Vargo's International Cuisine
Old-fashioned romance is the name of the game at this lovely restaurant that sits on 8 acres of gardens, which include a private lake with swans, ducks, and peacocks. The standard fare -- mostly steaks and lobster -- gets ho-hum marks, but the food is not the reason you're coming here anyway. There is a Sunday brunch. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Mon. No lunch Sat. No dinner Sun.
Address: 2401 Fondren Rd., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/782-3888
Brennan's
A cousin of New Orleans's Commander's Palace, Brennan's puts a Texas spin on creole cuisine. The landmark building's interiors are as charming as the hospitality is southern-gracious. Chef Carl Walker's specialties, like turtle soup with sherry and pecan-crusted fish, repeatedly impress. Brunch in the peaceful courtyard is a memorable experience. Reservations essential. AE, D, DC, MC, V.
Address: 3300 Smith St., Downtown, Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/522-9711
Ouisie's Table
Here American cuisine is prepared with eclectic, southern accents. Dine in the main room, or request a table on adjoining Lucy's Porch for a view of the herb plantings snipped daily by the kitchen staff. Enjoy such favorites as chicken-fried steak salad with Roquefort dressing or a grilled lime redfish chalupa (a fried corn tortilla). There's a fabulous weekend brunch and an afternoon "little bites" menu. AE, D, DC, MC, V.
Address: 3939 San Felipe Rd., Uptown/Galleria, Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/528-2264
Quattro
From maître d' to server, attention to your enjoyment is given unobtrusively in this hushed, but friendly, dining room located in the Four Seasons. The menu focuses on popular American-Italian dining in Euro-sleek style. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch Sat. No dinner Sun.
Address: 1300 Lamar St., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/652-6250
Americas
Dramatic South American rain forest decor may make you think you're in Peru while you dine on gulf snapper, roasted pork tenderloin, and, of course, plantains. Kids' menu. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.
Address: 1800 S. Post Oak Blvd., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/961-1492
Bistro Vino
It's hard to decide where to sit in this romantic neighborhood restaurant. Should you choose inside -- in the remodeled historic two-story mansion? Or, perhaps, outside in the lush garden near the fountain? Either way you're sure to be able to hear the live piano music as you tuck into something nice like the veal Milanese, osso buco, or filet au poivre. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun. Address: 819 W. Alabama St., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/526-5500
Arcodoro
With executive chefs hailing from Sardinia, Italy, Arcodoro is the place to go for authentic cuisine. The various pasta dishes, such as artichoke-filled ravioli and gnochetti with wild boars are very popular as are the chicken and osso buco (veal) dishes. Arcodoro also boasts a succulent rib-eye steak. AE, D, DC, MC, V.
Address: 5000 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/621-6888
Mo Mong
You'll have to look hard to find this Vietnamese gem hidden behind the Hollywood Video store. With soaring two-story matte steel partitions and Asian minimalist accents, the restaurant's stunning decor highlights the creativity of the fusion cuisine. The Ca Kho To (seasoned catfish baked in a clay pot) and the Vietnamese fajitas convert typically southern ingredients into Asian specialties. AE, D, DC, MC, V.
Address: 1201B Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/524-5664
Baroque
One of Houston's most romantic restaurants is decked out in old-fashioned frills from the fresh roses to the lacy linen to the crystal chandeliers. Try the pecan-encrusted swordfish or the beef tenderloin in brandy peppercorn sauce. AE, MC, V. No lunch weekends.
Address: 1700 Sunset Blvd., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/523-8881
La Colombe D'Or
This charming, sophisticated restaurant occupies the first floor of a turn-of-the-20th-century mansion whose upper floors have been converted into a small luxury hotel by longtime owner Steve Zimmerman. Forget about budgets and calories and succumb to classic preparations of lobster, lamb, prime cuts of beef, and vegetables. Expect the elaborate desserts to be -- what else? -- rich. Reservations essential. AE, DC, MC, V. No lunch weekends.
Address: 3410 Montrose Blvd., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/524-7999
Monday, January 23, 2006
I love the idea of respecting children.
They Are (Smart), and They Can (Hear)by John Fischer
In a comment about her work with children through her church, one of our readers commented, “I have found some wonderful new friends, some my age, and some that are four years old.”
I love that. I've had it floating around in my idea file for a while and find I keep coming back to it. I think I like it because of the dignity it gives both friendship and children.
