My Own Houston

Greek food in Houston: my latest obsession, loukoumades

2009-12-11T14:40:00.000-08:00

I think I've already gone on and on about my love of Greek food. In this post, I shall continue on...

Niko Niko's in Montrose (2520 Montrose Boulevard) makes my list for go-to Greek in the Houston area. The food is good, but that's not why you go. Niko Niko's is all about the loukoumades. The complication of it's spelling is completely forgiven once you taste these little fried nuggets of heavenly honey and sugar.

Plus, Guy Fieri (think spikey hair and sunglasses on the BACK of his head...?) stopped by this Montrose gem on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives. I like to go places Guy goes, it makes me feel like I sort of met a celebrity. And by met I really mean that I just pretend I'm sitting in the same booth Guy probably sat in, and I look at the picture hanging on the wall of him and the owner.

image courtesy of www.motortrend.com

So... go to Niko Niko's and get whatver Greek thing you like, it will be good I'm sure. But before you leave, indulge in the loukoumades, it totally makes the experience.

And...the parking lot is free. Just like 99% of restaurant parking lots. But, Niko Niko's reminds you that it's free with cheery signs located around the lot. Thanks a bunch! I love free parking and loukoumades.

Mistletoe Madness in the Heights

2009-12-05T16:17:00.000-08:00

Today was Mistletoe Madness in the Heights. Apparently it's just like The Heights First Saturday, but Christmas themed with carolers and free drinks and food. So, I looked up the map on the internet and the boyfriend and I drove to 11th and Studemont (approximately) where the map had some red dots on it and it was deeadddd. There were about 3 stores about a block and a half away from eachother. We even stumbled across this deserted pinata store. The event told me I would "eat, drink, shop, & be merry". hmm.

So I was feeling very, "awww mannn, this sucks" and the boyfriend was feeling very, "awww mannn I could be watching football". There was no madness anywhere, and I wasn't drinking or eating free food. And I certainly was not feeling merry.

I picked up a Mistletoe Madness brochure at The Antidote at 729 Studewood St. (I'll go back, delicious chai latte) and noticed quite a few of the listed vendors were on W 19th. So, we decided to drive over to that part of the Heights and see what was up.

Maybe I'm bad at reading for details of events, or maybe Mistletoe Madness forgot to mention, but W 19th was the center of it all. I found the carolers, and the live music, and the free drinks. I even found some GREAT resale shops that I will post on later. Being new to the downtown area, I was pleased to find some funky little shops that sell fabulous vintage finds and useless (yet completely necessary) trinkets for my apartment. I even found some little kids playing violins!

And...I found a santa themed art car!

I wish everything could have been together on one street, and didn't require driving or taking the provided shuttles, but it's a big neighborhood. What are you gonna do.

If you're looking for things to do in Houston, neighborhood events are a great way to get a personal feel for a city. Also a great way to find little stores and areas you love and want to revisit.

Good thing I didn't settle for the lonesome pinata street.

Side note: Why does every street in Houston have multiple names. Montrose, Studemont, Studewood? All the same street. Get it together!

**I would also like to apologize for my repeated, improper, accentless spelling of pinata.

Dominic Walsh Dance Theater

2009-12-03T18:24:00.000-08:00

I like to think I have a good bullshit detector when it comes to the performing arts. Example: I really like art, but I never pretend to like art that I think is dumb, even if it is art. Side story: The Blanton Museum in Austin, TX has a lot of great exhibits. One in particular that wasn't so good was a burlap sack hanging from the ceiling. That's it. The "art" happened when someone would wear the burlap sack and dance around. Except we weren't allowed to touch it, and it hung lifelessly from the ceiling. There was no dancing, just a sack. Not good art.

So, more than art, I love dance. I dance myself and I really love watching other amazing people dance. But, I totally get when Ballet gets lame. I never need to see the Nutcracker again. I respect that it is a classic, and don't get me wrong, I love classical ballet, but I just can't take the Christmas party scene the night before the Nutcracker comes alive anymore.

I swear this isn't a negative blog entry about things I DONT like.

