More Than Meats the Pie! Sampling a Few Mouthfuls of Some Different Kinds of Pies Including an Aussie Staple, The Meat Pie
While any day is good when pies are involved on National Pie Day you have an excuse to eat all the pies and the Houston Life team did just that! From pecan to pizza to an Aussie Staple, the meat pie, Melanie Camp arranged a few samples for Lauren Kelly and Derrick Shore to dig into.
The XFL Season Opener is Feb 18 Why You Need to Be at the Game
The Houston Roughnecks play an awesome game of football and you can help the team bring it to their 2023 season opener on February 18 by helping to pack the stands. To get an idea of how much fun the first game of the season is going to be, Houston Life's Melanie Camp headed to University of Houston's TDECU Stadium to catch up with Houston Roughnecks Cornerback Alexander Myres and WR coach Payton Pardee. Fun fact, Pardee is the grandson of legendary Houston football coach Jack Pardee! Watch the video above.
The Affordable New Option for Power Outages
You know how it goes in Houston. It is sunny and warm one minute and cold and icy the next. Then, the lights go out. Well, what about all that food in the refrigerator or even worse, a life saving medical device that canโt run? What can you do to prepare your family or your home for a power outage?
Help the Author Who Wants to Donate Books to Children Battling Cancer
Author Liz Williams is a bone marrow transplant survivor and is using her book "The Junk-Bike Crew & Mattie's Match" to help kids understand what getting a bone marrow transplant is all about. Courtney and Derrick sat down to chat with Williams about her book and how she wants to donate books to children battling cancer.
Local Volunteers Deliver Sweet Dreams to Houston Kids
All children deserve a safe and comfortable place to lay their heads but so many in Houston do not even have their own bed. Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a group of local volunteers who are doing their bit to make sure no child sleeps on the floor in Houston.
5 ways to support Small Business Saturday
It all comes at you so quickly: One minute, youโre making grocery lists and setting the menu for Thanksgiving, and then, in the blink of an eye, the holiday has arrived, only to be followed by Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday -- and then your tree goes up and Christmas morning is here.
All Things Merry and Bright
The holiday season is here and a family favorite is checking out all of the holiday lights across the city. This year Reliant has two events they want you to see. Think Instagram worthy photos with all the twinkling lights and music your merry heart desires. ย Houston Lifeโs Melanie Camp headeddown I-45 South to the Houston Botanic Garden and Space Center Houston to check things out.
Putting the BOO Into ArBOOretum for Spooky Family Fun This Weekend
โTis the season for extra ooooooโs at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. ArBOOretum is back. Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Houstonโs best fall festival with a number of fun activities that are fun for the whole family. Plus, there will be plenty of candy for all!
Taking a Look at the Training the ABC Home & Commercial Services Team Do Ahead of the Holiday Light Rush
'Tis the season for getting ready for the holiday season. How is your holiday season pre-game looking? We sent Houston Life Correspondent Melanie Camp out to Cypress to see how the team at ABC Home & Commercial services get ready to help you decorate your home for the holidays.
La Casa Mรกs Dulce Del Mondo En Houston is Where You Will Find the Best Desserts in Town
The sweetest house in the world is in Houston at Sweets by Belen. This place is a go to for the Houston Life team whether we are celebrating birthdays or satisfying a sweet tooth craving. But the story behind Belen Bailey's journey from Peru to teaching to baking is just as sweet as the alfajors she bakes in honor of her mother and grandmother.
A QWICK Staffing Solution Linking Freelance Hospitality Professionals with Available Restaurant Shifts
A big problem during and after the pandemic is staffing issues. Most stores and restaurants have "now hiring" signs in their window. Well, there is a โQWICKโ solution linking hospitality workers to available shifts, and it is a win-win for workers and businesses alike.
Something to Smile About
Barry Burns rides motorcycles, has dabbled in acting, and is getting into teaching. Plus, he has an infectious smile. Grins from ear to ear. But, it was not always this way. Houston Lifeโs Melanie Camp headed to Southwest Houston to meet Barry and find out how Amazing Dental Solutions changed Barry's life for the better.