We can be so quick to pass off children as being too young and immature to contribute on an adult level. “Children are to be seen and not heard,” is still a part of the American conscience. Although the cultural climate towards children has changed drastically in my lifetime, there are still evidences of how we look down on them. The “children's table” is still a popular holiday setting when the extended family gathers (as if they have nothing to contribute to the adults), and then there is “children's church” where the pastor speaks in a different voice and tone than when he preaches later to the congregation. (Just once I'd love to hear one of those kids blurt out, “Why are you talking so funny?”)
To have an adult say, “I've found some wonderful new friends… and some of them are four years old,” says something to me. It says that there are some ways in which she sees a four-year-old as a peer. Friendship is all about giving and receiving, and the minute we start to look for what children can teach us, not just what we are trying to teach them, we will be rewarded.
Here is, I think, a good general assumption to go by, and it goes not only for children but for seniors, Alzheimer's and coma patients, the mentally handicapped, and anyone we have a tendency to think isn't very smart or can't hear us: they are (smart), and they can (hear). Our six-year-old is slow in language for his age, but there is no question his mind is as sharp as a tack and he doesn't miss a trick. In other words, expect there to be more understanding than you think there is, and nine out of ten times you will be right. (Come to think of it, this probably goes for anyone.)
And finally, treat everyone as an equal. That's how the woman who inspired these thoughts sees the four-year-olds she is working with. If we don't do this, we miss out. And we miss out not only on the richness of what we can receive, but according to Jesus, we miss out on the kingdom of God.
"Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all" (Luke 18:16-17).
In a comment about her work with children through her church, one of our readers commented, “I have found some wonderful new friends, some my age, and some that are four years old.”
I love that. I've had it floating around in my idea file for a while and find I keep coming back to it. I think I like it because of the dignity it gives both friendship and children.
We can be so quick to pass off children as being too young and immature to contribute on an adult level. “Children are to be seen and not heard,” is still a part of the American conscience. Although the cultural climate towards children has changed drastically in my lifetime, there are still evidences of how we look down on them. The “children's table” is still a popular holiday setting when the extended family gathers (as if they have nothing to contribute to the adults), and then there is “children's church” where the pastor speaks in a different voice and tone than when he preaches later to the congregation. (Just once I'd love to hear one of those kids blurt out, “Why are you talking so funny?”)
To have an adult say, “I've found some wonderful new friends… and some of them are four years old,” says something to me. It says that there are some ways in which she sees a four-year-old as a peer. Friendship is all about giving and receiving, and the minute we start to look for what children can teach us, not just what we are trying to teach them, we will be rewarded.
Here is, I think, a good general assumption to go by, and it goes not only for children but for seniors, Alzheimer's and coma patients, the mentally handicapped, and anyone we have a tendency to think isn't very smart or can't hear us: they are (smart), and they can (hear). Our six-year-old is slow in language for his age, but there is no question his mind is as sharp as a tack and he doesn't miss a trick. In other words, expect there to be more understanding than you think there is, and nine out of ten times you will be right. (Come to think of it, this probably goes for anyone.)
And finally, treat everyone as an equal. That's how the woman who inspired these thoughts sees the four-year-olds she is working with. If we don't do this, we miss out. And we miss out not only on the richness of what we can receive, but according to Jesus, we miss out on the kingdom of God.
"Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all" (Luke 18:16-17).
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Monday, January 16, 2006
Marks of a successful entrepreneur
Do you have what it takes to be a cut above the rest?
KEOY SOO EARN highlights the essential traitsThe Business Times, September 15, 2005
SUCCESSFUL entrepreneurs generally share common characteristics. Do you have similar traits?
Envisioning power and persistence
Many successful entrepreneurs visualise their success even before it happens. As an entrepreneur, you must be able to envision your desired goals, and persistently focus your energy on executing the activities that are necessary to achieve your goals, even in the face of harsh conditions.
'Contented not' (Discontented)
Successful entrepreneurs seldom stay long in the state of contentment after achieving their goals. They tend to continue to set new and more challenging goals for themselves and their enterprises.
Risk-taker
If you are worried about failure, you should probably think twice about quitting your job. Setting up your own business requires you to take risks, and the opportunity cost is not having an employer and the more certain, regular pay cheque.
Successful entrepreneurs must have the ability to identify and realistically assess opportunities against related risks, and choose to act on those opportunities that provide the greatest returns to their enterprises.
Self-confident
This, in fact, should be the most basic attribute of a successful entrepreneur. Your self-confidence has a significant impact on the success of your enterprise and your employees.
You may want to build your business around your interests, abilities and experience in an area that you are familiar with, and thus most confident at. You should find it easier to grow this business and this should in turn further help boost your confidence.
