Why Not Wednesday...Pinch Me

Today, my friends is Why Not Wednesday. Because...Why not? This post is not the faint of heart. I am writing this as I sip a Pamplemousse La Croix and practically mouth-breathe since I am still.so.full.

WHY NOT: Take your mama to Truluck's for her Birthday dinner and feast. And by feast, I mean nom so hard you have difficulty breathing. For reals. 

We started with some vino and calamari (harmless, yet delightful). Momsie went for a Spanish Rioja and I played it smooth with a Pinot Noir.

And then came the mother-load. STONE.CRAB.CLAWS. I mean. If you have a shellfish allergy you need to stop reading right now or at least grab your epi-pen. Truluck's is famous for their stone crab claws. They are currently running a special right now through May. Every Monday, all you can eat stone crab claws for 69 monies. That spells trouble. It also spells you might go broke, and it also spells you'll need a prescription for Lipitor. 

The before. the sweet sweet before. 

Shells on shells on shells. 

Now, after the juicy amazing beauties were totally demolished, our sweet sweet Raul brought out a totally decadent/sinful chocolate bread pudding that was topped off with flaming cherries jubilee/molten chocolate. My cholesterol is officially off the charts. (I haven't even mentioned the garlic mashed potatoes and broccoli that came with our order. It's embarrassing). 

I mean.....really. This is illegal in like 30 states. 

Needless to say, Mama & Daughter had a fantastic Birthday dinner, and that ain't no April Foolin'. 

It's a miracle either of us could stand straight after eating like that. PHEW. clutch (jcrew) dress (jaye e.) shoes (alice+olivia) not like you actually cared but it's my touch of fashion for you.

VERDICT: If you have a hankering for stone crab claws, hit up Truluck's. Don't even think about being on a diet, they will laugh in your face and kick you out. 

This afternoon you will catch me running up and down the streets of Upper Kirby, tongue lolling, wheezing, and probably dangerously close to passing out as I attempt to burn off this meal. If you catch a glimpse, don't laugh, just keep on keepin' on. #WORTHEVERYBITE

Holla. And as always, 

April Fools Day, Hug your Mama. A Tip for Tuesday.

For starters, I'm not going to play a trick on you. Silly rabbit, tricks are for kids. Mostly because my creative juices are going towards the blog, and mostly because I once played an evil April Fool's joke on someone and it went way too far and I still feel like the karma chameleon has yet to make me pay for it. (Yes, there is a karma chameleon and he always makes you pay. Just like a Lannister always pays their debts. GOT fans??)

SOURCE

ANYWAY. 

April Fools day is special for me because it's my Mama's Birthday! My senior year in college I called her on her birthday and told her the admissions office told me I couldn't graduate and that was pretty much the last time I played a joke on her. If I hadn't been in Tennessee and if she hadn't have been in Texas, she would've murdered me in cold blood. On her Birthday. Thank goodness for state lines. So, that being said. Happy Birthday to the woman who put me on this planet (and who maybe like once or twice has wanted to take me out of it) and who is quite possibly the sweetest soul out there. She is such a kind and amazing, patient and strong lady. I'm lucky to call her Mama. So, hug your mamas folks!

IT WAS THE 80'S AND MATCHING WAS COOL, OK?!?! AND IT WAS CHRISTMAS.

So your Tip for Tuesday was: Hug your Mama. And if you can't hug your Mama, hug someone else special. Hugs are good medicine. Also, if you are a child of the 80's you'll remember "Hugs not Drugs"....I wonder how that campaign worked out....

Stay tuned for tomorrow's "Why Not Wednesday" post! 

M is for anything but Mondays.

I love my job, but I love my weekends, so given the choice between fun adventures and being under fluorescent office lights....I'm going to have to pick the weekend gallivanting. Wouldn't you? 

Some weekend snippets/recommendations for your viewing/auditory/olfactory/tastebud pleasure:

VIEWING:

I made it out to Memorial Park on Saturday for a nice 3 mile run, and of course the 'ole ankle isn't up to snuff so it was more of like an injured antelope hobble. But I saw some beautiful Bluebonnets on the way, so that helped. 

