Three years ago last Tuesday, I moved to Houston. I knew zero people. I knew almost nothing about the city except: NASA and it’s an hour away from the beach. Dylan and I were very, very poor. We didn’t even have a couch at that point in time. We were saving money in every way we could, which means we didn’t get out and do much at first.
There are tons of perks to being in a big city, especially one as international as Houston. Food is my favorite part of a diverse cities because of the access to obscure and unknown foods. The problem is food costs money. When I moved here, there was very little money and a lot of food to try. It was easier not to tempt myself. I did go on the hunt for gelato. I love ice cream a lot. I love gelato A LOT more.
I found Sweet Cup shortly after moving to Houston. I fell in love with them for their gelato. I liked them even more when I found out they are a female owned business. The owner is even sweeter than her gelato! Sweet Cup was the first Houston business to follow my blog on Instagram. Actually, they were the first business to follow my blog on Instagram. I had no following and no real direction. Although currently, it could be argued my direction is no direction. I bop in literally whenever I’m in that part of town. I’ve even been known to drive across town for a cup. It’s delicious.
Houston has been home for three years, and I love it. I wasn’t sure if I would that first year because life was hard; I was poor. I couldn’t enjoy the city to its fullest or tastiest at first. Over the last two years, I have fallen more in love with the city, met friends, explored, and tried new foods. But for me, Sweet Cup tastes like Houston. In the beginning, it was all I could afford. Now, it’s a reminder of how far I’ve come and the dreams I’m still chasing. Three years have come and gone in a flash. So much has changed, but some things are just as sweet.
I don’t drink alcohol anymore for a lot of reasons. (I’ll probably talk about that stuff later.) Before my freelancing took off and after my short-lived corporate career, I bartended. I did that for about two years. I wasn’t great, but I wasn’t too bad! I have always had a love of stemware. Even in college, I had a set of wine glasses, champagne flutes, and martini glasses. I just feel classy drinking out of them!
Anyways, I came up with two Valentine’s inspired drinks. I am including the alcoholic version and a virgin alternative. They’re super yummy both ways. For the guys, embrace your masculinity and enjoy these pinky/purple drinks. One is a fancy martini, and one is a super simple champagne drink. You can drink these without martini glasses or champagne flutes, but it’s not nearly as fun in my opinions. I do suggest having a shaker with a strainer; it makes the process faster and cleaner unless you know what you’re doing.
Ingredients Blackberry Fizz Martini
Fresh blackberries
Fresh Mint
Vodka
Champagne/Sparkling White Grape Juice – chilled
Ice
Raspberry Sunrise
Fresh raspberries – frozen
Raspberry syrup
Champagne/Sparkling White Grape Juice – chilled
Instructions Blackberry Fizz Martini
In the shaker fill halfway with ice. Add 1.5 oz vodka, five blackberries, four mint leaves.
Shake vigorously for thirty seconds to a minute.
Pour liquid through the strainer into the martini glass.
Fill the glass with champagne the rest of the way and garnish the rim with a blackberry.
Slowly pour raspberry syrup down the inside of the flute. The raspberry syrup will settle on the bottom creating the sunrise effect.
Add a few frozen raspberries to the top to keep the drink cold. You can also garnish the rim with a raspberry.
Pour the syrup gently down the side of the champagne flute for the sunrise effect.
To make these drinks non-alcoholic is very simple. For the martini, use sparkling white grape juice instead of vodka and champagne. For the raspberry sunrise, instead of champagne substitute sparkling white grape juice. For the sunrise look, it is really important to use white grape juice. The look of the drinks will be the same, but it’s perfect for the sober people, pregnant ladies, under agers, and anyone else. I love it. They are super quick, easy, and yummy.
No better way to toast your loved one than with a romantic cocktail. If you’re looking for a great red dress, I highly suggest this linen one from Nasty Gal! I love it. I’m ready for summer. I paired it with these light pink, faux-sued slip ons from Target. I wear them constantly and receive a ton of compliments.
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French Silk Pie is one of those treats I have only ever bought because it’s French Silk Pie. It’s a hard pie to make, right? Actually, no. This pie was requested in place of a Birthday cake. Birthday people get what they want on their birthday, so I obliged. I did a bunch of researching online to find a good recipe. Which is when I realized, French Silk Pies have raw eggs in them… I had no idea. None at all.
I do what I always do. I found recipes and took the bits I like from several ones and added my own flair. I’m terrible at following recipes. I rarely find a perfect recipe, so I make the perfect recipe… Well, I think it’s perfect, but you should try it and let me know!!!
I like to make my own pie crust, but store bought are lovely too. Use your favorite pie crust recipes or a store bought. Either taste wonderful.
Beau is so helpful…..
