Bisteca: A Mix of Traditional and Modern Steakhouse Fare

Rustic tastes and modern cuisine come together at Bisteca, a steakhouse that recently opened about two miles away from Siena at Memorial Heights. A sister restaurant to already well-established Sorrento Ristorante Italiano, Bisteca is a unique blend of steakhouse, Italian restaurant, and fine dining establishment. Meals like Grilled Hen of the Woods mushroom pizza and braised beef cheeks with spinach ravioli take Italian and steakhouse staples and revamp them with modern flair.

The interior is sleek and upscale, distinguished by the abstract art lining the walls. The bar is nothing short of gorgeous and stocks a wide variety of wines and liquor. A pianist provides live music, adding ambiance during dinnertime at Bisteca. Head Chef Alberto Baffoni is so committed to excellence that he regularly visits tables, greets guests, and asks for feedback on what the staff could do to up their game. A lovely new date spot with fine cuisine, Bisteca is worth a visit soon.

Bisteca
224 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77006
(832) 804-8064
www.bisteccahouston.com
www.yelp.com/biz/bistecca-ristorante-houston

Miyako Sushi: A Japanese Culinary Experience

With over 35 years of experience, the chefs at Miyako Sushi Bar have perfected their recipes and technique, bringing you the finest specialty sushi made with the freshest ingredients. Since opening in 1979, Miyako has become a leading Houston destination for quality Japanese cuisine, and is now located less than one mile from Siena at Memorial Heights.

While Miyako is best known for its Sushi and Sashimi, they also offer a variety of authentic Japanese dishes from Yaki Udon noodle dishes to fried rice dishes such as Oyakodon and Katsudon. Customer Sushi favorites include the Hot Geisha Roll, Chilango Roll and Grilled Jalapeno Roll, and you won’t want to miss out on the Basil Wings. Enjoy your meal with a perfectly paired cocktail. If the vibrant flavors and comfortable ambiance are not enough, you’ll be blown away by the artistic food presentations, beautifully crafted to make your dining experience truly unique.

Miyako
4601 Washington Avenue
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 520-9797
www.miyakosushibar.com
www.yelp.com/biz/miyako-houston-5

The Durham House is the Place to go for a Curated Menu of Meat, Seafood and Cocktails

If you're a foodie, stop what you're doing and make reservations at The Durham House if you haven't already. Launched in the fall, The Durham house is a quick mile away from Siena at Memorial Heights, which makes it an easy spot to pop into for lunch or dinner.

The Durham House specializes in new American fare with an emphasis on surf and turf. The dinner menu consists of delicious dishes like bacon-wrapped rabbit tenderloin, herb-crusted lamb, seafood pasta, bayou gumbo, truffle duck fat fries, lamb tartar, and cheese plates. The lunch menu packs the same punch as the dinner options with dishes like burgers, beer-crusted grouper, marinated New York strip steak, kale salad, and more. Those who are still hungry after their meal can look to a full dessert menu of classics like key lime pie and sticky toffee pudding.

A variety of house made cocktails, beer and wine are available, too.

The Durham House
1200 Durham Drive
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 864-5600
www.thedurhamhouse.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-durham-house-houston

Red Dessert Dive Serves Up Baked Goods With a Side of Booze

Baked goods with a side of beer? Okay! Red Dessert Dive serves up baked goods in a different kind of environment, an environment that serves beer and wine, too. Red Dessert Dive promises all of the baked goods you know and expect to see on the menu — muffins, scones, croissants, cupcakes, brownies, cookies, and blondies, for starters.

If your sweet tooth isn't in effect, don't fret. Soups and sandwiches are also available, too. Whatever you decide to order, rest assured that it'll pair well with the craft beer and the red and white wine on the menu.

The bakery has received rave reviews on Yelp with patrons calling the bake shop a “fancy little place” and noting its “great food, great atmosphere.”

Red Dessert Dive is just about two miles from Siena at Memorial Heights and is open Tuesday through Sunday for everything from early morning breakfast to dinner. Wi-Fi s available for anyone looking to get some work done as they nosh and sip.

Red Dessert Dive
1045 Studewood St.
Houston, TX 77008
(832) 649-2977
reddessertdive.com
www.yelp.com/biz/red-dessert-dive-houston-2

Find Quirky Playthings at Big Blue Whale Toys and Curiosities

Big Blue Whale looks very little like the big-name toy stores scattered across the country. This small, independent store in Houston stocks playthings that you won't find anywhere else, including old-school classics and educational toys. You see, the folks behind Big Blue Whale know that toys are more than just sources of entertainment, they're also the building blocks for better cognitive development in children.

So make the short trip from Siena at Memorial Heights to Big Blue Whale (it's less than three miles) and pick out something fun for your little one. You'll find everything from board games to animal masks at the toy store, all stocked in seemingly never-ending aisles. Just follow the black-and-white checkered floor to the section that suits your kids' play-tastes.