The point of the entry is how much I DO like Dominic Walsh Dance Theater. Walsh's choreography is contemporary, extremely athletic, and super sensual. It kicks the Nutcracker's ass. AND...... it's affordable!

Recently I went with dad (shout out to my pap!) and saw 1909-2009: The Great Collaborators of the Ballets Russes. It was 3 short performances and then a main feature, The Firebird. Cant even begin to tell you how incredible it was. My favorite was The Dying Swan. The pic of the foxy lady in silk is from that one.

It's sort of like theater and dance together, without being hokey somehow.

The Firebird

So, even though that performance is no longer showing, I'm super excited about seeing Romeo and Juliet around Valentines Day. If you are looking for something fun and date-like for the Valentine's weekend this is a pretty good idea. The tickets are from $20-$47.

Here is the website http://www.dwdt.org/ I got the pictures from their website

More than You can Imagine, Seriously though...ok, stop drooling

2009-12-01T18:53:00.000-08:00

I feel a little hesitant about sharing this little upper kirby gem, but as someone who wants to spread the word about "cool" things in Houston, I feel obligated.

More Than You Can Imagine is seriously wayyy more than you could ever freakin imagine. This all depends of course on whether or not trying on full length fur coats and simply TOUCHING a chanel suit makes you light headed. This store has this very effect on me.

A girl can dream... This is faux right?

The scoop is, old ladies who have more money than they know what to do with drive from River Oaks to More Than You can Imagine. They consign (is that the verb form of consignment?) their last season spectacular clothing to this fantastic boutique. THEN, miss vicki (i don't really know her, but I wish she was my best friend) sells said spectacular clothing and gives some percentage to a charity, keeps some, and of course gives a little back to Mrs. River Oaks.

It's a brilliant business model. So, while still pricey, it makes seriously high fashion MUCH more affordable. The best part is, the women who work there totally don't judge you when they KNOW you aren't going to buy ANYTHING. In fact, they have humored me each time I have admired myself in the mirror while fashioning the floor length fur. (i would NEVER wear fur, only faux.)

They also have a lot of great gift items...soaps, cute stuff, etc. Those are not used. Neither is anything from the little lingerie section.

But the clothes and the handbags and the shoes, oh my god the shoes, are all fabulous. One of these days, when I feel as though I have the financial stability to invest in a pair of jimmy choos, a chanel blazer, or that lush badgley and mischka coat I know exactly where to go. Hands down, one of the best consignment boutiques in Houston.

More Than You can Imagine- 2817 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77098

The pic is from www.gettyimages.com

twitter is over capacity

2009-11-30T13:05:00.000-08:00

Seriously? I need to live in a world where I can ALWAYS tweet. A world where Google ALWAYS knows the thing I am searching for, even if I got the name wrong and don't remember where it is. A world where I can watch ANY clip I so choose on youtube, scratch that, I demand to watch ALL tv shows at the hour of my choosing on my computer for free, commercials not included.

only teasing. and i love the whale.

Thoughts on Bumper Stickers

2009-11-29T16:20:00.000-08:00

I've always been against plastering your car with bumper stickers. I sort of think, "I don't care what your opinion on ..... is, and I assume you don't care my thoughts on...". Beyond that, I find them tacky. I would never muck up my car with anything other than my classy longhorn silver decal.

In an earlier post I mentioned a bumper sticker that was the final straw in my move inside the loop, a fire under my ass sort of thing. It read, "If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read this in English, thank a soldier." Anyone with mild intelligence understands that this actually doesn't make any sense. What war are you referring to? With Mexico? whhaaa?

So the other day while driving around Rice Village (my supposed "niche") I find myself behind a rather large black pick up truck with a bumper sticker that read as follows. "Keep Honking. I'm Reloading".

Keep. Honking. IM. RELOADING. Are you kidding me? Excuse me guy in camo jacket and hat, are you ensuing that you will SHOOT me if I honk at you? What if it's a friendly honk, like, "woah don't back out I'm behind you" or "excuse me kind sir, the light has turned green and you are screwing around on your cellular". Bullet through my windshield. instant death.

