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Boozy Valentine's Day Ideas

2/10/2019

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Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching and you don't want to be caught without a plan. Spending time with your Bae doesn't have to be all wine and roses (although those things are greatly appreciated). Sometimes girls just wanna have fun, so this year mix things up a little. Here are ten fun booze-centric ways to say "I Love You".

Conservatory - 1010 Prairie 

Bite Me: Valentine's Day with Saint Arnold, Real Ale & Four Roses - The Conservatory is partnering with Saint Arnold, Real Ale and Four Roses Bourbon for a evening of lovely libations. Special cocktails will be available along with custom glasses. Food vendors will offer Valentine's Day dinner specials. There will be a raffle of Saint Arnold and Real Ale swag.

Eureka Heights - 941 West 18th

Steak Night Love Birds Package - Chef Daniel Ajtai, from the newly opened Yong (Finn Hall), will be cooking steaks to order. For $60 (+tax), couples will get a 12 oz Korean marinated ribeye served over kimchi fried rice with spicy crunchy pickles and a sunny side up egg. The package also includes two Eureka Heights beers and homemade chocolate truffles. Seating is open and steaks will hit the grill starting at 5:30 p.m. Pre-ordering is preferred as a limited amount of steaks will be sold that day. All orders must be picked up by 8 p.m. Guests that pre-order will receive $2 off any additional beers purchased in the taproom that evening.

Holler Brewing - 2206 Edwards

Dinner, Drinks and Dancin' - Put on your dancing shoes and head to Holler Brewing for a Triple D evening starting with dinner from Breaking Bao. A shareable meal of 5 specialty bao and gourmet fries will be served from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. Then head next door to Love Dance studio for a couples two-stepping class from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Ticket price is $50 per couple and includes 2 beers redeemable anytime throughout the evening.
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Ingenious Brewing - 1986 South Houston, Humble

Dessert and Beer Pairing - Spend Valentine's Day eating sweets with your sweetheart at Ingenious Brewing. The $20 (+ tax) ticket includes four 4 oz specialty beers paired with 4 mini desserts from Ape's Curious Confectionery. Guests will have the option to take home a crowler/growler of their favorite pour for an extra charge. Beers for the night include Pineapple Coconut Cake (5.2%), Smarty Strawberry Rhubarb (6.5%), Double Marshmallow Vanilla Dream (8.2%) and Southern Pecan Latte (12%). Tastings will be held at 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m.  Tickets are sold only in the taproom.

Johnny's Gold Brick - 2518 Yale

That's Amore - Johnny's Gold Brick will be transformed into an Italian Trattoria serving a five-course dinner with wine and cocktail pairings. The menu will feature a collaboration of items from Tony Lurhman (El Topo Truck) and Jason and Becca Kerr (Little Kitchen HTX). Tickets are $60 pp (+ tax & gratuity) Guests can choose from two dinner seatings - 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

King's Bierhaus - 2044 East TC Jester

Uncomplicated Valentine's Dinner - Enjoy a candlelit five-course dinner at King's Bierhaus for $60 per couple. Start the evening off with a shot of German Schnapps followed by your choice of soup/salad, appetizer, entree and dessert. Simple, yet delicious, because life's already complicated - Valentine's Day shouldn't be. Reservations are recommended. 

Prohibition Texas - 26420 Preston, Spring

Dinner and Live Music - Celebrate Prohibition-style in Old Town Spring. Guests can choose from steak or salmon for $24.95 a person. Each entree comes with two sides and shrimp can be added for an additional charge. Live music sets the mood from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. As an incentive for making reservations, Prohibition is offering a flower for the ladies and two free Cupid's Arrow cocktails. Reservations can be made on Open Table or by calling 832-585-1438.

Tea + Victory - 2030 East TC Jester

Valentine's Night with Saint Arnold - Show your Valentine you've got game at Tea + Victory. This fun board game cafe will be partying like a rock star with tunes from the 90's and 2000's. There will be a costume contest, Saint Arnold Beer and special entrees. The fun starts at 5 p.m. and no cover or reservation is required. There is a $5 per person game fee.
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Mongoose versus Cobra - 1011 McGowen

Gin and Tonic Lab -  Keep the love going by treating your sweetheart to an informative Gin and Tonic class at Mongoose versus Cobra on Saturday, February 16th from 3 to 5 p.m. For $75 a couple, you will taste four different gins and tonics including MvC's secret house recipe. Class size is limited and reservations are required.