Big Blue Whale Toys and Curiosities
237 W. 19th Street
Houston, TX 77008
(832) 623-6990
www.bigbluewhaletoys.com
www.yelp.com/biz/big-blue-whale-houston

Take Your Taste Buds on a Trip to the Sea at Calamari’s

Seafood is the focal point at Calamari's, a new restaurant that is only 1.5 miles from Siena at Memorial Heights.

The seafood-focused menu consists of items like fried fish sandwiches, shrimp tacos, and ceviche, as well as the restaurant's namesake item, calamari.

The vibe at Calamari’s can’t be ignored, either. The restaurant is home to an expansive outdoor space with oversized lounge chairs, heat lamps, twinkling lights, televisions, and plenty of room for drinking and dining al fresco. Games like ping pong, corn hole, and giant Jenga are available for guest’s enjoyment, too. As the night continues until the wee hours, a DJ provides tunes for guests. In short, this place has a bunch of great things going on beyond food!

Calamari’s is open until 2 a.m. nightly, so if you don’t stop by for seafood, be sure to make plans to visit the eatery for drinks and partying.

Calamari’s
|5111 Washington Ave.
Houston, TX 77007
(832) 804-7981
calamarisbar.com
www.yelp.com/biz/calamaris-houston

Take In Dazzling Holiday Lights At Lights In The Heights

Holiday cheer can be felt in Woodland Heights for the annual Lights in the Heights Yuletide event. Returning on Saturday, Dec. 12, the event is smaller this year, but the homes will still illuminate for the season for this evening.

From 6 to 9 p.m., folks are welcome to walk throughout the neighborhood and "ooh" and "aah" over the twinkling lights, Christmas carols and holiday fun. Note that there won’t be any street closures this year and most events will be contained to private parties at the homes in the neighborhood — those looking to soak up holiday cheer are still welcome to wander through the neighborhood, though.

Dec. 12 marks night one of the neighborhood-wide illumination, so those interested in checking out the holiday lights further are welcome to stroll through throughout December. There is no cost to explore the neighborhood, just be sure to bring your camera or smartphone to photograph the impressive displays! Make the short drive from Siena at Memorial Heights to check it out.

Lights in the Heights in Woodland Heights
Saturday, Dec.12, 6-9 p.m.
www.woodland-heights.org/calendar/lights-in-the-heights

Explore Handcrafted Items at the First Saturday Arts Market

If you've been struggling to find a unique gift for a friend or significant other, wait until Dec. 5. That's the day when the First Saturday Arts Market will bring giftable handcrafted items to Houston—just as it does every month. Only 10 minutes away from Siena at Memorial Heights, the outdoor market runs year-long from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the first Saturday of every month.

It's a good place to go treasure hunting because a slew of different artisans show off their masterpieces here. You'll find everything from bold, abstract paintings to subdued, black and white photographs. That's not to mention the jewelry, sculptures, and other handmade works on display at the First Saturday Arts Market. Head there this December to check off any last-minute holiday gifts on your list.

First Saturday Arts Market
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 5
540 W. 19th Street
Houston, TX 77008
firstsaturdayartsmarket.com

Do Some Holiday Shopping at the Fall Edition of Vintage Flea!

On Nov. 21 and 22, Vintage Flea fills Silver Street Studios with goods from vintage vendors and antiques vendors, making for a vintage lover's dream!

The flea market features more than 50 local, or Texas-based, vendors selling things like furniture, jewelry, antique kitchen items, clothing, paintings and much, much more. In addition to folks vending vintage and antique goods, food, beer and wine will be available for purchase, and several food trucks are expected to be there, too.

Since the flea market is so popular, tickets are required for entry. Tickets are $7 online and $10 at the door for those over the age of 12 and free for children under 12. Scoop up your tickets today to get in on the flea market action — it's happening only 1.5 miles from Siena at Memorial Heights!

Vintage Flea at Silver Street Studios
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 21-22
1501 Silver Street
Houston, TX 77007
www.facebook.com/events

Treat Yourself to Fried Chicken and Doughnuts at Lee’s Fried Chicken

Peanut butter and jelly. Bagel and cream cheese. Fried chicken and doughnuts? Yes, there's a new restaurant in town specializing in just that pairing. Add Lee’s Fried Chicken to your must-eat list.

Since opening last month, Lee's has been serving up stuff like chicken wings, chicken tenders, chicken thighs, chicken drumsticks, chicken sandwiches, and a salad topped with chicken. Sides including macaroni salad, creamed corn and potato salad are available, too.

There are more than a half-dozen doughnuts on the menu for those looking for a sweet treat to go with savory chicken. The current doughnut menu includes apple fritters, a jam doughnut, glazed, praline bacon, and caramel icing and blueberry.

Doughnuts are available at 7 a.m. every day and chicken is available starting at 11 a.m.

Guests can enjoy their food in the restaurant or choose to bring home takeout — it's only two miles from Siena at Memorial Heights!

Lee’s Fried Chicken
601 Heights Blvd.
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 880-3550
www.leesfriedchickendonuts.com
www.yelp.com/biz/lees-fried-chicken-and-donuts-houston

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