Ingredients
1 pie crust
Chocolate Filling
½ cup white sugar
½ cup butter
3 oz unsweetened or semi-sweet chocolate (whatever you like best)*
2 tsp cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla
Pinch of salt
2 eggs room temperature or 3 eggs refrigerated
½ cup heavy whipping cream, whipped
Whipped Cream Topping
1 cup heavy whipping cream
3 TBS powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
*The eggs are more elastic when they’re room temperature. To get the silky texture it’s important to have have that quality. So if they’re chilled add another egg to get the same property.
Instructions
Make and bake the pie crust according to the instructions. Allow it to cool completely before filling.
Whip ½ cup of the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Place in a bowl in the refrigerator to keep cold.
Whip 1 cup heavy whipping cream in a bowl with powdered sugar and vanilla (you can substitute almond if you prefer) until stiff peaks form. Place in a bowl in the refrigerator to keep cold.
Melt the chocolate in the microwave or a double boiler until smooth. Set aside to cool.
In a mixer, combine butter and sugar on medium speed for three minutes until a light yellow color and fluffy.
Mix in vanilla, salt, cocoa powder, and melted chocolate for a minute until well combined.
Add in the eggs one at a time beating for two minutes between each egg. The mixture will be silky and fluffy.
Carefully fold in the ½ cup of whipped cream.
Fill the pie with the chocolate filling.
You can either spread the 1 cup of whipped cream or pipe it (for a decorative effect) on top of the pie.
Place in the refrigerator for a minimum of two hours.
If you want you can shave or get fancy and twirl chocolate and sprinkle it over the top as decoration.
Cut and enjoy! It’s incredibly easy. It only takes about 20 minutes to assemble if you use a store bought crust. This is one of those classic pies I grew up eating on special occasions. I absolutely love how surprised I was at the ease of making this pie. I highly suggest it for your next event! Even Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day, which is coming up quickly!!!
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I love this sweatshirt dress. It is so cozy. Perfect for the Houston winters. I wear it a lot. Like a lot a lot. At home I live in these red sherpa socks. My new apartment has wood floors, and these keep my feet warm and padded from the hard flooring.
View of the valley on the hike to Fish Creek Falls.
Steamboat Springs has grown immensely popular in the last twenty years as a tourist town for the outdoorsy adventurers. The summer it hosts bikers, hikers, and watersports. The winter snows bring the skiers and snowboarders out to play. Steamboat Springs is home to 88 Olympians and counting, so you’re guaranteed winter sports galore.
If you don’t want to read all of my posts about Steamboat Springs, Colorado, (although, you should; I’m a great writer writing about great places) here’s a quick look at all of the places you need to go! I’m linking all my posts, so feel free to click and read on.
Hanging out on a ski lift outside my grandparents’ condo.
OUTDOORS Mount Werner Mount Werner is the mountain in Steamboat. In the summer it is a hub of bikers and hikers. In the winter, strap on your skis or snowboard and head up the mountain. You can ride the gondola up, but I highly suggest embracing your adventurer and hiking up the mountain. It’s beautiful. If you can, the peak is where the best views in town can be seen. Fish Creek Falls Fish Creek Falls has become an iconic destination. It’s $5 to park, and then off you go! There are several trails of varying difficulty. There are two different falls. The first is less than half a mile down hill from the parking lot. It is absolutely gorgeous. Between mid-morning and mid-afternoon, it is pretty busy. It clears out after 6:00. If you’re up for a long and sometimes tricky hike uphill, there’s a pretty bridge over the water. Further up, you’ll find the second falls, which are amazing. Few people venture this far. Passed that is Long Lake. It is definitely worth a trip to any of the sites and trails. Tubing Due to weather conditions, I wasn’t able to go tubing. The river conditions were not suitable the entire time I was there, unfortunately. There are several shops along the Yampa River in downtown Steamboat. The price is $20 for tube rentals and includes a shuttle ride back to the shop at the end of your trip. Alpine Slide I have done this in the past, and it is so much fun! I wasn’t able to do it during my last trip because of construction. It’s closed this summer, but next summer have at it. It’s like a summertime luge on wheels. Not the cheapest activity, but you could spend way more on other things. It starts at $12, but the more rides you buy the better the deal.
Hiking up Mount Werner!
