BCN Taste & Tradition’s branding is a nod to the city of Barcelona and a meshing of traditional and modern Spanish cuisine. BCN will showcase the cutting-edge haute cuisine that […]
Houston’s 5th Annual Beer Fest – We want More!
Houston’s Beer Fest is for those folks who enjoy “chugging a cold one” then taking said “cold one” and smashing the can on one’s forehead.. I am possibly being over dramatic about the whole thing but something was a little off in my opinion.
First time attending the Houston Beer Fest and given that it was to rain all day, I was certain that this outdoor event would be cancelled. Well, the sun came out and things quickly heated up.. everything that is but the fest itself. I learned very quickly that if you really DIG beer.. not that watered down shit sold by Budweiser, but real, complex, flavorful beers.. this isn’t your event. People like you should only be at private, VIP beer tastings where you get to talk to the Brew Master and not somebody whose never tasted the beer of which they are sampling.
Although the assortment of beers were a 2 1/2 out of 5, the other vendors were awesome. Ben & Jerry’s was onsite sampling their two newest flavors Bourbon Pecan Pie and Bar-B-Que Peach. Both new flavors are outstanding but the one that should be the “official flavor of Texas” is Bourbon Pecan Pie, without question.
There’s one snow cone truck in particular that’s a Houston favorite and can be spotted at nearly every festival in the city. Friohana Shaved Ice was on site serving up their super fluffy snow balls. I only get the Mango with Chile and Chamoy. It’s perfect for a hot and humid day. We happily sat on the curb and ate it ALL in under 1 minute. {Pats on back}
It was quickly determined that where there’s beer there’s weed and you could smell it in the air.. ESPECIALLY during Riff Raff’s Saturday set and Scarface’s Sunday set. Luckily, Swisher Sweets was on deck giving away free cigars and cups to keep the party going. Being the adventurous souls we are we quickly ventured over to grab some and to take selfies!
After an uneventful evening of mediocre beers, Riff Raff throwing pizzas into the crowd, soggy grass, horrible 5-star security and mosquitoes.. all I wanted to do was go home and take a shower.. but FIRST I had to get a foot long corn dog!
It hit the spot and made everything much better.. to top it off my “G” bought us a funnel cake. As we ate that hot, sweet, crunchy yet soft, deep-fried “carb devil” we were at peace and ready to come back to do it all over again on day 2!
11th Annual Wine & Food Week – Woodlands
The 11th Annual Wine & Food Week – Woodlands took place recently at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center and was a huge success. I attended two of the scheduled events Sips, Suds & Tacos and The Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting and Chef Showcase. Both were jam packed with delicious food, wines and righteous beers.
Sip, Suds and Tacos
11th Annual Wine & Food Week – Woodlands kicked off with Sip, Suds and Tacos was a fun filled event where over 300 guests meandered from booth to booth for samples of over 60+ craft beers, assorted varietals of wine and of course0… tacos! This “taco take down challenge” consisted of 10 chefs battling it out for the coveted Taco Takedown Trophy. The tacos were tasty, but for the most part very similar with the corn tortillas, meat and cheese. This years Taco Take Down Champ was Chef Scott Varnedoe of Restaurant IPO (Baton Rouge). He Wowed the judges with his unique take on the classic crunchy taco. The winning taco was super complex and the flavors were off the charts! I was able to snag one on my way out the door. It was good and the crunch from a hard taco shell was very necessary at that point.
The winning taco was a mix of rare seared Ahi tuna, Salmon, Asian poached shrimp and goat cheese miso, served in a crispy-crunchy 5 spice, house made tortilla shell and topped with pan fried peanuts, candied sesame, pickled mustard seed and collard green kimchi!! Talk about a mouth full. The added flavor from spices like curry, cinnamon, cumin and 5 spice were present throughout each bite! In speaking with Sous Chef Sara this item was once on the IPO menu but was served in a glass..ceviche style. DELICIOUS!
The Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting and Chef Showcase
The Finale event for 11th Annual Wine & Food Week – Woodlands week has been dubbed one of the most spectacular culinary events in the country, that may be a bit of an over statement but it was a lot of fun!! The Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting and Chef Showcase was the epitome of chic, from the decadent desserts and food stations to the robust wines and runway fashion.
I have a huge sweet tooth and was immediately drawn to the dessert stations. Eculent located in Kemah, served a “Pig in a Cloud” that totally stole the show. Their seared pork belly coated in smoked mesquite cotton candy, paired with a kimchi shooter was more than delicious. Of course the Macarons from Macaron By Patisse were perfect.. I could’ve eaten them all night. Make sure to check out their website for details regarding their new location and summer grand opening.
Chef Shannen Tune of Craft Burger Food Truck, located inside of Hotel Derek, did his thing with his play on America’s favorite treat the twinkie. Chef Tune’s Foie Gras twinkie didn’t just taste great but as guests consumed more of his savory/sweet deliciousness his plating turned into a work of art! It was simply beautiful. There are a handful of chefs who produce ART.. Chef Tune is one to watch!
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With so many beautiful displays I missed getting the name of this vendor but it was simply exquisite as well. If you happen to know who this belongs too, please let me know so that I may tag it!
To learn more about Wine & Food week and how you can participate next year click here. There is also information on how you can volunteer. I personally can’t wait until next years event!
Bovine & Barley: Downtown’s newest go-to gastropub
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Custom Cakes, Pies, Cookies and Much More at Not Jus’ Donuts
Not Jus’ Donuts is a family owned bakery located in the heart of the historic 3rd Ward. This sweet shop may appear modest but the delectable treats that await you behind their doors are magnificent and made with love. The Houston community has responded in kind for over 15 years.
In 2014 Not Jus’ Donuts was featured on Bakery Boss, A TLC reality show where Cake Boss Buddy Valastro, helps struggling family bakeries get back on their feet! This publicity could not have come at a more perfect time, as the bakery was currently experiencing a slump in sales and customer traffic. With Buddy’s help, Not Jus’ Donuts was able to continue sharing their famous cakes, cookies and pies with their loyal customers.
As most of these recipes have been passed down from some 5 to 6 generations, you’ll be hard pressed to find flavor like this any place else. From the richness of their famous butter cake to the uber moist pound cake, Momma Jackson is showing out in the kitchen.
When I bit into the lemon pecan pie at Not Jus’ Donuts I was transported back in time to my childhood, where I watched my grandmother bring the entire neighborhood to the table using the simplest ingredients.
At Not Jus’ Donuts there is no waiting! You walk right up to the clear display cases lined with fresh bundt cakes, cookies, cake balls and pies both sliced and whole. They also have daily specials where you can get things like Myrtle’s Peach Cobbler or house made donuts and coffee.
I absolutely love everything, so the fact that Not Jus’ Donuts is also super affordable makes my life a lot easier. Actually, I wish they were more expensive so I wouldn’t be so easily inclined to get “one of everything”..but I digress. Sometimes a girls just needs one of everything!!!
Their lemon cake, German chocolate cake and ranger cookies are my current comfort sweets. The cookies come packaged by the half dozen for roughly $3 -$5 dollars. When I want to butter up to my husband or convince my parents of something, my bribes usually come from here!
In addition to the individually packaged, per person cakes they also make custom cakes for birthdays, weddings, parties.. you name it they make it. Should you not have any interest in waiting to indulge Not Jus’ Donuts has a little seating area for you to hang out, watch some TV and eat!
Make sure to mark your calendars as Not Jus’ Donuts will start serving breakfast on May 2nd at 6 am. This is so perfect for me as I pass them everyday. Looks like I need to re-activate my gym membership!
Regular Hours
Tuesday – Friday
9am – 6pm
Saturday 8am – 3pm
Closed Sunday and Monday
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