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Rich Gelato Is Served Atop Brioche Buns at SweetCup in Houston

April 24, 2015 by

After traveling through Italy during her honeymoon, the founder of SweetCup returned to the U.S. with a new purpose: to bring the authentic Italian gelato cafe experience to Houston. Her cafe, SweetCup, opened in February 2012, bringing with it authentic elements ranging from its all-natural gelato to its freshly brewed espresso that makes use of locally roasted beans.

At SweetCup, gelato is prepared in small batches on a daily basis. Flavors vary by season, but past highlights have included peanut butter stracciatella, caramelized banana, and bourbon caramel alongside everyday favorites such as bacio and zabaione. Order your gelato atop a warm brioche bun or enjoy it "affogato" style, topped with two shots of fresh espresso. Regulars note that the sorbetto here is also not to be missed, especially when the flavors highlight summertime fruits and berries.

SweetCup is open Tuesdays through Sundays.

SweetCup
3939 Montrose Boulevard
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 942-2226
www.sweetcupgelato.com
www.yelp.com/biz/sweetcup-houston

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Southside Espresso: Sip Your Daily Perk-Me-Up

April 9, 2015 by

It's easy to miss tiny Southside Espresso–it's tucked behind other shops in a Montrose plaza–but regulars say this little coffee house is definitely worth seeking out. Southside Espresso offers everything you need to start your day off right. Order a double shot of espresso, either straight up or mixed with a bit of foamy, steamed milk, then grab a chocolate croissant or blueberry muffin for the road.

Southside Espresso is also a good place to linger if you've got the time. Free Wi-Fi makes it easy to catch up on email or get a bit of work done, while the shop's specialty drinks, like the sweet potato latte or cardamom and clove spiked latte, are ideal for slow, leisurely sipping. A variety of house-made syrups complete the shop's flavor possibilities, and a line-up of beers and wines rounds out the evening possibilities at this hotspot.

Southside Espresso
904 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 942-9990
southsideespresso.com
www.yelp.com/biz/southside-espresso-houston

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Houston Dairymaids: A Gourmet Cheese Shop

March 12, 2015 by

Cheeses of all varieties can be found at Houston Dairymaids, a specialty cheese shop on Airline Drive. For the past seven years, Houston Dairymaids has brought local, hand-made cheeses unlike any other to the city’s specialty foods community, seeking out products made from unpasteurized milk to offer customers excellence in flavor. Working strictly with Texas cheesemakers sets this market apart from other specialty food stores, giving recognition to some of the state’s best cheesemakers.

Houston Dairymaids is open Tuesdays through Sundays to sell cheese, honey, Slow-Dough breads, fine wines, and craft beers. Learn the subtle differences between Scarmoza and Mozzarella or which cheeses pair well with your favorite wines. Houston Dairymaids is a great place to indulge in your passion for delicious dairy products while you stock up on your favorites or pick up a few to give as gifts.

Houston Dairymaids
2201 Airline Drive
Houston, TX 77009
(713) 880-4800
www.houstondairymaids.com
www.yelp.com/biz/houston-dairymaids-houston-2

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Doshi House Cafe: More Than Your Typical Coffee House

February 12, 2015 by

Doshi House Cafe serves an array of coffee, teas, and vegetarian bites. Regulars at this Houston coffee shop know that it uses only locally roasted Greenway beans and makes its own flavoring syrups in house. Stop by for a quick cup of joe to go, or sit down to savor a foamy cappuccino or cup of hot green tea.

Regulars praise the strong, globally inspired food menu, too, and recommend you pick up some lunch at Doshi House Cafe next time you've got a few minutes to spare. Try the curried vegetable panini, served with muenster on thick-sliced bread, or enjoy a fragrant bowl of coconut Thai soup that comes swimming with rice and greens. The Creole red beans and rice is a house favorite, with its hearty base and spicy broth spooned over the top. Everything at Doshi House is 100 percent vegetarian, too, so you can feel good about getting your RDA of veggies.

Doshi House Cafe
3419 Dowling Street
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 528-0060
www.doshihouse.com
www.yelp.com/biz/doshi-house-caf%C3%A9-houston-2

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Shopping With Elbow Room at Memorial City Mall

January 15, 2015 by

If you haven’t been to Memorial City Mall in Houston lately, you’re missing out. This large mall has recently gone through a renaissance, transforming it from a rundown to a favorite in town. Many shoppers prefer this mall over the Galleria for its convenient location, parking, and fewer crowds. Macy’s, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Sears and Target are anchor stores, but there is a wide range of contemporary shopping options, including everyday favorites like Ann Taylor Loft, Express, and Foot Locker. The mall boasts plenty of specialty stores, like Apple, Build-A-Bear, Pandora, Sephora, and Teavana.

The food court has been recently updated, too, with numerous selections for a quick bite to eat. Options range from good ol’ American Chick-Fil-A to Sarku Japan. If you need a full service spot to refuel, California Pizza Kitchen and The Cheesecake Factory are shoppers’ favorites. Kids love the whimsical play area that includes a carousel and train that takes little shoppers on a ride through the mall.

Memorial City Mall
900 Gessner Road
Houston TX 77024
(713) 464-8640
http://www.memorialcitymall.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/memorial-city-mall-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/www.bluewaikiki.com

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Breen’s Florist: Express Yourself Via Fresh Blooms

December 11, 2014 by

Breen's Florist does more than just deliver flowers; according to its company philosophy, it delivers emotions.