SHOPPING Downtown Steamboat is as close to idyllic as I have ever seen. When people think of Colorado, this is what comes to mind. A cozy downtown filled with lots of little shops of all shapes and sizes nestled into the valley of mountains. No matter where you look, you’ll find mountains as far as the eye can see. Ruby Jane Boutique Ruby Jane is a cute store filled with clothes, jewelry, accessories, and more. I bought a purse I have been using constantly. Instagram @rubyjane.valleygirlboutique Fringe Boutique The exterior is blue with white trim. I would have gone broke buying everything I loved in this store. I got a few presents for friends, necklaces, and quippy cards. Instagram @fringeboutiquesteamboat Steamboat Art Company My go to for cute, funny, and unique art in Steamboat. Instagram @steamboatartco Off the Beaten Path This bookstore is adorable. I love that there menu items are named after famous books and iconic characters. They have a great section. I settled in to get some work done a few times on vacation. Instagram @steamboat_books
FOOD Bésame I fell in love with this new restaurant. It is an unexpected flavor bomb in the middle of Americana. Latin food in small town Colorado. It’s pretty amazing! Instagram @besamesteamboat Lyon’s Corner Drug & Soda Fountain I have loved this place my whole life. A traditional drug store with a traditional soda fountain. Grab an ice cream and a phosphate. Heaven! The Shack It’s an institution in my family. Open in the morning to mid-afternoon, it’s a diner with a lodge flare. Once on the outside patio when I was young, there was a tiny bat napping, and it was the highlight of that trip. Salt + Lime Great Mexican food and a fun, modern decor. I love the rooftop seating with views of downtown and mountains. The tacos are amazing, and they have a mocktail menu! Instagram @saltandlimesteamboat
I hadn’t been to Steamboat Springs, Colorado in nine years. Almost exactly. The first full day in town, I wanted to walk around and scout out all the new stuff. I walked passed Bésame, smelled what was wafting out the door, stopped to look at the menu, and I knew I would be back before long.
Fast forward a couple days.
Sneak peek!
The decor is fabulous. At the bar, there are blue velvet chairs. Equal parts comfy and luxurious. There are floor to ceiling windows looking onto downtown, which open up during service to let in the fresh mountain air. There is a small patio with four tables. Succulents adorn each table. The dining area is beautiful decorated with dark wood. An upstairs has extra seating for parties or the busy season. Spanish music plays in the background. (I danced on my way in and out.)
These photos are taken from two different trips to Bésame. I was too full for dessert the first time; I had to go back in order to try their kickass desserts. The first time we sat on the patio, and the second time we sat at the bar. There’s just the right amount of shade to make it fabulous.
Patatas Bravas. Oh boy!
The service was impeccable. Hayzen was our server and the bartender both times. Being a non-drinker who still likes unique, fancy drinks is not always easy for bartenders. He is my new favorite, so if I come into a pile of money and have an event, I will hire him immediately. I had a virgin peach mojito (fantastic) and then a virgin spicy, sweet passion fruit margarita. Seriously, amazing. Not only is he a talented tender of bars, he is incredibly personable, knowledgeable, and truly passionate about the restaurant.
The food was fantastic. There is a smatter of South American and Spanish dishes. I saw Patatas Bravas on the menu and, duh, had to order it. Then I ordered the Tostada de Vieja Ropa. I dated a Cuban for a bit in college, and he introduced me to Vieja Ropa, which is now one of my favorite foods. I have high standards and Bésame met them. What I loved about the dish: it was served on a sweet plantain disk. Believe me, it’s awesome! The kitchen accidentally made an extra order of their special of the day, which was a chorizo tostada with a small green salad. Hayzen – being the fabulous man he is – sent it our way. He jokingly said “Just leave a good review!” Little did he know, I was already geared up to write this phenomenal review. I should probably go post on yelp too…. Anyways! The chorizo was awesome. I don’t love refried beans because they usually have an au de tin can after taste. Not these! Yum. The table next to mine wanted me to let you all know the ceviche was the best they’d ever had. I am inclined to believe them because they were older with what seems like a good handful of money by their dress and jewelry. Anyways, the ceviche is always changing depending on the fresh fish market, and that day it was made with salmon.
Who could want a better dessert?
For dessert on the very last day in Steamboat Springs, I enjoyed the Kaffir Lime Churros and the Banana Bowl. Hayzen said the Kaffir Lime Churros have a slight fruit loop taste because of the unique flavor combination. He is not wrong. It’s not in an intense fruit loop flavor, and it definitely does not have the refined sugar throat coating quality. It’s served with frozen wine grapes and a Mexican hot chocolate dipping sauce. The Banana Bowl came highly recommended, and I will recommend it to you. So good! I can’t even describe it to you in any other words than heavenly.
So the reason the food is so delectable is because everything on the plate is made in house. It’s hard to beat fresh ingredients. It’s even harder to beat food made in house. You can taste the difference in the tortillas and plantains and especially in the refried beans. Pickled onions are amazing when they are freshly pickled. I love that sweet crunch they added to the Vieja Ropa!
