As we are preparing to pack up and leave the city and the people that have become our "Houston Family", I get all nostalgic driving around. I pass places with a lot of memories, delicious food, and what was essentially our livelihood for the last 7 years (holy cow has it really been that long???). Here is a list of the things I'm pretty sure I will think about on a regular basis. I'd also highly recommend checking out any of these places if you happen to find yourself in this great city!
Niko Niko's--Great greek food. If you need further proof it was featured on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives. This is also the first restaurant we went to with Travis' dad, and he took a liking to it and wants to visit every time he comes. I suspect this is mostly because he knows how to get there without asking for directions.
Luigi's Pizzeria--I think I've only eaten the Caprese, but there is no need to order a different pizza ever. It's amazing. After dinner there is a delicious selection of gelato to choose from. We also like coming here because they have a great little patio next to a bocce court. Lucy has recently taken a liking to walking up and down the court and picking up and throwing the bocce balls. She was VERY disappointed the last time we went and the court was flooded!
Torchy's Tacos--I just ate at this place for the first time on Sunday. But man was it delicious! I'm sure if we weren't leaving I would eat here a lot.
The Original Ninfa's on Navigation--You can't leave this place without feeling overabundantly satisfied! I especially love the sangria.
Ruggles Green--When I was pregnant with Lucy there was nothing I wanted more than the chicken curry salad from Ruggles Green. I also love that they have a great variety of gluten free menu options. While I'm not restricted to a gluten free diet I appreciate they are considerate of those who are.
BRC--I was completely opposed to this restaurant when it opened down the street because the acronym is too foul for this prude. But then my arm was twisted to go for happy hour and they served me sangria. Travis likes it because they have a great beer list and they put bacon on a lot of things. Lucy likes it because they have good french fries. You win this time, Big Red Chicken.
The many other amazing restaurants--there are too many good ones to list. Unfortunately since we do try to live by somewhat of a budget, and now we have a toddler who won't sit still, we don't get to go to the really good ones as often as we would like. Some of the specific ones that come to mind are Mark's (where we celebrated our first anniversary!), Pappas Steakhouse, Pappas Seafood, Pappasitos, Corner Table, Ouisie's, America's, Carrabba's, Pollo Campero, Benjy's, Shade (don't remember which anniversary we celebrated here, but I will NEVER forget the mocha creme brûlée with orange liqueur sauce we had for dessert!), etc. The list is endless.
Ok so now it appears that all I really care about in Houston is the food. I can't deny that I really love the food. But there are other things I love too!
Rice Village--I love coming here to eat lunch, drink coffee, and go shopping. There's a good mix of local stores and restaurants as well as the typical chains. Not to mention it's fairly walkable and stroller-friendly (for Houston), so if you come to eat it's easy to stay and shop.
Memorial Park and the Arboretum--I have recently started taking Lucy to the Arboretum's "Tyke Hike" program on Monday. It's pretty adorable to see 30 toddlers examining leaves, bugs and gravel on the trails. Memorial Park is also where I did the bulk of my training for my three half marathons. I felt like I knew every tree along the three mile trail! At the park we also like the driving range and the ADA-friendly playground.
CWCC--My OB's office is amazing. I credit them with literally saving my life a few years ago and every doctor and nurse in the practice is incredibly kind and compassionate. Not to mention that it's just plain pretty! I wish my house was decorated half this well! Seriously folks--the bathroom is prettier than any room in my house.
Erika--The best hair stylist in Houston. No question! She always squeezes me in right before I have scheduled pictures or a party, realized that it's been 5 months since I've had my hair cut, and saves the day. Not to mention that she is also a beautiful woman of Christ who has counseled me through all sorts of life events the past 4 years or so. If you are looking for a stylist in Houston please visit her for a consult!
Driving down Rice Blvd under the beautiful canopy of Live Oaks, or driving down Memorial Drive along the Bayou. The trees and landscape are so peaceful and refreshing for a big city.
