Eating Good in the Neighborhood

Last week was Houston's Restaurant Week and I managed to do my fair share of dining damage. In case you missed out, a few of the restaurants have decided to extend their $35 three-course specials through Sunday, August 24th.

Julie and I kicked the week off at The Grove, the much talked about eco-friendly restaurant overlooking Discovery Green. The food—and service—left little to be desired, but the 10,000 square-foot glass, wood, and steel building was worth the trip. I wouldn't mind revisiting for a cocktail atop the second floor “Treehouse” deck.

Del Frisco's on Wednesday with a dear high school friend. We felt a little out of place amongst the briefcases and stiff suits, but the food was so very good we didn't mind. She ordered the steak, I the fish, and we shared everything else...not leaving a single morsel behind. Next time we're itching for steak, I'd love to try the Strip House, which apparently has a younger, less corporate crowd.

I ended the week at So Vino and after starting with a truffled Taleggio and mushroom pizza, we were in for a treat! I can't say enough wonderful things about the food and we never felt rushed. We were all a bit bummed when they ran out of their famous braised short ribs, so we each opted for Plan B [mine being Shrimp and Grits]. Another happy plate was made and I am currently in restaurant detox.


It was fun to support End Hunger while spending long nights dining at new places with sweet friends. If you're a serious Houston foodie, Teresa Byrne Dodge just launched The Ultimate Food Lover’s Guide to Houston that highlights restaurants, bakeries, ethnic grocers, coffeehouses, farmers' markets, cooking schools, wine bars, sweet shops and much more.

The Dark Night

When I wrote about the Starlite Theater, a reader informed me of an operating drive-in off Hwy. 290 called The Showboat. Friday night we ate a quick dinner, loaded the car with pillows and left in a fury to see The Dark Knight. Only a 30 minute ride through the sunset and cow pastures, we arrived at our very first drive-in movie.


It was apparent we were rookies when all the veterans set up chairs in their truck beds to take advantage of the night breeze. Sitting inside our car armed with a tub of popcorn, candy and Root Beer, we were anxious to see the newest Batman flick. It was such fun watching the movie on a 40' x 80' screen under the open sky, and I can't wait to do it again on another dark night...especially come Fall!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

My favorite means of recycling is repurposing vintage furniture and architectural finds. Historic Houston is a non-profit dedicated to the preservation of historic architecture and resources. They deconstruct and reclaim building components such as old doors, windows, floors, interior shiplap, exterior siding, lighting and plumbing fixtures by saving them from Texas landfills. Historic Houston’s Salvage Warehouse provides an outlet for the public to reduce, reuse and recycle.


We recently stopped in and I couldn't take my eyes off this doorway. The horseshoe is still perfectly positioned [facing up to contain the luck], waiting to bring good fortune to whomever walks through!

27 on 27

It's my Golden Birthday and this handsome devil threw me one heck of a surprise party. I couldn't have imagined a better way to celebrate turning 27 on the 27th!


Knowing what a fanatic I am about invitations, J hand delivered paper invites to my nearest and dearest. Lucky for me, my parents were in town and lured me out of the house for a few hours [who could turn down manicures and margaritas with Mom?]. I came home to a festive house, lots of delicious food and my very best friends. It will most certainly be a birthday to remember.


Everyone had a blast with the Polaroid...


And finally, the most important thing to consider when presented with your birthday cake: Will the paper under my tart catch fire?

Fencing

While most people admire the pretty houses and perfect yards in their 'hood, I have a thing for fences. I always manage to meander past my favorite walls no matter which bike route we take.




I love how my partner in crime managed to cruise his way into this pic...

Happy-Go-Lucky

My favorite night of the entire year is just around the corner! DiverseWorks' 7th Annual Summer Auction fundraiser, Luck of the Draw, is taking place on Wednesday, June 18th. Houstonians, I promise a better time can not be bought.

World-famous Cuban drag queen Venezuela Maria Concepcion de los Angeles Valdez Valejo Gonzales serves as Auctioneer and that alone is well worth the ticket price! The “luck of the draw” will dictate in what order the ticket holder is called and you have 15 seconds to run like the dickens and claim your piece.

Last year I was the tenth to be called; J wasn't so lucky. His number was one of the last and by that time, all of his favorites were long gone. I was praying we did not end up with the naked genitalia sketch or the glittery Bart Simpson portrait. Instead, he chose a lovely little photograph of an 18-wheeler racing down the Interstate, primarily selected because it was the only piece that was already framed. We ate mini hamburgers and drank wine, but the best part [besides our glorified, one-of-a-kind 18-wheeler photo] was the ice cream cart that I visited more than once!

A DEAR Friend

In December, I profiled a talented friend and Anthropologie Display Coordinator, Brian Neal Sensabaugh. On Friday June 20th, Lawndale Art Center will present director Lee Gamel's full-length documentary entitled DEAR Camp, a film based on Brian Neal's ever-popular installation.

The film follows Brian Neal through his current life as an artist and revisits his past. As Brian Neal stated in his profile, "I examine the dichotomy of my upbringing in rural Arkansas versus my life as a working artist and gay man in Houston, Texas. By doing so, I combine into one space two polar opposites: my familial self and my private self, and come to terms with my roots." Through family interviews and personal testimonies, a tale of survival, triumph and happiness unfolds.

