Fusion 36 Degrees: Healthful Juice

Since opening in 2010, Fusion 36 Degrees has become one of the most popular spots for health-conscious Katy residents to pick up a beverage. Their incredible customer service is illustrated by their guarantee – if you don’t like what you ordered for any reason, they’ll make you a new drink for free! Not many people take advantage of that offer, though, as the quality of their juices is incredibly high.

Fusion has an incredible array of flavors available in their smoothies, including common fruits like strawberry and banana and more exotic preparations like taro and jasmine tea. Fusion 36 Degrees also serves a variety of milk teas, bubble teas and other beverages. It’s become a popular spot for students to work because there’s plenty of very comfortable seating and many wall outlets to power laptops and other electronics. There’s also a restaurant next door if you’re looking for a bite to eat!

Fusion 36 Degrees
3950 Fry Road
Katy, TX 77449
(281) 579-1828
http://www.fusion36degree.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fusion-36-degree-katy

3 Olives: Eclectic Italian Cuisine in Katy, Texas

This eclectic Italian restaurant elevates itself from the competition with a creative and dynamic menu that goes beyond the norm. As you’d expect from Texas, grilled meats are a big attraction here, and Katy's 3 Olives does them exceptionally well. Regulars rave about the peppercorn-crusted beef tenderloin filet served with mashed potatoes, asparagus and your choice of two delicious sauces – either a mushroom demiglace or a gorgonzola cream sauce. Whichever you pick, you’re in for a treat. The osso buco is also well-esteemed, featuring a slow-braised veal shank that might be some of the tenderest meat you’ll ever eat. Of course, they also offer a selection of fresh pastas that win praise from picky eaters. Try the Southwest fettuccini, a fusion dish melding Italian pasta with cilantro cream and roasted peppers. More traditional dishes are also executed ably, with the lobster ravioli a favorite. If you’ve got a big appetite, the Kitchen Sink pasta dish is a must.

3 Olives
22764 Westheimer Parkway
Katy, TX 77450
(832) 437-4062
http://www.3oliveskaty.com/index.html
http://www.yelp.com/biz/3-olives-katy-3

Nikko Sushi & Sake Lounge: Indulge in Japanese Cuisine

The ceremony and ritual involved in drinking sake, the Japanese rice wine, is fascinating and a lot of fun. If you’re interested in exploring it, a stop at Katy’s charming Nikko Sushi & Sake Lounge might be in your future. When you walk in the door, you’ll immediately notice the incredibly well-apportioned interior of the place. Deep red and gold walls and an uptown vibe lend it an air of class that most area sushi places can’t match. The staff is equally top-notch, with affable waiters happy to explain menu items and make recommendations. Their sake selection is well-composed, and their signature cocktails are awesome – try the dragonfruit martini. The menu is extensive, but some favorite picks include the Hot Mamma roll made with soft shell crab, cream cheese, shrimp, spicy tuna and eel sauce, as well as the Lobster Kiwi that blends succulent shellfish with kiwi fruit and avocado.

Nikko Sushi & Sake Lounge
410 W. Grand Parkway
Katy, TX 77494
(281) 395-2808
http://www.nikkosushigrill.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/nikko-sushi-and-sake-lounge-katy

Season’s Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season with all the warmth and splendor this time of year has to offer. Happy Holidays!

Where to Shop American-Made Labels on the Web

Whether you're seeking a high-quality product, you're ooking to spur the domestic economy, or you just relate to the look of certain label, opting for American-made apparel and accessories is always a commendable choice. Below, find five websites that sell American-made products.

Pendleton The Portland Collection
Incorporating wool milled in the company's Pacific Northwest woolen mills, Pendleton's entire The Portland Collection of men's and women's apparel and accessories is made in the USA.

Steven Alan
Stocking a laundry list of labels, including Steven Alan's eponymous designs, this website features many American-made finds, including men's and women's apparel from the likes of Filson, Band of Outsiders, and Black Crane. 

Nate's American Made Store
From tools, toys, and baby blankets to apparel, backpacks, and bird feeders, every single item sold on this website is made in America.

Allen Edmonds
Since 1922, Allen Edmonds has been handcrafting American-made men's leather casual and dress shoes that undergo a detailed 212-step manufacturing process.  

Catbird
With a brick-and-mortar location in Brooklyn, Catbird is renowned for a charming selection of handmade jewelry from independent New York designers.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by those you love and full of many things to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving!

Pinot’s Palette: Painting and Wine

Pinot’s Palette in Katy a hot stop for art lovers to mix creativity and alcohol into something truly unique. Here’s how it works: there’s a schedule of classes that changes every month, each one revolving around a specific painting. Groups book seats and show up with wine, beer, snacks and whatever else they might enjoy as they learn the skills necessary to create their own interpretation of the featured painting.

Even if you don’t have an artistic bone in your body, the patient instructors will help you get up to speed with the techniques and materials and by the end of your class you’ll have an interesting keepsake. Sessions last for three hours but the time flies by so fast you may not even notice. It’s important to reserve spaces well in advance as classes tend to fill up quickly, a testament to how popular this place is.

Pinot’s Palette
2910 Commercial Center Boulevard
Katy, TX 77494
(281) 769-2961
http://www.pinotspalette.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pinots-palette-katy

Kira Sushi: Ocean Fresh Sushi Rolls

Texas isn’t a state that’s particularly known for sushi, but the staff at Katy's Kira Sushi are working hard to change that. Starting with the freshest fish available, they prepare a wide selection of rolls and other dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. The staff here is incredibly welcoming and friendly, making this a delightful spot for both experienced sushi eaters and newcomers.

The menu is anchored by traditional Japanese dishes – start with the steamed edamame or the marinated seaweed salad and move into more filling offerings like the tasty thin-sliced seared tuna with ponzu sauce. Kira's sushi rolls are well-assembled. Traditional offerings like futomaki and more Americanized creations like the Victoria’s Secret (spicy tuna topped with whitefish tempura, scallop and special sauce) are very adeptly made. They also make one of the best Mongolian Beef dishes in town if you don’t feel like eating sushi.

Kira Sushi
1830 S. Mason Road
Katy, TX 77450
(281) 391-8898
http://kirasushikaty.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/kira-sushi-katy

Chuy’s: Tasty Mexican Fare in Katy, Texas

Obviously Texas has no shortage of Mexican cuisine, so a restaurant has to do something special to earn as much love as Chuy’s. Tex-Mex fare is the order of the day here, and the plates are full of flavor. Portion sizes are also proudly enormous, so you’re guaranteed to walk away feeling full.

The first Chuy’s was opened in 1982 in a former barbecue shop in Austin. Over the next three decades, they grew into a powerhouse chain. The décor is as funky as the menu – the walls are festooned with kitschy velvet paintings, hubcaps hang from the ceiling, and each location has a shrine to Elvis Presley. When the time comes to browse the menu, go for the epic burritos (proudly advertised as being “as big as your face”) – they’re hearty and delicious. Other favorites include the stuffed chile rellenos and the tortilla soup. Don’t leave without getting one of their famous margaritas as well!

Chuy’s
21300 Katy Freeway
Katy, TX 77449
(832) 772-1277
http://www.chuys.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/chuys-katy

Happy Veteran’s Day!

Today we pay tribute to the men and women who have fought, and continue to fight, for our freedom. Thank you, veterans!

Pin It on Pinterest