Tasteful Memory: Rainbow Lodge

Another sweaty and sultry evening in the 713. Donning a thoughtfully designed strapless sundress from a boutique Dutch label. Patiently waiting for my friends to valet or defiantly self park. Saw a bold yellow sports car arrive like a bolt of lightening. Realizing that my dinner party resembles a miniature United Nations. Having multiple conversations with a cultural melange of friends. Dining with royalty from Togo, Vietnam, Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, Korea, British Canada, and French Canada. Taking in the rustic, ski lodge feel of the place. Feeling a little misplaced since I am not skiing and we are in the middle of an oppressive Houston heat wave. Counting the number of deer heads and decorative pieces from a hunting lifestyle persuasion. Delightfully looking over the Houston Restaurant Weeks menu. Savoring the sweetness of a grilled peach with arugula contrasted with the savory feta. C'est bon! Indulging in la piece de la resistance - pan roasted duck with pearl couscous. Discussing possible vacation locales: Cayman, Vancouver, Africa. Tasting the finale -a moderately refreshing trio of sorbets. Enviously wishing I ordered the bread pudding.

Tasteful Memory: Jacob's Basalmic-Marinated Pork Chops

There is just something so satisfying about a home-cooked meal. Growing up, my brother, sister, and I would read the November issue of Better Homes and Garden in anticipation of what we would cook. Looking at the glossy magazines with excitement as we figured out what dish we would complement our father's turkey. From the research to picking out our ingredients at the grocery store, and then finally seeing how our dishes turned out was a big deal to us kids.

This past week, Jacob wanted to cook something delightfully delish. So, I suggested looking at the recipes on Clean Eating Magazine. I've been trying to eat better, and I just learned more about what clean eating really means. He decided to try out the Balsamic-Marinated Pork Chops. Yummmmmy!

After doing a brick workout (ten mile bike ride and three mile run), I was starving and ready to eat these lovely chops. And, Jacob did not disappoint! He let the chops marinate for a day which I think really enriched the flavors. And, he added a little bit of a twist to the meal by adding in cherries and tomatoes. The grilled peaches were very delicious and the side veggies were roasted well too.

It was a thoughtful gesture and quite treat!

Cooking Ideas This Week

Tried making easy quiche cups for breakfast. Nice to have breakfast made ahead of time and is a great way to work in leftover veggies.



I am trying new things with fruits and veggies: putting in rhubarb in my smoothies, creating new salads like grilled nectarines with walnuts, blueberries, and spinach, and tried almond milk for the first time.



I am inspired by Clean Eating Magazine and the Stiletto Chef. Lots of fun and creative ways to work in healthy foods into my diet.

Taste The Texas Trio @ Canyon Creek

Meeting up with friends.
Sipping on ice cold lemonade and Lone Stars.
Relaxing on the deck as people unwind from a day of work.
Rewarding yourself with a post-workout drink.
It's summertime, and your waiter places a yummy basket of tortilla chips and
the yummy trio of goodness.
Queso...
Salsa...
and Guacamole!

Ole! Hooray! Yeehaw!

Good beverages, good friends, and good eatin'.

Mini Pitas Stuffed with Goodness

This snack is about 175 calories, and is quite tasty! Grill some mini pitas on the stove. Then, tear each of the pitas open. Stuff with herbed goat cheese, basil, baby tomato, pesto, and some parmasean cheese with olive oil. Enjoy!

Green Smoothies Yum!

One cup spinach, 1.5 cups of soymilk with vanilla flavor, 1 teaspoon of flaxseed, 1/4 cup of OJ, and 1/2 a banana. Mix it up in the blender, and enjoy!

Taste @ Eatsie Boys

So, wanting to try a new eating experience for lunchtime and decided that I'd try the Eatsie Boys food truck in the parking lot. It was hard for me to choose from their menu. So I went with the Da Bomb (a marinated Vietnamese style sandwich with chicken, roasted jalapenos, cucumber, carrots, and cilantro). I liked it. It had a little bit of a kick. I liked how I could stop inside Agora. I grabbed a sparkling water and was able to sit on the patio.

It was a nice way to chill out during the day. Relax, eat good food, and work on my writing for bit. The Vietnamese sandwich's chicken was nicely spiced, the carrots were tasting, and the green hot sauce was very delish.

Definitely stop by for a new way of dining. All the food that the Eatsie Boys prepare is fresh and local, too.