Happy Birthday Ashley!

My sister, Ashley, and her family are visiting and it happens to be her 35th birthday today.  To make her feel really special, here is how we celebrated her day...

She was greeted early this morning by a covered-in-poop Fletcher.  He is taking antibiotics for an ear infection and it's pushing his plumbing to the max.  Ashley was the unfortunate first to discover the treasure.

While I took over the hazardous clean-up of Fletcher, Ashley was kind enough to whip up the batter - for her own birthday cake.  It was only at this time that I actually remembered to say "happy birthday."

Later - because the morning incident wasn't quite enough birthday celebrating - Fletcher threw up on her.

Because Ash had done such a good job on her birthday cake, she moved on to making homemade pizza dough for dinner.  She mixed and kneaded and placed the dough in the oven to rise.

OK, I have to stop here and at least tell you that we are taking her out for dinner tomorrow night.  And if it hadn't already been the plan, it would be now.  We are not that cruel.

Finally finished with all her birthday chores, Ashley and the crew left for a little ride and tour of our new home town while I stayed behind to take care of body-fluid-Fletcher and get a head start on the rest of the dinner.

Preparing to roast a red pepper, I set the oven to preheat.  Now, if you've been paying attention, I probably need not say more.

I opened the oven to put the red pepper inside and was met with a cloud of smoke.  OMG!  The pizza dough was in there rising!!!!

We are currently in the process of plan B - buying local made pizza dough and pouring stiff drinks.

Happy Birthday Ash!  At least this one will be memorable!

Gastronomic Explorations

We knew there would be a lot of fun new opportunities for our family with this move to Houston.  Educational opportunities, sports, the arts, shopping, etc.  What we didn't count on was the abundance of incredible restaurants in this city.  Who knew!  This may be one of the best kept culinary secrets in America.  Houston has some insanely talented chefs.

As the parents of two under two, we don't get out much.  But when we do, we make it count.  For anyone interested, here are a few of our favorites so far with my amateur review and a HUGE disclaimer that there are so many more we still want to try!

And I think it almost goes without saying that all of these restaurants have outstanding service.  Because I don't care how great your food is - if the service sucks, so do you.

Tied for #1...

Shade in the Heights

Shade offers a seasonal menu and is probably the most reasonably priced of all of the fine dining establishments we've been to so far.  It is eclectic and contemporary but very comfortable and has a wonderful local neighborhood feel to it.  If we lived in the Heights, I am sure we would be regulars.  If for no other reason than they are masters of the mojito!!!  I love a good mojito - but finding those who know how to do it right isn't easy.  Shade does it right.  The wine list is also done right - well thought out with something for everyone.  

The Shrimp and Crab Campechana appetizer is delicious and fresh and light.  For the entree, I went with the seared scallops as I am a sucker for them but listen to the following description... with country ham, butternut squash, shiitake mushrooms, leeks, sage brown butter, arugula chimichurri - OMG, I must stop.  I was fully engaged in my own private bliss and have no recollection of what anyone else ordered.  But it was good.

Benjy's in The Village

Our first Benjy's experience was a colossal fail - on our part.  We attempted to enjoy Easter Brunch there with our young, unpredictable kids.  Thankfully the staff were gracious and very tolerant, even when Sydney almost knocked over a glass divider into the front door.   

But the upscale atmosphere and inspired and delicious food lured us back for a fun evening with adults.  The udon noodles with skirt steak and shiitake broth was flavorful and luxurious.  The menu here is also seasonal and creative - for all meals.  It's definitely not just for dinner.  I salivate just thinking about their brunch menu.  Lavender granola, crunchy french toast, waffle BLT and chicken and waffles.  And let me tell you - the blood orange mimosas are delish!  I also love that their wine list provides reasonably priced suggestions for pretty much every category.

A Close 2nd...