I thought this was my safe haven from ignorant assholes with terrifying bumper stickers? I've come to realize there is no haven, only an understanding that there are assholes everywhere.

I'll tell you one thing for sure, next time I feel the need to lay on my horn I'll think twice.

Old Time Christmas Tree Farm

2009-11-29T15:51:00.000-08:00

Looking to get a real Christmas tree this holiday season? Check out Old Time Christmas Tree Farm off of Spring Cypress in WAYYY northwest Houston.

Seeing as this is the first Christmas the boyfriend and I are living together, our first Christmas tree was a big deal. In order to get a real tree round these parts one must venture outside the loop, then outside the beltway, past unincorporated Houston, and into farmland. Let's just say there was a goat on the properties.

pre-decorations

Side note about the goat. It had this horrible cough (really nasty) and I loudly proclaimed (half teasingly) that it probably had the swine flu. I may as well have yelled bomb at an airport. One of my worst (but funniest) qualities is never being able to sense when certain comments are inappropriate.

Back to the tree farm. After scanning the rows of trees within our height limit, we finally found our tree. Our apartment is just small enough so the scent of christmas fills each room creating instant festivity.

It's funny how the tree makes it feel like Christmas. To compliment the tree I baked some gingerbread men cookies.

I've always had a real knack for doing things neatly and meticulously.

I love our little tree and I think the boyfriend does too. Every time he sees it he can't help but note, "yup. it's a good tree. don't ya think? i do. yup. good tree." It's easy for the Holidays to not feel like Holidays in a city like Houston where it never really gets cold. You have to commit to being hot if you want to look cute in a scarf. A tree helps though, even if it's humid and warm outside, inside my house is full of holiday cheer.

ta da!

Old Time Christmas Tree Farm

7632 Spring Cypress Rd, Spring, TX

The Grove at Discovery Green

2009-11-29T09:43:00.000-08:00

Last night we headed to Discovery Green for Glowarama, Houston's first illuminated art car parade. The parade was ehhh. Some intern must have lost their job because the music didn't start working until twenty minutes into the parade (yet before the parade, the house music was booming to the high heavens), and the cars were too far apart. Just wasn't too exciting, but I think that's the case with 1st annual anythings.

The highlight of the night was definitely eating at The Grove (http://www.thegrovehouston.com/). The restaurant has a really cool vibe to it, and I'm willing to bet the only reason there were a few tables with 12 year olds occupying the seats was because of the art car parade. Anyway, we DID have to wait quite a while for our food, but I was so wrapped up in my tito's and tonic and conversation with the boyfriend that I hardly noticed. Two people apologized for the delay, so it's cool.

I had a shrimp burger with spicy avocado mayonnaise and slaw and the boyfriend had some other garlicky shrimp dish with mashed potatoes. I particularly liked that the menu had an option for a small plate, rather than the full sized entree. I mean, I didn't get the small plate, I got the big full sized burger, but I like to know it's there.

The views from the restaurant really add to the atmosphere. Discovery green is lit up green and beautifully and you can see it all from any spot in the restaurant.

All in all, I will definitely go back and check The Grove out on a night when they aren't swamped with kids and fanny packers. (does that make me sound snobby?) The food was good, the drinks were yum, and the ambience was swanky. works for me.

cool art globe at Discovery Green

Saturday Farmers Market- Urban Harvest

2009-11-28T13:33:00.000-08:00

What better way to start a relaxing Saturday by shopping at the local Urban Harvest Farmers Market at Richmond and Eastside.

One thing I love about going to the market is that it gets me up. My day is already started rather than wasting hours in my p.jammies watching the food network. One thing I don't love about the market is that I sample a lot of cheese, sweets, and indian food all before 10 in the morning. This week I tried to control myself, but that Tiki Masala just looked so good...

Regardless, we got some really delicious, fresh produce (plus a bunch of beets *not sure where I was going with that purchase*).

beautiful greens

tomatoes and cucumbers

beets and radishes

This week we got some more homemade goat cheese flavored with basil, garlic, and green onion, farm raised eggs, some indian pumpkin paratha, and of course the beets. Next week I'm being brave and buying a bunch of different greens. Baby bok choy, here I come.

