29 October 2008
Fuegovivo seems to have improved (and needed to)
Meat Lovers' Swordfight at Fuegovivo Churrascaria (Robb Walsh, Houston Press)
On my second visit to Fuegovivo, last week, the first thing I noticed were all the cars in the parking lot. When I stepped inside, I felt like I had walked into an entirely different restaurant. Our waiter told us that the restaurant had already replaced its first manager with a churrascaria specialist from Brazil. The new manager had made a lot of changes and business had taken off, the waiter said.
And since the traffic had picked up, so had the quality of the meats. The rib eye seemed juicier than it had on my first visit and there were several more selections including a garlicky flank steak, the Brazilian sirloin tri-tip roast called pincanha, pork sausages and some tiny grilled chickens. The only meat item I didn't like were the lamb chops, which looked excellent but proved to be grossly overcooked.
After I shared an opinion of the restaurant shortly after it opened, an apparent employee came on to argue with me that I was being mean. Later, a more reasonable member of management emailed, thanking me for the critique, apologizing, and asking me to give them another chance. I did not (Nelore is closer, cozy, and I've always had good experiences there), but it does sound like they've made some needed improvements.
If anyone has given the place a try lately, please leave a comment about your experience.
UPDATE (10/30/08): Alison Cook also reviews the restaurant this week, and isn't as fired up as Walsh (or as negative as I was). I still don't see any reason to give the place another try, although I might feel differently if Nelore weren't so close.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/29/08 09:23 | Houston | Technorati | Comments (2)
22 October 2008
Flooding?!
Where the hell did THAT* come from?
Callie and I met up for dinner in Montrose earlier, took off separately, and she nearly got home before getting trapped by water. I was slower (and more protective of my baby, even though it has ground clearance of nearly nine inches), gave up at some point, and hung out here** waiting for the water to go down.
That was just crazy. I can't believe how quickly Houston can flood.
* For those not in Houston, we just had a downpour that flooded the damn city for a couple of hours. It might not have done that if we had seen fit over the years to invest in flood control, but hey, we've invested heavily in sports stadiums, Discovery Green, and other trinkets, so what the hell....
** It was my first trip to this joint, and it was nice. A very drinkable $4 merlot did not hurt. I will definitely go back to this neighborhood establishment.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/22/08 22:00 | Houston | Technorati | Comments (3)
12 October 2008
Another thing that sounds more interesting than bad football
One of a kind entertainment this month (Ken Hoffman, Houston Chronicle)
The 999 EYES is billed as "the world's last authentic freak show, featuring real living human oddities." It's coming to the Meridian night club, 1503 Chartres, on Oct. 30 (perfect timing). Tickets are $13 in advance, $15 night of the show.
The modern, politically correct way of saying freak show ... "genetic diversity."
The 999 EYES has a rotating cast of performers, and you never know who you'll get. But among the acts: Flipper Man, Lobster Girl, Lobster Boy, the 27-inch Small Woman, Erik the Gentle Giant, Katsen the Tiger Lady, Danny the Half-Boy, Eek the Geek and the world's greatest sword swallower, Dan Meyer.
I do not approve of this show. I'm just saying, it's coming to the Meridian.
It's coming, and I'm going.
The 999 EYES is an old-school, vaudeville-style show with hand-painted sideshow curtains. It's actually rated as family entertainment; nothing gross or X-rated happens. Music will be provided by That Damned Band from Austin. They specialize in jug-band music.
Outside the club, Lowrent the Clown will eat fire and set off a 50-foot fireball.
This must be one heck of a show, if setting off a 50-foot fireball doesn't get you on the main stage.
I'm so there.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/12/08 20:13 | Houston | Technorati | Comments (2)
07 October 2008
National Night Out
National Night Out was more of a night in, at least in our part of Houston.
I think our townhouse community was still weary from That Bastard Ike, and we didn't see any other gatherings while walking the dog.
Maybe next year, if there are no direct hits by hurricanes!
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 10/07/08 23:38 | Houston | Technorati | Comments (0)
17 September 2008
Power!
Our power was restored a few hours ago.
A nice Centerpoint linesman who chatted with Callie earlier apparently felt sorry for us, and decided to bypass the line that was causing our power to be out. It didn't help folks still dependent on that branch line, but it did help quite a few homes on this side of it.
