April 17, 2014

Thirsty Thursday. 21 & Up Por Favor

April 17, 2014/ Madeleine Hook

Hola Sizzlers! It has been an eventful morning; it downpoured and rained cats and dogs (luckily I got to wear my Hunter Wellies to work...I work in marketing...Wellies are acceptable.) Then I rushed into the office to work on a new project only to find that the other half of the creative dept. was filming some sort of commercial/ad/something....at the row where I sit. An hour later I finally got to sit and work. RAR.

As I stared out the window waiting for my desk to be evacuated by the person wearing a straw hat and floaties (don't even ask!) I was trying to think happy thoughts. Naturally, after thinking about puppies and beaches, I thought how nice a glass of wine might taste later on this evening.

Before you do anything, click here, play this song, and read along. You're welcome.

Red Red Wiiiiiiine. (& Champers) Girl's night out at Provisions.

It's no secret I love me some red wine. My penchant for wine has followed an interesting path; starting with the magnums of Rosé and Moscato that I started with in college (gag!) and then I got real classy and only sipped Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay. Then the white wine phase died. To the day, I can only handly maybe one glass of crisp white wine with a full meal, otherwise count me out.

It's alllll about the red, amigos. Once I started, I couldn't stop. Throw in my little jaunt to Italy 2 summers ago, and it's fair to say I'm a budding connoisseur.

So, in the spirit of Thirsty Thursday, and the fact that Easter is upon us and it's a custom in the Sizzle Household to indulge in a glass or two (or maybe more, who knows) during the Easter feast, I shall be showering you with some of my favorites. Now, for my beer drinkers, I even saved a spot for you. I love beer, but we'll save that for another post! Maybe I'll even go wild and do a hard liquor post... But for now, we shall indulge in the delightful world of the red.

DISCLAIMER: I try to keep these all on a reasonable budget. It's always nice to splurge, but when you also have a taste for J.Crew and shoes....well...yeah.

I tried this wine with a dear friend who used to slang wine here in Houston, and she was spot on with this recommendation. It's sexy (because it's French) and has a rich, dark and spicy element. Click here for more in depth reviews.

Ok, fine. I'll be honest. I really was drawn to the label first, but I really do love Independent Producers. They give good wine. This Washington wine is not too sweet in the way of Merlot, and was super smooth and delightful. Click here for more info.

I'm a huge fan of Pinot Noirs and red blends, and this bottle was great for the price. It has a very full flavor, but doesn't punch you in the tastebuds. A great wine to pair with a meal instead of just on its own.

GO BUY THIS NOW BEFORE I DRINK IT ALLLLL.

Now for one of my current favorites. THIS.IS.AMAZING. I tried this wine initially at Dolce Vita over pizza and a Caprese, and was really impressed. I went to Central Meerkat a few days later and found it for an incredible price. I keep it in my house all the time now. This earthy Italian is cultivated in volcanic soil so you get some great mineral notes (which I love!) and apparently the volcanic soil lends itself to health benefits? SURE. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. More info here.

I had a glass of this a Paulie's recently and was very impressed. Dark and violety, and just lovely all over. Very well priced and very well reviewed.

This is another great Italian. VERY well priced, and very tasty. It's so good someone at Forbes decided to write about it. Read it here.

How could you not like it? It has an OWL on it!!

And now for my beer drinkers. Half of the allure of this beer was that it was illegal to sell in Texas, but in the last 6 months or so (maybe even longer) it's been making it's way in! (legally!) Central Meerkat has it and Paulie's has been selling some too. I first tasted it over fresh gulf oysters in NOLA, so the experience was just insane. It's a white beer with citrus notes and I can't get enough. Just be careful because too many of these can HURT the next day. Not that I know from experience. Just what I heard.

And there you have it my friends. The inaugural Thirsty Thursday. So finish your work, go home, and pour yourself a little something. Because TheSizzle told you so; you definitely deserve it!

Cheers, Chin Chin, Salut, Santé, 1,2,3, DRINK (like in college)

April 03, 2014

#TBT but not really...

April 03, 2014/ Madeleine Hook

Today is one of those Thursdays that really really really feels like a Friday. And those are the most painful. Now, I know Thursdays are when you're supposed to get down with the #TBT's and what not, so I'm doing a hybrid #TBT/music post. Because it's a Thursday/Friday kinda day....Fursday? Thriday? I digress...

Tonight I'm going to McGonigel's Mucky Duck to see Folk Family Revival. I had the pleasure of seeing them way back last fall after the first UT football game of the season against NM State. While I always will remain a stalwart SEC fan, (Go 'Dores) I will forever root for Texas (FIIIGHT!)

After securing the win, MainSqueeze and I headed to Cheatham Street to catch a show. Folk Family totally brought it. They sounded great live, and I highly highly recommend catching them live tonight. After reading a short bio about them, I learned that they are avid squirrel hunters, so what's not to love?

Grab some amigos and head on out tonight. After all, it IS Thriday right? Tomorrow on TheSizzle, it will be 'Meathead Friday'. A combo of workout skillz and how to cook a sexy steak.

Y'all have been AWFULLY quiet. Leave your comments and tell me what you think!

peacelove&Thriday

March 31, 2014

M is for anything but Mondays.

March 31, 2014/ Madeleine Hook

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.

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.

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.

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!

March 28, 2014

Broken Bones

March 28, 2014/ Madeleine Hook

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. — 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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Spotfiy Starred

March 25, 2014

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

March 25, 2014/ Madeleine Hook

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.