Fredericksburg, Texas is a small, hill country town known for its wineries, wildflowers, peaches and German heritage. Located four hours Northwest of Houston, the scenic drive will take you through small towns and rolling hills. Having never been to Fredericksburg, I was excited to be invited by Cabernet Grill to visit their restaurant and lodging at Cotton Gin Village.

Cabernet Grill is about a five minute drive from downtown Fredericksburg, but once you step inside Cotton Gin Village you will feel like you are in your own little world. The grounds are adorned with waterfalls, fire pits and seven 19th century cabins that surround  a central courtyard and koi pond.

Owned and operated by Chef Ross Burtwell and his wife Mariana, Cabernet Grill features a unique menu of Texas Hill Country Cuisine and an impressive all Texas wine list. In 2018, Wine Enthusiast magazine included Cabernet Grill on their list of 100 Best Wine Restaurants.

For dinner, Chef Ross curated a special tasting menu that highlighted signature hill country dishes that were expertly paired with wine chosen by beverage director, Elizabeth Rodriguez. Highlights of the evening included roasted butternut squash soup, pecan crusted crab cake, smoked quail and braised short rib. Wines for the evening showcased varietals suited for growing in Texas climates such as albarino, viognier, mourvedre and merlot.

The best part about staying at Cotton Gin Village, is that after a wonderful meal at Cabernet Grill, you're just steps away from your cabin. My 1887 cabin, the Pedernales, is from Tennessee. It still maintained its rustic charm with a tin roof and wood burning fire place, but it had modern amenities such as a jacuzzi tub, queen-sized bed, air-conditioning/heating and cable TV (if you need it). The kitchen contained all the makings for s'mores so I put my scout skills to use and built a fire.

After a cozy night's sleep, a warm breakfast was delivered to my front porch at 9 a.m. The adorable wicker basket was filled with breakfast tacos, fresh fruit and juice, warm danishes and yogurt topped with homemade granola. Not being a morning person, I appreciated being able to enjoy a delicious breakfast at my leisure. 

My experience at Cabernet Grill and Cotton Gin Village made my first trip to Fredericksburg memorable and I look forward to returning. As a special treat, I was gifted a copy of Chef Burtwell's cookbook, Texas Hill Country Cuisine - Flavors from the Cabernet Grill. I can't wait to cook up something yummy and get a taste of the hill country at home. Of course, whatever I make will be paired with Texas wine.

Cabernet Grill, 2805 South State Highway 16, Frefericksburg, Texas
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 5 to 9 p.m. (Reservations recommended)

​For lodging information vist: cottonginlodging.com

Eat, drink and be Irish (at least for a day). That's the feeling you'll get once you step inside Jack & Ginger's Irish Pub located in Midtown at 2416 Brazos. The former space of Stoked Tacos & Tequila has been transformed into a family-friendly pub with cozy indoor seating as well as a patio with picnic tables and garage door walls. The centerpiece of both spaces is a double-sided 82 beer tap wall.

In addition to beer, Jack & Ginger's features an impressive selection of Irish whiskey, scotch and bourbon. Cocktail lovers will enjoy the assortment of well-balanced spirit forward drinks like the Irish Rose (Slane Irish Whiskey, creme de cassis and lemon juice) or the Violet Crown (Hendricks Gin, St. Germain, lavender and rosemary). 

The menu at Jack & Ginger's brings a modern twist to traditional pub fare and offers elevated options which include avocado hummus, Reuben potato skins, grilled cheese hush puppies, Guinness battered fish & chips and jumbo shrimp corn dogs. Brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays and features Irish oatmeal, bangers & mash, and a Bloody Mary and Irish Coffee bar.

Happy Hour (more like Happy Day) is weekdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Beer flights are $7 and select appetizers are available for $5. Wednesday is Bangers on Humpday featuring 10 different create your own sausage on a bun options for $5. Jack & Ginger's is also a futbol watching destination and will open early for British Premier League games. 

Jack & Ginger's, 2416 Brazos. Hours: Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Saturday/Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.

After sustaining severe damage from flooding during Hurricane Harvey, the Omni Houston Hotel re-opened this past November. The hotel was completely transformed during a 30 million dollar renovation that drew inspiration from Houston's natural surroundings and rich history. The new lobby is warm and inviting with natural light, plush sofas and a fireplace. Art installation pieces can be found throughout the hotel that showcase unique aspects of the local scene. 

