Closed Shutters

Closed shutters are a good option for houses that have a wall or space desparately needing a window.  It's an inexpensive fix on a crucial side, front or sides of the house.  It helps dress up an empty spot, adds charm and moves the attention away from a plain space.

Sushi Raku

So I was meaning to check out this new sushi place in downtown and might I remind you, I'm a sushi snob.  I have a very sensitive palatte to fishy flavors bc I didn't grow up eating seafood, long story, my sister was traumatized and me being the younger sister just followed her behavior.  I know it sounds weird, I learned to eat sushi in my mid 20s but still don't like seafood.  If the fish is fishy, I can't eat it and will never return from a first visit.  My current sushi spot is Aka, but I read this excerpt about this new sushi restaurant.  Jennifer wanted to try something new so there we went.

SUSHI RAKU, 3201 Louisiana at Elgin, 713-526-8885. With its sleek interior design (by Michael Hsu, who did Uchi in Austin) and a kitchen under the direction of Takayoshi Sekiguchi, this is 2009’s second outstanding Japanese newcomer. Chef Taka, as he is known, uses Western and Japanese techniques, melding them brilliantly, as with the single slice of fluke served with cubes of tomato water aspic, red pepper coulis, yuzu white soy and a tempura-fried shishito. Patrick Chiu, who also has Waza, is the owner.



So the food comes out, we ordered the Orange Dragon (spicy tuna, tempura crunch, avocado, salmon, ponzu), the Maiko (I forget what's in it, tuna and some other stuff with mango sauce), Spicy Salmon roll, two pieces of salmon sushi, and their salad, sorry forget the name too and couldn't find a menu.  The Maiko was okay, but everything else was excellent.  I was a little scared to eat the salmon sushi as it had this white strip on it, but nope, it was good, no fishiness.  Sorry, I didn't take very good pictures, as we were so excited to eat!  But I did happen to get a photo of the last Orange Dragon.



So Jennifer and I are sitting eating and she recognizes one of the workers there.  I pull out my blackberry, turns out it's Patrick Chiu, owner of Sushi Raku.  We chat for a bit, he brings over Chef Taka, who is an import from Japan.  I told him he's the second full Japanese person in Houston :B  Not many Japanese here in Houston.  So they talk of this pickled wasabi, Chef Taka brings it over, says eat the orange after you've had the pickled wasabi, as a back, kind of thing.  I only had a small bit, so it just burned my nose a bit.  Jennifer took an even smaller piece and didn't feel a thing.  She takes a much bigger piece, all of the sudden she's frantically rubbing her scalp, saying her scalp is burning, very funny in person, I promise you.



We pull apart the orange, as Chef Taka has precut it, all you have to do is pull it apart.  Chef Taka is standing there, he keeps saying I'll let you figure it out. We're like ???  We look over after Patrick points it out and this is what we're looking at.  We totally didn't even notice it.  Funny.



They bring over two desserts on the house, molten chocolate cake and the truffles.  YUM!  They were both good.  So nice!



Nice, fun guys.  We took a tour after we ate and noticed these drums by the door and they have drum sticks!    I used to do the old school Korean dancing, including the drums, so after some major cajoling, I go at it.  Jennifer is rolling on the floor laughing her ass off.  We had a good time, great place, go visit!

Warm Up Your Porch With Hanging Flower Baskets!

I saw a house that was super cute house, sold in less than 5 days.  This is not the house, this picture is of a florist.   Anyways, that house had these hanging flower pots framing their front door and porch.  I think it's a great accessory and adds that warm welcoming feeling.

Out and About Easter Weekend

Haven't tried this yet, but am putting it on my things to do.  They're making very large claims, so they've piqued my interest and I plan to try it soon and make my own opinion.



Also, FYI, sign's back up, looks like the Whole Foods Market project is back underway!  I'm so excited, can't wait!!



For you decorating buffs.  I loved this color scheme and the pieces, perty huh?



I went to Skinnovative to take advantage of a groupon for a Photo Facial Rejuvenation.  I thought it would definitely lighten up my freckles and discolorations, goodnesss gracious, it's been 3 days and my freckles have nearly all fallen off!  I went with someone that got the Pixel Laser Peel, supposedly really good for acne, though this person didn't have acne, theirs was more for large pores and fine lines, they're peeling right now, so it's hard to say for them.  While I was in the waiting room, I was watching the other products they offer.  This Zerona body slimming service seemed awesome with great results.

Chelsea Grill (Montrose/Southside of 59)

I read a review about Chelsea Grill and was eager to visit.  I've seen the building before, but Chelsea Grill is 6 months new.  I went on a fairly chilly day so sitting outside was not an option, but they do have a outside patio.  Inside was a bit dark, we were the first ones there, as lunch hour progressed, it got a medium sized crowd. 



I got the Grilled Buffalo Burger with Basalmic Red Onions, Grilled Green Tomatoes and Fat Free Green Chili Mayo $11.  Looks good doesn't it?  I was lured there with a photo of this burger, but tried it and it was pretty decent, not fabuloso, just decent.  The Shoestring Potatoe Mixture of potato and sweet potato looked amazing, but again just decent.



My dining mate said the Grilled Bleu Cheese Ranch Burger with Bleu Cheese Crumbles, Red Onion Rings and Ranch Dressing, $10 was good.  I had to take his word, I don't like bleu cheese. 

I'll give it a C+ based on food, atmosphere and price.

http://www.chelseagrill.com/pages/indexpag.html

4621 Montrose Boulevard
Houston, TX 77006-6132
(713) 942-9857

Ski Apache @Ruidoso New Mexico

Left last wednesday for my ski vacay in Ruidoso, New Mexico with friends.  Dropped of the doggies with a coworker/pup sitter.

 

The five of us drove to Ruidoso, New Mexico (13 hour drive) in a minivan.  The drive was actually not bad.  Ski Apache is the closest ski resort to Houston, so that's how it was decided.  Ski Apache is owned by a tribe, you'll notice most of the employees are Native Americans.  They're not the happiest bunch, it's quite noticeable when you meet one that's nice. 





Even with 5 years of boarding experience, I thought the chair lifts were fast.  The first day the snow was icy, not fun.  I thought I was over snowboarding, but by the end of the first day, the snow got a little slushy, much better to ride on.  The trails on the left side of the mountain were cool, but the third day, it snowed, soft powder, we hit the apache bowl, which was cool, but the half pipe was the best part.  FUN FUN FUN!! 















Goodbye Ruidoso!

Ekko Cafe in a Gas Station!

This Greek Cafe is in a gas station located on Richmond near Sage.  They are planning to open in Midtown near Crave Sushi and somewhere else, but I forget.  I had the falafel pita sandwich.  I thought it was decent.  The falafel was better than Niko Nikos, but not the tzatziki, better at Niko Nikos.  Fries were decent.  I think it's more the novelty of this greek cafe in a gas station.  It's probably also a good option for folks in the galleria area.  One of my dining mates had the lasagna, it was pretty good.  Definitely has that hole in the wall feel.  It literally is in a gas station!