As sweater weather approaches we hope you all stay warm and cozy this season! What are some of your favorite winter activities?
Cyclone Anaya’s Mexican Kitchen: A Whirlwind of Food and Fun in Houston
December 11, 2015 by
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
Dance the Night Away at Howl at the Moon in Houston
December 10, 2015 by
Houston is home to quite a few great live music venues, but Howl at the Moon is a local favorite that stands out amongst the others. This lively bar, dance club, and music venue hosts some of the most exciting parties in the city, making it a go-to spot in the Houston nightlife scene.
The venue portion frequently books an eclectic array of local acts and nationally touring musicians, spanning genres from hip hop to pop and even hard rock. The spacious dance floor offers ample space for you to rock out to your favorite band or get down with your friends to a DJ spinning the latest dance tracks. Howl at the Moon is known for its 86-ounce buckets of booze, but the numerous bars also offer classic cocktails and a great selection of beers.
There are often elaborate parties for holidays like Halloween and New Years Eve, but it also makes a great place if you’re planning your own birthday or bachelor party.
Howl at the Moon
612 Hadley St
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 658-9700
www.howlatthemoon.com
Foelber Pottery: Sculpt New Memories With Family and Friends
December 4, 2015 by
If you’ve always wanted to take a spin on a pottery wheel, Foelber Pottery Gallery & Studio offers classes that will give you a chance to do just that. This friendly, welcoming pottery studio welcomes aspiring sculptors of all ages, from the youngest children to inexperienced adults and even longtime, experienced artists.
Enter the arched doorway of the tree-shaded building and you’ll find a large, open gallery area displaying beautiful sculptures created by on-site artists. There are frequent exhibits and gallery openings featuring local sculptors, as well as outdoor festivals during the fall. If you want to try your hand at creating your own pottery, Foelber Pottery also hosts classes taught by experienced artists and private parties that make fun bonding activities for your friends or family.
For a complete list of upcoming events at Foelber Pottery or to sign up for a class, visit the studio’s website.
Foelber Pottery
706 Richmond Avenue
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 529-1703
www.foelberpottery.com
Think Beyond the Mug With These Delicious Recipes Using Eggnog
December 3, 2015 by
Translate your love of eggnog into everything from cookies to puddings this holiday seasons with a bit of creativity in the kitchen. Although the tried-and-true winter beverage is decadent and delicious, it may start to get a bit stale after so many years. If you want to experience the old seasonal favorite in a brand new way, these sweet recipes will provide the perfect inspiration.
Eggnog Coffee Cake Muffins [twopeasandtheirpod.com]
Enjoy your eggnog first thing in the morning—in the form of delicious coffee cake muffins, that is! This recipe features an eggnog-flavored base, a perfectly crumbly topping, and an eggnog icing drizzle for a bit of extra sweetness.
Frosted Eggnog Cookies [tasteofhome.com]
Instead of handing out your usual holiday sugar cookies, try something different this year with these frosted cookies filled with eggnog flavor. Because there is eggnog in both the frosting and the cookie itself, this recipe offers double the delicious winter taste.
Eggnog Pudding [foodnetwork.com]
Rich, creamy and just a bit spicy, this unique eggnog pudding is the perfect dessert to finish off any holiday meal. Sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg on top to add even more spice.
Sip a Craft Beer Flight at Saint Arnold Brewing Company in Houston
November 27, 2015 by
If you’re a fan of beer—and really, who isn’t?—you’ll likely want to add a visit to Saint Arnold Brewing Company to your list of things to do in Houston. This historic brewery claims to be the oldest in the entire state of Texas, and many devoted locals would agree.
Saint Arnold crafts a wide selection of beers with new options developed throughout the year, so you’ll always find seasonal offerings along with the brewery’s tried-and-true favorites. Start your visit with a Saint Arnold Amber Ale or the popular Saint Arnold Weedwacker, or if you’re feeling really adventurous (or simply indecisive), opt for a flight to try a few beers at once. Tour the brewery portion of the building learn how these beers are made, and then settle in for a lunch of hearty American fare with your favorite brew on the side.
Saint Arnold Brewing Company
2000 Lyons Avenue
Houston, TX 77020
(713) 686-9494
www.saintarnold.com
Grab a Chopped Steak Burger at Carriage House Cafe
November 27, 2015 by
You will take a step back in time when you cross the threshold of Carriage House Cafe in Houston. The restaurant is adorned with worn and weathered wooden beams, subtle brass lighting, and interesting antiques from the 1800s. Classic Western music (think Hank Williams) complements the ambiance of the large, family-friendly eatery.
Begin your meal with a trip to the large salad bar, then order one of the 1/2-pound or 1-pound chopped steak burgers loaded with toppings such as bacon, cheese, jalepenos, and house-made barbecue sauce. Specialty dishes include honey rum grilled chicken, chicken fried steaks, barbecue brisket and house-made slow-smoked country sausage. The "little buckaroo and buckarettes" menu will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters and entree specials are offered daily.
Carriage House Cafe
7955 Fallbrook Drive
Houston, TX 77064
(281) 469-2002
www.thecarriagehousecafe.com
www.yelp.com/biz/carriage-house-caf%C3%A9-houston-2
Happy Thanksgiving!
November 26, 2015 by
We hope everyone has a wonderful day celebrating with family and friends! What are you thankful for this year?
Happy Hour Deals Meet Delicious Seafood at Reef in Houston
November 20, 2015 by
There’s a reason why Houston’s Reef is consistently voted one of the best seafood restaurants in the country: with its James Beard award-nominated chef, its inventive menu of creative seafood dishes, and its fresh, high quality list of ingredients, the utmost attention is paid to every detail at this popular eatery.
Reef’s menu includes a fish selection that changes daily to include only the freshest options on the market, but you’ll always find staple menu items like the jumbo crab cakes, 3RD Bar Plateau raw plate and red fish on the half-shell. Crunchy calamari and seafood gumbo make delicious appetizers, while fresh fish platters served with seasonal vegetables and homemade sauces are perfect for lunch or dinner. There is an extensive dessert menu and a large wine list to go along with any meal, as well as a happy hour menu that offers big savings on cocktails and small plates from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. every weekday.
Reef
2600 Travis at McGowen
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 526-8282
www.reefhouston.com
Important Safety Tips for a Happy, Healthy Thanksgiving
November 19, 2015 by
The only thing that can ruin your Thanksgiving more than burning the turkey is an illness or injury. Although Thanksgiving is meant to be enjoyable, having too many cooks in the kitchen can put everyone at risk. Here are a few simple ways to keep your friends and family safe this Turkey Day.
- Never leave children unattended in the kitchen. With so many things on the stove and in the oven, it is far too dangerous for little ones to wander around.
- Thaw meat completely to prevent foodborne illnesses. Because the turkey is so large it requires more than one full day to thaw completely, so be sure to provide ample time for thawing before you cook it.
- Wash hands after handling raw meat or stuffing the turkey.
- Check the internal temperature of the turkey after cooking to ensure that it is cooked completely through. The bird should be around 180 degrees F inside, and the stuffing should be around 165 degrees F.
- Always point knives away from you when cutting, and be sure to use a very sharp knife that doesn’t require much force to cut food.
- Clean grease from countertops and stovetops in order to prevent grease fires. This also goes for towels with grease on them.
- Keep a first aid kit in the kitchen. You never know what can happen, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Thanksgiving Safety [National Fire Protection Association]
It's Turkey Time: Safely Prepare Your Holiday Meal [CDC]
Cooking Safety Tips for Thanksgiving Chefs [American Red Cross]
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