GiGiโs Playhouse Sugar Land gives hope to mother after baby diagnosed with down syndrome
When Benita Leon discovered she was pregnant, she and her husband were overjoyed with excitement, hopes and plans for their babyโs future. Those hopes and plans came to sudden halt when a doctor delivered the news that their baby was diagnosed with down syndrome. Uncertain for what the future would now hold for her child, Leon felt overwhelmed and helpless. Luckily, help was on the way to guide her and her family through their journey.
Flower power: Freedom Floral in Spring Branch uses shop to support other women-owned businesses
Freedom Floral, a full-service flower shop in Houstonโs Spring Branch district, opened in the summer of 2020 by three moms, Chelsea Wrobel, Bridget Azzam and Jenna Scott, all on a mission help support other local women in business and share the power of the female tribe.
Husband and wife get โOut the Mudโ to build booming seafood delivery business
After evacuating their home in Louisiana in 2016 due to catastrophic floods Jamie and Stanley Alford had to find a way to start over, and they did just that - relocating to Houston with their family, where they managed to get out the mud and triumph together.
Cheers to Sipple: Texasโ first booze-free bottle shop opens in Houstonโs Rice Village
Sipple, the new non-alcoholic bottle shop in Houstonโs Rice Village offers everything from dealcoholized wine to functional spirits. Husband and wife team Danny and Helenita Frounfelkner have something in stock for every sober curious person.
Local legend: Houstonโs Pancho Claus is coming to town in his zoot suit and lowrider
Sure, Santa is great, but have you met his cousin, or primo, Pancho Claus? Heโs a zoot-suit-wearing, lowrider-driving Houstonian who has been passing out presents in the East End since the 1980s. Pancho Claus is a local legend in the Houston community who has even gained national attention, but this year he needs your help.
SWEET SCOOP: Katy ice cream shop creates job opportunities for adults with special needs
From classics like vanilla to gourmet flavors like Dr. Pepper Chocolate Chip, you canโt go wrong with any of the scoops at Howdyโs Homemade Ice Cream. The cherry on top? Knowing your icy sweet treat supports a really cool cause.
Local candy shop Cypress Sweets shares festive edible craft for the holiday season
Whether youโre looking for a unique gift, party ideas or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth Cypress Sweets is the one stop shop that can fill all your candy needs. Owner Courtney Okanlomo along with Sweets Specialist Karina Williams shared a festive candy craft that the whole family will love.
A guide to Spa World, Katyโs first traditional Korean Spa
If your idea of a spa includes an overpriced massage, one to two saunas and a single hot tub, get ready to open your eyes to a whole new world. Located in Katy, Texas, Spa World is a traditional Korean spa where the motto is โMore than you expected,โ and boy do they deliver. Houston Life reporter Lauren Kelly visited the spa, which opened in the fall of 2020, to learn all about the cultural traditions and health benefits associated with it.
Montrose nut butter shop shares healthy recipes perfect for your holiday spread
November is National Peanut Butter Lovers Month, and weโre celebrating with the help of our friends from Fix & Fogg in Montrose. General Manager Blake Lupton shared three healthy nut butter recipes that will be the perfect addition to your holiday spread.
Move over pumpkin pie! This Houston bakery has the show stopping dessert you need for your holiday table
Anyone who thinks baking is a breeze has probably never done it before. Itโs something Treacherous Leches owner Jodi Wray had to learn the hard way. After enduring hardships brought on by the pandemic, Wray was forced to swap his business cap with a baking hat and quickly learned just how hot it can get in the kitchen.
BEST OF HL: Houston restaurant provides meaningful employment to adults with disabilities
Special people making special food, thatโs the motto behind Belong Kitchen, the new restaurant in Memorial City thatโs making big waves in the Houston community. As her daughter was getting ready to graduate from high school, Belong Kitchen founder Kim Brown realized that there was a severe lack of career opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). But, rather than wait for the world to change, Brown set out to change the world and prove that people like her daughter Ellie are capable of doing amazing things.
Hispanic-owned coffee shop serves experimental brews in Houstonโs Second Ward
Nothing goes better with an autumn afternoon than a good cup of coffee, and we know just the place to curb your caffeine cravings. Segundo Coffee Lab is located in the newly refurbished Ironworks building in Houstonโs Second Ward where husband and wife team Martha and Manuel Gil are serving up some innovative drinks while staying true to their roots and the vibrant hispanic culture within community.