Reef in Midtown

This was the first restaurant we tried in Houston as it has a little more notoriety and was a quick find during my initial search for Houston food greatness.  Chef Bryan Caswell competed on Food Network's Next Iron Chef and has was also a James Beard Award nominee.  It didn't disappoint.  We had a front row seat to the kitchen which is open to the dining room and were surprised to see Chef Bryan right there behind the line.  The atmosphere is sexy and sophisticated.  Once again, a great wine list with something for everyone.  Probably the most extensive wine list of the restaurants on my list.  I'm beginning to think this is a pre-requisite for any serious Houston dining establishment.  The bar's cocktail menu is super cool as well.

Sadly I don't remember what Pat ate that night (this was back in February folks) but I clearly remember the baked oyster appetizer and my seared grouper with collards and aptly named potlicker that I could have licked off the bowl.  Everything was mouthwatering.

I have also been back for lunch (Grilled Salmon BLT - oh my) and it was evident this is a place where some of Houston's most established business leaders come to work and socialize.  And although it is a seafood restaurant, I hear the pork chop is to die for.  

3rd...

Glass Wall in the Heights

This is another great neighborhood restaurant and bar in the Heights.  It was intimate and upbeat and the bartenders know how to make a drink!  Not only is their wine list full of kick butt boutique wines (yes, yes, again with the wine), the menu offers wine suggestions by the glass for each item which is fun and handy.   

Glass Wall's menu is best described (by me) as comfort food taken up a notch.  Or 5.  We shared the Tuna Tartare which melts in your mouth and the chile sauce accompanying it packed a pretty powerful, tasty punch.  I had the pork chop and Pat ate the chicken fried steak - two of their top sellers.  Again, I am a sucker for the accompaniments... my chop came with some cheesy potato thing and creamed spinach but one glance at the sauteed brussel sprouts also offered on the menu and I made the substitution.   

Here is where the restaurant fell to #3 in my book.  Unfortunately, we found the sides to be rather bland and under-seasoned.  May have just been a bad day since everything else was incredibly delicious.  But the dessert quickly made up for any disappointment in our entree - White & Dark Chocolate.  And Banana.  Bread Pudding.  With voodoo rum caramel sauce.  And real whipped cream.  Read that again.  And then weep if you don't live in Houston because you are missing out!

For slightly more casual dining...

Last night we had the pleasure of joining friends at D'Amico in Rice Village.  With red and white checked tables packed tightly together, it had a wonderfully warm and family style atmosphere.  The wine was simple but good.  The food spectacular.  I had the wild mushroom tortellini in the most sinful lemon butter sauce.  There is just something about freshly made pasta!  Pat devoured the stuffed poblano peppers with shrimp and crabmeat.  Oh my, was it good.  Creamy and decadent with great flavor from the poblanos.  Our friends equally enjoyed the gnocchi and chicken braciolentini.  And the cannolis!  Crisp and creamy and sweet and absolute perfection!  We were deservedly miserable after that meal.

The restaurant is also a deli and market where you can get wonderful Italian cheeses, meats, wines, oils and more.

Are you raiding your fridge and pantry yet?  Or feel as though you gained 5lbs just reading about all this goodness?  Sorry for the tease.  Come visit us soon so we can check out even more of Houston's highly recommended restaurants.

More Reunion

No, I'm not done yet.  A few more pictures of what makes a family reunion really special.  The family!

Oh, and it wouldn't be complete without some creations from the Tie Dye Master, Jimmy.

Little Shadow

Sydney loves to be one of the big kids.  Thanks to her super sweet and patient cousins, she had a few grand days doing that very thing.

All weekend, she could be found close on the heels of her cousin Sarah.

Jack played a close second.  Even cheering LOUDLY for him during our wiffle ball game, although he played opposite her own parents!

But Sarah was the clear favorite.

I mean, how can you deny love for the cousin that gives you your first tattoo?

Happy Fourth!

If filth is any indicator of happiness, this was one H-A-P-P-Y kiddo.

Come to think of it, we must have been one happy family!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!