Uchi offers elegant, modern fare in an atmosphere that works well for everything from a romantic date to a business dinner with new clients. This central Houston restaurant is inspired by Japanese flavors and techniques, though it serves seafood from around the globe in a series of small, shareable dishes.

You'll find traditional sushi and sashimi, like sea eel with orange and ginger or salmon belly with ikura, but you'll also find a number of unique options, like the "ham and eggs" sushi roll, which combines katsu pork belly with an egg yolk custard and espelette. Other menu items include things like smoked duck confit served with endives and bacon and tempura fried cauliflower, and regulars say you shouldn’t miss the crispy Brussels sprouts served with a squeeze of lemon chili. Finally, you should know that this place is popular and fills up during peak hours, so making a reservation is definitely the way to go.

Uchi
904 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 522-4808
www.uchirestaurants.com/houston
www.yelp.com/biz/uchi-houston

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Driving a car, turning on a light, heating or cooling our homes and offices—it all takes energy. But where does this energy come from? Read on to find some fun facts about energy.

1) Energy has many sources. Most of the energy we use is sourced from fossil fuels, nuclear power, or renewable sources like the sun. New sources, like biofuel, are being developed to help with the growing demand for energy sources.

2) Electricity is not a primary source of energy. Instead, it's considered a secondary source of energy, and it comes from primary sources that include coal, wind, and natural gas.

3) Electricity is a hot commodity in modern America. The demand for electricity in the U.S. is predicted to increase by 26 percent by 2030. Electricity is the second-most used energy source in American homes, second only to natural gas.

4) Heating our homes in the winter consumes the most energy. Space heating consumes the biggest chunk of energy in residential homes, ahead of large appliances such as laundry machines, computers, dishwashers—even refrigerators!

5) The U.S. sources 84 percent of its energy from fossil fuels. What's more, the U.S. consumes 20 percent of the world's total energy. To help with our growing energy needs, many companies have made an effort to cut back on energy usage. Large household appliances are becoming more energy efficient, and the government has mandated that in 2020, all new cars must average 35 miles per gallon. The automobile industry has also been focusing on creating electric cars to help decrease the use of energy.

For more information on energy, read What You Need to Know About Energy on The National Academy of Sciences website.

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The funky atmosphere of Ben’s Beans in downtown Houston provides patrons with an extra mood boost to go along with their cup of joe. Brightly colored walls covered in local artwork enclose this cozy coffeehouse, giving it a warm touch not found in sterile, overly hip cafes. The welcoming attitude of Ben’s is just one reason to love this cafe, but the large selection of locally roasted brews are another.

Java enthusiasts will appreciate the knowledgeable baristas at Ben’s, while casual coffee drinkers will love the many different flavor options, teas, and hot cocoas available. Also serving food, Ben’s is a great place to pick up a hot or cold sandwich for lunch or treat yourself to a freshly baked pastry. The spacious parking lot and free Wi-Fi make Ben's location a convenient choice for patrons seeking a temporary workspace.

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