Messiah Lutheran Evangelical Childcare Center and First Friends Parent's Day Out Program: Lucy attended daycare at MLECC for 3 months before I quit working and now goes to the part time program at First Friends. I'm so appreciative of the care and love she has received at both places.
The Houston Auto Show--Believe it or not I'm a bit of a car nut. Clarification--new car nut. Even though I've never personally owned a brand new car (and likely never will, I'm far too frugal to buy new!) I still love new cars. I have not made it to the show every year we've lived here, but it's close! I love sitting in all the brand new cars, seeing the new technology, and having my eyes opened to brands and models I would never have considered otherwise.
FCC Houston--We visited FCC our third Sunday in Houston. We had visited two other DOC congregations, really liked both of them, but neither had 'hooked' us yet. At FCC we found not one, not two, but no less than THREE couples our age and they all seemed like nice people. They had a vibrant Sunday school class, they invited us to lunch after church the next week, and then the Thompson's invited us into their home for dinner. Not only had we found nice young people in a strange city but they actually invited us to their house. Woah. After that we couldn't NOT go to this church! We have truly loved our time at FCC and have grown as Christians in ways we didn't know possible. We are so thankful for the spiritual guidance we have received by some amazing members of this church. The music director, our dear friend Jeremy, also pushed us to share our musical talents and we will be forever grateful for this opportunity to share in musical ministry!
Our 'Houston Family': You know who you are :-) These people have truly made Houston home for us. We love you all so much. I love that our children are each other's first best friends. I hope when we come back to visit (and maybe to live in a few years?) you will still want to hang out with us!
I have loved living in this city but our experience would not have been half of what it was without our "Houston Family". These are the people that we share meals, holidays, and life with. The restaurants and places listed above wouldn't be nearly as meaningful or fun without our dear friends beside us.
Things I won't miss? The traffic, the lack of nature (the arboretum tries, but there's only so much nature you can pack into a square mile in the middle of Houston), and a three story house. The stairs were cool until I had a kid whose stuff was always on a different level.
In August check in again for the post "What I actually miss about Houston". I'm sure once we move and I come to realize what life in Saudi is really like my thoughts on this subject will change :)
Niko Niko's--Great greek food. If you need further proof it was featured on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives. This is also the first restaurant we went to with Travis' dad, and he took a liking to it and wants to visit every time he comes. I suspect this is mostly because he knows how to get there without asking for directions.
Luigi's Pizzeria--I think I've only eaten the Caprese, but there is no need to order a different pizza ever. It's amazing. After dinner there is a delicious selection of gelato to choose from. We also like coming here because they have a great little patio next to a bocce court. Lucy has recently taken a liking to walking up and down the court and picking up and throwing the bocce balls. She was VERY disappointed the last time we went and the court was flooded!
Torchy's Tacos--I just ate at this place for the first time on Sunday. But man was it delicious! I'm sure if we weren't leaving I would eat here a lot.
The Original Ninfa's on Navigation--You can't leave this place without feeling overabundantly satisfied! I especially love the sangria.
Ruggles Green--When I was pregnant with Lucy there was nothing I wanted more than the chicken curry salad from Ruggles Green. I also love that they have a great variety of gluten free menu options. While I'm not restricted to a gluten free diet I appreciate they are considerate of those who are.
BRC--I was completely opposed to this restaurant when it opened down the street because the acronym is too foul for this prude. But then my arm was twisted to go for happy hour and they served me sangria. Travis likes it because they have a great beer list and they put bacon on a lot of things. Lucy likes it because they have good french fries. You win this time, Big Red Chicken.
The many other amazing restaurants--there are too many good ones to list. Unfortunately since we do try to live by somewhat of a budget, and now we have a toddler who won't sit still, we don't get to go to the really good ones as often as we would like. Some of the specific ones that come to mind are Mark's (where we celebrated our first anniversary!), Pappas Steakhouse, Pappas Seafood, Pappasitos, Corner Table, Ouisie's, America's, Carrabba's, Pollo Campero, Benjy's, Shade (don't remember which anniversary we celebrated here, but I will NEVER forget the mocha creme brûlée with orange liqueur sauce we had for dessert!), etc. The list is endless.
