Two of Houston’s Favorite Spots for Sweets and Frozen Treats

The next time you feel a hankering for something sweet after dinner, you’ll be happy to know that Houston is filled with places to satisfy your craving. From artisan ice creams to made-from-scratch pastries and gourmet chocolates, Houston’s dessert scene offers something for every sweet tooth. Here are two beloved dessert spots within city limits.

Hank’s Ice Cream Parlor
Although Hank’s offers the traditional chocolate and vanilla ice cream flavors, you’ll be much more intrigued by flavors like sweet potato, rose petal, and banana pudding. No matter which type of ice cream you choose, however, the incredibly creamy, rich texture and premium ingredients will win you over after the first bite. The shop itself is tiny and quaint, but that only adds to the old-fashioned ice cream parlor charm. Hank's is cash-only, so be sure to hit the ATM before visiting.
9291 Main St., Houston, TX 77025; (713) 665-5103

The Chocolate Bar
Houston chocolate lovers, rejoice! The Chocolate Bar is a dream come true for chocoholics, boasting a menu that is positively packed with chocolate creations in all forms. Chocolate covered strawberries, decadent cakes, rich cocoa ice creams, and even the classic brownie are all well represented, and the shop’s adorable interior creates a fun, lively place to enjoy your chocolatey treat.
1835 W. Alabama St., Houston, TX 77005; (713) 520-8599

Enjoy Sushi in Houston at Oshii Japanese Restaurant

Located near the Greenway Plaza is Oishii Japanese Restaurant, a place where Houstonians can enjoy their favorite Japanese dishes without breaking the bank.

Stop by for lunch or dinner and select from sashimi, sushi rolls, noodle dishes, and crispy tempura plates. Favorites include udon noodles with vegetable tempura, grilled salmon smothered in teriyaki sauce, and the chef’s choice sashimi and sushi plates. There is a decent selection of maki, including Philadelphia and rainbow rolls, and it’s relatively inexpensive. You can also opt to order sushi or sashimi by the piece.

Regulars rave about the happy hour specials and casual atmosphere, claiming that Oishii is one of their favorite places to gather with friends for sushi or a bento box.

Visit Oshii's website to find out more about this Japanese restaurant in Houston.

Oshii Japanese Restaurant
3764 Richmond Avenue
Houston, TX 77046
(713) 621-8628
www.oishiihouston.com
www.yelp.com/biz/oishii-restaurant-houston

Happy Memorial Day!

Wishing everyone a happy Memorial Day as we remember the many heroes who have served our country.

Pinot’s Palette: A BYOB Art Studio in Houston

You're probably already familiar with the premise of those paint-your-own pottery studios, but did you know that an adults-only version exists here in Houston? It's called Pinot's Palette, and the idea behind this "BYOB art entertainment studio" is a little different from the competition.

First, amateur painters are invited to enroll in a painting class from Pinot's Palette's online schedule which also displays the exact painting that will be attempted (no talent required!) during each two- or three-hour class. Then, the student simply shows up to the studio approximately 30 minutes before the class's start time; Pinot's Palette supplies all the necessary materials. However, the real draw of these classes, which are more akin to a social outing than a serious art class, is the fact that participants are encouraged to bring along a bottle of wine and some snacks—in addition to an eagerness to have a fun night out with friends.

Pinot's Palette's classes range in price from $39 to $49. This Houston studio is also a popular spot for parties and other special events.

Pinot’s Palette
2406 Taft Street
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 523-4769
www.pinotspalette.com/Montrose
www.yelp.com/biz/pinots-palette-houston-4

How to Fight Insomnia and Get a Better Night’s Sleep

If you spend most nights tossing and turning for hours, you likely spend your days feeling tired, irritable, and unable to concentrate. Insomnia affects more people than you might think, but these proven tips can help you get a good night’s sleep.

  1. Set a schedule. If you often go to bed at very different times, it could be a cause of your insomnia. Try to set a bedtime for yourself and stick to it so that your body gets used to falling asleep at the same time each night.
  2. Give yourself 15 minutes. If you can’t fall asleep within 15 minutes of going to bed, get up and do something else. Lying awake for hours could cause you to stress out more, so try to tire yourself out by reading or washing the dishes.
  3. Change your diet. Don’t eat right before you go to bed, but try not to go to bed hungry, either. You likely already know that you shouldn’t drink caffeine before bedtime, but try to avoid alcohol, as well.
  4. Create a comfortable sleep space. If you still have trouble sleeping, it may be your surroundings. Wear earplugs if the outside noise is too loud, replace your blankets to suit your temperature needs, or add a mattress pad if your bed is uncomfortable.