Ode to McManis, hello cab

2009-11-25T18:32:00.000-08:00

I would like to preface this post by saying that I have had two and a half glasses of wine (a lot for me, anyone that knows me will tell you)

I've always thought I should be someone who knows a lot about wine. It would further my pretend yuppie status, yes? So, the boyfriend and I stumbled across this particular cabernet sauvignon (cab if you want to sound nonchalant and swanky) called McManis. We used the foolproof method of scanning the shelves, seeing which wine is almost gone, and buying it. Must be popular (therefore good) if it's nearly sold out!

It is good, in fact, it's great. The PERFECT wine for us, and at 9.99 a pop, completely affordable.

About a year after we "discovered" (or so we like to think) McManis, the rest of the world caught on. Before, you could only get it at Whole Foods for the aforementioned 9.99. Now? It has it's own freakin display at the good ole HEB and we have paid up to THIRTEEN dollars for it. McManis has betrayed me, but I won't turn my back on it, after all it has given me, I will pay the $13.00.

The moral of this story is that the boyfriend and I were cool enough to spot a good wine before the masses caught on. Oh, and that McManis is good.

Zabak's Mediterranean Cafe

2009-11-25T07:56:00.000-08:00

I'm a cookadoo when it comes to Mediterranean food, I can't get enough. Thanks to my fellow Houston yelpers (http://www.yelp.com/) I stumbled across Zabak's, which happens to be right by my office.

So good. so so yum. I met the boyfriend for lunch and we went halfsies on two items that looked great. The falafel sandwich and the chicken shwarma. Oh, and we got a greek salad. And...some hummus and pita bread. Let the mid work day food coma commence.

We both liked the falafel best (but I think it's because I usually prefer veggie food over meat), but the shwarma was good too. The greek salad is fresh and perfectly seasoned (i hate when greek salads have too much oil) and the hummus, oh my god the hummus, is perfection.

Beyond the delicious food, evertyime I go to Zabak's (only twice) the staff is super friendly and they really weant you to enjoy being there. You sort of feel like if you went often enough, the lady behind the counter would give you free hummus and you would ask how her kid's piano recital went. It's friendly like that.

Sometimes I swear I'll go blind and/or crazy sitting at my desk staring at my computer screen while the flourescent lights hum. A delicious falafel sandwich midday honestly helps my sanity, it powers me up for the rest of the day. Definitely some of the best mediterranean food in Houston around these parts.

5901-G Westheimer
Houston, TX 77057

Mini Pecan Pumpkin Pies

2009-11-25T07:21:00.001-08:00

When the weather turns cold I always seem to get the urge to bake yummy sweets. Unfortunately, I never think of it until I'm already at the store or it's too late and I have no ingredients (gredients as I like to call them). So this time, only minutes away from HEB I decided I HAD to make those little pumpkin pecan things I saw on the tv. And that's all I knew. Thank goodness for the boyfriends IPhone and patience because he found them! I made them and they were tasty. Mini pumpkin pecan pies.

Here is the original recipe courtesy of http://www.foodnetwork.com/ from Sunny Anderson (i'm not cheating on you Giada, I swear).

For the dough:
1/4 cup pecans
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for shaping dough
6 tablespoons butter, ice cold
2 to 3 tablespoons ice cold water

For the filling:
1 egg, plus 1 egg yolk
1/2 cup dark corn syrup

1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup canned pumpkin filling
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup pecans, chopped plus 24 halves for garnish
Special equipment: 2 (12-cup) mini muffin tins

I changed it up a bit because I felt too lazy to make dough by hand and I don't have a food processor. I made a graham cracker crust consiting of:

1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers (try smaking them down with a rolling pin in a giant plastic bag)

about 1 cup of finely chopped pecans

about 1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon 6 tablespoons of melted butter

So, you mix up the graham cracker crust and push it down into the little mini muffin holes then bake off for about 10-15 minutes in a 350 degree oven.

