Jonathan’s The Rub: Burger Paradise

It’s a little hard to find, and the décor isn’t much to speak of, but Jonathan’s The Rub consistently sweeps the best burger category in local polls year after year. The massive burgers, seasoned with a top secret spice rub and served on an ever so slightly sweet sourdough bun, are only on the lunch menu; if you ask nicely you might be able to get one for dinner. But really, you can save the burgers for lunch; Jonathan’s dinner menu has many tempting options including a lobster slider starter (Maine lobster salad served open-faced on sweet Hawaiian buns), Italian pastas, and an assortment of juicy steaks. Jonathan’s is small and does not take reservations but you can call half an hour or so before your arrival to make sure there is seating available.

Jonathan’s The Rub
9061 Gaylord Street
Houston, TX 77024
(713) 465-8200

Murder by the Book: Mysteries and More

As the name implies, Murder by the Book, a comfy neighborhood book store, has the mystery genre as its main focus. The shop has an extensive mystery section and is host to frequent book signing events from some of the genre’s biggest names. However, if you’re looking for fantasy, nonfiction, or romance, Murder by the Book has still got you covered. This is an old fashioned full service book store, something that is becoming increasingly rare in this age of megastores and online shopping. Unlike larger, more impersonal retailers, Murder by the Book is staffed by friendly folk who will grow to know your tastes are always there to give you personalized advice. There is a real community surrounding the store, bolstered by twice-monthly book discussion groups and an ongoing Mystery Author Luncheon Series at the Briar Club.

Murder By The Book
2342 Bissonnet Street
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 524-8597

Block 7: Where Wining and Dining Merrily Marry

Block 7 Wine Company successfully pulls off the multiple roles of restaurant, wine bar and tasting venue, and retail shop.  Plus, there’s occasionally live music and art for added excitement.

You’ll get wise wine counsel from the staff. Enjoy flavorful versions of your favorite grapes from unusual vineyards at prices that respect Block 7 diners.  Four bottles get you a discount, and you’re welcome to save some for home.  Tasting events introduce interesting wine producing areas of the world, and offer delicious nibbles. You can look forward to Happy Hours five days a week at Block 7.

Eclectic lunch and dinner menus include light and serious fare.  You’ll find great soups and flatbreads, a venison Sloppy Guiseppe on a Challah bun, and an amazing grilled cheese with apple sandwich. Truffle popcorn or gorgeous salads might lead you into a dinner of lamb chops, bacon-wrapped filet mignon, or housemade pappardelle shrimp. Warm bread pudding and chocolate gooey goodness are among the desserts that will bring you back.

Block 7 Wine Company
720 Shepherd Drive
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 572-2565
www.block7wineco.com

Gatlin’s BBQ: Worth the Wait

Some call it the best barbecue in Texas; this tiny place is certainly popular, doling out Texas-style dry rub barbecue meats to crowds every day of the week. Regulars agree that the brisket is out of this world; salty, smoky, and melt in your mouth tender. Lean, chewy ribs are a popular choice as well. The sauce, served on the side, strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. Homemade sausages come smoked or in spicy links. Sides and desserts are of the humble home style variety; beans, coleslaw, green beans, and a bread pudding your mama might have made. Be forewarned, this kind of slow cooking can take a while, and Gatlin’s sometimes closes when they run out of meat; it’s best to call in your order ahead of time.

Gatlin’s BBQ
1221 1/2 West 19th Street
Houston, TX 77008
(713) 869-4227

Pho Binh: Bowl of Joy

Pho is a daily staple of Vietnamese cuisine – eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this soup of beef broth redolent with star anise, cinnamon, and caramelized onions and served with noodles, fresh vegetables, and meats is a culinary delight. Pho Binh’s original location, Pho Binh Trailer, is an unpretentious, gritty little spot to try pho in a wide range of varieties, with meats that range from familiar to Western diners to downright odd. If you are an adventurous sort, you’ll find brand new textures and flavors to try in every bowl. Pho Binh also has several other locations that offer equally delicious food in a more polished atmosphere, but Pho Binh Trailer is a place you have to experience at least once.

Pho Bihn

Pho Binh Trailer
10930 Beamer Road
Houston, TX 77089
(281) 484-3963

Pho Binh Bellaire
10827 Bellaire Road
Houston, TX 77072
(281) 568-7333

Pho Binh By Night
12148 Bellaire Boulevard
Houston, TX 77072
(832) 351-2464

Pho Binh Westheimer
5901 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77057
(713) 781-8881

Space Center Houston

Houston’s voice is universal. Synonymous with Mission Control and space flights, Houston is home to both NASA’s Johnson Space Center and to Space Center Houston. Space Center Houston is your ticket to space education and adventure. At Space Center Houston, you can simulate rocket blast-off and everyday life in the microgravity environment of the astronauts.   Get close up to astronauts’ spacesuits, equipment, and capsules; touch a real moon rock, and take a tour of the training and communications facilities at the Johnson Space Center. You can also sign up to take the special Level 9 Tour behind the scenes, or play Star Wars: The Clone Wars and spend the day shooting blaster light wands through a labyrinth or biking upside down.

Whatever activities you pick for your visit, you’ll find it out of this world.

Space Center Houston
1601 NASA Parkway (formerly NASA Rd. 1)
Houston, TX 77058
(281) 244-2100
www.spacecenter.org

Happy New Year!

Wishing you a year of happiness and success in 2013.

Taco Keto: Houston’s Best Tacos on 4 Wheels

There are plenty of taco trucks to choose from in Houston, but Taco Keto is among the best. This unassuming bright red truck doesn’t offer any frills – “dining in” consists of sitting at a large communal table outside and taking in a telenovela with your meal – but in exchange you get fresh, delicious tacos at rock bottom prices. Served on seasoned corn tortillas with potatoes, cilantro, cheese, and your choice of two salsas, these greasy little bites really hit the spot for lunch or as a late night snack. And at these prices, you can get three or four for the price of a sandwich elsewhere. The UH students who frequent the place rave about the tacos al pastor, made with shredded pork. If you’re not in the mood for tacos, Taco Keto also serves up tortas, burritos, and Mexican sodas.

Taco Keto
1401 Cullen Boulevard
Houston, TX 77023
(713) 224-1898

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you a wonderful and safe holiday season filled with warm memories!

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