Mother and son find savory success after job loss by opening Tex-Mex BBQ joint in Houstonโs East End
Every rain cloud has a silver lining, and that was the case for Alfredo Martinez and his mom Teresa. After both losing their jobs, the mother and son team came together to start a tasty new journey: El Pobre Tex-Mex BBQ. Now, the duo can be found cooking delicious Tex-Mex barbecue in Houstonโs East End District, serving each plate with southern comfort style and their traditional family flavors.
โPies with a purposeโ: Magnolia cafe gives back to veterans and their families
Tucked away in the town of Magnolia, Texas is a local cafe thatโs redefining the recipe of comfort food. In addition to being delicious, every item on their menu supports a good cause: giving back to veterans. Victory Pie Company owner Sheila Blue serves hot and fresh pies daily in order to honor those who serve their country.
Former Houston Texans linebacker teams up with wife to tackle furniture industry
Following his five year career as an NFL linebacker with teams including the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears, Darryl Sharpton found a new calling with the help of his wife Jessica. Together the two have teamed up to tackle the furniture industry by building the national brands Edloe Finch and Albany Park right here in Houston.
BEST OF HL: Put this old-fashioned general store in the historic Sixth Ward on your Houston bucket list
If youโve ever wanted to experience the nostalgia of an old-fashioned general store, we know just the spot. Nestled in the historic Sixth Ward neighborhood is a community gem boasting tasty bites and more than 200 locally sourced products. Henderson & Kane General Store is a family run shop with husband and wife John and Veronica Avila at the helm, and Veronicaโs younger brother Jesse Gallegos manning the kitchen. Together, they specialize in top notch barbecue and of course, supporting dozens of local small businesses.
Houstonโs first production cidery takes hardcore approach to perfecting craft
In honor of World Cider Day weโre raising our glasses to Houstonโs very first production cidery. Houston Cider Co. actually started out as a brewery, but in 2017 they switched gears to produce only cider and since then have taken a hardcore approach to perfecting their craft. Co-owners Justin Engle and Steve Macalello explain what it means to them to be the Houstonโs cider pioneers.
Local Asian-American entrepreneur discusses significance of Houstonโs two Chinatowns
Weโre continuing our celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with a candid conversation about the AAPI business community in Houston. Thomas Nguyen, CBRE Brand Advisor and Associate, helped us navigate this important and timely topic. When asked about the increase in hate towards AAPI communities, Nguyen mentions how saddened he is by it.
Itโs tea time! Bellaire tearoom serves traditional tea with a Texan twist
Hankering for a good afternoon tea? Hereโs a local tearoom thatโs serving it with a Texan twist. McHugh Tea Room & Gifts was the first tea room to open in Bellaire, Texas. Owner, Kim McHugh, shares how she started the family business, and how theyโre blending southern charm with tea tradition.
Houston restaurant serves up gooiest grilled cheese with a tasty twist
April 12 is National Grilled Cheese Day, so on Monday weโre showing you where to get the gooiest grilled cheese sandwich in Houston. Twisted Grilled Cheese has added on to its popular food truck business by opening its first brick and mortar shop in The Heights. Weโll take you through the twisted menu filled with all the gooey goodness.
Better together: Husband and wife start unique coffee shop concept in the heart of River Oaks
April is Coupleโs Appreciation Month, so weโre highlighting it with a new local business started by a husband and wife team. Marcus and Karman Lovely, co-founders of DUO Coffee & Pilates, are the perfect pair. Together, the two have combined their passions for health, wellness and coffee shop culture to create a business thatโs the first of its kind in Houston.
โItโs Texan for Teaโ: local business woman puts Texas on the map of global tea industry
CAT SPRING, Texas โ As we wrap up Womenโs History Month, we want to spotlight a local woman-owned business thatโs steeped in the rich history of Texas tea. In the town of Cat Spring Texas, Abianne Falla rediscovered Yaupon, the only caffeinated plant native to North America, thatโs now putting Texas back on the map of the global tea industry. Cat Spring Texas lies about 60 miles west of Houston and has a population of about 1,500. โI think we all remember the driest year in Texas history: the drought of 2011,โ said Falla. Everything looked scorched and withered except for one plant and that was Yaupon.โAdCurious about this sturdy plant, Falla and her sister began conducting research on it.
