Find Mediterranean Fare at Niko Niko’s Greek and American Cafe

Some say Niko Niko's Greek and American Cafe may just be one of the best places to enjoy Mediterranean fare in Houston, Texas. It offers a varied menu of tasty comfort food, along with some distinctive dishes.

Visit and you can start off with a classic hummus appetizer, or go for pork kebobs seasoned with oregano and lemon. Regulars keep coming back for the lamb and beef gyros and other sandwiches served with homemade tzatziki sauce. If you're not so keen on lamb, try one of Niko Niko's juicy burgers, covered with feta cheese, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Other dishes of note include the Greek meatballs, vegetarian lasagna with three cheeses, and the baby lamb shank.

Niko Niko's Greek and American Cafe
2520 Montrose Boulevard
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 528-4976
http://www.nikonikos.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/niko-nikos-greek-and-american-cafe-houston

Happy Labor Day!

We hope everyone has a happy and safe Labor Day!

Find Classic Italian Food at Candelari’s Pizzeria in Houston

Dubbed "a man of great taste" by his friends and family, Alberto Candelari was responsible for a sausage recipe that became a family tradition—one that even outsiders can enjoy at Candelari's Pizzeria on West Holcombe. The story goes that Alberto had just returned from a hunting trip and was experimenting with creating his own sausage in the back of the family's Houston liquor store. He struck gold with what would become widely known as Candelari's Italian sausage. But Alberto's Italian sausage was just the jumping-off point for a variety of other sausage recipes that, today, serve as the cornerstone for many pizzas and other dishes at his namesake eatery. Chefs still select the highest quality meats to stuff in each sausage, mixed with natural spices and often even a dash of liqueur.

You can sample the sausage in a grinder at lunch, on an "Autentica" thin-crust Neopolitan pizza (on a white or five-grain crust), or over linguini marinara. But Candelari's also creates dishes without sausage, such as veggie pizza, beef tenderloin (cooked over an open flame), and cedar-plank-roasted salmon. Enjoy any of the dishes with a bottle of Italian wine.

Candelari's Pizzeria
2617 W. Holcombe Boulevard
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 662-2825
www.candelaris.com
www.yelp.com/biz/candelaris-pizzeria-houston-2

How and What to Pack for a Sightseeing Trip

After months of saving, you finally booked that sightseeing trip that you’ve always dreamed of. Whether you’re backpacking across Europe or taking a car trip through South America, you’ll need to know what to pack before you go. Packing these four items will help you be prepared for your sightseeing adventure.

  1. A sturdy backpack. This is an essential for long days of sightseeing as it enables you to tote your belongings around without straining your arms. Choose one with a large main pocket for clothing and supplies and smaller inner pockets to stow away money, your passport, and other essential items.
  2. Maps and guides. Maps are important in areas where you don’t have reliable cell phone service, and they cut down on the time you spend asking for directions. If you’re traveling to an area where you don’t speak the language, it’s also smart to bring along a foreign language dictionary.
  3. Proper clothes. Bring a rain jacket if you’re traveling to rainy London, and wear layers that you can easily remove if you’re in steamy Vietnam. Be sure to look up the climate beforehand to avoid clothing discomfort.
  4. A camera. Although a camera isn’t exactly an essential item, you’ll surely want to remember your trip for years to come!

Travel Tips and Packing Lists [Eagle Creek]
15 Things to Pack for Sightseeing [Sue’s Travel Tips]
How to Pack for a Sightseeing Vacation [Independent Traveler]

Houston Dairymaids: A Gourmet Cheese Shop

Cheeses of all varieties can be found at Houston Dairymaids, a specialty cheese shop on Airline Drive. For the past seven years, Houston Dairymaids has brought local, hand-made cheeses unlike any other to the city’s specialty foods community, seeking out products made from unpasteurized milk to offer customers excellence in flavor. Working strictly with Texas cheesemakers sets this market apart from other specialty food stores, giving recognition to some of the state’s best cheesemakers.

Houston Dairymaids is open Tuesdays through Sundays to sell cheese, honey, Slow-Dough breads, fine wines, and craft beers. Learn the subtle differences between Scarmoza and Mozzarella or which cheeses pair well with your favorite wines. Houston Dairymaids is a great place to indulge in your passion for delicious dairy products while you stock up on your favorites or pick up a few to give as gifts.