When you can't be there in person, you can at least be there in spirit via a fresh bouquet of flowers expressing your sympathy, congratulations, or well wishes. And you can always trust Breen's to deliver, since the florist has been doling out blooms around Houston since 1943.

Even its delivery vans are colorful and eye-catching, though they're a mere preview of the sprays that sit inside. The Sweet Effects bouquet, for example, showcases a design by fashionista Vera Wang: a mix of pink lilies and double lisianthus, yellow roses, solidago, and emerald leaves in between. It's all artfully arranged in a chic, contemporary glass vase. The arrangement suits all occasions and sentiments, from an "I'm sorry" to "Best wishes."

For something a bit more striking, send a tropical bouquet such as the Exotic Garden Cube. Housed in a stout green vase, this conglomeration of blossoms showcases the vibrant orange, magenta, and yellow of Birds of Paradise, orchids, lilies, and pincushions. The posy is the perfect way to welcome summer or celebrate a birthday.

Breen's Florist
1050 N. Post Oak
Houston, TX 77055
(713) 668-2376
www.breensflorist.com
www.yelp.com/biz/breens-florist-houston

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Theater Under the Stars: Light Up the Night With Live Theater

November 13, 2014 by

Take in a show preformed by the impressive company Theater Under the Stars at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Originally founded in 1969 in the open-air theater of Miller Park, this innovative company has grown into its now-permanent location under a sea of sparkling fiber optic stars, adding a magical atmosphere to each show produced.

Performing popular musicals such as Man of La Mancha, Evita, Jekyll and Hyde, and Flashdance, the talented actors and actresses draw a large crowd at each show. Theater Under the Stars has also expanded to include TUTS Underground, an intimate theater of 500 seats that produces shows that are slightly more counter-culture. Take advantage of the Cuisine & Culture package that includes a three-course dinner from one of four participating restaurants along with orchestra setting for a show at either venue. With so many options from one company, theater lovers of all stripes will appreciate all TUTS has to offer.

Theatre Under the Stars
800 Bagby Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 558-2600
www.tuts.com
www.yelp.com/biz/theatre-under-the-stars-houston

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Saint Arnold Brewing Company: Houston’s Oldest Microbrewery

September 15, 2014 by

Tap into your passion for craft beers at Saint Arnold Brewing Company. Houston's first microbrewery, Saint Arnold opened in 1994 and has since become a much-loved and respected beer label with dozens of brews to its name. In fact, the brewery's famous Fancy Lawnmower beer, a smooth German-style Kolsch, has become a staple of craft beer pubs across the country.

The small staff at Saint Arnold truly loves their beer and the community that surrounds it, offering weekly tours and hosting special events, such as the annual Feast of Saint Arnold, an enormous fundraiser that features a four course meal of beef, pork, fish, and poultry alongside seasonal and year-round brews. Stop by the modern warehouse brewery for a taste of what’s in the kegs and pick up a few souvenirs and bottles of your favorite beers to take home with you.

Saint Arnold Brewing Company
2000 Lyons Avenue
Houston, TX 77020
(713) 686-9494
www.saintarnold.com/tours/index.html
www.yelp.com/biz/saint-arnold-brewing-company-houston

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Come for a Workout, Stay for the Amenities at FIT

September 4, 2014 by

FIT members aren't scrambling to get in and out of the gym. Unlike the crowded, uncomfortable atmosphere you'll find at most cookie-cutter gyms, FIT cultivates an ambiance that makes guests want to stay a while.

Perhaps it's the free Wi-Fi offered in a comfortable lounge. Or maybe members stick around for the steam rooms and saunas where they can unwind after a workout. Of course, it could also be the FIT cafe, where desktop computers are open for checking e-mail, low-fat meals and smoothies are served, and fitness apparel and supplements are sold.

No matter the reason, exercisers often seem to stick around around working out on FIT's state-of-the art cardio and strength equipment. That is, if they decide not to attend one of the popular Group X fitness classes. From Pilates and "Hard CORE" classes to cycling and INSANITY sessions, the group workouts get attendees sweating alongside friends.

FIT
1532 W. Gray Street
Houston, TX 77019
(713) 782-9348
http://www.fithouston.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fit-athletic-club-houston

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Trellis Spa at The Houstonian: Pamper Yourself

August 14, 2014 by

Pamper yourself at Trellis Spa at The Houstonian. This hotel spa offers an array of relaxing and rejuvenating services, from facials and waxing to massages and body wraps. Customers love the ambiance with soothing decor and fresh flower arrangements. Large windows look out onto the Houstonian’s 18-acre grounds.

Arrive early for your service and lounge about in a soft, oversized robe and snack on cookies and tea. Guests are encouraged to take advantage of the amenities, which include an indoor float pool, jacuzzi tubs, steam rooms, and a tranquility room with a fireplace.

Plan on spending a whole afternoon at Trellis.

Trellis Spa at The Houstonian
111 N. Post Oak Lane
Houston, TX 77024
(713) 680-2626
www.houstonian.com/TheSpa.aspx
www.yelp.com/biz/the-houstonian-hotel-club-and-spa-houston

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