Then mix up all the filling stuff together (helpful hint: always beat eggs first before incorporating into any baking to ensure it fully mixes in). I added fresh nutmeg (probably about a teaspoon) and some cinnamon (to your liking, teaspoon and a half?) and a pinch of salt. Pour the pumpkin batter into the mini muffin holes on top of the sort of cooked graham cracker crust and pop back into the oven for another 25 minutes (still on 350). If you like, you can top each little pie of goodness with a pelcan half before baking. Enjoy!

Calling all techies

2009-11-22T15:42:00.000-08:00

If you love all things technical and gadgety check out www.boygeniousreport.com I like to dream about owning cool smart phones and other techy things that I would never spend money on.

Bizarre happenings in the suburbs

2009-11-22T15:31:00.001-08:00

While visiting my Grandmother in her swanky senior living center (think Del Boca Vista) I stumbled across this cooky Christmas monkey. Please enjoy

If I had to give it a name I would call it the Warehouse District: Spacetaker's Winter Holiday Art Market

2009-11-22T15:06:00.000-08:00

This weekend the boyfriend and I went to Spacetaker's Winter Holiday Art Market and it was a good time. It was a really icky day and we had been up really late the night before (sometimes an impromptu Michael Jackson dance party is worth being tired over) so it was hard to drag ourselves to the Art show but we decided to give it a go.

I had never been to this part of Houston (it was at 2101 Winter St.) It was mostly warehouses and factories, which I thought was cool. The Winter Art studio was in the middle of all the warehouses immediately making me feel extra cool, like, "oh you didn't know about the super badass art studio next to the bread factory in the middle of nothingness? lame.."

Beyond that, the art was cool. It featured only local artists from Houston. My favorite was this adorable old couple that hand blew glass to make amazing things like vases and paper weights. They had such amazing talent and if I could have, I would have bought everyone in my family something homemade out of glass.

There was live music and food and all sorts of pretty things to look at and admire.

I thought it was a really good crowd with a great variety of artist's, all specializing in different forms. I'm looking forward to the 5th annual show next winter :)

Also, Sweet Leaf Tea was a sponsor. I love them because they are based out of ATX and the funny messages on their caps keep me entertained at work. YELP was there too which made me remember that I wished more Houstonians yelped about their favorite and not so favorite restaurants, it's a great way to share information with fellow foodies. www.yelp.com

Although the weekend is over, here is the Spacetaker site if you would like to check out the event in more detail. Looking forward to next year! http://www.spacetaker.org/culture_wire/press_release/spacetaker-announces-4th-annual-winter-holiday-art-market

SIZE MATTERS

2009-11-19T07:19:00.001-08:00

This week I am dog/house sitting in the burbs of Houston and my commute to work is a BEAST. It's an hour atleast one way, giving me a lot of time to think.

Houston is too big. I like to feel like I really know a city, that I could get around it if I had to, and point out different neighborhoods on a map. No way I could even begin to understand ALL of Houston. I grew up in "Houston". An hour away from the city that is...and it's still Houston, unicorporated of course.

When I was at UT I would often be asked or hear someone else be asked that opening line question, "where are you from?" A huge chunk of longhorns (hook em' horns) are from Houston, which inevitably brings up the next question, "oh which part?" Answers: cypress, sugarland, pearland, katy, league city, memorial, river oaks, the heights, etc. etc.

It's hard for me to see how a city can have a flavor, a personality, a schtick, or a thing when it encompasses so much land and different areas. How could I ever say I knew a lot about Houston or that I know what Houston is all about?

I guess the trick is to embrace it, it is what it is right? Everything IS bigger in Texas I hear. To feel like a real, involved Houstonian you have to find your niche, which isn't easy in a city as big as Houston. I think it's best to stick to a neighborhood and know it well. Know the people, know the local restaurants and shops, the bars, and the culture of your little place. Then you can start exploring, and don't waste your time on an area that doesn't suit you.

I often feel overwhelmed when I think about trying to be "someone" is this city. How do I sparkle in a city of cement?

too early to tell...

Eating and Writing for a good cause

2009-11-17T14:22:00.000-08:00

This one is for all the foodies out there, regardless of what city you are in.

