Top Ten Things To Do in Houston, a running list

I will add to this list, so rankings may change and some things might even fall off the list.  Nevertheless, I will do my best to lead you in a decent direction within a place we love to call home, Houston, Texas.

10. Sundance Movie Theater:

Have you been to it, yet?  Well, Brian and I went Friday evening and decided to take full advantage of the food and wine bar and experience everything the movie theater had to offer.  I mean, the whole idea of watching a movie with a glass of wine, legally, and eating a gourmet meal sounds pretty appealing.  If you have already been there, then you know you pick your seats with your tickets, which is very convenient.

We walked over to the food and wine bar and ordered a margarita pizza and BBQ chicken quesadillas.  OK, so that is not really gourmet, but it isn't a tub of popcorn, covered with fake butter or a greasy hot dog, either.  Anyway, we took our food and drinks to our assigned seats and were ready to watch Safety Not Guaranteed.  The food was decent.  My wine was tasty, and I believe Brian enjoyed his  beer.  Now, the movie was pretty funny.  Mark Duplass from The League and Aubrey Plaza from Parks and Recreation were hilarious (http://www.safetynotguaranteedmovie.com/index.html).  Brian kept telling me not to laugh as loud, but if you know me, that is sort of impossible.  Overall, I am glad Sundance is opened.  The concept makes sense.  We loved going to Angelika and were sad when it closed, so at least something a little better took its place-- definitely better than another Edward's Cinema.  Overall, highly recommend you check it out, if you haven't already.

9.  Houston Sports Complexes

This is an obvious must.  I mean, it is nice being in a city where you can watch PROFESSIONAL basketball, football, baseball, soccer, hockey, etc.  Even if you are like me and find most of your teams visit Houston, well, at least, they visit Houston and you get to see them play.  However, I must say two Houston teams I definitely cheer for are the Texans and Dynamo.  Speaking of the Dynamo-- the new stadium is really nice and orange.

With the new stadium, aka, BBVA Compass Stadium, it will bring other events to Houston, such as rugby.  Who went to rugby Saturday night?  We did.  Who knew anything about the game? We didn't.  Who watched the entire game?  We didn't.  Isn't that awful?  I shouldn't even write about it because I have nothing worthy to state about it, EXCEPT its fans.  I must say the USA Rugby team has some pretty loyal and expressive fans, which made for a great people watching evening.  If it weren't so damn hot, then maybe we would have stayed until the end,  just to see if any of the expressive fans could make us shake our heads or laugh more.  While we were there, I took a few pictures...    

Who wears short shorts?

Man in white leotard....

So the stadium management had to tell a large group of men to put on their shirts.

The guys who put on their shirts

And, well, America, the beautiful

8. Eat Out in Houston

Another obvious choice.  I mean, it is one of the best parts of living in a city, restaurant choices.  My 3 new favorite places to dine are:

1.  Uchi (http://uchirestaurants.com/houston/)- I was probably one of the last people to finally try Uchi.  A part of me was waiting for the hype to subside, but another part of me thought, maybe, it is just hype.  Therefore, I walked in to Uchi with low expectations, sad to admit.  BUT, I am here to state, it is my new favorite restaurant.  I love the food's creativity and flavor combinations.  The menu is so fun to read, a little overwhelming, but still, fun!  In fact my girlfriends and I couldn't concentrate, so we had the Chef's Tasting, which is a great way to try things you may or may not otherwise choose.   We picked a fabulous bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, and it paired well with everything we ate.  My favorite dishes were raw or undercooked.  While the hot dishes were tasty, I preferred the cold tastings.  Perhaps, I was just in the mood for the raw fish.  Nevertheless, the place rocks!  Finally, something from Austin worth the hype.  Sorry, Torchy's.  
2. Underbelly (http://underbellyhouston.com/)- In my little ol' opinion Chris Shepherd is the best chef in Houston.  When he closed Catalan, I was devastated.  Then the chatter began about Underbelly, and it couldn't arrive in Houston soon enough!  LOVE IT!!!!  Of course, we die for the Korean Braised Goat and Dumplings.  When has anything partied like that in your mouth??!!  The goat is so well-married with the spicy, tangy, sweet sauce, and the light, cuddly little dumpling-- will make you beg for more.  And we do.  Thank you, sir, I'll have another.  Everything I have eaten at Underbelly has been delicious!  In fact there was a month or so we went at least once a week.  Well, last Saturday we returned from a small break, so the weekly streak may need to start, again.  TOO GOOD TO MISS!!!
3. Brasserie 19 (http://www.brasserie19.com/)-  At this point this place is old news, but I don't care.  It is consistent, and worth every last bite.  The best bread and whipped butter in town.  The best selection and quality of oysters in town.  The best Dirty Gin Martini in town.  Another place where I have liked everything and anything I have ordered.  The house-made Salmon Gravlax was a dish I had never heard, and oh, wow!  It is a perfect hors d'oeuvre- salty, creamy and added to toast the flavors dance on your pallet.       