This cancer survivor is helping women reclaim their crowns through her hair care business in Houston
After battling cancer, Tanieka Randall reclaimed her crown by creating a hair care line thatโs now helping others do the same. Tanieka Randall, owner of Tee's Hair Secret, shares her journey of beating cancer to becoming a successful hair care mogul. Using a hair oil she had previously blended herself, she massaged the product on her scalp with hopes of promoting healthy hair regrowth. In November of 2020, Randallโs hair care business, dubbed Teeโs Hair Secret, had grown to the point where she was able to take it on as a full-time business. Randallโs line of hair care products is geared towards women with โkinky, curly or coily hairโ and includes everything from conditioners to gummy vitamins.
Couple combines backgrounds to launch unique wellness concept in Houston
Sonia Krish, M.D. and her husband Sunny Somaiya combined their backgrounds in medicine and real estate to launch WellnessSpace, a unique rental space geared towards practitioners. and her husband Sunny Somaiya combined their backgrounds in medicine and real estate to launch WellnessSpace, a unique rental space in Houston geared towards practitioners. and her husband Sunny Somaiya combined their backgrounds in medicine and real estate to launch WellnessSpace, a unique rental space in Houston geared towards practitioners. and her husband Sunny Somaiya combined their backgrounds in medicine and real estate to launch WellnessSpace, a unique rental space in Houston geared towards practitioners.
Richmond home baker shows off her skills on Food Networkโs โSpring Baking Championshipโ
Madiha Chughtai, as seen on Spring Baking Championship, Season 7. (ยฉ 2020 Television Food Network, G.P. AdMadiha process, as seen on Spring Baking Championship, Season 7. (ยฉ 2020 Television Food Network, G.P. โSpring Baking Championshipโ airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on the Food Network, or you can stream the episodes on Discovery+.
Do what you love: 12-year-old CEO shares secret to successful Houston soap business
HOUSTON โ The pandemic has had a big impact on small businesses, but that didnโt stop one local 12-year-old CEO from achieving her goals. Being the excellent problem-solver and go-getter that she is, Wright started making soaps for herself. AdWright later expanded her business to include other bath products, including whipped soaps, lotions, bath bombs, body balms and perfumes. During the pandemic, Wright was happily surprised to see a boom in sales due to a high demand for specialty soaps. โThe whole point of this business is just to make people happy and make them feel good about themselves.
How growing up in Third Ward inspired a Houston teacher to become a successful author
HOUSTON โ A former teacher found inspiration in her Third Ward upbringing to create new a fantasy novel set in Houston. The book is called Wings of Ebony and the author, J. Elle, chatted with Houston Life about her impressive story that landed her a six-figure book deal. Houston author J. Elle (Chris Spicks Photography)โI wanted to get into the profession, but I didnโt have any formal training. Wings of Ebony is out now and it debuted on the New York Times young adult bestseller list. To connect with J. Elle, click here.
Instagram-worthy Houston mobile bar shakes up gorgeous Valentineโs Day cocktails
The Traveling Spirit is a chic camper turned mobile bar thatโs the perfect addition to your next outdoor event. Rachel Carlson, The Traveling Spirit Mobile Bar owner, purchased and converted a vintage camper into a chic mobile bar. Rachel Carlson, The Traveling Spirit Mobile Bar owner, crafted two Valentine's Day cocktails, Kiss from a Rose and LoveStruck. KISS FROM A ROSEIngredients:1.5 oz gin1/2 oz aperol1/2 oz rose syrup3/4 oz lemon juice3/4 egg white2 oz grapefruit soda (squirt)Directions:Add all ingredients except soda to shaker Shake (dry) for 15 sec. Double strain mixture over ice Top with grapefruit soda Garnish with dried rose petalsRachel Carlson, The Traveling Spirit Mobile Bar owner, crafted two Valentine's Day cocktails, Kiss from a Rose and LoveStruck.
Houston Heights tea shop spills the tea into some tasty cocktails
โOur customers were really loving the cocktails, so we just canโt stop.โAccording to Boyd, the trick to making the perfect tea cocktail is to infuse the tea leaves in the alcohol. Lavender Honey tea leaves1 oz. hot waterIce (to taste)Lemon wedge for garnish (optional)Directions:Add the Lavender Honey tea leaves to 2 oz. After the tea has steeped for 30 minutes, remove the tea leaves or pour the mixture through a strainer into a cocktail shaker. Pour in your honey simple syrup and stir everything together with a spoon or straw.
