May this autumn bring you a harvest of fun times and laughter with family and friends!
Fioza: Local Coffee and Fresh Paninis
September 22, 2016 by
"Come thirsty or come hungry and Fioza Cafe will take care of you." So goes the motto for this trendy coffee and bubble tea bar in Houston. It pours locally roasted Fontana Coffee, the product of another independent business in Houston. Using careful brewing techniques and high-grade equipment, Fioza's baristas make everything from lattes to espressos.
Another chunk of the menu showcases various bubble teas, each teeming with Fioza's own artfully prepared tapioca pearls. Grab a bubble tea, hot or iced standard tea, or any other refreshing drink and use it to wash down one of the casual eats at Fioza. Its food menu includes paninis, deli sandwiches, and an array of pastries that are all baked fresh and in-house. Yelp reviewers particularly seem to enjoy the paninis, so try one stuffed with smoke turkey and basil pesto or grilled veggies and goat cheese.
Fioza
9002 Chimney Rock Road
Houston, TX 77096
(713) 729-8810
www.fioza.com
www.yelp.com/biz/fioza-houston
Shoot Some Hoops This Weekend at Willow Park
September 15, 2016 by
Looking for a place to get outdoors near 2411 Washington? Visit Willow Park, a friendly neighborhood park with something for everyone. From its well-maintained basketball courts to its swing sets for the little ones, your entire family or group of friends can enjoy a day of fun in the sun.
If you want to get in a bit of alone time, Willow Park also offers paved trails around the park’s perimeter that are great for walking or jogging. There is a picturesque gazebo that makes a great place for an afternoon picnic or to relax with a good book while watching the kids play, as well as nearby barbecue grills for more elaborate lunches. The sand volleyball courts and tennis courts are fun for more active visitors, and the park even contains bleachers where fans can cheer on their friends during the big game.
Willow Park
10400 Cliffwood
Houston, TX 77035
www.yelp.com/biz/willow-park-houston
Not So Hot at Baking? These No-Bake Desserts are Total No-Brainers!
September 15, 2016 by
You may love to cook, but baking is a whole different story. From measuring ingredients to timing the oven perfectly, there are a number of things that could go wrong while baking a cake or making cookies. Luckily, these no-bake recipes don't require any of the complicated parts of baking — but they do give you some delicious results!
Nutella Cool Whip Pie
People all over the world love the chocolate and hazelnut taste of Nutella, and in this no-bake recipe, the creamy spread sits front and center. Top it with Cool Whip and crumbled cookies for a pie with lots of unique texture and sweet flavor.
Milk n' Cookies Icebox Cake
If you're looking for a dessert that looks just as good as it tastes, this is the one. Layer upon layer of chocolate chip cookies are held together by cream cheese frosting, creating a tall, attractive cake that's perfect for a birthday bash or a last-minute dinner party.
No-Bake Cookie Dough Chocolate Cups
Many people would agree that sampling the dough is the best part of baking cookies, and with this no-bake recipe, you'll get the same delicious taste of cookie dough with a more elegant presentation (and without the raw eggs!) Simply mix up the cookie dough, roll it into small balls, and coat them with melted chocolate. Then, let them set in a muffin tin to create the cup shape.
Kick Up Your Heels at Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon
September 9, 2016 by
Looking for a true taste of Texas to add to your weekend agenda? Plan a night out to Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon, an authentic country dance bar not far from 2411 Washington.
There are line dancing lessons on certain nights of the week so that newbies can brush up on their skills before the weekend, while on Saturday nights, you’ll always find a DJ playing classic country tunes to a large crowd of dancers. If country music isn’t your thing, Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon also offers Latin dancing on select evenings, and there’s karaoke in the separate Esquire Room. You may even want to try your luck with a bingo game on weeknights.
Drinks are easy on the wallet, and there’s a small menu of American foods to give you ample fuel for dancing. You may even enjoy having your meal outside on the sunny patio on a warm Houston evening.
Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon
11410 Hempstead Highway
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 677-0828
www.neonbootsclub.com
Try the Shrimp Quesadillas at Taqueria el Rodeo de Jalisco
September 1, 2016 by
You'll get more bang for your buck at Taqueria el Rodeo de Jalisco in Houston. The restaurant is family friendly and has a simple, comfortable ambiance.