All the pictures are from my night at Uchi. I will try my best to remember the name of each dish, but can make no promises I am right. With the Chef's Tasting it was hard to keep up with it.  

brussels sprouts

crispy brussels sprouts٠lemon chili

hamachili

baby yellowtail٠ponzu٠thai chili٠ orange supreme

fried milk

chocolate milk٠toasted milk٠iced milk sherbet

Houston's Steak Nights

Well, our night began with the plan to pick up Lucy from Doggy Daycare, feed her, then get ready to head to the Dynamo game.  Actually, the Dynamo game was what I thought I would share tonight. Our love for tailgating and parking-lot gourmet would have been the subject.  However, we had a change in plans.  First, the radar looked like there would be more rain tonight.  If you know Brian, then you know he tends to think his third major was meteorology--the ability to predict weather better than your grand dad.  That being said we told our friends we would just meet them at the game, no tailgating this time.  Instead, we would grab a drink at our new favorite spot, Mongoose Vs. Cobra, then head to our all-time favorite Leon's Lounge for steak night, and end the night with a little, "Dy Na, Dy Na, Dy Na, Dyn-amo, .....Dy Naaaaa, ...Dy Nuhhh Moeeeee."  Then Brian realized he left the tickets at home.  Hmmm.  The beer was so good at Leon's, and we just finished a pretty decent steak night, that the idea of rushing out the door to back track and deal with parking seemed unreasonable.  So we enjoyed our new and old favorite sites.

Leon's Lounge

The best part was it has given me a great opportunity to share with you what we love about Leon's Lounge and the new Mongoose versus Cobra.  First, for me Mongoose vs. Cobra probably earned cred through their first venture, 13 Celsius, which is basically my favorite wine bar in Houston.  And what we noticed this evening was we love the eclectic crowds these places draw.  It is no Washington Av, thankfully.

"...try things you've never experienced..." I love that statement.

Wait.  That brings up another thought from the evening.  The Pedal Party.  Forgive me, for those who have enjoyed pedaling and puking around Houston's finest or drunkest spots, but seeing these folks gave me no choice but to take the opportunity to make fun.  Oh, I know, what you are thinking, "Karra, give them a break.  At least they are not bored."  Yes, true.  They are not bored.  And they allow me to not be bored, as well.  "Thank you, Pedal Party, you have given me something to laugh."  Seriously, though.  It is Wednesday.  What do they think Thursday will feel like?  "More importantly, Pedal Party, do not ruin the coolness Midtown has become since your headquarters, Washington Avenue, took over our town."  Thank you, Washington Av., Kung Fu party and 8 is enough is far, far from my reality.

I spy...a hangover.  

Oh, yeah, I got a little side tracked...Leon's Lounge.  Steak Night.  $17.  It was a deal.  The dinner starts with a nice little salad.  I meant to share a picture, but thought about it too late.  Let's see if words can give it justice.  It was the good lettuce, --not iceberg, slightly browned, chopped for a Sonic Burger with a little diced tomatoes.  Nope.  It was actually something you would expect from its neighbor, Reef.  Spring greens tossed with feta cheese, sliced carrots, fresh tomatoes and a refreshing vinaigrette.  Then the steak came just as we ordered, medium.  It was a New York strip, which isn't my favorite, but it was good.  Brian is a big fan of NY strips, and he definitely enjoyed it. I am either one of two people: the woman I aspire to be, filet mignon or my hometown gal, ribeye.  Nevertheless, it was a nice little dinner.  You should try it.  Wednesday night is steak night at Leon's.  Another great steak night is Community Bar, Tuesday nights, you can take your dog and share your left overs without the bag.  

A delicious Saison beer

I forgot to mention the potatoes...delicious!