Houston designer Alan Gonzalez is using his talent for fashion to help seniors in need
HOUSTON โ When Houston designer Alan Gonzรกlez stopped by our studio in January to show us his latest collection, he had no idea face masks would be one of the most sought-after items in 2020. He's now making those masks with a new purpose and he shared with Houston Life details on these special designs. pic.twitter.com/48yPF70dx1 โ Alan Gonzalez (@Alantude) April 24, 2020โIt started with just her and I making about a hundred, then the number grew. To catch a glimpse of his talents as a designer with his clothing line Alantude, see below a clip of Gonzรกlezโs appearance on Houston Life earlier this year. To purchase Gonzรกlezโs face mask, click here.
TRAVEL THRU TAKEOUT: Itโs all Greek to Houston favorite Niko Nikoโs
When Houstonians think of Greek food, they think of Niko Nikoโs. Since then, the restaurant has expanded to three locations in the Houston area and developed a reputation as a go-to spot for authentic Greek food. Aside from traditional Greek dishes like Dolmathes, Spanakopita and of course their famous gyros, Niko Nikoโs prides itself on being a source for Greek knowledge. So until the day that we can finally see Greece in person, Iโll be happily enjoying takeout from Niko Nikoโs. To connect with Dimitri Fetokakis and Kostas Veliadis, visit the Niko Nikoโs website.
TRAVEL THRU TAKEOUT: Filipinos will not let you leave hungry at Gerryโs Grill in Houston
We met with Gerryโs Grill Co-Owners and siblings Suzette Villapando and Roger Garriel as well as Branch Manager Dennis Mayoral to get the 411 on Filipino cuisine. Straight off the bat, we asked the Gerryโs Grill team to pick one dish to represent Filipino culture. On top of that, Filipino culture is heavily influenced by several other countries. โIt has a mix of Chinese culture in it, Malaysian culture in it, Spanish culture in it and of course the Filipino culture in it all together,โ said Garriel. To connect with Gerryโs Grill, visit their website.
TRAVEL THRU TAKEOUT: Govindaโs transports guests from Houston to India through all five senses
HOUSTON โ If you want to feel truly transported while eating great Indian food, we know just the place! By we, I mean myself, Olivia Kolanek, Houston Life Associate Producer, and Houston Life Photographer Paul Shelton. Located in the Garden Oaks area next to the beautiful ISKCON Temple is Govindaโs, an authentic Indian eatery serving delicious vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Govindaโs Manager Saranga Das explained why they strive to make their guests dining experience so robust. To connect with Chirag Bhatt and Saranga Das, visit Govindaโs website.
TRAVEL THRU TAKEOUT: Cool Runnings Jamaican Bar & Grill serves island vibes in southwest Houston
Chef Terron Henry at Cool Runnings Jamaican Bar & Grill is serving up fresh island flavors thatโll almost make you feel like youโre in the Caribbean. First and foremost, we needed some clarification on how to define the island vibe to newbies to Jamaican food and culture like ourselves. Theyโre in Jamaica - a very relaxed atmosphere.โIn addition to the food, beer and music are key components that contribute to the carefree feeling you get when dining at Cool Runnings Jamaican Bar & Grill. Pre-pandemic, Cool Runnings hosted bands and musical entertainment for guests to jam out to while eating authentic Jamaican cuisine. To connect with Chef Terron Henry, visit the Cool Runnings Jamaican Bar & Grill website.
TRAVEL THRU TAKEOUT: Pho Houstonโs broth is magic in a bowl
The really special thing about Vuโs pho, and really the entire menu at Pho Houston is simple, high quality ingredients. That noodle will be perfect just like this.โWhile the main attraction at Pho Houston was of course the pho, I also couldnโt get enough of their bรกnh mรฌ. Bรกnh mรฌ!โ Thatโs what it is.โBรกnh mรฌ is served on a French baguette, typically with pork, pรขtรฉ and a variety of vegetables. Pho Houston delivers on both counts, sourcing fresh bread from a French bakery in Midtown and making their own pรขtรฉ in-house. To connect with Pho Houston, visit the Pho Houston website.