I just found out about Dishola.com and it is wayy to much fun (not to mention a great idea). For every dish you review on their site, dishola and whole foods donates one dish to meals on wheels. It probably took me 4 minutes to rant about how much I love Ruggles' Green Goat Cheese Salad (I could go on for about an hour, probably two). Just that simple, and what a great cause!

Plus, sites like these are most successful when there is a plethora of reviews to browse.

So check them out and review some of your favorite dishes in your area.

As a foodie, I'm extrememly excited. You can read my reviews under the username myownhouston

mmm..goat cheese

Gruesome Playground Injuries

2009-11-16T12:15:00.000-08:00

"If you feel the need to partake in eating a wrapped candy, please unwrap it before the show begins"

This picture is taken from www.alleytheatre.org

The title of this post makes me look clever and intriguing, really it's just the title of the play I saw over the weekend starring none other than Selma Blair and some other guy.

SO, when my fabulous artistic friend invited me to a play at the Alley Theater I thought "how fun, I haven't been to the Alley since I was in 7th grade and saw 'A Christmas Carol'" My memory of it was stuck in that time.

When did Houston's Alley Theater get kind of cool? The play was in this really small personal room (couldn't have held more than 100 people (these things are hard to judge, could have been 500 for all I know). Selma and the other guy (two person play-- one of which is a celebrity--*sorry other guy*) were in the middle of the room so everyone in the house had a great seat. No intermission, no fancy costumes, and no fancy set changes.

The story was about a guy prone to injuries, gruesome ones if you can imagine,how his relationship with Kaylene (selma!) develops over time, how the two people need eachother, and how we hurt ourselves in life for different reasons.

I wouldn't say that I am a theater person, but I really enjoyed this. It felt mellow dramatic which was a nice change. Probably because a movie actress isn't used to projecting up to the nose bleed section. Also, I'm pretty intrigued by celebriities (guilty pleasure) so I'll be honest and admit that I liked being in the room with one for a couple hours. It was written by Rajiv Joseph.

So that's my review of Gruesome Playground Injuries. But more importantly, what I gained out of this was that for $13 dollars I had a fun Sunday and saw something new. I would recommend checking out the Alley Theater small productions and premieres. They may be hit or miss, but it's cheap and fun probably interesting.

Ruggles green, healthy has never been SO good

2009-11-11T09:38:00.000-08:00

I can't stop thinking about Ruggles Green. One of the worst things about being a self proclaimed foodie is the constant want to eat good food. Ruggles green is soo good. So far everything I have tried has been completely delicious.

My favorites:

Ruggles Green Goat Cheese Salad: it's baby greens, sun dried tomatoes, tart apple slices, and a BALL of GOAT CHEESE (good and good for you) coated in slivered roasted almonds. Some sort of delicious vinaigrette on top. You can add shrimp, salmon, or chicken to it. Totally not necessary.

The hummus and pita appetizer: ridiculously good. I love hummus though, and al things bread-like. I accidently ate practically the whole thing, and then my entree. oops.

Buffalo Burger: A favorite of the boyfriend. Top it with mozzarella and get all the goodness of a hamburger with all the health of a... buffalo? Whatever, it's healthier and it tastes good.

Stonemill Organic Pale Ale: delicious organic beer that meshes well with the delicious organic food. Probably because they are both delicious... and organic.

Ruggles Green is at 2311 W Alabama. I forgot to mention there is outdoor seating which is a plus on a nice night.

Under the Volcano in Rice Village

2009-11-10T07:43:00.000-08:00

Since I am always on the lookout for cool Houston bars, an article in Houston Press about dive bars caught my eye. I love a good dive bar...but I'm getting off track here, the article said Under the Volcano WASN'T a dive bar because it used freshed squeezed fruit juice in it's cocktails. I decided to give it a try.

I really liked the place. For all the Austinites out there, it had a SpiderHouse feel to it(minus the amazing patio with Christmas lights year round and close vicinity to Trudys). Low ceilings, warm orange lighting, good music, and a not too crowded but not empty either.

I had a frozen screwdriver and a delicious mojito jam packed full of mint. My friend had a strawberry basil margarita (how verrry interesting and good).