Back to Mongoose vs. Cobra.  Last Thursday was my first time there, and they probably make one of the best Manhattan's in town, next to Anvil and Hearsay.  Tonight, we enjoyed a Brooklyn.  Actually, Brian probably enjoyed his more than I.  It is made with dry Vermouth, rather than sweet Vermouth, which is the ingredient I appreciate in a Manhattan.  Yeah, yeah, --then I should have ordered a Manhattan. Both drinks were made with Rye, which is the best.   We started here, went across the street to eat, then ended the evening back at Mongoose vs. Cobra with our favorite digestif, Cynar on the rocks.  I recommend you try this evening.  You will not be bored.    

Cynar on the rocks

               

Cooking: Father's Day Feast

Happy belated-Father's Day to all the dads!  We had a very nice Father's Day.  One of our favorite things to do is cook.  For both Brian and I it allows us to be creative and share our love for food with friends and family.

Last Spring we went to Italy with Brian's family and stayed at a wonderful Tuscan Villa where the hosts cooked a couple of delicious Italian dinners for us.  Additionally, Brian's sister and brother-in-law treated us to an Italian cooking class.  From it we learned to prepare pizza bread, homemade pasta, bruschetta, baked chicken and a wonderful strawberry panna cotta for dessert.  The pizza dough recipe was probably the one thing we have used the most.  When we make pizza, I will share the magic with you.  Anyway, Italy always inspire us, so for my dad we decided to cook an Italian-themed dinner.

The Menu:

Italian meats and cheese with French olives (all from Central Market) 

Bruschetta (Italy's Tuscan recipe)

Calamari, Tomato and Caper Salad (courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis)

Spaghetti Carbonara (courtesy of Food and Wine)

Cannoli's (my sister-in-law's recipe) 

When my parents arrived, we started with a non-alcoholic drink, (shocking, I know) Strawberry Lemonade.  Well, my parents are not much of Gin drinkers, so I left it out. The truth is the drink is super delicious with or without Gin.  For summer days, especially by the pool this cocktail is perfect.


Strawberry Lemonade
1 can of frozen Lemonade
1 bag of frozen strawberries
52oz of sparkling water
Gin, if you so desire

In a pitcher mix lemonade, strawberries and sparkling water together and place in refrigerator.  When your guests arrive, serve over ice and, if you want to get the party started, add 1.5 ounces of Gin.  Yum!

Since it was Sunday we enjoyed each course throughout the day, which is a great way to visit with family.  A little wine here, a little bite there, a little more wine, a little more bites... makes for a fabulous experience.

For wine we drank from our Argentinean stock.  Four years ago we went to Argentina and fell in love with Malbecs, so we signed up for wine shipments from Vines of Mendoza (http://vinesofmendoza.com/).  They actually have a tasting room in Mendoza, which is where we decided to join their wine club. We haven't been disappointed, yet.

Overall, each dish turned out well.  The Bruschetta (pronounced broo- sketha-- the Italians corrected us) was delightful.  To my surprise the little garlic rub really came through each bite.  The calamari salad was light and perfect for a Houston summer day.  Brian made the Carbonara and I assisted, and it was absolutely mouth-watering delicious.  He used just the right amount of pancetta and made it perfectly crunchy.  It was delightful-- not too creamy or greasy, just right, really.  Then the cannoli's were good.  Within the recipe I noted a small mistake, but oh, well.  It was my first time to make them, and they were still decent.  

Attached are the recipes.  Please, feel free to steal them as we did and enjoy a wonderful dinner with friends and/or family.

Bruschetta

Calamari, Tomato and Caper Salad

Pasta Carbonara

Cannoli with Espresso

Recipes:


Bruschetta


Ingredients

Roma Tomatoes
Basil
2 cloves of garlic, peeled
Salt and pepper to taste
2 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil
French loaf of bread

Directions

Set oven to broil.  Cut Roma tomatoes into small pieces.  Cut ribbon slices of fresh basil
Place tomatoes and basil in bowl and add salt, pepper and olive oil, toss and let sit

Prepare bread- slice 1/2 inch slices and lie desired amount on cooking sheet.  Place the sheet in oven and toast each side until golden brown.  Take garlic clove and rub it unto each slice of bread.  Take tomato and basil mixture and place a spoonful or so unto each slice of bread.  Serve.