I went to Bésame for lunch because we were trying to keep vacation costs low by cooking dinner at home, and lunch tends to be cheaper for equally great food. (Pro tip: go out for lunch on the weekends, you’ll save a bunch!) Anyways, it is definitely more expensive than McDonald’s, but it is affordable and a really wonderful experience. I would like to go back and enjoy dinner; the menu is bigger and looks delightful.
If you’re ever in Steamboat, this is the place you need to go to!
I was really loving my mocktail! Who needs alcohol?
I am not blowing smoke up your ass. Davanti Enoteca is my favorite restaurant I have been to on this earth. It has consistently excellent service, food, atmosphere, and quality. I would keep going back for one of their desserts alone, but it is wonderful. They solidified there place as my favorite restaurant this trip. Keep reading to find out why.
I found Davanti Enoteca in Little Italy on Taylor Street in Chicago almost four years ago. I have brought many friends into the wonder of this little place in the years since. It is owned by Francesca’s, and has a few locations in Chicago and San Diego. I haven’t been to the other locations, but the one in Little Italy is perfect.
The atmosphere is rustic chic. The tables have their numbers painted on their beautiful surface. The lighting is dim and cozy. One wall in the back is lined with wine. Back when I was a drinker, I would always buy a bottle because you’ll want to sit, stay, and revel in the experience. Two walls are lined with floor to ceiling windows. There are high top and regular tables.
The menu changes regularly with the seasons and ingredient availability with a few things staying around for good. The menu is designed as small plates to share. You don’t have to, but I love this. If I’m there with one other person, I usually order between three and five plates plus a dessert. The polenta is so good, but filling. I suggest to order it last otherwise it will fill you up before you’ve even started. They have 10” wood fired pizzas. There salads are great! Actually, everything is delightful. If the gnudi is on the menu, order it! This is a command. You won’t regret it. There are tons of options for vegetarians too.
As far as dessert, you can’t go wrong with anything. If you ask me and anyone else who works there or has tried it, the Brown Butter Blondie is the best thing you’ll ever put in your mouth. I mean it. I can’t go to Davanti Enoteca without ordering it. I refuse to share. I also have to take one home to my best friend if she’s not with me, or she me never speak to me again.
I was so excited about all the desserts!!!
I recommend having a reservation if you are dining on the weekends or during normal dinner hours. Otherwise you might wait a little while. They do have a bar with wonderful cocktails and an excellent beer and wine menu. I suggest their housemade limoncello.
The service is exceptional. I have had a reservtion every time, and my table has always been ready. I’ve never had to wait. The waitstaff is superb. They are attentive and kind and always knowledgable about the menu, specials, and drinks. They are willing to suggest things, but I’m sure you’ll want to try everything like me. I like to order a plate at a time, so I can eat and never feel rushed. It ends up being a course-like experience. With every course, a new plate arrives, so none of the previous flavors affect the new dish.
Chicago is a foodie city. You can spend hundreds of dollars on a single dinner for one person if you wanted to. I love food, but I also love keeping my money. Davanti Enoteca isn’t cheap, but it won’t kill your wallet either. The food is high quality like the service and atmosphere. The experience is a steal for the price. I wouldn’t go on a lazy Tuesday in sweat pants. It’s a date night, girls night, etc. kind of place. At least, for me and my budget. I can eat a lot, so I probably spend more there than most.
Just look how pretty these cannolis are!
I love being a blogger. Like I mentioned in a previous post, I am not in it for the free stuff. I do have a certain following, and when I feature restaurants it is because I want to not because I am being paid. For them, like the books I feature, it is a new avenue of publicity. It is genuine and honest publicity. (For a bad restaurant review see here.) I went to Davanti Enoteca without telling them because I seriously love this place. I do follow them on Instagram. At dinner, I was taking pictures throughout because I’m a blogger wanted to write this piece. They found out I’m a blogger. My waitress said they were going to send out an Heirloom Tomato Carpaccio. By this point, I was full. So I said so. She said “are you sure? It’s light.” I repeated I wasn’t sure. So she responded, “I’m going to send it out, you can always take it home.” Oh my goodness. It was light, but amazing. The tomatoes were juicy and delightful. It was perfect with tiger prawns and pea sprouts. So good. After that I ordered a cappuccino. Then the kitchen sent out three of their best desserts: the Brown Butter Blondie, Pana Cotta, and Cannolis. Holy bonanazas. It was so much food. So good. It was when the desserts came out, that the thought crossed my mind, “I think this might be free. Oh my God. I’m in heaven” As I was surrounded by too much of my favorite course to eat, I have never loved being a blogger as much as I did in that moment. They sent out a few courses “on them.” They didn’t ask for anything in return. I’m not writing this because they did so. They did however, solidify my undying love for them.
Anyways, if you’re in Chicago or ever have a chance to go, do so! You won’t regret it!!!