The large menu begins with classic appetizers and snacks including guacamole, creamy chile con queso, cactus, and queso flameado with shrimp, fajita or chicken. The menu also features seafood dishes like mixed fish ceviche, shrimp quesadillas, soups laden with seafood and whole fried fish that come out promptly and fresh from the kitchen. Enchiladas and quesadillas are large and filled with fixings such as beef, chicken and cheese, or shrimp. Specialty plates include shrimp, beef and chicken fajitas; Guadalajara plate beef; and combination meals that are all served with rice, beans, French fries, and guacamole. The restaurant also offers breakfast and lunch specials for $4.99 ($5.99 after 2 p.m.).
Taqueria el Rodeo de Jalisco
13640 Highway 29
Houston, TX 77086
(281) 820-1168
www.taqueriarodeodejalisco.com
www.yelp.com/biz/taqueria-el-rodeo-de-jalisco-houston
Order the Louisiana-Style Crawfish at Mel’s Seafood Shack
August 25, 2016 by
Mel's Seafood Shack, opened by sisters Melissa and Melinda, is a true local gem, known not only for delicious seafood but for their Southern hospitality. Known for their freshly caught crawfish, cooked and seasoned Louisiana style, Mel's Seafood Shack is a go-to hot spot for great food and great company. In fact, Mel's was recently given the title of "Best Seafood" by The Leader Readers' Choice.
Nothing goes better with great seafood than great beer. Mel's a BYOB, so grab your favorite six pack, a group of friends, and head to Mel's for their famous crawfish seasoned with the perfect amount of spice and garlic, shrimp po'boys, shrimp and crab boils, and delicious homemade sides like seasoned fries, mac and cheese, and corn.
For a truly delicious, classic downhome Southern meal, friendly service, and an all around great time, head to Mel's. Visit the Facebook to check out some photos of Mel's seafood creations, food specials, and events.
Mel's Seafood Shack
2521 N Durham Dr
Houston, TX 77008
(713) 703-7544
www.facebook.com/MelsSeafood
Vegans Will Love These Inspirational Pinterest Recipe Boards
August 18, 2016 by
Whether you're a vegan or you simply try to cut out meat a few days a week, vegan dining is a great way to improve your health and do some good for the environment. Here are a few inspiring Pinterest boards that are filled with vegan recipes that are sure to get your mouth watering.
Best Vegan Recipes
This Pinterest board is bright, colorful and filled with nutritious meals for every time of day. From hemp seed snack smoothies to grilled veggie fajitas, there's something to inspire every meal.
Vegan Food Lovers
This community Pinterest board features contributions from some of the best vegan food bloggers online. Here, you'll find sweet, frozen snacks, globally inspired lunches and even a variety of different ways to prepare tofu.
Earth Balance's Vegan Recipes
If you're looking for some inspiration for lunch or dinner, this is the board to check out. It features main courses like vegan pot pie, savory Indian curries and lots of veggie-packed soups.
Sip, Savor, Repeat at Boomtown Coffee in Houston
August 11, 2016 by
Boomtown Coffee is a hip and friendly coffee shop that’s well-liked by coffee aficionados, but just as welcoming for those who don’t know a thing about their morning brew. If you like good coffee in an unpretentious atmosphere, you’ll love this bright and sunny café that contains its very own artisan coffee roaster on site. All of Boomtown's unique coffees are sourced from responsible growers and importers and roasted right in the shop to ensure the freshest, most flavorful cup possible.
If you get hungry while visiting, Boomtown Coffee also offers a complete menu of café favorites, including daily quiche, breakfast tacos, and homemade granola for breakfast, hearty soups, and croissant sandwiches for lunch and many vegan and vegetarian options for those with restricted diets.
Whether you’re meeting a friend or catching up on work, Boomtown Coffee is a great place to get caffeinated.
Boomtown Coffee
242 W. 19th Street
Houston, TX 77008
(713) 862-7018
www.boomtowncoffee.com
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