If you’re looking for an authentic taste of Italy without leaving Houston, regulars say you’ll find it at Luigi’s Pizzeria. This charming eatery is decorated in Italy’s colors both inside and out, and the spacious outdoor patio offers the best seats in the house.

The menu lists made-from-scratch pizzas that rely on hand-tossed dough and a wide selection of fresh toppings, including traditional Caprese and margherita pies. In addition to pizza, the eatery offers spicy hot wings, fresh salads, and authentic Italian gelato made fresh on-site. Luigi’s Pizzeria is BYOB, so you can bring your favorite wine or beer to enjoy while you eat, and there is also free delivery with a $20 minimum purchase if you prefer to enjoy your pie at home.

Luigi’s Pizzeria is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays.

Luigi’s Pizzeria
3700 Almeda Road
Houston, TX 77004
(281) 793-3333
www.luigipizzamidtown.com
www.yelp.com/biz/luigis-pizzeria-houston

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Flavorful cilantro is a staple herb in many Southwestern and Mexican dishes, but it also complements a number of other types of foods as well. From butters to desserts, there are a whole slew of creative new recipes that incorporate the unique taste of cilantro. Here are three out-of-the-ordinary recipes for cilantro lovers!

Tropical Cilantro Smoothie [The Kitchn]
Though it may seem unusual, the flavors of tropical fruits pair very well with cilantro. This cool and refreshing smoothie blends pineapple, banana, and orange juice with a whole cup of cilantro, creating a summery taste that also contains a number of beneficial nutrients to make you feel energized and healthy.

Avocado Cilantro Sherbet [Martha Stewart]
Avocado is an unlikely addition to a cool sherbet, but then again, so is cilantro. Both ingredients are surprisingly delicious when combined with lime juice and whole milk in this fresh and tart dessert.

Cilantro Herb Butter [Simply Recipes]
Whether you spread it on bread or use it to flavor chicken, this cilantro herb butter is a great multipurpose way to add cilantro to any dish. The combination of cilantro and lime give it a classic Southwestern flavor, but the buttery texture is something completely unique. Best of all, this recipe takes just four ingredients and a few minutes to make.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Matthias Rhomberg

Purchasing furniture can be a big investment, and it can take quite a toll on your bank account no matter your budget. Here are a few smart ways that can help you save money on furniture while still investing in high quality pieces that will last for years to come.

• Don’t fall for zero percent down. Many furniture stores offer deals like this in order to get you to purchase all of your furniture at once, but it usually isn’t worth it. Instead of paying a large markup for zero percent down, be patient and space out your purchases to get what you really want.
• Visit estate sales. If you’re searching for bargains, estate sales are a great option. You can often find gently used furniture that was once very expensive at a markdown, provided that you don’t mind hunting for buried treasure.
• Seek out floor sample sales (and ignore most other types). While most furniture sales are gimmicks or hardly very helpful, you’ll get the best bang for your buck from a floor sample sale. Because these items are technically “used” (though only in the store), they’re always marked down significantly.
• Shop at furniture outlets. Instead of shopping at discount furniture stores full of poor quality pieces, shop high quality items with very minor damage at a furniture outlet.

Furniture Shopping Tips: The Best Secrets For Furnishing A Home On A Budget, From Real People [HuffPost Home]
How to Save Money When You Buy Furniture [About Home]
How to Buy Furniture [WikiHow]

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