I like the Rice Village vibe, it almost feels like it's own little city within Houston. It's small enough to feel personal, full of interesting people, and it's a young (but not obnoxiously young) crowd.

Plus, when I'm at a bar and the jukebox has TV on the Radio as an option I give it an extra point.

Anvil

2009-11-07T09:08:00.000-08:00

Since I've moved to Houston I have been on the search for a good bar to get cocktails. Pub's and dive bars are good for beer and playing darts, but sometimes a swanky bar is in order.

ANVIL is that place.

Ten reasons Anvil is probably one of my new favorite bars in Houston

1. Conveniently located in Montrose (on westheimer). I did some vintage shopping then popped over for a drink all in the same beautiful day.

2. Carbs. I was starving and ordered some German pretzel that was only $3. It

was a giant freshly made pretzel, really yum.

3. Smart Bartenders. The menu has a lot of choices, too many for a normal bar. Too many choices make me revert back to my usual tito's and tonic. So, I told the bartender that I wanted a cocktail but didn't know which one. He asked me what I like, I answered lime. From there he made me two different and delicious cocktails. So, not only do I forgive Anvil for the obnoxiously long menu, I'm praising the bar tenders for memorizing that beast and being able to please their costumers.

4. Reasonably priced cheese and meat prices.

5. Good company. The after work crowd was chill and eclectic.

6. The ambience of Anvil gives a good vibe. You can stretch out on a big couch or sit up at the bar. The front is all windows looking out onto Westheimer.

7. It was really entertaining to sit at the bar and watch the bartenders make the different drinks. They are so exact and take a lot of pride in making each drink perfect. The bartender was more than happy to share which cocktail he was making and what was in it.

8. Old Fashioned. As in the drink. The boyfriend is always looking for a good old fashioned (It's all very Don Draper-esque) and he said Anvil nailed it.

9. The tickler effect. I didn't have all night to try different cocktails (plus mixing it up to much= serious hangover) but I'm excited to go back and try some of the drinks I saw others enjoying. Maybe I'll muster up the courage to try the one with raw egg whites.

10. That feeling you get when you like a bar. Hard to explain why people like one bar over another, but I like Anvil and I will definitely go back.

Downsides: According to the bartender, going to the bar after work is the only way to do it. On Friday and Saturday night there's a line to get in the door, then another long wait to even get to the bar to order.

Art!

2009-11-06T12:36:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but Art Exhibits make me feel classy. And mysterious. I like to pretend I have enough money to ACTUALLY buy something, if I wanted to of course. The month of November brings some really cool art to Houston. Here are the one's I dont want to miss

"Halloween Monster Show 4" at Domy Books. Started October 31 but you have until Dec 3rd to see it! --Dozens of artists' work, lots of monsters!

"L'heure bleu" at Wade Wilson Art featuring works by Michael Crowder. Apparently some really cool glass sculptures coming out of the walls and stuff, kind of ghost like. Definitely one of those things that needs to be seen to be explained, ill get back to you. Only through Novemeber 14!!!!

"Never DIe" Day of the Dead Rock Stars Art Exhibit by Carlos Hernandez. It will be at Cactus Music and The Record Ranch through January 30th and it looks AWESOME! Skeletons and rock stars, need I say more? Apparently this guy's stuff always sells out.

"Understanding Poverty" by Ben Tecumseh DeSoto @ City until November 30. This photography exhibit is probably pretty depressing but really interesting, I think it will be good.

Anything I'm missing?

Discovery Green

2009-11-04T19:43:00.000-08:00

The weather has finally cooled down and I was itching to do something outdoors without sweating and being uncomfortable. The boyfriend and I decided to try out an evening at Discovery Green in the Convention Center area downtown.

So much fun! We went to Downtown and a Movie to see Best in Show (probably one of the funniest movies ever). It was a bring your dog/watch a movie about dogs combo night. Sadly, I have no puppy, but there were plenty of other dogs to play with.

The Discovery Green event calender is posted on their web site and much to my excitement they have something going on ALMOST EVERY DAY! Group exercise classes (yoga :)!! amongst others) and recycling stuff, bike stuff, family stuff. lots of stuff.