TRAVEL THRU TAKEOUT: the Colombian food at Houstonโs Mi Pueblito is the real deal
If youโre not as familiar with Colombian food, same, but I was ready for a tasty crash course! te traemos su definiciรณn... Posted by Mi Pueblito Restaurant on Tuesday, August 4, 2020If youโre searching for good, authentic Colombian food, Mi Pueblito is the place to go. Mi Pueblito doesnโt just celebrate Colombian culture through food. โItโs really, really important for us. You know, Colombians feel our country really, really deep in our hearts.โBoth of Mi Pueblitoโs locations are currently open for dine-in and takeout.
TRAVEL THRU TAKEOUT: Cafรฉ Piquet, a Houston Cuban staple that started with a love story
Co-founder Nelly Piquet shares how she started the restaurant with her late husband, Guido Piquet, and now continues to serve the community with her daughter Cristina Benitez. Guido Piquetโs family owned a Cuban marketplace in southwest Houston known as Piquet Market back in the 1970โฒs. Nelly Piquet shares how she started Cafรฉ Piquet with her late husband, Guido Piquet, and now continues to serve the community with her daughter Cristina Benitez. But the young couple continued to build a reputation within the Houston Cuban community, as well as among other food lovers around town. According to Benitez, Cuban culture emphasizes the value of family, food and fun.
From Icee Machines to drones, Houston toy shop owner shares top holiday picks
Learning Express Town & Country Owner Shannon Fritz shares some of this seasonโs top sellers, along with some special toy testers who are giving their honest reviews, the Armstrong family! From flying drones to funky furniture, Learning Express Town & Country Owner Shannon Fritz shares some of this seasonโs top sellers. From flying drones to funky furniture, Learning Express Town & Country Owner Shannon Fritz shares some of this seasonโs top sellers. Iโm going to give it to my friends!โFrom flying drones to funky furniture, Learning Express Town & Country Owner Shannon Fritz shares some of this seasonโs top sellers. I canโt get them off of it!โFrom flying drones to funky furniture, Learning Express Town & Country Owner Shannon Fritz shares some of this seasonโs top sellers.
Here is how at-risk youth and families in need can get holiday meals via new government program
Greg Abbott announced a new program Tuesday that will help provide holiday meals for families and at-risk youth in communities across Texas. According to the release, the program benefits children, youth, and families served by the Texas network of Family and Youth Success Programs (formerly called Services to At-Risk Youth), select Boys and Girls Clubs, select CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) programs and agencies that serve child sex trafficking victims. Here is how it works:Participating restaurants list CFCPs on their online ordering system for customers to purchase on behalf of at-risk families and youth in the community. Participating service providers identify families and shelters who have the most need and work with participating restaurants to get the meals deliveredRestaurants interested in participating in the program can sign up on the Texas Restaurant Association website. Families in need of food can find additional help online: 211texas.org.
Houstonโs Under the Volcano shares cocktail recipes to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
HOUSTON โ Itโs Friday and Happy Hour, and weโre celebrating with a nod to Hispanic Heritage Month. The business stakes its claim as the first craft cocktail bar in Houston, using only fresh ingredients in its unique Latin-infused menu. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month and to promote the upcoming Day of the Dead celebration, Mitchell shared two classic cocktail recipes to help us get the party started. CUBAN MOJITOUnder the Volcano owner Peter Mitchell shares the recipe to mix up a classic Cuban Mojito. Long standing Houston neighborhood bar Under the Volcano makes health and safety preparations ahead of its annual Day of the Dead celebration.
Finn Hall feeds frontlines healthcare workers while supporting small businesses
โFinn Hall Feeds the Frontlinesโ is an innovative campaign that feeds local healthcare heroes while supporting local food entrepreneurs inside Finn Hall, a premiere food hall located on the ground level of the historic JPMorgan Chase art deco building at 712 Main. In less than 24 hours, JPMorgan Chase pledged $20,000 to sustain the matching program. In addition to its cash commitment, JPMorgan Chase host workshops at Finn Hall to assist restaurant operators in managing finances for their business and personal needs. Weโre proud neighbors with Finn Hall and its diverse array of culinary entrepreneurs,โ said Kristen Habich, Houston Market Leader for JPMorgan Chase. Harris Health is so appreciative of Finn Hall and JPMorgan Chase for providing meals for our staff at both Ben Taub and LBJ hospitals.