At Birdies Cafe & Bar, the floor-to-ceiling windows allow guests to enjoy views of the outdoor landscaping, pools and lake. The curved shaped bar is a great place for grabbing a drink or a quick bite. La Reserve whiskey lounge is perhaps Houston's best kept secret. The cocktail menu is filled with a wonderful array of whiskey forward drinks that will appeal to even non-whiskey drinkers and they are served up by some of the friendliest bar staff in Houston.

There is so much to do at the Omni Houston Hotel - eating, drinking, fitness, spa or just relaxing. The peaceful outdoor patio is truly an oasis. There are several lounging areas surrounding the pools and lake. It's hard to believe that the hustle and bustle of the Galleria is only minutes away. 

One thing I was interested to learn on my tour of the Omni, was that they have one of the second oldest nightclubs in Houston. The Black Swan has been around for 30 years. Open Friday and Saturday nights from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., The Black Swan is a classy place to dance the night away. (FYI, dress code is strictly enforced.)

Spend Labor Day weekend in Galveston for a Texas-sized craft beer festival. Brewmasters is returning for a 9th year to Moody Gardens Hotel with three days of beer education and foam-filled fun. Tickets are available at brewmastersbeerfest.com.

The weekend events start Friday night with a Nacho and Tequila tasting ($30). Saturday's BrewHaHa Grand Tasting includes exclusive "Taste It First" beer selections, Texas Brewery Tasting Tour and seminars for just $35. Upgrade to a VIP ticket ($85) and get early access, a private seating area with food and an exclusive beer and chocolate tasting with Xocolla handcrafted chocolate and Saint Arnold beer.

Seminar topics include uncommon and unusual beer styles, choosing the right beer glass and how to cellar beer. There will also be a special panel of women in craft beer as they discuss the strides they are making in the industry.

The weekend ends with Sunday's Brew-B-Que. This year's featured pitmaster is Patrick Feges of Feges BBQ. There will be live music, beer and amazing food. The $23 ticket includes a bbq plate and a punch card for 6-2 oz beer samples.

Five reasons not to miss this event:
1. So many styles of beers to try all in once place.
2. Pick up tips from industry leaders on how start your own beer cellar.
3. Meet brewery owners.
4. Taste exclusive beers not yet available to the public.
5. Hang out with fellow beer lovers while enjoying some island time.

If you're on social media, chances are you've seen a video or two of a hanging meat skewer dripping with garlic butter. That my friends, is an Espetada, which means "skewered beef" in Portuguese. The Espetada is a specialty served at Peli Peli on a custom designed skewer and stand created by co-owner and Chef Paul Friedman. The entree is typically available in chicken or beef, but for a limited time guests can order pork belly, bacon-wrapped seafood, or a extra large 12-ounce portion of the filet.

​The pork belly espetada has tender braised pork belly that is deep fried and then layered with chunks of caramelized pineapple. It's served with sauteed spinach and roasted potatoes for $32. The best part is the Huguenot topping (creamy blue cheese, raspberry chipotle sauce and bacon bits) that can be drizzled on top for an extra dose of yum!

Seafood lovers will enjoy the bacon-wrapped seafood espetada. Scallops, shrimp and kingklip are wrapped in bacon and served with a spicy peri-peri sauce. Kingklip is a firm white-fleshed fish with a delicate flavor that is popular in South Africa. The skewer comes with spinach, roasted potatoes and carrot bredie for $46.

Don't miss Peli Peli's new Summer of 69 Happy Hour. Available Monday to Friday from 2 to 7 p.m., there are 9 items to choose from for just $6. Not hungry enough for a full espetada? You can still enjoy the same great taste in an Espe-taco. Or munch on some Frikadelle meatballs while enjoying half-off wine, beer and select cocktails. 

Dessert is a must at Peli Peli so be sure to save room. The Sticky Toffee Pudding is popular, but the Sticky Toffee Pudding Cheesecake takes the classic British dessert to another level. A Melktart (milktart) is a typical South African dessert, but Peli Peli adds their own twist to it. Their Melktart is thicker and creamier with a graham cracker crust and a homemade honeycomb topping. 