Later on, I sunbathed like a desert lizard who hadn't seen the sun in months (oh wait, I haven't seen then sun in months) and ended up with an embarrassing raccoon tan. Beverage of choice: Red Stripe. It's a delicious beer that also tastes amazing with a lime. Highly recommend.

#totes

Auditory/Ear Snacks:

As I've aforementioned, I'm really into music. If you haven't started following my 'starred' list, please do so; I guarantee you'll like it. Even if it IS a work in progress. 

Here are my current obsessions:

The Wood Brothers- "I Got Loaded" just amazing. In fact, I love it so much here's a youtube vid of them. 

CLICK HERE to see the latest and greatest songs that I'm currently spinning constantly.

OLFACTORY:

Sunday night I made a trip to Central Market and bought some fresh gulf redfish (recipe coming soon!) and couldn't help but buy myself some lovely flowers. Sometimes it's just nice to be nice to yourself. I highly recommend it. If you're a dude...maybe this is like buying yourself a nice six pack? (though I do love that too....) Anywho, these smell phenomenal. Sorry you can't smell my screen.

Garden roses and stock from CM.

TASTEBUDS/#NOMCITY:

Friday night I headed to one of my favorite gems in Houston, Giacomo's Cibo e Vino. 

Great menu selection (our friend gave up pasta & bread for Lent and was still totally able to find some delightful options) and their wine list is extensive and amazingly well priced. Amazingly. 

I ordered the torteli di bietola which is ravioli stuffed with Ricotta cheese, swiss chard and finished off with a sage butter sauce. I get the 1/2 order because that means there are no calories in it. You didn't know that? You're welcome.

My friend ordered the pasta bolognese and WHOA. Mind blown. It's probably the best bolognese I've had since I left Italy. I'm not kidding. Perfect perfect pasta, and sauce that was 1,000,000% on point. 

every.last.bite.

It's a perfect casual date spot/friend spot/just a great spot in general and when the weather finally decides to be stable, get out on that patio and feast. 

MORAL OF THE STORY/YOUR TO-DO LIST:

1.) Try Red Stripe lager. 

2.) Listen to cool tunes 

3.) Buy yourself something to say "hey, thanks self!"

4.) Go to Giacomo's 

As always, leave your comments/arguments/suggestions below! Can't wait to hear from y'all!

Spring.Sprang.Sprung.Sp...aghetti.

You've already learned that I like the foods. Now I get to show you my food love. 

I made this dish a while back; it reminds me so much of Springtime, even though Houston has most recently been like "sauna time" or "I can't even decide what climate I want to emulate" time. 

That being said: I give you linguine con crema di basilico e parmiggiano reggiano. Say whaaaa? I just spoke Italian to you. #Nomcity.

oh yes.

If pasta is your "thang", then look no further. And here's how it's done folks:

INGREDIENTS:

-Some fiiiiine linguini. If you go outta the box, that's cool, but if you use something fresh (ahem Central Market has fresh hand-made pastas) then you'll notice a significant taste 'bump'. 

-2 Bunches 'so fresh and so cleanclean' Basil.

-1 Carton heavy whipping cream. (um yeah, you thought this was going to be 'skinny'? Get outta here)

- 2 or 3 cloves fresh garlic (See?! This recipe is vampire proof too. I'm always lookin' out for ya)

-1 Plastic box thingie (the smaller one) of Gran Padano cheese. You can sub fresh grated parmesan or reggiano but TRYYYYY not to use Kraft powdery stuff, k? 

PROCEDURE/SCIENTIFIC METHOD/THIS IS HOW WE DOOOO IT (to be sung to the melody of Montell Jordan's song, because duh). 

-Separate your cream into halves, and put half in a saucepan and start to simmer. NOT boil. You don't want it to clot or break, because then you're in trouble and I can't save you. 