20 Ways To Sleep Better Every Night [Prevention]
Sleep tips: 7 steps to better sleep [Mayo Clinic]
How to Sleep Better [Help Guide]
Healthy Sleep Tips [National Sleep Foundation]
How To Get A Better Night's Sleep [Sleepless in America]

Last Concert Cafe: Keep Your Eyes Peeled for This Hidden Gem

The Last Concert Cafe is a popular Mexican restaurant located right in central Houston inside of a nondescript stucco building with a mysterious red door. Although there is no sign and the front door always remains locked, this well-kept secret is among the most popular restaurants in the area for Mexican food lovers. The menu includes classic Tex-Mex favorite like loaded nachos, various styles of tacos, and black bean tostadas, and the wide selection of Mexican beers may appeal to every beer aficionado.

There is live music almost every night of the week inside of the dim, mural-covered dining room, which creates a lively atmosphere and the feeling of an underground jazz club. On the weekends, Last Concert Cafe hosts one of the most unique brunches in town, complete with hearty Mexican fare dishes, breakfast cocktails and, of course, live music all day long.

Last Concert Cafe closes between lunch and dinner, so be sure to check the hours before visiting.

Last Concert Cafe
1403 Nance Street
Houston, TX. 77002
(713) 226-8563
www.lastconcert.com
www.yelp.com/biz/last-concert-caf%C3%A9-houston-3

Ben’s Beans: Bona Fide Brews and More

The funky atmosphere of Ben’s Beans in downtown Houston provides patrons with an extra mood boost to go along with their cup of joe. Brightly colored walls covered in local artwork enclose this cozy coffeehouse, giving it a warm touch not found in sterile, overly hip cafes. The welcoming attitude of Ben’s is just one reason to love this cafe, but the large selection of locally roasted brews are another.

Java enthusiasts will appreciate the knowledgeable baristas at Ben’s, while casual coffee drinkers will love the many different flavor options, teas, and hot cocoas available. Also serving food, Ben’s is a great place to pick up a hot or cold sandwich for lunch or treat yourself to a freshly baked pastry. The spacious parking lot and free Wi-Fi make Ben's location a convenient choice for patrons seeking a temporary workspace.

Ben's Beans
1302 Dallas Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 654-8856
www.facebook.com/pages/Bens-Beans/130312383728807
www.yelp.com/biz/bens-beans-houston

Happy Mother’s Day!

Happy Mother's Day! How are you planning to celebrate mom today?

Discovery Green: Jog, Canoe or Watch a Movie at This Scenic Green Space

Though Houston may be a sprawling metropolis, it provides ample opportunities for locals to get outdoors at parks like Discovery Green. This modern green space and community hub hosts beautiful gardens, playgrounds for the little ones, and an ever-changing array of inspirational outdoor art installations.

The park’s large pond is often used for canoeing around Houston’s beautiful cityscape, while in the winter, it doubles as an outdoor ice rink for visitors of all ages to enjoy. There are sprawling green spaces where people can play catch or enjoy a picnic, walking paths for those who want to get a bit of exercise, and even a dog park where you can take your furry friend. Discovery Green contains a few different restaurants on its grounds, and there are also areas where the park hosts live music performances, outdoor movies, and festivals during the summer months.

For a full list of happenings at Discovery Green, visit the park’s website!

Discovery Green
1500 McKinney
Houston, TX 77010
(713) 400-7336
www.discoverygreen.com
www.yelp.com/biz/discovery-green-houston

The Houston Zoo: Take a Tour of the Animal Kingdom

If you’re looking for a fun, year-round activity that the whole family will enjoy, a visit to the Houston Zoo is a dependable choice. This spacious zoo is well laid out to create an enjoyable walking route through all of the various animals’ areas, and it offers a close-up look at everything from the creepy, crawly reptiles to the large elephants and giraffes. The paved paths are lined with shady trees and greenery to make a hot Texas afternoon a bit more bearable (no pun intended), and there are a number of indoor animal houses that enable you to tour the zoo even during bad weather.

If you have small children, the Houston Zoo also features a Kids’ Zoo that includes a petting zoo, animal-themed play areas, and playful sea otters that always seem to put on a show of their own.

The Houston Zoo is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Free parking is available on Hermann Park Drive, but note that these free lots fill up quickly!

Houston Zoo
6200 Hermann Park Drive
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 533-6500
www.houstonzoo.org
www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g56003-d266874-Reviews-Houston_Zoo-Houston_Texas.html

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