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Celebrate Independence Day at Freedom Over Texas!

July 2, 2015 by

For nearly three decades, Houston has played host to Freedom Over Texas, a festival celebrating Independence Day. This year, the freshly renovated Eleanor Tinsley Park sets the stage for this annual bash just about two miles away from Siena at Memorial Heights. Make your way to the park around 4 p.m. to partake in the activities and soak up the atmosphere at Freedom Over Texas.

Renowned singer-songwriter Josh Turner co-headlines the main stage with Houston native Clint Black at 2015's festivities. Enjoy the concert with friends and a beer from the Bud Light Lime-A-Rita Beach Bash, or round up your kids and take them to the All-American Kids Zone. It showcases youngster-friendly entertainment on a separate stage. Spend some time exploring all of the other booths at Freedom Over Texas before the fireworks begin, because you won't want to miss a second of colors colliding in the sky.

Freedom Over Texas
Eleanor Tinsley Park
4 to 10 p.m. July 4
150 Sabina Street
Houston, TX 77007
www.houstontx.gov/july4/index2.html

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Lincoln Bar and Kitchen: An Ideal Spot for Late Nights and Game Time

June 25, 2015 by

Combining relaxed outdoor seating with amped-up game time pep, Lincoln Bar and Kitchen is a patio and sports bar that recently opened about a mile from Siena at Memorial Heights. The new owners have outfitted the space with an updated kitchen, where chefs are whipping up a limited selection of dishes with plans to offer a more comprehensive menu in coming months. If the food in the first-wave is any indication of what’s to come, you’d better get ready!

The Buffalo pork spareribs and crispy whole wheat chicharonnes are a step-up from the usual bar fare. Rounding out the menu are burgers and sandwiches like the Gettysburger, with bacon, egg, and American cheese, as well as flatbread pizzas, like the the roasted habanero with spinach and artichoke dip. You'll find ample seating outside as well as a covered bar.

Lincoln Bar and Kitchen
5110 Washington Ave.
Houston, TX 77007
www.lincolnbarhouston.com
www.yelp.com/biz/lincoln-bar-and-kitchen-houston

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Gumbo Jeaux’s: A New BYOB in Houston That’s a Little Bit Cajun, a Little Bit Cowboy

June 18, 2015 by

The tagline of Gumbo Jeaux’s, a BYOB restaurant that opened last month, is “a little bit Cajun, a little bit cowboy.” Once you take a look at the menu, you’ll see that this description is apt. Catfish opelousas and gumbo stand alongside hearty burgers with red beans and rice, and it’s all made fresh from scratch every day.

Make no mistake — Gumbo Jeaux’s is no-frills dining. You place your order at the counter, then settle in at a table with the wine or beer that you hopefully remembered to bring. The dining room is nicely appointed, with sunny yellow walls, trendy light fixtures, and flat screen televisions scattered throughout. As for the food, Yelpers who’ve tried it have overwhelmingly awarded it five stars, praising the quality of the dishes, the creativity, and the service. Since it’s just over two miles from your place at Siena at Memorial Heights it would be easy for you to check it to see if you agree!

Gumbo Jeaux’s
2155 Durham Drive
Houston, TX 77007
(832) 203-7270
www.yelp.com/biz/gumbo-jeauxs-houston

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Chug (or Sip) Local Brews at the Houston Beer Fest This Weekend!

June 11, 2015 by

Once known best for its barbecue and Tex-Mex fare, Texas has been having a real moment lately thanks to the independent breweries popping up all over the state. On June 13 and 14, the Houston Beer Fest will celebrate in-state (and some out-of-state) suds at Hermann Square Park, just about three miles from Siena at Memorial Heights.

Saint Arnold, Texas Beer Refinery, and Karbach are just a few of the Texan breweries slated to appear this year, along with other breweries from around the country. Sampling hours are from noon to 4 p.m., and that's when you can grab small sips from a few different vendors. After that, the tents will pour full-sized pints. Wine and spirits will also be served. While you sip, drink in the tunes from live bands or play a round of air hockey at Love Street, a section of the fest dedicated to the peace and love of the 1960s.

Houston Beer Fest
Hermann Square Park
12 to 8 p.m. June 13 and 14
900 Smith Street
Houston, TX 77002
www.houstonbeerfestival.com

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Caribbean-American Heritage Month Festival: Celebrate the Islands’ Colorful Culture on Saturday

June 4, 2015 by

Alexander Hamilton. W.E.B. Dubois. Colin Powell. All three have something in common—other than shaping the fate of the United States—they all have roots in the Caribbean. Along with a handful of other U.S. icons, the trio proves that Caribbean-Americans have had a major impact on the course of American history. Caribbean-American Heritage Month celebrates their accomplishments, and in Houston, that includes the Caribbean-American Heritage Month Festival.

Held this Saturday at Jones Plaza, about two miles from Siena at Memorial Heights, the annual festival once again brings Caribbean flair to the city via live music and dance, poetry, and even storytelling and dramatic readings. Traditional Caribbean cuisine augments the performances, from jerk chicken to pelau (a dish of peas and rice) to roti. Even tropical drinks are served, such as Mauby, crafted from the bitter bark of a tree and ample amounts of sugar.

The Caribbean-American Heritage Month Festival
Jones Plaza
2 to 10 p.m. June 6
600 Louisiana Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 836-0273
caribbeanfestival.caribbeanheritagetx.org/index.html

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Cassandra Wilson Coming Forth By Day: A Celebration of Billie Holiday to be Held Friday at the Miller Outdoor Theatre

May 28, 2015 by

Billie Holiday passed away more than 50 years ago at the age of 44, defeated by decades of drinking and reveling in her massive fame. But in her short time on earth, she built a legacy that has now extended far beyond double the length of her lifespan. On May 29 at Miller Outdoor Theatre, a modern-day songstress with a set of pipes that could rival Billie's will celebrate what would have been the legend's 100th birthday. (Her actual birthdate was April 7, 1915.)

