Fitzgerald’s: A Houston Institution for Live Music Since 1977

Part dive bar, part music venue, Fitzgerald's has been a Houston institution since 1977. In fact, musicians and bands such as James Brown and The Romones have graced the stage here, and many locals are likely to tell you that Fitzgerald's was the site of their first show.

Downstairs, Fitzgerald’s hosts a stage and two full bars, one of which is located on the venue's sprawling back patio. Upstairs sits the venue's main stage, which regularly hosts music acts in a wide range of genres, from hip hop to indie rock. You can see what performers are on the docket by visiting the venue's website, then purchase tickets online.

Fitzgerald's hosts performances several days per week. Shows are open to people of all ages, but only of-ages guests are granted access to the bar.

Fitzgerald’s
2706 White Oak Drive
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 862-3838
www.fitzlivemusic.com
www.yelp.com/biz/fitzgeralds-houston

Happy Labor Day!

Wishing everyone a happy and relaxing Labor Day!

Uchi: Contemporary Japanese Dining

Uchi offers elegant, modern fare in an atmosphere that works well for everything from a romantic date to a business dinner with new clients. This central Houston restaurant is inspired by Japanese flavors and techniques, though it serves seafood from around the globe in a series of small, shareable dishes.

You'll find traditional sushi and sashimi, like sea eel with orange and ginger or salmon belly with ikura, but you'll also find a number of unique options, like the "ham and eggs" sushi roll, which combines katsu pork belly with an egg yolk custard and espelette. Other menu items include things like smoked duck confit served with endives and bacon and tempura fried cauliflower, and regulars say you shouldn’t miss the crispy Brussels sprouts served with a squeeze of lemon chili. Finally, you should know that this place is popular and fills up during peak hours, so making a reservation is definitely the way to go.

Uchi
904 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 522-4808
www.uchirestaurants.com/houston
www.yelp.com/biz/uchi-houston

How to Choose the Lighting That Best Complements Your Space

Want to show your apartment in the most flattering light possible? Use these smart tips for choosing the right type of lighting for every room in your home.

  • Illuminate your foyer and hallway with bright, cheery lighting. Add a floor lamp directly next to the front door that will light your way when you come home at night, and consider placing a bright lamp on a side table in the hallway so that you can easily see where you’re going.
  • Add soft, soothing light in the bedroom, as this is supposed to be a place of relaxation. Try using a small lamp with a lower-watt light bulb.
  • In the living room, you can add a tall, arched lamp next to the couch for a stylish look and to add additional lighting when you’re lounging around at night. If the light bulbs in the overhead light are too bright, switch them out with something less glaring.
  • Add a hanging pendant light right above the kitchen table. There are many options that don’t require hardwiring, so you can easily hang them and switch them out when you move.

How to Choose the Right Lighting for Each Room [WikiHow]
How To Choose The Lighting Fixtures For Your Home – A Room-By-Room Guide [HomeDit]
How to Choose the Right Size Lighting Fixture [LightsOnline.com]

Have Crepes at Melange Creperie

Owners Sean Carroll and Tish Ochoa fell in love with the classic creperies that line the streets of Paris, and after spending their honeymoon in the City of Light, the couple decided to open up their own creperie back home in Houston. Their open-air crepe cart, Melange Creperie, debuted in 2010 and is still going strong today, serving up Parisian style crepes with your choice of either two or three ingredients.

Try a classic Nutella and banana combination, or bite into a fresh strawberry and chantilly cream combination. If you prefer savory flavors, try the classic ham, egg, and cheese, or go for one of the daily lunch specials, which can include everything from zucchini and chili to seasoned potatoes. Regulars say you should know that this cart gets busy, and that at peak times you should be prepared to wait for your order (paying with exact change can speed things up a bit). You'll have lots of company while you wait, however, as you chat with the crowd that generally gathers around this popular cart.

Melange Creperie
403 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77006
(832) 724-9464
www.melangecreperie.wordpress.com
www.yelp.com/biz/melange-creperie-houston

Vietnam Poblano: Flavorful Banh Mi Sandwiches in Houston

Locals know that Vietnam Poblano is the place to go for fresh banh mi sandwiches in northwestern Houston. Combining French and Vietnamese influences, banh mi is a staple of Vietnamese cuisine, and this sandwich may just become one of your favorite things to eat.