Hereโs where Houstonians say you can get the best boba tea
HOUSTON โ There are a ton of boba tea shops in Houston and we asked our KPRC 2 Facebook fans where they get the best. Boba tea, also called bubble tea, is a drink that was invented in Taiwan but has gained huge popularity in the United States. The tea-based drink includes chewy balls of different types of flavors that can be drunk through a large straw. Here are some of the boba shops our Facebook fans mentioned. Kimโs Tea House: Several locations, https://www.kimsteahouse.com/Hella Bubble: 2400 Mid Ln #110, Houston, TX 77027, https://www.hellabubble.com/menuTeapresso Bar: Several locations, https://www.teapressobartx.com/Tea Bubblers: 13480 Veterans Memorial Dr Ste P2 Houston, TX 77014, https://www.facebook.com/teabubblers/Have some great boba places that arenโt on this list?
Takeout orders helping restaurants survive. 5 hacks for saving money on your next order
At the legendary Burns Original Bar-B-Que in Acres Homes, to-go orders have always been big. This way you will be saving money on your to-go order and2. Buy restaurant gift cardsMany restaurants offer gift cards you can use later to order take-out. Stores like Costco, Walmart, and Walgreens also sell restaurant gift cards that are often at a discounted price. You can rack up points on take-out orders and even earn free meals, free desserts, or add ons to your orders.
Houston brewery shares perfect beer pairings with local restaurant dishes
HOUSTON Nothing goes better with a humid Houston day than an ice cold beer, but do you know what foods go best with your brews? For a belated celebration of National Beer Lovers Day (September 7), 8th Wonder Brewery President and Co-founder Ryan Soroka shares some insight into the art of beer pairing with delicious dishes from local restaurants. From hoppy IPAs to dark creamy stouts, beer offers a diverse range of styles to please every palette. Much like wine, some brews complement certain flavors in food better than others. Soroka partnered with local restaurants Vinnys, Rodeo Goat and Jax Grill to present three beer and food pairings for Houstonians to try.
High-end Houston steakhouse, Perrys Steakhouse & Grille, launches digital market
HOUSTON Food lovers can now enjoy high-quality pork chops from Perrys Steakhouse & Grille wherever, whenever they want. The Houston-based restaurant recently launched a digital market, Perrys Steakhouse Online. The signature, sweet and smoky pork chops, measuring seven fingers high, are hand-selected, rubbed with seasonings, cured and roasted in a rotisserie with pecan wood, according to the website. Perrys is offering the seven-finger-high cut from $49 for one dinner, $95 for two dinners. Same-day shipping is available on Monday through Thursday.
You didnt miss out! Houston Restaurant Weeks extended through end of September
HOUSTON The 2020 Houston Restaurant Weeks was scheduled to take place from Aug. 1 through Sept. 7, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, organizers have decided to extend the event through the end of September. Although COVID-19 has impacted the restaurant industry immensely, it has not stopped diners and restaurateurs from making the most of these unprecedented times, according to the release. Now more than ever, the restaurant community is embracing Houston Restaurant Weeks as a timely opportunity for Houstonians to support local restaurants with dine-in, takeout and delivery.On top of the added take-out and delivery option, there will be a new $1 per-meal donation that will also go toward benefiting the Houston Food Bank. HRW also partners with the Montgomery and Galveston county food banks and donations from participating restaurants in those counties will go to the respective food bank. Anyone interested can see the names and menus of the participating restaurants on the HRW website.
Meet the Houston-area contestants featured on Netflixs Sugar Rush
This is exactly what three Houston-area cake artists were able to do on Netflixs Sugar Rush; a competition where they showed their baking and decorating skills. The contestants are: Tom and Cathy Johnston, from Suzybeez Bakery, and Iliana Rincon with SophistiCake. Caty and Tom Johnston won the episode titled The Perfect Illusion and took home $11,500 as prize. Tom and Cathy Johnston (Suzybeez Bakery)It was crazy. If you havent seen Sugar Rush, watch the trailer in the video below.
This Houston daiquiri shop has a backstory almost as crazy as their drinks
July 19 is National Daiquiri Day, and weโre celebrating by highlighting a local family business. Daiquiris 2 Go opened in 2018 in the southwest area of Houston. The shop is run by a mother-daughter-son team, Juanita Jackson, Taylor Barner and CJ Barner, and specializes in serving frozen cocktails with unique flavors and convenient to-go options.
