Whether you’re looking for a place to find great Mexican food or for refreshing drinks with your friends, Cyclone Anaya’s Mexican Kitchen is a great spot for both. This swanky cantina serves modern takes on classic Mexican cuisine in a stylish, see-and-be-seen atmosphere, complete with a grand entryway, stylish bar, and warm tables large enough for your entire group.

The menu features taco salads and seafood ceviche for lunch, and the build-your-own lunch plates are economical options for your midday break. For dinner, Cyclone Anaya’s offers Tex-Mex combos, enchiladas, and grilled fajitas, and there are vegetarian and gluten-free options. Tequila flights, mojitos, and flavored margaritas are some of the most popular beverages at Cyclone Anaya’s, but there are also a number of imported Mexican cervezas for those who prefer beer.

The weekend brunch is also one of the most popular in town, making this an exciting eatery at any time of day.

Cyclone Anaya’s Mexican Kitchen
309 Gray Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 520-6969
www.cycloneanaya.com

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Laine Pub Company

You may enjoy drinking wine at home, but how much do you really know about serving it to your guests? If you want to learn how to properly serve reds, whites, and even dessert wines at your next dinner party at Marquis Lofts on Sabine, check out these simple tips.

• Invest in a good set of wine glasses. They don’t have to be expensive (many closet less than $5 a piece), but having the proper wine glasses is the first step toward serving great tasting wine. Choose tulip-shaped glasses with stems or without, and make sure that they’re made of real glass to avoid that plastic taste.
• Clean the glasses. Before serving wine, clean your glasses thoroughly by hand using simple dish soap and hot water. Rinse thoroughly before using.
• Serve at the proper temperature. If you’re serving light white wines or sparkling wines, keep them at a cool 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Full-bodied whites, such as chardonnays, and lighter reds should be served at 50 to 60 degrees, while red wines and ports should be served at 60 to 65 degrees.
• Keep it at the proper temperature. Keep your wine tasting great all night by using an ice bucket for white wines. Red wines can simply sit on the counter to stay at room temperature.

25 Tips on How to Serve Wine [Bauduc Blog]
Organic Wine Serving Tips [Frey Vineyards]
How to Serve Wine 101: Tips on the Perfect Serving Temperature [Wine Spectator]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Rorals

There’s no shortage of live music venues in Houston, but Warehouse Live might be one of the best. Occupying a converted warehouse, this intimate venue has a cool and atmospheric vibe, with LED chandeliers, cozy booths, and cafe tables where guests can relax and enjoy music by their favorite bands. Of-age guests can even enjoy a libation from the full bar.

The stage is easily visible from anywhere in the room, and it's well lit so that every performance feels up-close-and-personal. An eclectic list of performers takes the stage here, from rockers like Ben Folds to the Rebirth Brass Band and even live radio shows like The Moth. Warehouse Live is also known to host private events, fashion shows, and comedians.

Regulars recommend arriving early, as parking is limited. Check the venue’s website for a full schedule of upcoming shows!

Warehouse Live
813 St Emanuel Street
Houston, TX 77003
(713) 225-5483
www.facebook.com/warehouselive
www.yelp.com/biz/warehouse-live-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr upupron