Reserve 101 - 1201 Caroline

Chocolate and Whiskey Tasting - On Saturday, February 16th, learn how to pair whiskey and chocolate at Reserve 101's annual event. Chocolates from Cacao & Cardamom will be paired with Maker's Mark Private Select, Annasach 25 yr and Blanton's Single Barrel. The tasting is $75 a couple and two seating are available - 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. 
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Texas Hill Country Dining at the Cabernet Grill

2/4/2019

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This post is sponsored by Cabernet Grill. All opinions and photos are mine.
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
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Jack & Ginger's Brings an Irish Flair to Midtown

1/23/2019

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The specialty cocktails are beautiful and well-balanced. Pictured above from left to right, Powers Old Fashioned, Violet Crown and Irish Rose. Photo by Jamie Alvear.
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.
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The Jumbo pretzel is served with beer cheese and honey mustard. Photo by Jamie Alvear.
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.
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Omni Houston Hotel's $30 Million Makeover

1/15/2019

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Artwork throughout the Omni Hotel pays homage to Houston's rich history. Photo by Jamie Alvear.
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. 
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The new lobby is warm and welcoming. Photo by Jamie Alvear.
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.
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La Reserve has a great selection of whiskey and whiskey-forward cocktails. Photo by Jamie Alvear.
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. 
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Lounging in the Omni's outdoor patio is a peaceful way to end a long day of Galleria shopping. Photo by Jamie Alvear,
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.)
Omni Houston Hotel
Four Riverway
​Houston, Texas 77056
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Foodie Gift Guide 2018

12/17/2018

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Give the gift of cocktails with The Aviary Cocktail Book. Image Credit: The Alinea Group

Christmas is just one week away, but don't fret. There is still time to shop for that special foodie in your life. Restaurant gift cards and gift baskets are always appreciated by food lovers, but this year think outside the box. I've listed a few suggestions that even the pickiest bon vivant in your life will absolutely love.
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The Pioneer Woman inspired Instant Pot. Image Credit: Google

Must Have Appliances

I have to admit, I'm a little late to the Instant Pot game. I purchased mine a year ago for Black Friday and was frankly a little terrified of it. Flash forward to today and I use my Instant Pot at least 2 to 3 times a week. The Instant Pot comes in three different sizes - 3 QT, 6 QT and 8 QT. The 6 QT is the perfect size for most families. It can pressure cook, slow cook, saute and even make yogurt. It retails for $79.99 to $139.99 and you can get great deals at most department stores. Walmart has an exclusive 6 QT Pioneer Woman floral version available in two different patterns for $99.
Another appliance it took forever for me to purchase was a stand mixer. I felt there wasn't anything it could do that I couldn't accomplish with my trusty hand mixer. Boy was I wrong! A stand mixer is a kitchen miracle worker. A KitchenAid stand mixer will run anywhere from $200 - $500 depending on what power and size bowl you purchase. The best thing about owning a stand mixer is the multitude of attachments you can purchase that will allow you to make pasta, sausage and even ice cream. My only regret was not getting a fun vintage color. 
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The Aviary Cocktail Book features over 100 culinary inspired cocktail recipes. Image Credit: The Alinea Group

Recipe Books

The Aviary is Chicago's hottest cocktail bar and the recently released The Aviary Cocktail Book is one of the greatest cocktail books of all time. This visually stunning book takes a culinary approach to making cocktails. It includes over 100 recipes as well as information on food & drink pairings, low/non-alcoholic drinks and flavored ice. The book is available online at TheAviaryBook.com. The standard edition retails for $85 or you can purchase a reserve edition in a special display case for $135.
In Street Food of Mexico, James Beard award winner Hugo Ortega takes readers on a culinary journey across Mexico. As he travels through his homeland, Ortega showcases the stories behind the flavors and recipes of each region. The book can be found on Amazon or Barnes & Noble or for $60 a personalized copy is available from ChefHugoOrtega.com that includes a Mexican chocolate tablet, a molinillo and two Hugo's mugs.
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Hotel Alessandra features elegant and luxurious rooms. Image Credit: Jamie Alvear