One more night of sleeping with windows open is in order, though. This weather is so nice. Here's hoping it holds for a while longer for people without power still.
UPDATE: Comcast internet is fine. Dish Network is fine (some dishes in the area got misaligned by the wind, but not ours thankfully). Woo!
UPDATE 2: Dish isn't quite fine. It needs to be re-aimed, as the signals is too weak on one sat and nonexistent on others. Hell, I was happy to see the thing still mounted on the roof after Ike! :)
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 09/17/08 21:12 | Houston | Technorati | Comments (3)
Ike Update: 09/17/08
There is still no power at the Casa de Kev and Callie, even though some Centerpoint guys gave us a little hope yesterday while checking lines (but apparently they were overly optimistic).
I'm in our office today, which only suffered minimal/cosmetic damage. All systems are fine, power is on, internet is at full speed, etc., so it's nice to catch up on a little reading and check in on colleagues. Our plant manager brought in a waffle maker for us, and sandwiches are being brought in for lunch, so that's kinda cool.
Starbucks is part of my morning trip-to-work routine, and the one on 59/Weslayan was open this morning. Getting back somewhat to the routine was kind of a nice thing this morning, even though the mostly black traffic lights were a good reminder that things aren't quite back to routine yet, even in Houston.
It's good to see our local leaders taking charge -- we would be so much better off if the feds would just provide resources and get the hell out of the way of Judge Emmett and Mayor White.
As electric goes... who knows when that will come back. Thankfully, Callie's mom has power, so we're somewhat covered if electric is still out when this cool front expires.
It's been interesting! And there are some stories to tell, when time and resources permit. :)
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 09/17/08 10:31 | Houston | Technorati | Comments (0)
14 September 2008
No Likey The Ikey
I fired up the laptop on battery (and tethered to my palm centro) for a bit of quick surfing and a post...
We weathered the storm okay in the townhouse (a few minor leaks -- thanks Perry Homes for that cheap-as-sh!t approach to construction!), although it was certainly an experience, especially when the back side of the hurricane hit us.
Our part of Midtown is without power, as is most of Houston, although just a few streets over from us in Midtown, some people do have power. Some people in Montrose had power yesterday, but not the West Alabama Ice House (sadly), where the last of our pre-Ike socializing took place.
As we walked and drove around yesterday, I was surprised that the damage wasn't MORE extensive. Lots of trees and signs down, but structures mostly seemed to hold pretty well, at least in central Houston. Downtown towers are a different story, but we didn't venture into that mess.
We have an open topic at blogHOUSTON, where people are posting, so check that out for updates or to post your own. And thanks to everyone who has called or emailed or texted about our safety! It's much appreciated.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 09/14/08 09:43 | Houston | Technorati | Comments (2)
10 September 2008
That Damn Ike (Humor Tangent)
The local weather forecasters are starting to move to hysterical mode (save for Gene Norman), prompting Callie to offer up this humorous observation:
The Cone of Uncertainty...sounds like something out of Star Trek.
No doubt.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 09/10/08 18:09 | Houston | Technorati | Comments (2)
Ike *grr*
That Damn Ike* now is predicted to swing back north somewhat.
I was sorta planning to head off to the Ouachitas for some packing after work tomorrow, but I guess I'll postpone that for a day (or longer) and see what is going to happen. If Ike doesn't head further south, all the rain is going to be headed to the Ouachitas right behind me, so there's really not much point in heading to the woods.
That Damn Ike has also led UH to move its home football opener... to somewhere in Dallas.
What fun!
* My new name for the storm.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 09/10/08 17:36 | Houston | Technorati | Comments (1)
06 September 2008
Tip
Actual tip left on credit card slip at bar earlier: Do not turn off football game our group has been watching.
We may have to move to The Harp in the future.
There are plenty of bars in Houston for a dozen or so people to spend money.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 09/06/08 18:23 | Houston | Technorati | Comments (10)
29 August 2008
Funny Things in Houston
I stopped at the Weslayan/59 Starbucks on the way to work today (since my favorite Shepherd store by 59 Diner was closed).
This one has a drive through, although I don't see any need to use the drive through. There were about six cars waiting in line.
I strolled in. There was nobody waiting in line. My redeye was done in a flash and I was off.