So, bring a sheet and a blanket, someone cute to snuggle with, and a snack. I went with whole foods sandwiches and some refreshments ;)

Here is the site for Discovery Green http://www.discoverygreen.com/

This Friday night is Pandora's Box presented by KUHF. (all things considered rocks, always learning things I never knew I wanted to learn)

I almost forgot the most AMAZING part of all! When we arrived, there was a group thriller dance being performed in the park. *sigh* I love when Houston surprises me with something quirky and off the beaten path

Studio 31, more chexmix please?

2009-10-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

Immediately I knew I was going to have a good haircutting experience when I was given a diet coke and some chexmix. sold.

And then, as if I wasn't already glimmered by the food, I got an adorable haircut, one that I didn't leave pissed about paying for. Studio 31 is relatively new (says Leslie who cut my hair) located at Montrose and W. Gray.

They don't have a website (super exclusive or super disorganized?) though which is odd.

Nothing like a new haircut to bring in a new season. I don't miss those 4 inches like I won't miss the 100 degree weather.

Studio 31 Hair Lab
1003 W Gray

farmers market!

2009-10-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

Nothing gets us more excited than fresh fruits and veggies from a farmers market (if i can get there early enough on Saturday morning)

The farmers market here is a little different than others I've been to because it's local produce and not everything yummy in the world grows bountifully in the Houston area. But, there is still plenty of delicious produce and, our favorite, Texas Honey.

Try getting some organic eggs (have to get there early before they sell out!) or some homemade breads and cookies *yum*.

Definitely looking forward to the seasons changing so we can scope out the changes in the market..

I'll keep you posted on my best finds of the market, until then... check out the website for Houston Bayou City Farmers Market

hate dominos? That's ok, me too

2009-10-12T15:00:00.000-07:00

In a city as big as Houston, it gives me great pleasure to support local businesses. It makes the neighborhood seem more personable and certainly adds some variety to the scene.

Star Pizza is my new go to local pizza joint. I recommend the thin crust, which is actually just regular crust . If you are a Chicago pizza fan, don't let me sway you to the thin side... eat your heart out tomato sauce lovers!

Also, for cooking fans... Star Pizza sells their dough stand alone, a small pizza dough is $2.17

Star Pizza's website

There's just something about local that makes it taste better...

Lala

2009-10-12T13:44:00.000-07:00

For all the music lovers out there, lala.com is GREAT website that enables you to access your entire music library from any computer. You can download 10 cent songs (only for listening on lala) or 79 cent songs that are yours totally.

Definite must use site for those of us who can never remember our ipods for the workday. Even when I bring it- - -rarely charged :/

Please notice my widget to the right from lala

ohh... you're from Houston?

2009-10-12T13:15:00.000-07:00

Upon graduating from The University of Texas (located so wonderfully in amazing Austin, Tx) I made the move to Houston to start the job thing. Specifically, I moved to a suburb outside of Houston.

After reading a bumber sticker that said "If you can read this thank a teacher, if you can read this in English...thank a soldier" (? what does it even mean ?) my boyfriend and i decided to make the big move into the loop, downtown Htown. Everyone speaks of the difficulties of being "cool" in Houston, and the frustrations of being anything BUT conservative, ultra texan, and conservative, but rumor has it that downtown is open to more possibilities of individual differences than Houston's surrounding suburbs. To be clear, I am a proud Texan (equal parts Canadian) and have nothing againsts conservative people...without them who would the liberals fight with?

So here we are ( the Royal we is the boyfriend and I) in our sweet new home, and this blog is my effort to not only uncover parts of Houston that don't fit into the categories afor-mentioned (conservative, ultra-texan, and conservative) but also to find a way to sparkle in a city of cement.

Living in Houston can make you feel like a number, 1 in 2.2 million or so actually... and let's face it, nobody fits the molded stereotype exactly. I hope to explore my way through this city for my own sanity, to make Houston feel like mine (hopefully yours too), and to see what this big city has to offer.

And so it goes, my quest for good music, delicious food, interesting places and people...