Calamari, Tomato and Caper Salad (courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis) http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/calamari-tomato-and-caper-salad-recipe/index.html

Ingredients

Salad:

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 Roma tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound calamari, cleaned, sliced into 1/4 to 1/2-inch slices

Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
• 1 lemon, zested
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Directions

For the salad: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes and red pepper flakes and cook for 2 minutes. Season the calamari with salt and pepper and add to the skillet. Saute, stirring frequently, until cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Drain the mixture in a colander.

For the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, oil, capers, and lemon zest until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Transfer the calamari mixture to a serving bowl. Pour in the dressing and gently toss until all the ingredients are coated. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.

Pasta Carbonara (http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/creamy-spaghetti-carbonara)

Ingredients

1. 1 pound spaghetti
2. 2 large egg yolks
3. 1/2 cup heavy cream
4. 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
5. 6 ounces thickly sliced pancetta, cut into 1/8-inch dice
6. 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
7. 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (3 ounces), plus more for serving
8. Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
9. Freshly ground pepper

Directions

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti until just al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks and cream. In a large, deep skillet, heat the oil. Add the pancetta and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until crisp, 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until golden, 1 minute.
3. Add the spaghetti to the skillet. Cook over low heat, tossing, until coated. Slowly add the reserved pasta cooking water and beaten egg yolks. Toss until coated with a creamy sauce, about 1 minute. Add the 1 cup of Parmesan and the nutmeg; season with pepper. Transfer to bowls and serve, passing extra Parmesan.

Cannoli

Ingredients

1 1/2 c ricotta cheese

1/2 c powdered sugar, sifted 

1 cup whipping cream, whipped

1 tsp creme de cocoa

1/2 tsp cinnamon or to taste, chic or mini chips

Cannoli Shells (purchased at Central Market)

Directions

Beat ricotta cheese with sugar, cinnamon, chocolate--if runny add cornstarch. Fold whipped cream in last.  Shells will stay crisp 1 1/2 after filling. This is my favorite one. You can make the filling ahead if time and it keeps fine, just fill right before eating.  Also you don't have to use the creme de cocoa if you don't have it. Enjoy! 

NOTES: I did not need the corn starch.  I also did not use the Creme de Cocoa because I couldn't find it.  As I am re-typing the recipe I realized I used 2.5 cups of ricotta cheese, not a terrible mistake, but surely it made a difference.  I am not a baker.  For my lack of detail it becomes a hinderance with desserts, which is the reason I usually do not make dessert.  My sister-in-laws are really good bakers. Me? Not so much.  Oh, well.  Even with that little mistake the Cannolis were tasty.  

Boredom is Ignorance

When I was a kid, I remember often telling my mother, "I'm bored, Mom."  She would almost always tell me, "Go read a book."  And I would roll my eyes and dramatically pivot away from her, re-enter my room and ponder what else I could do, besides read.  Sadly, I always found reading to be boring or maybe more lonely than anything.  I was an only child and preferred playing with other kids or doing anything to get out of the house and explore.  


Fast-forward 30 years, and I still find myself thinking, I'm bored.  I'm bored with work. I'm bored with Houston. I'm bored with the restaurants.  I'm bored with the heat.  I'm bored with running.  And really, with a life full of possibilities, how can one ever be bored? Boredom is truly ignorance.  It is a choice one makes as an excuse for complacency or lack of creative thought.  Laziness, really.  Last week, the yoga teacher brought up boredom on the mat, and I thought, can she hear my thoughts? Crap. 

Boredom is unnecessary, so I have decided to enthusiastically embrace it and blog about various things I am doing to make life fun.  Then, maybe, you will agree and try it, too.  I have been talking about creating a blog forever, so I am just going to do it, starting tonight. What the hell.  Who cares if no one reads it.  My husband and I love to cook, run, travel, listen to live music, eat and drink, so I hope to share our journey in both words and pictures.

Now, go read a book.

Admittedly, I am reading a book.  Like many women in America, I am reading Fifty Shades of Grey and have made it to the second book.  For those of you who have shared book club with me and experienced my love-hate relationship with reading realize me reading the second book is a big deal. It means I read the first one.  It was the first book I have finished in a while.  Actually, Brian gave me a Kindle last Christmas, and it was my first full book to read on it.  Pathetic, huh?  I am notorious for starting books, and you guessed it, becoming bored.  So anyway, I am going to get back to book two and see what position Ana is in now.

Cheers!      

A Glimpse into My Sense of Humor, Chicago 2009