Persuasive communicator
As an entrepreneur, it is equally important to appreciate that believing in your own ideas is insufficient. Sharing your goals and belief with your team effectively, selling your products and services to your customers successfully, convincing your financiers to part with their money, etc, require strong communication skills.
It is crucial to learn the art of communication, including negotiation. You should also take time to listen to feedback and learn to interact well with many different types of people.
Positive
Successful entrepreneurs see problems as opportunities and learning experiences. They take time to learn and make use of their creative problem solving skills to explore innovative ways to transform problems into opportunities for the enterprise.
Strong character
Starting and running a business takes a lot of energy, endurance and time. Successful entrepreneurs are usually persons with strong character. A person with strong character shows drive, energy, determination, self-discipline, will power and nerve. He sees what he wants and goes after them.
In this competitive business environment, a successful entrepreneur must possess a competitive spirit to guide his enterprise forward. Your actions also set the pace of growth for your enterprise.
Love being a leader . . .
With the attributes of a leader, an entrepreneur usually attracts followers. Entrepreneurs with leadership attributes will guide their enterprises into the future and show their staff that they can be trusted.
To be an effective leader, your people must trust you and share your vision. They want their leaders to be ethical and convey a strong vision of the future. These behaviours will win trust, loyalty and ensure your enterprise's continued vitality.
. . . but not being the boss
An entrepreneur is usually de facto, the boss. However, the two are not necessarily the same or equal.
A boss orders while a leader asks. Where a boss tends to depend mainly on authority, a leader builds and uses good will. While most bosses control people through invoking fear, a leader inspires them with enthusiasm. A boss reacts; a leader responds. A boss takes credit while a leader gives it. When things go wrong, the boss tends to apportion blame, while a leader fixes the problem.
Team builder
Entrepreneurs, who are individualists by nature, have to recognise that every successful enterprise requires a team of good people.
A good team is a living, constantly changing, dynamic force in which the team members complement each other to achieve the team's objectives.
Building a reliable and capable team is a key foundation to grow your enterprise. Building and managing teams is a major and stimulating challenge for any entrepreneurs.
When this is done well, the level of satisfaction and the positive impact on the enterprise can be tremendous.
The above are selected common key characteristics of successful entrepreneurs. You may not need to posses every one of these characteristics to be a successful entrepreneur. Being aware of your own strengths and weaknesses is already a positive step forward. Where you are lacking, take heart and learn from others by attending classes. Also, build on your experience.
Do you have what it takes to be a cut above the rest?
KEOY SOO EARN highlights the essential traitsThe Business Times, September 15, 2005
SUCCESSFUL entrepreneurs generally share common characteristics. Do you have similar traits?
Envisioning power and persistence
Many successful entrepreneurs visualise their success even before it happens. As an entrepreneur, you must be able to envision your desired goals, and persistently focus your energy on executing the activities that are necessary to achieve your goals, even in the face of harsh conditions.
'Contented not' (Discontented)
Successful entrepreneurs seldom stay long in the state of contentment after achieving their goals. They tend to continue to set new and more challenging goals for themselves and their enterprises.
Risk-taker
If you are worried about failure, you should probably think twice about quitting your job. Setting up your own business requires you to take risks, and the opportunity cost is not having an employer and the more certain, regular pay cheque.
Successful entrepreneurs must have the ability to identify and realistically assess opportunities against related risks, and choose to act on those opportunities that provide the greatest returns to their enterprises.
Self-confident
This, in fact, should be the most basic attribute of a successful entrepreneur. Your self-confidence has a significant impact on the success of your enterprise and your employees.
You may want to build your business around your interests, abilities and experience in an area that you are familiar with, and thus most confident at. You should find it easier to grow this business and this should in turn further help boost your confidence.
Persuasive communicator
As an entrepreneur, it is equally important to appreciate that believing in your own ideas is insufficient. Sharing your goals and belief with your team effectively, selling your products and services to your customers successfully, convincing your financiers to part with their money, etc, require strong communication skills.
It is crucial to learn the art of communication, including negotiation. You should also take time to listen to feedback and learn to interact well with many different types of people.
Positive
Successful entrepreneurs see problems as opportunities and learning experiences. They take time to learn and make use of their creative problem solving skills to explore innovative ways to transform problems into opportunities for the enterprise.
Strong character
Starting and running a business takes a lot of energy, endurance and time. Successful entrepreneurs are usually persons with strong character. A person with strong character shows drive, energy, determination, self-discipline, will power and nerve. He sees what he wants and goes after them.