This year two great drinking events will collide for one epic day of partying. Cinco de Mayo and The Kentucky Derby will both take place Saturday, May 5. Several Houston-area restaurants and bars are taking advantage of this by combining the two for Cinco de Derby celebrations with tequila juleps, margaritas and more. Get your hats ready, have fun, but remember to always drink responsibly. 

Pico's Restaurant, 3601 Kirby
An all day tent party will place with two DJ's, street food, big as your head quesadillas, roasted corn and nachos. The patio bar will feature five frozen drink machines, shaker margaritas and signature cocktails.

Fielding's Local Kitchen & Bar, 26400 Kuykendahl
Cinco de Mayo will be celebrated all day with street tacos, beer and cocktails. Derby celebrations take place all weekend and will feature three different juleps - Classic, Candied Walnut and Cherry Vanilla. Celebrate the best of both holidays with a Cinco-Derby Flight for $20 which includes a Classic Julep, Cherry Julep, Herradura Margarita and a Herradura Paloma.

The Cottonmouth Club, 108 Main
Don't miss Main Street's biggest party. The Cottonmouth Club will be hosting an epic Cinco/Deby Mash-up. Downstairs will be serving $6 drink specials including tequila juleps and cocktails with Casa Noble Tequila and High West Whiskey. Tonight is also the premiere of the upstairs reverse speakeasy where guests can order bespoke cocktails.

Hugo's, 1600 Westheimer
Event will take place all day including a Street Food buffet from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. - $28 for Adults, $12 for children. Suerte Tequila happy hour is 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Hugo's regular dinner menu will be served from 3 to 11 p.m. with and optional Tequila Maestro Dobel tasting menu. End the day with live music and drink specials from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Fleming's, multiple locations
Celebrate the weekend in style with Fleming's $100 margarita. Made with Herradura Seleccion Suprema, fresh lime juice, simple syrup and Grand Marnier Cuvee du Centantaire. The luxurious drink with be served in a keepsake Baccarat diamond-cut crystal tumbler. 

Looking to celebrate your inner Jedi? The force is strong with these May 4th observances. From volunteering to handcrafted cocktails, here are a few ways to show your love for Star Wars. The only question that remains is which side will you choose? Light or Dark?

The Cottonmouth Club, 108 Main - 4 p.m. t 2 a.m.
Main Street's hottest new bar will be having $6 Star Wars Themed drinks all day long. Sponsored by Beam Suntory. No Jedi mind tricks here, just great drinks!

Houston Museum of Natural Science, 5555 Herman Park - 7 to 9 p.m.
This month's Mixer & Elixir is out of this world. The May the Fourth Be with You Mixer will include two DJ's, dancing, cocktails and food trucks. The event is 21 and up only. Tickets are $15 for members and $25 for non-members.  Costumes are encouraged. "Party or party not. There is no try."

Cane Rosso, Heights and Montrose locations - 5 to 10 p.m.
Star Wars themed specials will be offered all evening including Roni One, Ham Solo, and C3PO pizzas. Cloud City and Red 5 cocktails will be available for thirsty storm troopers. Show up in costume and get 25% off your bill. Post a pics on Instagram in your Star Wars gear with #CRMaytheFourth for a chance to win a gift card. Raffle tickets will be sold for $5 for a chance to win a custom painted Stormtrooper helmet.

Houston Food Bank, 535 Portwall - 6 to 9 p.m.
Even galaxies far far away need volunteers to survive. After a short volunteer shift, the festivities will start will Jedi training provided by the Star Wars Enthusiasts of Houston. There will be Star Wars trivia, character appearances and guests are encouraged to dress up. Bring your own noodle (light saber) and 4 canned goods.

Tapped - Drafthouse & Kitchen, 20444 Kuykendahl - 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
May the Beer be with you this Friday at Tapped Drafthouse. Choose from 50 brews that are on the light or dark side for just $4. One per person, dine-in only.

Mo's Irish Pub, 138 Vintage Park
Let your dark side come out and play at Mo's. Dress as your favorite character and compete for prizes during Star Wars Trivia at 6 p.m. There will be love music and a best dressed contest. $3 Dos XX on draft.