People were still waiting in the drive through, wasting gasoline and belching emissions into the fine Houston air, as I drove off. Anything for some Houstonians to avoid that crazy thing that involves putting one foot in front of the other, repeatedly, I guess.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 08/29/08 07:24 | Houston | Technorati | Comments (3)
20 August 2008
Missing the point...
Whine & Dine (Dai Hunyh, Houston Chronicle, 12/20/08)
John Fisch says thanks but no thanks to the pizzas at Russo's New York Coal-Fired Pizzeria, 19817 Northwest Freeway.
"My family got two pizzas to go recently and was not so captivated. The pizzas were indeed 'sooty,' or to put it another way, they tasted burnt. The crust was so laden with soot and/or was burned in so many places that with every bite, the taste of burnt crust overwhelmed any flavor that the toppings had. If that is the norm for their pizzas, I doubt I will ever go back."
That's how it is SUPPOSED to be. If you don't want an authentic, slightly charred, New York style, coal-fired pizza, it's probably a good idea NOT to go to Russo's New York Coal-fired Pizzeria.
Stick with Pizza Hut. Maybe Russo's will be less busy when I make it back there. :)
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 08/20/08 15:52 | Houston | Technorati | Comments (3)
04 August 2008
Houstonians are funny (or, WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE!!!)
Even though the local media haven't had the usual amount of time to scare the hell out of people*, it seems that everyone has gotten the word today that a little tropical storm is bearing down on the Houston area .
I just stopped by the Baroque Kroger (on Westpark/Buffalo Speedway) on the way home from work to get some deli meats for the lunches I pack a few days per week. The place was a friggin' zoo! And most carts were full of: potato chips, soda, water, and.... toilet paper! Several carts had multiples of those 24 (maybe 48?) roll jumbo packs! I don't know how in the world a storm that could result in a little flooding tomorrow is going to cause someone to need that much toilet paper, but I think it's safe to say that some Houstonians are properly hysterical about now.
Good lord.
Thankfully, the deli counter wasn't too busy.
* Nothing will top KTRK-13's Chief Alarmist Tim Heller during a thunderstorm (!) telling a grandmother on his blog that she should consider putting her grandchildren in the bathtub and piling mattresses all around. Well, except maybe his behavior during Hurricane Rita.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 08/04/08 16:24 | Houston | Technorati | Comments (3)
29 July 2008
Sudden acceleration: 07/29/08
Man crashes car into House of Pies (KHOU-11 News)
Diners at the House of Pies got a little more than a late-night snack Tuesday.
Early in the morning, a man was in his car about to leave the restaurant on Westheimer and Fountainview when he accidentally hit the gas instead of the brake.
His car plowed into the back wall of the building, knocking a hole in it.
The crash also broke a small water pipe.
Fortunately, no one was hurt.
Let's hope no pies were damaged either!
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 07/29/08 22:50 | Houston | Technorati | Comments (3)
27 June 2008
Sudden acceleration update!
Car Slams Into Shipley's Again (KPRC-2 News)
On Friday morning, a woman was trying to park at Shipley Do-Nuts, 8802 Stella Link Road, when she hit the gas instead of the brake, sending her Volvo through the front windows, officials said.
The doughnut shop was closed at the time and no one was injured.
The crash broke brand new glass because on Monday, a man's car would not stop at the same location, causing him to also plow through the front of the store.
That driver was injured. His condition was not released.
Today's driver should have claimed Sudden Acceleration Syndrome!
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 06/27/08 22:43 | Houston | Technorati | Comments (0)
25 June 2008
Danger Train collision downtown (06/25/08)
Metro Light Rail involved in crash with car (KHOU-11 News)
A Metro Light Rail train was involved in an accident with a car Wednesday morning.
The train was heading south on Main at Leland when a woman in a car ran a red light.
The train struck the car, and the woman and her passenger were taken to St. Joseph’s with non-life threatening injuries.
Metrorail collision in downtown Houston injures two (Dale Lezon, Houston Chronicle)
Two women were injured this morning when a car collided with a Metrorail train at Main and Leeland in downtown Houston.
Police were not sure about the severity of the women's injuries, but said both were conscious before being taken to nearby St. Joseph Medical Center.
No occupants of the train were reported to have been injured.
The accident was reported about 8:50 a.m.
Cars and trains sharing busy streets makes so much sense. We should (and are planning to) build more of the same!
It's always good for a laugh when friends from actual world-class cities with rail that is segregated from cars look at the thing and ask me what the hell Houston was thinking, and I tell them this is what transit planners in town consider "world-class."
