Houston:
I remember exactly where I was when I got the email that I would be going to Houston for my official first assignment out of Chicago; on my way walking into Ace Hardware lol. I was just approaching the door when I checked my email on my phone (something I do a thousand times a day and need to stop) when I received the note that Houston was where I was headed. I was so excited about going to Houston because I have never traveled to Houston, nor did I ever plan on going to Houston and I would get a chance to go to Joel Osteen’s church Lakewood Church. Lakewood Church and Pastor Joel and I go back, way back to me being 15 or 16 years old and watching him on tv every week for a televised broadcasting of him preaching on Sundays. He always started the same way with something funny and then asking everyone to raise their Bible and say a mantra. Anyway, those were my reasons of wanting to get to Houston.
A few weeks later, I arrived in a hot and humid Houston and I was totally excited!!! In some strange way both of my reasons for wanting to go to Houston were spot on but I was surprised by one thing…the FOOD!!! OMG, I had no idea that Houston had some great food and I ate my way through that city and out of my clothes. I must warn you, Houston is very spread out and not walkable; so be prepared to either rent a car or take Uber/Lyft everywhere. Here is where I recommend for Houston and some might be a chain restaurant, but its my experience!
The Post Oak Hotel – home to some of my favorite stops! I didn’t stay at this luxury hotel, however, if you can please do. The hotel is beautiful with all white when you step into the lobby and a car collection that is expensive, vintage and elegant (Hello Rolls Royce!). What I found inside of this place and around were dining outlets that I enjoyed and are a must to try!
Craft F&B is a great casual atmosphere with an array of beers and wine. Over the course of the four weeks that I was in Houston, I had many samplings of food from this restaurant. I would really recommend getting the pizza. It is cooked in a wood-fire oven and it was so light yet filling and mouthwatering.
If you’re searching for more of a dining experience, then look no further than Bloom & Bee. I already know what you’re thinking on first sight, someone covered the entire restaurant in Pepto-Bismal but trust me, pink and purple have never looked so great! I LOVE this restaurant; from the décor to the ambiance and the intimate setting it is beyond gorgeous. I loved this restaurant so much that it was where I decided to go back and to have my last meal in Houston before departing. Bloom & Bee is a girl’s night out place or a great dinner out!
Upon arriving, I was seating at a table, server came right over and explained the cocktail and wine menu and then the dinner menu. The table setting is so elegant, napkins placed on the table with a napkin ring and the tables were set perfectly with the touch of flowers as a centerpiece. I started with a soup, crab bisque, filled with crab meat and perfectly balanced with cream and seasoning. The bread was amazing, I had a cinnamon raisin roll with honeycomb butter that I couldn’t get enough of. Following my soup was my entrée of the Seafood Cioppino, I also tried the Roasted Chicken but would recommend the Seafood Cioppino. Cioppino is a classic stew filled with seafood and Bloom & Bee did it just right. I then ended the evening with a glass of champagne and dessert. The strawberry shortcake dessert was my dessert of choice. There are not enough words to describe this dish but as divine. Bloom & Bee will always be my go to place.
If you want something lighter for dessert, in the same area is Bouchee Patisserie. I would go here to read a book, write in my journal and for the pastries! Much of a French bakery the pastries are exquisite and delicious. I always loved getting the chocolate croissant with a cup of tea! On days where I really wanted to satisfy a sweet tooth I would walk here and enjoy a scoop of Gelato. So, may options and choices, this place does not disappoint.
While you’re eating your way through Houston and come to a happy place of needing a new wardrobe, never fear the Galleria mall is near!! This mall is huge and has so many retailers and shops I know you will find what you’re looking for!
Other places I recommend:
Max’s Wine Dive – When I got to Houston, I was on a Chicken & Waffle frenzy, the Chicken & Waffles here are a must! Feeling adventurous, try the Deviled Eggs!
Kenny & Ziggy’s Deli – I will always stop and try a Corned Beef Sandwich, that’s what I did here, and it was good and piled high! Different then AP Deli in Chicago and Katz Deli in New York City but still good and maybe a little expensive.
Crave Cupcake – Definitely the Red Velvet cupcake.
Axelrad – Such a fun time, it’s a beer garden with food trucks outside. Picnic tables are setup outside in a sand/dirt area. There are games you can play…cool vibe and place.
The Breakfast Klub – Get your best life with the Katfish and Grits. OMG! So good…trust me! As tempting as it is please resist the Wings & Waffle dish!
Steak 48 – This is a chain; however, my first-time dining was in Houston and I love the home-style comfort food that I indulged in. Meatloaf, Sweet Potato Casserole, Brulee Cream Corn and where I was introduced to one of my favorite wines now…Meiomi Pinot Noir!
