the check, who’s got cash, who’s got a credit card, etc. Nothing ruins the end of a meal like that. Once you place your order, pick up your coffee drink from the bar (they’ll call your name… loudly), and head over to the water area. This usually isn’t an exciting part of a dining experience- but here, it it’s pretty cool. Tiny’ s has really awesome ice, and limes in addition to your average lemon to add to your water!

But you’re here for the food. My only complaint about the menu is that they don’t rotate it. There are certain things that change, such as the quiche filling and flavor of muffin, but other than that it’s pretty standard and pretty small. I think they would really benefit from incorporating specials into the menu from time to time. I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves. This is my go-to casual meal right now. Love that I don’t have to deal with the hassle of splitting checks or waiting for the check, but the atmosphere encourages long, leisurely meals (unless there are River Oaks vultures waiting on your table).

One of the breakfast pizzas- roasted potatoes, fried egg, basil, and some kind of cheese that I can't remember.

Muffin of the day: Raspberry

Granola, yogurt, and fruit (not mine- those who know me would figure that out due to presence of yogurt), and an amazing croissant with fresh strawberry jam. Amazing coffee and lime-water in background.

The flakiest crust you will ever put in your mouth. Delicious quiche.