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 06/25/08 13:35 | Houston | Technorati | Comments (1)
22 June 2008
Ten Second Review: Russo's New York Coal-Fired Pizzeria
Last week, we took a break from the healthy grilling to trip up to Russo's New York Coal-Fired Pizzeria in northwest Houston.
We were quickly seated by a pleasant hostess, who walked us by the impressive coal-fired oven.
A super-nice waitress took our drink order -- and had to get Callie to order a different beer, as they were out of Corona light. No biggie. I had a house Merlot, and it was fine (a very generous pour, I should note). The waitress checked on us frequently.
We ordered a Mulberry Special, with the bottom charred, New York style.
In a matter of minutes, the pizza arrived. PERFECTION! The slightly charred crust was the best I've had in Houston, to be sure, and one of the best I've had period. The toppings were fresh and yummy.
In fact, the diet suffered badly, because even though we were stuffed, we found it hard to stop until the whole damn thing was gone. This is not a pizza you want to box up and take anywhere, even leftovers. Better just to be a pig!
Adrian Hembree, the franchise owner, wandered by and visited with us for a while about the oven, and the slight char, and other things. We asked him about a dish another table was having (some sort of pizza crust with artichoke dip... thing... hard to describe), and he told us that was just something he threw together for those guys (off menu), and that if we asked for him next time we're in, he'd be happy to make one for us.
The food and service at Russo's were outstanding. Even though it's a decent trip, we'll definitely be hitting this place again.
UPDATE (11/28/08): We got in from a flight and decided to trek over for some grub tonight. The pizza was a damn soppy wet mess in the middle despite our ordering a charred crust. Waitstaff was crappy and indifferent to our complaints. Maybe this was just an off night, but it was a sh!t experience and we won't be making that long trek again. Seriously, all the waiter can say in response to our complaints about the pizza is, "I'm sorry about that, would you like it in a box?" No thanks. I'm not sure why I actually tipped the idiot, but oh well. Never again.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 06/22/08 19:11 | Houston | Technorati | Comments (3)
16 June 2008
Must try this pizza
Ken Hoffman turned me on to Lombardi's in New York, which was damn good pizza.
Apparently, the secret is the ridiculously hot coal-fired oven.
Now, Hoffman is touting Russo's, in NW Houston.
They apparently have the only coal-fired oven in town.
Robb Walsh concedes the place turns out an outstanding pie, although he questions whether it's a 900-degree oven.
Whatever -- if both Hoffman and Walsh are carrying on about this pizza, I must trek up that way to try it.
If it's even close to Lombardi's, it'll be a damn fine meal.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 06/16/08 22:20 | Houston | Technorati | Comments (0)
14 June 2008
Ten Second Review: Fuegovivo Churrascaria
Wednesday night, I took a break from the recent health insanity and went out to try a new churrascaria (I was motivated by a buy-one-get-one-free-coupon, but the main motivation was a new restaurant specializing in beef and wine).
There is no coupon that could entice me to return to Fuegovivo Churrascaria in West Houston.
The service was awful.
The meats were mediocre (at best).
The salad bar was poor (even though nobody really goes to a place like this for the salad bar, it's still nice if it isn't awful -- and if the plate one picks up isn't DIRTY. Not impressive).
It is hard to imagine that this place will be in business a year from now.
The standard for this sort of thing in Houston (and in West Houston) remains Fogo de Chao, although I'm actually partial to Nelore on Montrose.
In any case, AVOID Fuegovivo. Even if they offer you a coupon.
UPDATE (10/29/08): Robb Walsh says things have improved at Fuegovivo. See this post.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 06/14/08 21:02 | Houston | Technorati | Comments (4)
04 June 2008
There is still a WNBA?
Comets radio broadcasts move to KNTH-AM (Greg Barr, HBJ)
The Houston Comets have signed a deal with Salem Radio Houston to broadcast home and away games during the 2008 season.
The games will air on News Talk 1070 KNTH-AM.
The Women's National Basketball Association team signed a one-year agreement with KNTH after declining to renew a one-year contract in 2007 with Sports 610.
"(Sports 610) just wasn't quite the right fit for our audience," said team spokeswoman Djacarda Richard.
What audience?
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 06/04/08 21:30 | Houston | Technorati | Comments (1)
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