If you're craving the sweet, spicy, and altogether enchanting flavors of some top-notch Chinese cuisine, you definitely need to make a visit to Houston’s Pepper Twins in the near future. This increasingly popular West Gray Street restaurant is making quite a name for itself, thanks to what it describes as “country-style organic Chinese food.”

The menu takes cues from the cuisine of the Sichuan province of southwestern China, which means the spiciness and use of garlic is not for the faint of heart. Yet it’s practically irresistible, especially when things like Berkshire pork belly and a dish called “Fish Loves Tofu” are on the menu. Adventurous eaters and Chinese cuisine fanatics must pay Pepper Twins a visit.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr insatiablemunch

One of the biggest perks of living in a bustling metropolis is the diversity and culture that you encounter on a daily basis. You can really engage in the diverse city that you call home at the 24th Annual Houston Iranian Film Festival, running from January 20th through the 25th and hosted by The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH).

This annual festival has been part of the local arts scene since 1993, the first year that movie lovers convened at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston to view and discuss the cinematic works of emerging Iranian filmmakers. Today, the MFAH continues the tradition, screening movies created by talents from Tehran, the U.S., and Canada. Chances are you'll recognize some of the actors since several of them appeared in films at the famed Cannes Film Festival, and even if you don't, you'll still be delighted by the wide variety of films spanning a huge spectrum of genres. Most of the festival takes part at the MFAH, so don't miss it!

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr MoreLife81

A must-visit for beer lovers, Beer Market Co. has a huge selection of ales that are sure to please even the most discerning fan. There are 24 beers on tap daily, and they vary in both taste and origin. Beer imported from all over the world is available here, including locally produced favorites and national brands. And that’s just on tap! With its extensive collection housed in the “Beer Vault,” all in all there are over 365 types of beer here. There’s a menu full of snacks, salads, and sandwiches to pair with your drink too. For the non-beer drinkers, there are specialty cocktails as well.

Beer Market Co. has a great atmosphere that you're sure to love, with televisions strategically placed around the interior for watching the big game and the outdoor patio where many patrons love to spend the evening. Beer Market Co. isn't far from Siena at Memorial Heights, so head over here to sample some great craft beer.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Matt From London