Regulars recommend you try the barbecue pork banh mi topped with a fried egg, or opt for the spiced Gogi beef topped with carrots, cucumbers, and cilantro. All sandwiches include a zesty house-made garlic mayo spread. Noodle and rice dishes are also available, as are snacks like hot wings and spring rolls. If you visit at the right moment, you might even be offered a complimentary bowl of beef alphabet soup!

The decor at this Houston eatery is comfortable and casual, prices are reasonable, and the service is said to be speedy and efficient. Visit Vietnam Poblano's website to learn more!

Vietnam Poblano
1411 Gessner Road
Houston, TX 77080
(832) 649-8955
vietnampoblano.com
www.yelp.com/biz/vietnam-poblano-houston

Irma’s: Enjoy Mexican Cuisine Morning, Noon and Night

If you’re looking for a family-owned eatery serving authentic Mexican cuisine, you’ll find it at Irma’s. If you come for lunch or dinner, Irma’s offers housemade guacamole and crispy chips to start the meal, and the popular strawberry lemonade is truly a can’t-miss menu item. Entrees like shrimp and spinach enchiladas and tender carne asada will leave you feeling full, while the sweet sopapillas make the perfect dessert to finish off your meal. For early risers, Irma’s even offers a traditional Mexican breakfast that consists of huevos rancheros and other favorites.

This local favorite is furnished with casual wooden tables and colorful Mexican decorations throughout, and it even has a full bar with flatscreen televisions for anyone who wants to stop by to watch the big game. There is also a plant-filled outdoor patio, perfect for warm evenings.

Irma’s
22 N Chenevert St
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 222-0767
www.irmashouston.com
www.yelp.com/biz/irmas-restaurant-houston?sort_by=date_desc

How to Ensure You’re Safely Serving and Preparing Eggs

Eggs are essential ingredients in a number of dishes, but they can also be dangerous to your health if handled incorrectly. To reduce your risk of salmonella and other diseases that come from eggs, follow these important guidelines.

  1. Shop smart. The first step toward healthy egg care is inspecting your eggs in the grocery store for cracks or dirty appearance. Also be sure to only purchase eggs that are stored in a refrigerated case.
  2. Store them properly. Eggs should be stored in a clean spot in the refrigerator at 40°F or lower.
  3. Cook them thoroughly. If you’re preparing scrambled eggs or another egg dish, be sure that both the yolk and white are firm and that the egg reaches a temperature of 160°F. Never eat batter or dough containing raw eggs before it's cooked or baked.
  4. Store egg dishes properly. Dishes made of only eggs cannot be stored, so be sure to eat them immediately after cooking. If you prepare something else that contains eggs, always keep it refrigerated.
  5. Keep it clean. Even if you use the utmost care when handling eggs, it’s essential to wash your hands, cooking and prep surfaces, and any utensils thoroughly to remove any traces of eggs. Wash hands and utensils with hot, soapy water, and scrub kitchen countertops with bleach or another germ-killing product.

Playing It Safe With Eggs [FDA]
Eggs & Food Safety [Incredible Egg]
Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Salmonella from Eggs [CDC]

Update Basic Magnets and Pushpins WIth These Fun Tutorials

Who says office supplies have to be boring? Here are a few crafty ways to transform your basic pushpins and magnets into something eye-catching, playful, and perhaps a bit chic.

Bottle Cap Magnets and Thumbtacks [marthastewart.com]
Start saving up those used bottle caps, because you’re certainly going to want to try this adorable DIY project from Martha Stewart. Simply glue a small photo inside of each bottlecap, then use contact cement to attach them to the magnets and pushpins and create a tiny photo gallery.

DIY Gold Magnetic Letters [inspiredbycharm.com]
If you loved making silly words and phrases from those colorful magnetic letters as a kid, you’ll enjoy this chic, updated version just as much. Just cover those childish magnets with luxe gold spray paint for a modern, updated look.

Washi Tape Clothespins [designertrapped.com]
By covering affordable wooden clothespins with different types of colorful washi tape, you can create this fun project in less than an hour. Add adhesive magnets to the backs of each clothespin to use them on the refrigerator, or line them up on a wire to hang photos from a wall.

Warehouse Live: Rock Out at This Intimate Performing Arts Venue in Houston

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

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