Comfort Food

Having lived in Louisiana for 23 years, I can't get enough of good ole' Cajun comfort food, specifically seafood dishes. My latest obsession is BB's on Montrose, a small unassuming restaurant owned by a guy from Morgan City, LA. This is the real deal.

Thanks to BB's late night hours, I've found myself indulging in unpretentious comfort foods well past my requisite bedtime! The "Bedtime in the Bayou" shrimp po'boy is my personal weakness, but there are numerous Creole classics on the menu that have all proven their worth. Everything from the grits & grillades and étouffe to the bread pudding and beignet/sopapia combo have all brought back a flood of Louisiana memories. And while Texas certainly isn't far from my homestate, try finding a Cajun restaurant that's anywhere on par to those back home. My search is over.

Kick It

If you're in Houston looking for something to do tomorrow night, one of my favorite bands will be at Walter's on Washington. For about the the price of a movie ticket, you can catch French Kicks in all their glory.

Pack Mule

Waiting at the airport baggage carrousel would be much more exciting if luggage like this was cruising around the conveyor. Large, mint condition vintage rattan trunk available at Heights Antiques.

Eye Spy

...a ridiculously cute metal trade sign that needs a good home, specifically mine. It's quite a spectacle, no? Available for purchase at Heights Antiques on Yale.


And while you're there, be sure to check out Carolina's booth full of goodies!

Pompeii Kicks Ash

On August 24, 79 A.D. the world's most infamous volcano, Vesuvius, viciously erupted above Pompeii, Italy and buried the entire fated city in ten feet of hardened, catastrophic ash.


Over the weekend we attended a PaperCity party celebrating the opening of the Pompeii: Tales from an Eruption exhibit at the MFAH. If you're in Houston, I highly suggest heading over to the Caroline Wiess Law Building before June 22nd to see the incredibly moving display of ruins, gold jewelry, found objects and 12 plaster and resin body casts of victims -- all perfectly preserved nearly 2,000 years later.

Into the Funnel

I can't get enough of these glass and wood tagine-like containers available at Kuhl-Linscomb. I would love to have 2 or 3 out on my counters filled with yummy sweets or savory cheeses.

Installations Garden Party

On Thursday I attended Installations Antiques' Garden Party and literally stopped in my tracks at their outdoor display of vintage funnels turned herb planters. Assembled in a mousetrap-like fashion, each funnel drains its excess water into the subsequent planter. I think the same effect could be achieved using a number of vintage findings, but I'm personally hot after Becki and Jur's creations!


[A special thanks to Carolina Eclectic and Bunny Bungalow for these party pics!]

'Ritas and Ronda

Speaking of margaritas, last week a few Houston bloggers gathered at Armando's to chat & chew with fellow Southerner, Ronda Carman from All the Best. It was really encouraging to hear everyone's latest news and future endeavors and, boy, do these women have some wonderful things brewing!

Somewhere between the gabbing and gushing, we took time to shoot a couple of photos to post on our blogs, natch. And just in case you're wondering, we all got a tutorial on how to strike the perfect pose according to Joni. I'm still working on mine!

Me, Ronda [All the Best], Joni [Cote de Texas], Paloma [La Dolce Vita], Carolina [Carolina Eclectic]


Like Joni, actually meeting the women behind these inspiring websites has been the most unexpected surprise to come from blogging! I don't have a MySpace page or Facebook profile. Heck, I've never been on a blind date until my recent Round Top outing with Erika of Urban Grace. All of these fellow bloggers are such a creative support system and as PVE wrote, "I never anticipated the bright light, warm souls and connectivity" that would come from this little site. I can't imagine Houston without Carolina, Joni, Paloma and Paige, and I certainly can't imagine the future without the friendship of Erika and Chance! Here's to new friends, real and virtual.

Houston's Modern Market

Calling all Houston Modern Lovers: Don't miss out on Lawndale's 13th Annual 20th Century Modern Market taking place this weekend.

Preview Party/Sale
Friday, April 25, 6 - 9 PM
Get a sneak peak and first pick of all of the fabulous mid-century modern offerings. $30 for Lawndale members [includes admission throughout weekend] and $40 for non-members.

Market Weekend
Shop Saturday and Sunday, April 26 and 27, 10AM – 5PM
$5 Saturday and Sunday General Admission

Sign of the Times

For reasons I have yet to pinpoint, this is my favorite sign in all of Houston. Perhaps because it reminds me of a No. 2 pencil.

To Market, To Market

My favorite part of each Sunday: a trip to the market. Today was filled with fresh herbs and vibrant colors. Spring is here with so many great flavors!

Houston Gets More Love!

I was thrilled to see the lovely write-up on Houston design spots in the February issue of Domino... and now a more extensive Houston City Guide has been posted on Design*Sponge! Congrats and kudos to Carolina Saunders for her hard work in creating this encompassing guide. I'm beyond thrilled to see our city and all it offers represented among the others. Job well done, Carolina!

Found Me

Serious eye candy from my new favorite shop in Houston, Found. Lots of industrial and French influences mixed to perfection. Oh, and it smells good in there, too.