Sip Expertly-Crafted Libations at Anvil Bar and Refuge

Anvil Bar and Refuge in Montrose is a popular cocktail bar housed in an old tire shop from the 1950s. Everything about Anvil screams vintage, from the exposed brick walls and ductwork to the antique drinkware and stylish reclaimed wood lamps.

The cocktail menu changes frequently, but always features bitters made in house, crafty infusions, and a special emphasis on local ingredients. Crowd favorites include the Long Point Sour (gin with key lime, cardamom, and kaffir leaf) and the Grass Roots (amaro, rum, coconut, raspberry, lime, almond, and grass jelly).

The menu is divvied up by what flavor you're looking for, but don't be overwhelmed if you're not sure what you want. The staff is highly trained and has no qualms explaining the drink selection or even selecting a cocktail on your behalf. Anvil Bar and Refuge is a great choice for a night out trying something new.

Anvil Bar and Refuge
1424 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 523-1622
http://www.anvilhouston.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/anvil-bar-and-refuge-houston

Unique Sports In The Winter Olympics

The Winter Olympics are one of the most exciting events of the year, but there are some Olympic sports that many people don’t even know about. Here are three unique sporting events to look for at 2014's Winter Games in Sochi.

Curling
Curling involves sliding heavy stones across a slick ice rink, and it is played in about 40 states across the U.S. This year’s U.S. Olympic team is made up some of the most talented men and women in curling today, all competing to bring home a gold medal.

Luge
With 30-story vertical drops and speeds of an average of 95 miles per hour, luge is one of the most exciting sports in all of the Winter Olympics. The U.S. Luge team is made up of men’s and women’s doubles and singles competitors, all racing to become the fastest luge team in the world.

Freestyle Skiing
There are a variety of different styles of skiing at the Winter Olympics, but freestyle is one of the most creative. Freestyle skiing encompasses aerial, mogul, skicross, half-pipe, and Slopestyle, giving fans a variety of different disciplines to watch.

Public Domain/Public Domain

Burke Baker Planetarium: To The Stars

Have an interstellar experience at the Burke Baker Planetarium, located in the Museum of Natural Science. High-resolution video technology projects images of planets, stars, meteors, solar systems and galaxies on the domed surface of the theatre. Their computerized SkySkan DigitalSky Starfield projector is the most advanced in the world, providing stunning simulations of stars, planets, comets and nebulous objects. It lets you play astronaut with jaw dropping three-dimensional simulated flights through space. A state-of-the-art digital stereo sound system enhances the Dome Theatre experience with a variety of music and sound effects. Films like Stars of the Pharaohs take you back 6,000 years to ancient Egypt to see how astronomers aligned their temples and pyramids with the stars.

Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and students.

Burke Baker Planetarium
1 Hermann Circle Drive
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 639-4629
http://www.yelp.com/biz/burke-baker-planetarium-houston

Season’s Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season with all the warmth and splendor this time of year has to offer. Happy Holidays!

The Pass: Visit the Chef’s Table

The Pass seeks to create an experience where patrons feel they’re dining at the chef’s own table. Expertly attentive service, impeccable food and a casually elegant atmosphere have earned them kudos from happy diners. Pass through the secret entrance and prepare to be wowed by a chef’s tasting menu with 5 to 8 courses, with or without wine or cocktail pairings. You can call ahead or go online to find out the changing menu, or be surprised by the marathon of delectable delights presented to you. Courses might include Ham & Eggs, which is egg custard served in a can of caviar, layered with capers, salt, spices, & black caviar. By all accounts it’s a little bit of heaven in your mouth. Dinner is by reservation only.

Not far from Domain at Kirby, it's open Tuesday through Saturday.

The Pass
807 Taft Street
Houston, TX 77019
(713) 628-9020
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-pass-houston

Goode Barbeque Company: The Real Thing

Goode Company serves up tasty, no-nonsense Texas BBQ. Order your meat by the pound and some sides to take home, or get yourself a plate to eat there. Sandwiches and entrée plates come with your choice of beef brisket, pulled pork, Czech sausage, honey smoked ham, turkey breast, chicken, duck, jalapeno sausage, pork ribs and turkey sausage. Jalapeno corn bread comes with your entrée and sides include baked potato, Austin baked beans, jalapeno pinto beans, coleslaw and jambalaya Texana. Beer and wine are served — but save room for pecan pie!

Open Monday through Sunday from 11a.m. until 10p.m.

Goode Barbeque Company
5109 Kirby Drive
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 522-2530
http://www.yelp.com/biz/goode-company-barbeque-houston

What is a 529 College Savings Plan?

Saving for your child’s college education is one of the most worthwhile things you can do with your personal finances, but there are so many types of college savings choices that it can feel overwhelming. A 529 college savings plan is a very smart choice, and it's actually much simpler than you may think.

What's a 529 college savings plan? Here are two answers from the Securities and Exchange Commision's "Introduction to 529 Plans" website:

A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged college savings plan
These plans are sponsored by states, state agencies, or educational institutions and are designed to cover future college costs. Tax advantaged means that contributions — in some cases — can reduce your taxable income.

529 plans include both "pre-paid tuition" plans and "college savings" plans
The pre-paid tuition 529 plan allows you to purchase units at participating colleges for future tuition. On the other hand, the college savings 529 plan allows you to create an account for the student which can generally be used to pay for any college or university.

If you'd like to set up a 529 college savings account, it's best to speak with an accountant or a financial advisor.

An Introduction to 529 Plans [U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]

Public Domain/Public Domain

 

Dionisio Winery: In Vino Veritas, Houston

Friends of the mighty grape like to congregate at Dionisio Winery. It’s a great place for date night or to meet up with friends and tip back a glass or two. Choose from a variety of wines made on site by the winery’s friendly owner. Reds include merlot, pinot noir, shiraz, zinfandel and cabernet sauvignon. If white’s your thing, sample some chardonnay, sauvignon blanc or zinfandel. Fruit wines made at the winery meld flavors for a super-sweet taste that many people love. Peach Chardonnay, Green Apple Riesling, Strawberry White Merlot and Black Cherry Pinot Noir are some of the luscious flavors to try. Want to learn more about wine or try bottling your own? Sign up for one of their fun, informative classes. Open Wednesday through Saturday.

Dionisio Winery
2110 Jefferson Street, Suite 119
Houston, TX 77003
(713) 906-2499
http://www.yelp.com/biz/dionisio-winery-houston

Happy Veteran’s Day!

Today we pay tribute to the men and women who have fought, and continue to fight, for our freedom. Thank you, veterans!

Our New Facebook Sweepstakes Has Started! Enter to Win an iPad Mini!

To enter the Sweepstakes, Like our Facebook Page and then look for the Sweepstakes tab (image shown below) located on our Facebook Page to enter. Sweepstakes ends December 31, 2013.

For mobile users ONLY, like our Facebook Page, and then click here to enter!

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