Celebrate a special occasion at Jasper's, an upscale restaurant offering gourmet upgrades on classic American comfort food. The creation of Executive Chef Kent Rathburn, an Iron Chef America winner and James Beard Award nominee, Jasper's features a sophisticated, yet modern, decor appropriate for special occasions.

Start with the Maytag Blue Cheese Potato Chips or a basket of the homemade bread with roasted garlic-herb butter. Many customers come for the Slow Smoked Baby Back Ribs, which were recognized by Bon Appetit as one of the top three racks in the country. These tender treats are coated with Ancho barbecue sauce and served with a side of Creamy Baked Potato Salad. If barbecue isn't your style, try an Allen Brothers Steak with a side of aged Gouda Mac and Cheese.

Prices reflect the quality and reputation of Chef Rathburn, but for those on a budget, the lunch menu offers a better deal on signature dishes. Or, enjoy happy hour on the patio from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., daily, with $5 wine, beer, cocktails, and small plates. Dinner reservations are recommended.

Jasper's
9595 6 Pines Drive, Suite 900
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 298-6600
http://www.jaspers-restaurant.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/jaspers-gourmet-backyard-cuisine-the-woodlands

• 1 large container of sour cream 
• 1 package of cream cheese (softened) 
• 1 bag shredded cheese 
• 1 packet taco seasoning 
• 1 bag shredded lettuce 
• 1 jar of salsa 
• 1 can sliced black olives 
• 1 lime (optional) 
• 1 jalapeno (optional) 
• Bags of nacho chips 

One of the top trends in eating recently has been the profusion of farmers' markets and CSAs. These innovative ways to shop for fruits and veggies make it much easier to buy directly from local farms. Here are some of the benefits:

Support the community
You can support local farmers by buying the veggies they grow!

Know the source
Farmers markets make it easy to meet the people who grow your food. Some farms even encourage those who buy CSA shares to come visit the farm.

Fewer food miles
Some suggest that buying locally-grown food is more green, since the produce travels fewer miles to get from the farm to your plate.

It can be more nutritious
Fresh food can contain more nutrients, and produce from local farms is often organic, too!