In this competitive business environment, a successful entrepreneur must possess a competitive spirit to guide his enterprise forward. Your actions also set the pace of growth for your enterprise.
Love being a leader . . .
With the attributes of a leader, an entrepreneur usually attracts followers. Entrepreneurs with leadership attributes will guide their enterprises into the future and show their staff that they can be trusted.
To be an effective leader, your people must trust you and share your vision. They want their leaders to be ethical and convey a strong vision of the future. These behaviours will win trust, loyalty and ensure your enterprise's continued vitality.
. . . but not being the boss
An entrepreneur is usually de facto, the boss. However, the two are not necessarily the same or equal.
A boss orders while a leader asks. Where a boss tends to depend mainly on authority, a leader builds and uses good will. While most bosses control people through invoking fear, a leader inspires them with enthusiasm. A boss reacts; a leader responds. A boss takes credit while a leader gives it. When things go wrong, the boss tends to apportion blame, while a leader fixes the problem.
Team builder
Entrepreneurs, who are individualists by nature, have to recognise that every successful enterprise requires a team of good people.
A good team is a living, constantly changing, dynamic force in which the team members complement each other to achieve the team's objectives.
Building a reliable and capable team is a key foundation to grow your enterprise. Building and managing teams is a major and stimulating challenge for any entrepreneurs.
When this is done well, the level of satisfaction and the positive impact on the enterprise can be tremendous.
The above are selected common key characteristics of successful entrepreneurs. You may not need to posses every one of these characteristics to be a successful entrepreneur. Being aware of your own strengths and weaknesses is already a positive step forward. Where you are lacking, take heart and learn from others by attending classes. Also, build on your experience.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
For you....some day I will give this to you
If I could save time in a bottle
The first thing that I’d like to do
Is to save every day
Till eternity passes away
Just to spend them with you
If I could make days last forever
If words could make wishes come true
I’d save every day like a treasure and then,
Again, I would spend them with you
But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do
Once you find them
I’ve looked around enough to know
That you’re the one I want to go
Through time with
If I had a box just for wishes
And dreams that had never come true
The box would be empty
Except for the memory
Of how they were answered by you
But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do
Once you find them
I’ve looked around enough to know
That you’re the one I want to go
Through time with
The first thing that I’d like to do
Is to save every day
Till eternity passes away
Just to spend them with you
If I could make days last forever
If words could make wishes come true
I’d save every day like a treasure and then,
Again, I would spend them with you
But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do
Once you find them
I’ve looked around enough to know
That you’re the one I want to go
Through time with
If I had a box just for wishes
And dreams that had never come true
The box would be empty
Except for the memory
Of how they were answered by you
But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do
Once you find them
I’ve looked around enough to know
That you’re the one I want to go
Through time with
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Friday, December 09, 2005
sound of music
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things
Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things
When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things
Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things
When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Friday, December 02, 2005
Stocking
How to Make a Stocking
Add a special touch to your holiday mantel by hanging Christmas stockings that you've made yourself. Make a unique stocking for each member of the family and use them for many Christmas seasons to come.
Steps:
1.
Use an old or inexpensive purchased Christmas stocking to make your own stocking pattern. Lay the stocking on a piece of newspaper or kraft paper and trace around the stocking with a pen or pencil, a 1/2 inch from the stocking edges. This will give you a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
2.
Choose 1 yard of fabric for each Christmas stocking to be made and 1/4 yard of fabric for each cuff. Use a holiday print, quilted holiday fabric, or solid-color fabric or felt for your stocking. Make sure you have a coordinating thread color on hand.
3.
Lay the stocking fabric on a flat work surface and fold it in half, lengthwise, right sides together. Pin your paper pattern to the fabric and use dressmaker shears to cut through the paper pattern and fabric along your marked line. Make sure you cut through both layers of fabric. Set these two pieces aside. (Image 1)
4.
Place the stocking cuff fabric on your work surface. Use a fabric cutting board, a yardstick or ruler, and a fabric-marking pen to measure out two pieces of fabric that each measure 14 inches long. Use the top measurement of your stocking pattern for the width. (Image 2)
5.
Fold each cuff piece in half, wrong sides together, so that you now have two pieces that are 7 inches in length and the top width of your stocking pattern.
6.
Pin each folded cuff piece to the wrong side of a stocking piece so that all raw edges meet. Place pins at 1/2-inch intervals. (Image 3)
7.
Use a sewing machine to stitch the cuff pieces to the stocking pieces. Sew 1/2 inch from the raw edges. Press the seams open with an iron.
8.