5 childrenโs books that celebrate diversity and inclusion
Valerie Koehler, owner of Blue Willow Bookshop in West Houston, shared her picks for best books to educate your kids about diversity and kindness, starting at age 3. You may have different color skin, different kind of hair, or have different kinds of food in your lunch box. All Are Welcomeby Alexandra Penfold (Knopf Books for Young Readers)All are welcome ( Knopf Books for Young Readers) (Blue Willow Bookshop)Join all the students at school where all are welcome. Sulweby Lupita Nyongโo (Simon & Schuster Books)Sulwe (Simon & Schuster Books) (Blue Willow Bookshop)Sulwe has very dark skin, darker than anyone in her family. The Undefeatedby Kwame Alexander (Versify Books, a division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)(Versify Books, a division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) (Blue Willow Bookshop)A powerful ode to the endurance of African Americans throughout our countryโs history.
Meet the Magnolia pastry chef behind Courtneyโs spectacular birthday cake
Karen DeGuzman is the talent behind these creations, and she shared the process of making this eye-catching treat for this special occasion. Courtney Zavala's birthday cake by Butter Baby Bakery (Butter Baby Bakery)โI had a lot of fun making it. Cake by Karen DeGuzman (Butter Baby Bakery)DeGuzman started her own business last year, after working for three years as the head cake decorator at Common Bond, a position where she created an entire cake program. Pastry chef Karen DeGuzman (Karen DeGuzman)She now runs Butter Baby Bakery out of her home in Magnolia with the help of her husband Jonathan. To connect with Butter Baby Bakery, click here.
SUPPORT LOCAL: Get to know Smoothie Strong, whose mission is to ensure Houston-area customers get proper nourishment and satisfaction
HOUSTON If youre looking to support a local business, you should get to know Smoothie Strong -- a Houston smoothie shop founded by proud small business owner Sarai Gates Mendoza. Smoothie Strong offers drinks, bowls and acai bowls made with organically grown fruit and fresh ingredients to ensure proper nourishment and satisfaction for each customer. However, two weeks after the grand opening of the H-E-B location, the city and the business were hit with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Smoothie Strong shop is located at 1525 W. 18th Street, Suite 18. To track the smoothie truck, click here and type code 2919.
Aliceโs Tall Texan Drive Inn closes after 40 years in the Heights
Like many other businesses, Aliceโs Tall Texan Drive Inn was forced to close amid the coronavirus pandemic. Owner Alice Ward said, after 40 years in business, there was just too much working against the business. People said Aliceโs Tall Texan was more than a bar, and it will truly be missed. Aliceโs Tall Texan was referred to by man as Houstonโs friendliest bar. Ceida Rodriguez has worked at Aliceโs Tall Texan for four years and has too many memories.
SUPPORT LOCAL: Get to know the best friend duo running Hidden Beauty Retreat Medspa & Laser Center in Spring
HOUSTON If youre looking to support a local business, you should get to know Hidden Beauty Retreat Medspa & Laser Center and its owners Lois Seymour and Janet Siddiqi -- who also happen to be best friends. However, as women, Seymour said they faced many obstacles. Just a shame it still goes on.The best friend duo opened their facility in May 2017 in an older cottage-style office in Old Town Spring. People can support us by scheduling an appointment to enjoy our services or buying our products online, Seymour said. Hidden Beauty Retreat Medspa & Laser Center is located at 2162 Spring Stuebner Road, Unit 160.
First responders, active-duty members and veterans can score a 67 cent meal at this Houston restaurant
For more than 10 years, Peli Peli has been a Houston-based South African fusion restaurant, serving authentic cuisine, just one step below fine dining. With four locations across the Houston Greater area, the restaurant offers unique flavors inspired by its South African cuisine. For co-owners Thomas Nguyen and Ryan Stewart, Peli Peli was ready to adapt. Related: Peli Peli owner makes Vietnamese dish with his momWithin the last few months, Peli Peli has rebranded and rebuilt its restaurant to Peli Peli South African Kitchen. Giving Back with a delicious mealPart of Peli Peli South African Kitchens DNA is giving back to the community.