Houston Dairymaids
2201 Airline Drive
Houston, TX 77009
(713) 880-4800
www.houstondairymaids.com
www.yelp.com/biz/houston-dairymaids-houston-2

The League of Extraordinary Brewers: Unique Brews and Delicious Eats

Craft beer enthusiasts will find their dreams have come true once they step into The League of Extraordinary Brewers. A true celebration of small breweries from Texas and beyond, this gastropub also serves beer brewed right on the premises. Local beers include Nitro Lone Pint and Brazos Valley alongside Texas labels such as 512 and Rogness. The selection changes to include new and seasonal taps, a reason to stop back frequently to see what’s offered.

A fresh pint of your favorite style of beer goes great with the small plate selection on the menu, including cheese plates and the favorite beer cheese pretzel. More substantial fare includes hand-stretched pizzas topped with Meyer’s Elgin Sausage, a regional craft meat. Settle in beside other beer connoisseurs in this cozy yet comfortable brewery accented by exposed brick and wall length windows.

The League of Extraordinary Brewers
907 Franklin Street
Houston, TX 77002
(281) 406-0652
leaguebrewpub.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-league-of-extraordinary-brewers-houston

Give Your Stove the Night Off With This Trio of Creative Ceviche Recipes

Ceviche is a staple Peruvian dish that combines raw fish cured in citrus juices and given a signature flavor via spicy chili peppers and other seasonings. It’s become a very popular dish among American gourmet restaurants as well, and many chefs put their own unique spins on the traditional dish. Here are three creative ceviche recipes that you can make at home.

Tofu Lime Ceviche
This vegetarian ceviche uses plump tofu instead of the usual fish, so it’s completely safe for non-meat eaters. The lime juice, jalapeno, and cilantro give it a traditional flavor, while canned coconut milk adds a bit of a creamy finish.

Cauliflower Ceviche
Cauliflower is the star of the show in this flavorful dish, but it absorbs the flavor of the wonderful medley of seasonings around it. Plump Roma tomatoes, roasted poblano peppers, and fresh lime juice all work together in this vegan ceviche.

Ceviche Verde
This dish looks and tastes just as good as the ceviche served in upscale restaurants, but it’s so easy that any amateur home chef can make it. The fish is cooked by an acidic chemical reaction with the lime juice, and an assortment of jalapenos, avocado, and other green ingredients give it a zesty, fresh flavor.

Top Golf USA: A Fun Houston Destination

What’s TopGolf? It’s a fun sports and entertainment venue that combines an array of activities with a tasty food and beverage menu, all right in Houston, Texas!

TopGolf is played on a 215-yard field with micro-chipped balls. Other games include TopScore, Top Scramble, TopChip and TopPressure. Each game has its own rules and is geared to different ages and abilities. You can also play foosball, beer pong, and pool. TopGolf is a great place to hold a kid’s or adult's birthday party, to host a work event, or to have a fun date night. Food options include snacks like Guacamole & Chips, Brisket Chili Cheese Fries, Wings, and Nachos. Burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads and desserts are also on the menu.

Want to visit? Top Golf's open daily, and you can learn more by visiting its website.

Top Golf
1030 Memorial Brook Boulevard
Houston, TX 77084
(281) 406-3176
http://topgolf.com/houston/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/topgolf-houston-3

Trellis Spa at The Houstonian: Pamper Yourself

Pamper yourself at Trellis Spa at The Houstonian. This hotel spa offers an array of relaxing and rejuvenating services, from facials and waxing to massages and body wraps. Customers love the ambiance with soothing decor and fresh flower arrangements. Large windows look out onto the Houstonian’s 18-acre grounds.

Arrive early for your service and lounge about in a soft, oversized robe and snack on cookies and tea. Guests are encouraged to take advantage of the amenities, which include an indoor float pool, jacuzzi tubs, steam rooms, and a tranquility room with a fireplace.

Plan on spending a whole afternoon at Trellis.

Trellis Spa at The Houstonian
111 N. Post Oak Lane
Houston, TX 77024
(713) 680-2626
www.houstonian.com/TheSpa.aspx
www.yelp.com/biz/the-houstonian-hotel-club-and-spa-houston

Happy 4th of July

We hope everyone has a safe and happy day as we celebrate America's Independence. Happy 4th of July!

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