Cassandra Wilson has been in the music industry since she was six—or, at least she was beginning to dip her toes in the water. That was when she started playing the piano. By 12, she was strumming the guitar. Not long after, she discovered that her musical abilities extended beyond instruments. Cassandra Wilson went on to become a Grammy-Award-winning blues, jazz, country, and folk singer. She pays homage to one of the greats who inspired her at this outdoor concert on Friday, held less than 15 minutes from Siena at Memorial Heights.

Cassandra Wilson Coming Forth By Day: A Celebration of Billie Holiday
Miller Outdoor Theatre
8:30 p.m. May 29
6000 Hermann Park Drive
Houston, TX 77030
(281) 373-3386
milleroutdoortheatre.com/events/650

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Art Car Museum: Where Motor Vehicles Collide with Creativity

May 22, 2015 by

Everyone’s heard of muscle cars, antique cars, and concept cars. But what about art cars? If that term has you scratching your head, maybe it’s time you step into your own car (artful or not) at Siena at Memorial Heights and make the short drive to the Art Car Museum.

In a nutshell, this is where motor vehicles collide with art. Not literally — in fact, each art car is painstakingly conceptualized and adorned in ways you probably never thought possible. Also known as “Garage Mahal,” the museum usually only has a few cars (and exhibits rotate every few months) but they’re so detailed that taking them in is well worth your time.

While you’re there, you can watch a video where art car artists describe what it’s like to create — and in some cases, drive — creative endeavors on wheels, and learn what drives them to affix everything from baubles and knickknacks to Texas-sized antlers to their vehicles. And, best of all, admission is free!

Art Car Museum
140 Heights Blvd.
Houston, TX 77007
(731) 861-5526
artcarmuseum.com
www.yelp.com/biz/art-car-museum-houston

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Celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month at AsiaFest

May 15, 2015 by

Houston may be thousands of miles away from Asia, but it gets a little bit closer on Saturday, May 16 thanks to the Asia Society Texas Center. That's when the center will kick off AsiaFest, a two-day celebration in homage to Asian Pacific Heritage Month. Held at the Asia Society Texas Center, which is just a three-mile, or 10-minute drive from Siena at Memorial Heights, the event will highlight many facets of Asian culture.

Asian food will be served by food trucks from around the area, including a few that fuse Asian fare with other cuisines. Slurp some traditional pho from Pho-Jita or dig into one of the fusion tacos by Tila's Taco Truck. You can also enjoy shows put on by local dance troupes and bands, focused on genres such as South Asian folk dance or Japanese taiko drumming. Art exhibits, fitness classes, family-oriented crafts, and booths helmed by local vendors will round out the roster of activities at AsiaFest this year.

Asia Society Texas Center
AsiaFest
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 16 and 17
1370 Southmore Boulevard
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 496-9901
asiasociety.org/texas/asiafest2015

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Spend an Afternoon Learning About Beer at Buffalo Bayou Brewing in Houston

May 8, 2015 by

A chocolate-pecan Scotch ale. A witbier brewed with basil. And a beer that’s inspired by bananas Foster. Houston’s Buffalo Bayou Brewery has all of these beers and more. You can find Buffalo Bayou beers at bars throughout Houston — including bars and restaurants close to Siena at Memorial Heights, like Porch Swing, J Black’s, Star Pizza, and Little J’s — as well as in Dallas and Austin.

But the best way to get a crash course on “Buff,” as fans call it, is by attending a brewery tour, offered noon to 3 p.m. every Saturday. Since the brewery is less than 10 minutes from Siena at Memorial Heights, it would make for a convenient outing — and a delicious one. Head to the brewery to learn about the brewing process and the inspirations of owner Rassul Zarinfar as you sample fresh beers right off the conveyor belt.

You’ll find that Houston itself serves as an inspiration for Zarinfar. His Heritage series consists of a few beers that are nods to local history. The 1836 Copper Ale is named for the year Davy Crockett arrived in Texas; and the Great White Buffalo speaks to the legend of this mythical Texas creature. Brewery tours are $10 per person and include a souvenir tasting glass.

Buffalo Bayou Brewing
Brewery tours, noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays
5301 Nolda St.
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 750-9795
buffbrew.com
www.yelp.com/biz/buffalo-bayou-brewing-houston

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Sip and Swish at Absolve Wine Lounge Near Siena at Memorial Heights

November 6, 2014 by

Described by Yelp reviewers as "intimate," "dimly lit," and "cozy," the family-owned Absolve Wine Lounge is tucked away in a Houston strip mall not far from Siena at Memorial Heights. In fact, it's Absolve's unassuming exterior that many reviewers credit for its under-the-radar status—a major "plus" among locals looking to avoid the crowds commonly associated with a nightlife destination of Absolve's caliber.

Inside, tealights flicker on two-top tables, while heavy curtains in sumptuous fabric shield the living room-esque space from the hot Houston sun. Chic pendant lighting is suspended over the bar area, which hosts vintages from all over the world, plus a selection of craft beer. Regulars recommend arriving during happy hour, then settling into a wingback chair or curling up on the leather sofa. Paired with a glass of red at a discount price, the Punjabi-style popcorn is a popular choice from the happy hour menu.

Absolve Wine Lounge
920 Studemont Street
Houston, TX 77007
(281) 501-1788
www.absolvewinelounge.com

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