Sam Houston Race Park, 7575 North Sam Houston Parkway - 6 to 9 p.m.
Dress up as your favorite character for a day at the races. Beer will be 50-cents and the first 1,000 fans will receive a free light saber.

On May 20, the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Texas and True Italian Taste present the Authentic Italian Table: A Celebration of Pasta, Italy's Gift to the World. The event will take place at Bayou City Event Center, 9401 Knight Road, from 2 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $35 and include free parking, wine and samples from over twenty Houston-area restaurants. Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite.com.

According to Italian film director, Federico Fellini, "Life is a combination of magic and pasta." I believe that pasta itself is magical. Imagining a world without it would be practically im"pasta"ble. Spaghetti, fettuccine and lasagna may be the most common types, but this versatile gift from Italy comes in hundreds of shapes and sizes. 

Making fresh pasta may seem like a daunting task, but the results are worth it. One of my favorite dishes is the Pappardelle Bolognese from Papa Amadeus. I reached out to owner Art Huerta to see if I could stop by for a quick lesson in pasta making. Papa Amadeus is a locally-owned restaurant in Spring, Texas. Huerta opened the restaurant to honor his grandfather, who was a fantastic baker. Huerta has over 20 years in the restaurant business and has worked for many Italian restaurants throughout Houston.

I met up with Chef Rodrigo Soriano to begin my quick course in pasta making. Pasta can be made with flour and water or flour and eggs. Pappardelle is a thick, flat ribbon-shaped pasta made with egg. The egg gives it a richer taste and the yolk adds a touch of color. Chef Rodrigo made the dough the day before so that it would have time to rest before stretching. The dough is run thorough a pasta machine several times until it is the right thickness. It is then folded and cut into strips. Sounds easy, right?

After taking the time to make homemade pasta, the last thing you want to do is over cook it. Pasta should be cooked al dente, which means it is still firm when bitten. You don't want pasta that is going to turn to mush when topped with sauce. Now, I normally order my pappardelle with Bolognese, which is a rich, meaty sauce. Today, Chef Rodrigo chose a lighter sauce to highlight the freshness of the pasta. Onion, garlic and tomatoes were gently sautéed in olive oil before adding crab meat.  The pappardelle was then added to the pan for a quick toss in the sauce to absorb all the wonderful flavors.

The finished product was a beautiful and flavorful dish that showcased the versatility of pasta. It was paired with a lovely Nebbiolo, another wonderful gift from Italy. Pappardelle gets it's name from the verb pappare, which means "to gobble up". I did indeed gobble up this dish and I look forward to many more memorable pasta meals. Buon Appetito!

Note: This blog post has been entered into the 2018 Houston Pasta Blogger Competition.

The Cottonmouth Club, 108 Main St., opens for business on April 13th. Located in the former space of Barringer Bar, the club promises a cocktail experience like no other. The collaboration between Reserve 101 co-founder Mike Raymond and bartender Michael Neff, took four years to come to fruition. I was fortunate to get a preview of the bar prior to today's official opening. What did I think? I loved everything about it. Great drinks, cool '70s vibe and friendly, approachable staff. 

At The Cottonmouth Club, it's all about the experience. Several different shapes and sizes of glassware are available for guest to choose. The wand may choose you in Harry Potter, but here you choose the glass. I picked a simple, yet elegant martini glass. Before making my drink, bar director Michael Neff asked me a few simple questions. "Spring or Autumn? Shaken and refreshing or stirred and boozy?" I went with spring and stirred and boozy. The result was one of the best drinks I have ever tasted. What was in it? Who knows. What's more important is that I loved it.

The upstairs event space is a sharp contrast to the loungey ambiance of downstairs. Original paintings by Raymond of Texas music icons Kam Franklin, Lightnin' Hopkins and Billy Gibbons adorn the walls.  Hard-wood floors and exposed brick help create an atmosphere that is classy and relaxing.

Expect the cocktail menu to include classics as well as familiar drinks with a twist. Whiskey lovers can enjoy a glass of a house blended barrel-aged bourbon or a sip of High West's A Midwinter Night's Dram. According to Raymond and Neff, The Cottonmouth Club will be "the least cocktail-y cocktail bar." 

The Cottonmouth Club, 108 Main St. - Open daily 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.