-While the water for your pasta is getting hot, put your garlic, and basil leaves into the food processor. Add a drizzle of olive oil (a LIGHT drizzle, just enough to make a 'paste' of your garlic and basil). 

-Cook your pasta, I do it a little al dente style because it's mo' bettah. 

-Add the cream that was NOT in the pan to your food processor 'paste'. Let it blend and become smooth (operator).

-THEN. Add your basil/garlic/cream concoction to the simmering cream in the pan. Make sure you slowly incorporate it in, and here is where you can add your salt/fresh cracked pepper to taste. 

-Add a robust (love that word) handful of your cheese to the sauce, and stir stir stir. 

-Once the sauce is BARELY bubbling, you're good to go. (HINT: If your sauce become TOO thick, add a tablespoon at a time of your pasta water till you reach the perfect saucy consistency)

-Pour the sauce over whatever amount of pasta you choose to eat, sprinkle the remainder of the cheese on top, and VOILA. You can even be super fancy and add a basil leaf for garnish. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you cook, you must have music. (And probably a side glass of wine) Otherwise it tastes bad. It's science. SO head on over to Spotify and make a playlist. I'm a HUGE fan of listening to the Rat Pack and oldies while I cook. It works. Promise. Here's a link to my "Starred" list on Spotify. From there, you can browse around my other lists; #holla.

Actually, I lied. Check out THIS Starred list which looks #weaksauce right now but give me a week and your mind will be blown. #trustme

And now you know. If you make this recipe, let me know what you think!! And as always, feel free to leave your questions, comments, concerns. 

Broken Bones

Feliz Friday folks! It's finally here, TGIF. But guess what's not here? Awesome weather. I am stuhh-ruggling to resist hibernation every morning because, who wants to get up when it's nasty, cold, rainy and just gross? Not I, my friends. These are the days of our lives.

Anyway, it's still Friday so that's the important part, right?

BROKEN BONES:

So, 2 things. 

1.) In 2 weeks, my new pet band, St. Paul & The Broken Bones will be coming atcha live. Contain yourselves. Blow your mind type sounds. Think covers of Otis Redding, funky soulful grooves, and vocals you don't hear too often. Check out Garden & Gun's article and video of their big song "Call Me". And go to the concert. I will obvi be there. April 9th @ Continental Club. 

2.) All my life, and especially growing up, I have been a little bit of a 'sporty spice'. Cheerleading (fractured vertebrae) Volleyball (2x partial meniscus tears and permanent creaky crunchy sounds) Track, Swimming and lots o' running. In a few months, I'm headed out to sunny San Diego to run the rock n' roll 1/2 marathon with some amigos. 

Houston, we have a problem. Mid July, I was on an extra hot run outside in Upper Kirby where there are NEVER potholes, uneven sidewalks or random sand traps. (HEAVY sarcasm here folks). It was rush hour, it was hot, and I was a block from my house when I decided to break into a full sprint. And then....I tripped, and caught myself with my cat-like reflexes. Only to trip again and 1,000% eat it. In front of like 4798 cars. I one-legged hopped home, and burst into tears. My ever faithful canine companion jumped into my lap and we cried together. 

Fast forward. Urgent Care Center. Scary doctors. Level 3 sprain and crutches, followed by a boot. For 2 months. Murder. 

I don't have yellow knees, that's iodine. 

The joys and wonders of snapchat.  Swelling is no fun.

SO that happened. Now I've been running and the 'ole ankle is acting up. So send some good vibes, and I'd love to hear

1.) Favorite spots to run in Houston.

2.) Favorite Orthopedic Surgeon

3.) Running tips n' tricks

That's all for now, stay tuned for the next episode which will feature some Sizzle home cookin'. 

Hey! I'm on BlogLovin' now! #holler

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AND Instagram @thesizzlehouston

Spotfiy Starred

BLT&A, Kitten Mittens and Slow Country L-I-V-I-N

Since we're still getting acquainted, there are some things you'll need to know about me. For instance...