Staycations

Hotel Alessandra is downtown Houston's newest luxury hotel. It is conveniently located near major sporting, concert and theater venues as well as the best bars and restaurants. The hotel offers several great packages for romance, sports, theater or spa. Most packages include food and beverage credit at Lucienne or the sophisticated lobby bar, Bardot.
CityCentre is a mecca for dining and shopping and the best way to enjoy it is with a stay at Hotel Sorella. This elegant hotel offers packages that include dining at Radio Milano, Capital Grille or cocktails at Monnalisa bar. Hotel Sorella's premier location in the heart of CityCentre gives you the option to party all night or enjoy the great views with a glass of wine while you relax.
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Chef For a Day, Susan Harris learns how to make gnocci from Chef Austin Simmons. Image Credit: Albert Nurick

Chef for a Day

Tris in The Woodlands offers foodies a behind the scenes look into what its like to work in a chef-driven kitchen. Your Chef for a Day experience begins at 10 a.m. with a four hour one-on-one lesson with Executive Chef Austin Simmons. You get to prep several signature dishes followed by a 3-course lunch.  At 4pm, you will break for the day before returning that evening to indulge at Cureight, Tris' exclusive eight course dining experience. Chef for a Day is $400 per person and available on Thursday to Saturday. For more information contact Chris Perry at CPerry@triswoodlands.com.
Chef for a Day at Brennan's is truly an unforgettable experience for that special foodie in your life. Your culinary adventure begins with a personalized chef's uniform and a tour of the restaurant and kitchen. Next you will work and prep at each station in the kitchen tasting your creations along the way. When the prep work is done, it's time to head to the bar to taste spirits and consult with Brennan's "wine guy" to choose the perfect wines for dinner. The evening concludes with a six-course dinner and wine pairing for you and five of your friends. The cost is $1,475 (gratuity excluded).

    Which foodie gift is your favorite?

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Brewmasters Craft Beer Festival

8/23/2018

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Peli Peli's Exciting New Espetadas

6/15/2018

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There are now two new delicious Espetadas to choose from at Peli Peli. Photo by Jamie Alvear.
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.
Peli Peli is a South African restaurant with three locations in the Houston-area, Katy, Galleria and Vintage Park. Chef Friedman plays homage to the many cultural influences in South Africa, including Portugal, which results in Peli Peli's diverse menu. 
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A drizzle of the Huguenot topping gives the Pork Belly Espetada an extra wow factor. Photo by Jamie Alvear.
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These are no ordinary roasted potatoes. Photo by Jamie Alvear.
​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.
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Expand you palate by trying one of several South African wines at Peli Peli. Photo by Jamie Alvear.
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The Cape Town Cucumber Martini is a bargain during happy hour. Photo by Jamie Alvear.
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. 
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Peli Peli puts their own spin on the South African classic Melktart. Photo by Jamie Alvear.
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Where to Drink for Cinco de Derby

5/3/2018

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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.
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Tequila drink specials will be available all day at Hugo's. Photo courtesy of Hugo's.
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. 
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May the 4th Be With You

5/1/2018

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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."
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Register to win this cool helmet at Cane Rosso's May 4th celebration. Photo courtesy of Cane Rosso.
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.
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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.
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Pasta Making at Papa Amadeus

4/28/2018

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Pappardelle pasta with roasted cherry tomatoes and crab meat from Papa Amadeus. Photo by Jamie Alvear
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. 
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Pasta comes in all shapes and sizes and can be dried or fresh. Photo by Jamie Alvear
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.
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Chef Rodrigo stretches the pasta several times through the pasta machine until it is just right. Photo by Jamie Alvear
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?
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Pappardelle is cut into wide, flat ribbons after being stretched to the right thickness. Photo by Jamie Alvear
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.
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Pasta can be topped with a variety of sauces, but a simple one of tomatoes, olive oil and crab meat lets the pasta be the main focus. Photo by Jamie Alvear
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.
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    About the Author

    I like eating, traveling, and enjoying liquid libations. I'm all about great wines, signature cocktails, and local brews.

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