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Your Thai Fare Favorites Are on the Menu at Ploy Thai Cuisine

October 23, 2014 by greystar

Fresh, friendly, and flavorful are the operative words at Ploy Thai Cuisine, where the food of the region is served in a cozy, modern setting. Stop in to quell your hunger with a bowl of yummy soup or a flavorful entree. The salad and appetizer bar comes with each entree, but be aware that you can’t take leftovers out with you, so come with a hearty appetite and clean your plate.

The menu features a curry du jour, featuring either Panang, Green, or Massaman curry. Entrees include Pad Prik Khing with your choice of meat with red curry paste, green beans, lime leaves, and bell peppers; Ploy’s Garlic with garlic sauce, steamed vegetables, and your choice of meat; and Cashew Chicken with onions, mushrooms, and cashews in brown sauce. Soft shell crab, seared salmon, and mahi mahi are among the seafood dishes.

Ploy Thai Cuisine is open every day.

Ploy Thai Cuisine
1500 Research Forest Drive
Spring, TX 77381
(281) 465-8399
www.ploythaicuisine.com
www.yelp.com/biz/ploy-thai-cuisine-spring

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/mimolag

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Ploy Thai Cuisine, Restaurants in Spring, Spring Dining

Culinary Terms for Gourmet Recipes

October 16, 2014 by greystar

It’s fun to try new recipes in the kitchen, but that fancy new dish may involve a few cooking techniques that make you scratch your head. Here are a few helpful definitions of some kitchen terms that you might encounter in a gourmet-style recipe.

Crème Fraiche. Crème fraiche is a creamy sauce with a tangy, sharp flavor. You can purchase it in most high end grocery stores, or you can make your own using 1/2 cup of whipping cream and 1/2 cup of sour cream. Cover the mixture and let it sit for at least two hours to thicken.
Filet. If the word is used as a verb, filet means to remove the bones from meats like steak or fish. As a noun, this is the piece of meat after the bones have already been removed.
Glaze. A glaze is a thin coat of sugar syrup that’s applied before cooking. After cooking, the glaze turns to a hard finish that’s almost to the point of cracking.
Gratin. Gratin is literally the French word for “crust.” This is usually used for oven-baked savory dishes, which are prepared in a shallow, oval-shaped gratin dish and covered with a browned crust of breadcrumbs or cheese.

Glossary of Basic Cooking Terms [Les Petites Gourmettes]
Cooking Terms [Recipe Goldmine]
Glossary of Cooking Terms [UMN]
Glossary of Cooking Terms [Better Homes & Gardens]
Culinary Terms [About.com]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Joy

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: Baking, Cooking, Food, Kitchen Terms

The Hen House: A Houston-Area Destination For Fiber Arts Supplies

October 9, 2014 by greystar

If you’re in to quilting or knitting, or if you want to learn, The Hen House in Spring is the place for you. This 6,000 square feet retail store is packed floor to ceiling with quilting and fiber arts supplies. Those that enjoy knitting and crocheting will be amazed at the yarn selection with everything from simple skeins to luxurious wools. Quilters will love the sewing supplies and colorful selection of fabrics. The Hen House regularly offers classes for beginners and experienced crafters. For those that aren’t crafty themselves, but appreciate artisan goods, they sell handmade gifts like candles, cards, jewelry and knitted items.

The Hen House
6915 Cypresswood Drive
Spring, TX 77379
(832) 482-2591
www.yelp.com/biz/the-hen-house-spring

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/flyngmunky

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Crafts, Shopping, The Hen House, Things to Do in Spring

Wacky Mongolian Grill: Conquer Hunger

October 2, 2014 by greystar

Craving some unique tastes? You’re in charge at the Wacky Mongolian Grill because you choose all the ingredients yourself!

Just make your way to the buffet line and pick out all the meats, noodles, rice, and veggies that you please – it’s your creation. Then, you take your bowl to the big flattop grill, where the show begins! The chefs have a good time cooking, and you’ll have a good time watching them. And in the end, you are presented with a tasty bowl. You can also pick one of the Wacky Mongolian’s specials like the Chicken Teriyaki or the vegetarian Feast. Finish up with a fruit bowl or ice cream cake and you’ve had a meal good enough to conquer!

Visit Wacky Mongolian Grill's website to learn more about this

Wacky Mongolian Grill
21212 Kuykendahl Road
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 288-3232
http://www.yelp.com/biz/wacky-mongolian-grill-spring

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/David Boyle

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Wacky Mongolian Grill

Gianna Italian Kitchen: Tomball Italian Fare

September 25, 2014 by greystar

Gianna Italian Kitchen offers Tomball diners some of the best Italian food in town. The gorgeous menu is matched by an equally stunning interior, making Gianna’s the perfect place for a romantic rendezvous or a celebratory dinner. The wine list is quite robust, with a number of great varieties that pair beautifully with the many tasty dishes.