Ok so now it appears that all I really care about in Houston is the food. I can't deny that I really love the food. But there are other things I love too!
Rice Village--I love coming here to eat lunch, drink coffee, and go shopping. There's a good mix of local stores and restaurants as well as the typical chains. Not to mention it's fairly walkable and stroller-friendly (for Houston), so if you come to eat it's easy to stay and shop.
Memorial Park and the Arboretum--I have recently started taking Lucy to the Arboretum's "Tyke Hike" program on Monday. It's pretty adorable to see 30 toddlers examining leaves, bugs and gravel on the trails. Memorial Park is also where I did the bulk of my training for my three half marathons. I felt like I knew every tree along the three mile trail! At the park we also like the driving range and the ADA-friendly playground.
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| Lucy with a prized pinecone she found on our walk Monday morning! |
CWCC--My OB's office is amazing. I credit them with literally saving my life a few years ago and every doctor and nurse in the practice is incredibly kind and compassionate. Not to mention that it's just plain pretty! I wish my house was decorated half this well! Seriously folks--the bathroom is prettier than any room in my house.
Erika--The best hair stylist in Houston. No question! She always squeezes me in right before I have scheduled pictures or a party, realized that it's been 5 months since I've had my hair cut, and saves the day. Not to mention that she is also a beautiful woman of Christ who has counseled me through all sorts of life events the past 4 years or so. If you are looking for a stylist in Houston please visit her for a consult!
Driving down Rice Blvd under the beautiful canopy of Live Oaks, or driving down Memorial Drive along the Bayou. The trees and landscape are so peaceful and refreshing for a big city.
Messiah Lutheran Evangelical Childcare Center and First Friends Parent's Day Out Program: Lucy attended daycare at MLECC for 3 months before I quit working and now goes to the part time program at First Friends. I'm so appreciative of the care and love she has received at both places.
The Houston Auto Show--Believe it or not I'm a bit of a car nut. Clarification--new car nut. Even though I've never personally owned a brand new car (and likely never will, I'm far too frugal to buy new!) I still love new cars. I have not made it to the show every year we've lived here, but it's close! I love sitting in all the brand new cars, seeing the new technology, and having my eyes opened to brands and models I would never have considered otherwise.
 |
| Mommy picked out an Aston Martin convertible, but Lucy had more fun in the big trucks. I guess she really is a Texan! |
FCC Houston--We visited FCC our third Sunday in Houston. We had visited two other DOC congregations, really liked both of them, but neither had 'hooked' us yet. At FCC we found not one, not two, but no less than THREE couples our age and they all seemed like nice people. They had a vibrant Sunday school class, they invited us to lunch after church the next week, and then the Thompson's invited us into their home for dinner. Not only had we found nice young people in a strange city but they actually invited us to their house. Woah. After that we couldn't NOT go to this church! We have truly loved our time at FCC and have grown as Christians in ways we didn't know possible. We are so thankful for the spiritual guidance we have received by some amazing members of this church. The music director, our dear friend Jeremy, also pushed us to share our musical talents and we will be forever grateful for this opportunity to share in musical ministry!
Our 'Houston Family': You know who you are :-) These people have truly made Houston home for us. We love you all so much. I love that our children are each other's first best friends. I hope when we come back to visit (and maybe to live in a few years?) you will still want to hang out with us!
I have loved living in this city but our experience would not have been half of what it was without our "Houston Family". These are the people that we share meals, holidays, and life with. The restaurants and places listed above wouldn't be nearly as meaningful or fun without our dear friends beside us.
Things I won't miss? The traffic, the lack of nature (the arboretum tries, but there's only so much nature you can pack into a square mile in the middle of Houston), and a three story house. The stairs were cool until I had a kid whose stuff was always on a different level.
In August check in again for the post "What I actually miss about Houston". I'm sure once we move and I come to realize what life in Saudi is really like my thoughts on this subject will change :)