Pin the two sewn stocking pieces together. Make sure that all edges match up evenly and that the right sides of the stocking pieces are facing each other. The pins should be perpendicular to the fabric edges.
9.
Insert a folded length of ribbon or cording between stocking layers at the upper left cuff seam (to use to hang the stocking). The toe of the stocking should be pointing to your right. The ribbon or cording should be angled upward and inserted far enough between the layers to be caught in the 1/2-inch seam allowance. (Image 4)
10.
Stitch along the edges of your stocking, 1/2 inch from the raw fabric edges. Remove the pins as you sew.
11.
Turn the stocking right-side out and fold the cuff down so that the seam line is hidden inside the stocking. (Image 5)
12.
Hang up your new stocking and hope for lots of goodies.
1.
2.
4.
Tips:
Make your pattern from a stocking that is 18 inches to 20 inches long. If you opt to make a smaller stocking, you'll need less fabric. If your desired stocking size is larger, make sure you purchase a larger quantity of stocking fabric.
Draw your own stocking pattern onto the newspaper or kraft paper. Practice drawing the shape a few times before cutting out your pattern, and remember to add the 1/2-inch seam allowance. Make your stocking 18 inches to 20 inches in length and 12 inches to 14 inches in width at its widest point.
Make an elegant Christmas stocking by using cotton velveteen for your stocking fabric and a quilted satin fabric for your cuff.
Add any trim or embroidery to the cuff and body of the stocking before you sew the stocking edges.
Add a special touch to your holiday mantel by hanging Christmas stockings that you've made yourself. Make a unique stocking for each member of the family and use them for many Christmas seasons to come.
Steps:
1.
Use an old or inexpensive purchased Christmas stocking to make your own stocking pattern. Lay the stocking on a piece of newspaper or kraft paper and trace around the stocking with a pen or pencil, a 1/2 inch from the stocking edges. This will give you a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
2.
Choose 1 yard of fabric for each Christmas stocking to be made and 1/4 yard of fabric for each cuff. Use a holiday print, quilted holiday fabric, or solid-color fabric or felt for your stocking. Make sure you have a coordinating thread color on hand.
3.
Lay the stocking fabric on a flat work surface and fold it in half, lengthwise, right sides together. Pin your paper pattern to the fabric and use dressmaker shears to cut through the paper pattern and fabric along your marked line. Make sure you cut through both layers of fabric. Set these two pieces aside. (Image 1)
4.
Place the stocking cuff fabric on your work surface. Use a fabric cutting board, a yardstick or ruler, and a fabric-marking pen to measure out two pieces of fabric that each measure 14 inches long. Use the top measurement of your stocking pattern for the width. (Image 2)
5.
Fold each cuff piece in half, wrong sides together, so that you now have two pieces that are 7 inches in length and the top width of your stocking pattern.
6.
Pin each folded cuff piece to the wrong side of a stocking piece so that all raw edges meet. Place pins at 1/2-inch intervals. (Image 3)
7.
Use a sewing machine to stitch the cuff pieces to the stocking pieces. Sew 1/2 inch from the raw edges. Press the seams open with an iron.
8.
Pin the two sewn stocking pieces together. Make sure that all edges match up evenly and that the right sides of the stocking pieces are facing each other. The pins should be perpendicular to the fabric edges.
9.
Insert a folded length of ribbon or cording between stocking layers at the upper left cuff seam (to use to hang the stocking). The toe of the stocking should be pointing to your right. The ribbon or cording should be angled upward and inserted far enough between the layers to be caught in the 1/2-inch seam allowance. (Image 4)
10.
Stitch along the edges of your stocking, 1/2 inch from the raw fabric edges. Remove the pins as you sew.
11.
Turn the stocking right-side out and fold the cuff down so that the seam line is hidden inside the stocking. (Image 5)
12.
Hang up your new stocking and hope for lots of goodies.
1.
2.
4.
Tips:
Make your pattern from a stocking that is 18 inches to 20 inches long. If you opt to make a smaller stocking, you'll need less fabric. If your desired stocking size is larger, make sure you purchase a larger quantity of stocking fabric.
Draw your own stocking pattern onto the newspaper or kraft paper. Practice drawing the shape a few times before cutting out your pattern, and remember to add the 1/2-inch seam allowance. Make your stocking 18 inches to 20 inches in length and 12 inches to 14 inches in width at its widest point.
Make an elegant Christmas stocking by using cotton velveteen for your stocking fabric and a quilted satin fabric for your cuff.
Add any trim or embroidery to the cuff and body of the stocking before you sew the stocking edges.
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