1.) I am a self proclaimed foodie. I love food, cooking it, finding new foods and tasting all the foods. 

2.) I love music. But not in an "oh I turn on the jams sometimes"  kind of way. It's like oxygen to me. Ask my friends.

3.) I have a quirky sense of humor. And by that, I mean sometimes I'm the only one laughing at my quips, jokes and sarcasms....You might say this means I'm just not funny. You are mean.

4.) I like outside things. I like being outside, sleeping outside (if I can and there are no roaches) and if I'm ever at a restaurant and it's not freezing/pouring, I'll be sitting outside. I grew up playing outside and still am under the impression that I can whisper to forest animals. 

That being said. This post highlights some of my favorite things. Food. Quirk. Music. OutsideTimes.

FOOD/NOMZ:

My main squeeze and I had an afternoon birthday party (that's being civilized. It was actually a St. Patty's themed bar crawl that involved wrestling...of the midget kind, but I'm not 24 anymore so we call it an 'afternoon birthday party') So we decided to grab a quick nom before the party. 

Mr. MainSqueeze is a sandwich aficionado. I mean, I used to think I loved sandwiches more than the average bear, but this man takes the cake. So we headed to RELISH because I lovelovelove their chicken salad sammies, and MainSqueeze hadn't tried this place yet. 

Of course, being the adventuresome duo that we are, neither ordered the chicken salad. He got an amazing turkey panini with everything but the kitchen sink in it, and I opted for the BLT&A (get your mind outta the gutter folks, it's just avocado).  

This BLT&A was nomtastic. Juicy beefsteak tomatoes for dayyyys, a zesto pesto mayo, crispy cruncy bacon, and creamy smooth avocado. #NomCity. We also split the tomato basil soup that was delightful (but apparently they aren't making it anymore!)

Verdict: RELISH is bomb. Go. like now. 

KITTENMITTENS:

MainSqueeze and I are music-heads. We met at a concert, we play instruments, and our Spotify libraries are bountiful. The week before #NomCity at RELISH, we went to the THE WHEELER BROTHERS concert at Fitzgerald's (one of my fave venues for live music in H-town). This band was so fun to see live, and we actually got to eat late night nomz with the lead singer which was pretty cool. ANYWAY, go check them out. My fave tunes by them are "You Got A Lot Of Love" and "Call Me In The Morning". 

I DIGRESS. 

After the show and late night nomz, MainSqueeze and I got back to the truck and someone had let the bed down, and thrown a bunch of t-shirts and CD's in the back. We awkwardly tried to see if anyone had misplaced them, and decided since it was pouring rain, we should put the stuff in the car and scoot home. We basically ended up with 6 t-shirts and 2 CD's. #SCORE

The Wheeler Bros. t-shirt was a large, thus not my size, thus MainSqueeze claimed it. And there comes KittenMittens.

Those would be St. Patty's beads worn for the "daytime Birthday bash"

Yes, I'm jealous because I want this shirt realbad. But MainSqueeze rocked it well, so I shan't complain. Technically, it's Kitten in Boots, but KittenMittens is way more fun to say.  Moral of the story: Wheeler Bros rock and so do their t-shirts. (Also, THANK YOU to whoever left those treats in the truck bed! We'd pay you but we don't know who you are!)

Slow Country L-I-V-I-N:

Last weekend I got to spend the weekend in Luling and New Braunfels, TX which means LOTS of outdoor time. Which means I WAS SO HAPPY/EXCITED ALL THE TIME. Now if only the weather would perk up so I can work on my non-existent tan. I'm literally see through. Vampire level pale-ness. BUT, the Texas wildflowers are out to play, which means #photoshoot time. And here are some for your viewing pleasure. 

Luling City Market. MOST.AMAZING.RIBS. and potato salad. #NomCity. 

Texas Bluebonnets. Natural beauties.

Yes. We were thisclose. This is a beautiful baby longhorn who would not let me whisper to her because she was hungry and just wanted some nomz.