Featured appetizers come in both hot and cold varieties and include such delectable dishes as Fried Ravioli in marinara sauce, assorted gourmet Italian meats served cold, and Sautéed Escargot with fresh herbs. Signature dishes include Grilled Rib Eye Steak with flavorful garlic butter, Pasta and Sausage with a medley of fresh vegetables, as well as a sautéed fish with mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes.

Gianna Italian Kitchen
28301 State Highway 249
Tomball, TX 77375
(281) 290-6676
http://giannaitaliankitchen.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/gianna-italian-kitchen-tomball

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/andrewmalone

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Gianna Italian Kitchen, Restaurants in Tomball, Tomball Dining

Crazy About Cosmetics? Check Out These Makeup Boards on Pinterest!

September 18, 2014 by greystar

If you’re a fan of makeup, even the most average day can feel like playing dress up. From the latest cat eye looks to bold-hued lipsticks that add a dramatic flair to your look, there are always new makeup trends to try. Here are three great Pinterest boards that cosmetic enthusiasts will love.

Nail Art Designs
Your face isn’t the only thing that you can doll up with cosmetics. This Nail Art Designs Pinterest board is filled with fun and exciting ideas for your fingernails and toenails, and it even includes seasonal designs that will help you to coordinate your nails with the current holiday. Try out a classic chevron print or add lace decals to make your nails look professionally done right from your own home.

Makeup Looks
Whether you’re looking for something edgy and high fashion or a look that’s more natural and feminine, this Pinterest board has a makeup look for every mood. There are even costume makeup ideas with instructions that go along with them, so you can create the perfect cat whiskers or scary Halloween makeup for your next costume party.

Lip Colors
This board is dedicated entirely to the latest lip colors from your favorite makeup brands, including MAC’s dramatic mattes, classic Chanel shades, and even affordable options from Maybelline and Cover Girl.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Courtney Rhodes

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: Cosmetic, Health, Makeup, Pinterest

Crescent Moon Wine Bar: Good Wine and Good Food in Spring, Texas

September 15, 2014 by greystar

Wine is meant to be enjoyed at a place like the Crescent Moon Wine Bar, a popular hot spot near Millenium Waterway. From the outside, this may look like an unassuming spot, but Crescent Moon's pleasant interior creates the perfect setting for sharing good wine and good food.

Come in, seat yourself, and check out Crescent Moon's extensive wine list. Over 300 different wines to be exact, and many can be had by the glass. Visit for lunch or dinner and try a selection of cheeses, tasty salads, sandwiches, and entrees. Don’t miss Social Hour Tuesdays through Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and compliment your drink with some tapas, bruschetta, sliders, or pizza. You can also stick around to see great live music almost every night.

Crescent Moon Wine Bar
440 Rayford Road
Spring, TX 77386
(281) 364-9463
http://www.yelp.com/biz/crescent-moon-wine-bar-spring

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/isante_magazine

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Crescent Moon Wine Bar, Restaurants in Spring, Spring Dining, Wine Bars

Champions Roller World: Lace Up Your Skates at This Old-School Rink

September 4, 2014 by greystar

A good old fashioned night of roller skating is one of the most wholesome American pastimes, and Champions Roller World is the perfect spot for any birthday party or night out with the kids. The colorful interior doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles of newer skating rinks, but it’s full of retro charm from the neon lights and bright red booths to the shelves full of roller skates lining the walls. The entire facility is clean and well maintained, though the prices are still very affordable.

Champions Roller World is especially great for parties, and you’ll often find a children’s birthday party happening in one of the private party rooms. Birthday parties include private skating, an emcee to lead games, customizable music, and a party room where guests can enjoy cake and other outdoor food. Whether you come for a celebration or just to enjoy a few hours of skating, Champions Roller World promises fun for adults and kids alike.

Champions Roller World
5504 Fellowship Lane
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 370-0750
www.skatechampions.com
www.yelp.com/biz/champions-roller-world-spring

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/jovanlaar

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Champions Roller World, Spring Attractions, Things to Do in Spring

Happy Labor Day!

September 1, 2014 by greystar

We hope everyone has a happy and safe Labor Day!

Filed Under: Life at The Millenium Waterway Apartments Tagged With: Millenium Waterway Holiday Greeting

Italian Café: A Neighborhood Spot for Italian Cuisine

August 28, 2014 by greystar

You don’t have to travel far from Millenium Waterway to find great Italian food, not when the Italian Café is close by! Conveniently located in Spring, Texas, the Italian Café is a welcoming Italian restaurant that's family-owned and operated. Come in and have a glass of wine while you look over the menu that features classic dishes. If you’re in the mood for pizza, the Italian Café has small, medium, and large pies for any person or group. Try one of the special pies, or create your own! Every entrée comes with delicious garlic bread and a salad with delicious house dressing. The pasta, chicken, and veal dishes will make you want to come back for more. The Italian Café is open Tuesdays through Saturdays for dinner, and Sundays for lunch and dinner.

Italian Café
19620 Kuykendahl Road
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 528-2919
http://www.yelp.com/biz/italian-cafe-spring-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/jseita

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Italian Café, Italian Cuisine, Restaurants in Spring, Spring Dining