"Chris insisted that his first restaurant have a fully equipped back-of-the-house butcher shop, allowing him to pursue his passion for butchery and processing all of Underbelly's meats in house." ~ Underbelly, The Story of Houston Food

After reading an article in Garden and Gun referencing chef Chris Shepherd,

and then other mentions of his participation with some very cool culinary tours in Houston, 

Underbelly moved to the top of my list for our next visit home.

Southern hospitality is always refreshing and the immaculate service and attention to detail 

starts in the bar area where you actually enjoy your wait.

The non-fancy title for the non-fancy desserts pretty much explains the vibe.

But don't let non-fancy enter into the taste equation 

because we were able to taste quite a few of the small plates on the menu amongst our group 

and it was like reading the 'Story of Houston' with my taste buds.

Like I said...

attention to detail.

Of course,

this spot has been added to my 'Been there, loved it!'

for your reference when you next have a choice of where to dine in Houston.

Happy Thursday.

“And now," cried Max, "let the wild rumpus start!” ― Maurice Sendak, Where the Wild Things Are

Once again,

Google turned a routine, run-of-the-mill internet search 

into my morning entertainment as I relive one of my favorite children's books 

on the would be 85th birthday of the famous author.

Meanwhile...

I wanted to share some Houston Hotties (I'm talking restaurants here)...

new discoveries this trip home.

Adair Kitchen provides a comfy cafe atmosphere with "simple favorites morning-noon-night"...

and a newly added juice bar.

Its Galleria area location is a convenient meet up spot.

Another newbie caught my eye with its menu serving up paleo options...

located near the old stomping grounds of Ren Man's 'man cave'.

The Corner Table...

is a tasty choice in the Kirby/Westheimer area where many tables are filled with 'ladies who lunch'.

Today...

I am sitting in the California sun with 'the editor', 'the dancer' and 'the foodie'...

agreeing with Max.

"Let the wild rumpus start!"

Happy Monday.

"Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness." ~ Thomas Jefferson

It is always a treat to check out those hot spots new to the restaurant scene in Houston, and we made a huge discovery in...

Local Foods is part of the Benjys family located next door in the old Antone's in the village and is putting actions to their claims of 'local foods'.

As I sat there scooping up the last bits of the best posole I have ever tasted, this whole farm to table movement reminded my of a parade we stumbled upon while traveling through the Lake District a few weeks ago.

This Field to Fork parade was entertainment for a captive audience of traffic lined up for miles as they traveled down a mountainside road through the small villages.


Priceless...
 and great to see the efforts in place to take back control of our food sources.


Happy Thursday!