Sofar Houston

June 13, 2024 by Jessica Klausing

By Jessica Klausing

Houston Hobby Airport Poster. Photo by Marq Barnes.

This past weekend, Aries Fire found ourselves on an incredible adventure in Houston. My business partner, Marq, who also runs two podcasts (On The Marq and In My Concert Bag), informed me that our dear friend, Neo Soul artist, Padon Suber had been selected to perform for Sofar Houston! After rejoicing in the good news, we booked our flights and headed west for great music, great food, and even greater company!

Due to a flight delay from the Dallas storms, we arrived about an hour later than originally scheduled but still managed to check in to the hotel, grab a quick dinner, and head out to the Sable Gate Winery for the Sofar Houston event on time.

SABLE GATE WINERY

The Sable Gate Winery is an urban winery in the heart of midtown Houston. It’s a cozy warehouse with huge windows overlooking stunning city views. The owner, Szilvia Konya, was kind and apologetic for the long wait in line. Once I tasted the wine, I understood why the line was long and chaotic! The owners take great pride in the quality of their wines and sangrias.

We tried a glass of the Shortcake, one of their most popular wines on the menu. I prefer the Reds, but this delectable white strawberry wine made me a believer. As cheesy as this is about to sound - I could almost hear Deana Carter’s “Strawberry Wine” playing in my head. It's a sweet Riesling that will have you falling in love with each sip.

SOFAR HOUSTON

If you're a music fan, you have to check out a Sofar Sounds event. Sofar Sounds is a global music community connecting artists and fans through live music in over 400 cities worldwide. Each event is hosted at a private residence or business space and features 3-4 artists from different musical genres. It's a phenomenal way to support local businesses and artists. Plus, you might even discover a few new music favorites to add to your collection too!

Krista Gene

Singer-songwriter Krista Gene took the stage first. It’s always a pleasure to see an artist who not only has a beautiful voice but also just radiates good vibes. Krista wore a constant smile, her bubbly personality evident as she regaled us with the heartwarming stories behind her songs. She reminded me of Colbie Caillat with her laidback guitar playing and soothing stage presence.

“More Than a Flame” is a testament to Krista’s uncanny ability to create a luscious soundscape that accompanies her relatable lyrics and irresistible vocal delivery.

Follow Krista Gene:
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Padon Suber

I knew we were in for a special, intimate show as Padon Suber set up his keyboard. Padon’s music is medicine for the soul. After a rough day, hearing his gorgeous vocals coo delicately over an enticing melody was like a hug from a dear friend. His charming personality is infectious; it’s hard not to smile and sing along with him.

With its heavenly soul sound, “Thursday” is an alluring and romantic single from the album, Love Daze. The song tells the story of Padon’s bandmate as he counts down the days until he’s reunited with his love on Thursday.

Follow Padon Suber:
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Keeton Coffman Band

Keeton and his band closed the night with a stripped-down version of their electrifying rock music. This band creates an adrenaline-pumped sound through mesmerizing guitar riffs, pummeling drums, and a fiery bassline. Keeton had the audience on edge as he gracefully leaped from chair to chair, belting out passionate crescendos without missing a chord, all in the name of rock n’ roll!

“Kathryn” was a stand-out track for its nod to 80’s alternative rock. The track surges with energy, as a slinky guitar riff weaves between a dynamic melody and charismatic vocals. This flawless production makes it an overall enjoyable listening experience.

Follow Keeton Coffman:
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MCINTYRE’S

After the show, we headed out to a swanky sports bar called McIntyre’s located in the Heights district. It’s a cool indoor/outdoor hang out complete with TVs showing various sporting events, swings, and games, like cornhole and Jenga for patrons to enjoy!

We ordered the most delicious carne asada street tacos and nachos from the taco truck outside while sipping frozen strozes (frozen strawberry puree and rose wine), chilling out to early 2000s R&B hits blaring from the loudspeakers. Tacos, booze, and good music. I can’t think of a more perfect way to end the night.

COLOR FACTORY

There is no shortage of fun, touristy things to do in Houston, from the NASA Space Center to museums and outdoor recreation.

We visited the Color Factory, an interactive art experience. We had a ball…literally! There are 14 colorful art exhibits to explore, from the moon-shaped ball pit to a whimsical room filled with giant, floating balloons. Our favorite was the silent disco. In this room, you’ll don headphones, playing an eclectic playlist from artists such as Lauryn Hill while bright flashing lights, disco balls, and mirrored floors give the illusion of being inside a nightclub.

The best part about this museum is there are hands-free photo stations in most rooms. You don’t have to be an Instagram influencer to take those stunning, social media-worthy photos here. All digital photos are complimentary with options to purchase prints. Another perk is the free treats and souvenirs throughout the exhibits. Just when you think the fun is over, you’ll exit through the gift shop filled with dazzling surprises for purchase from artists and nonprofits.

Overall, the Color Factory boasts over a dozen immersive installations designed to engage all of your senses, inspiring a child-like wonder. It’s a fun and hands-on interactive experience that’s perfect for all ages. There are three museums (New York, Chicago, and Houston), each with different art installations and experiences.

MO’ BETTER BREWS

The biggest lesson we’ve learned about Houston is there are SO many options for incredible restaurants! The food alone is worth visiting this part of Texas.

Our favorite foodie stop on this trip was Mo’ Better Brews, a vegan restaurant with a dynamic menu. Even if you’re not a vegan, there is something for everyone here! The atmosphere is top-tier, and the staff are some of the most welcoming and friendliest folks I have ever met in the food service industry.

Our waitress recommended the Buffalo BBQ Cauliwings for appetizers, and they did not disappoint! Wing lovers, you have to try these! For our entrees, Marq ordered the Smokehouse Burger, and I had the Lump Crab Gumbo. The Smokehouse Burger tastes like a sweet BBQ burger but with a spicy kick from the fried jalapeños. The Lump Crab Gumbo is a classic gumbo topped with Lion’s Mane mushroom, but it’s those savory cajun spices that had me practically drinking the bowl. As full as we were, we made room for dessert, splitting a Dilla Donut Cream Sandwich. As the name implies - it’s a glazed donut stuffed with vanilla ice cream. A much-welcomed treat for this 90-degree Texas humidity. Special thanks to Marq for quickly snapping our food pictures because we devoured these dishes at record-breaking speed. It was that good. We highly recommend this establishment! 5 stars all around!

Thank you, Mo’ Better Brews. It’s a week later, and I am still thinking about your delectable food.

CONCLUSION - Is Houston worth visiting?

Our weekend-long Houston adventure had come to an end, and we returned home with so many happy memories. Houston is an exciting city with no shortage of things to do and eat. There’s an old saying, “Everything is bigger in Texas,” and this is very true for Houston. Houston is a massive city! You’ll want to spend at least a week here for the full experience.

Doug's Banana Pudding Pizza

February 23, 2024 by Jessica Klausing

By Jessica Klausing

Nickelodeon was the golden channel for 90’s cartoons. Ask a millennial, and they will name at least ONE favorite show from the classic Nick lineup. One popular Nicktoon, in particular, was, “Doug,” a coming-of-age series about 12-year-old Doug Funnie adjusting to his new life in Bluffington. The show included a colorful cast of unforgettable characters, with each episode focusing on a moral.

They don’t quite make them like they used to, folks.

The show stood out for its unique soundtrack, which consisted of scats and mouth noises by voice actor Fred Newman. Creator Jim Jinkins says that he wanted it to “sound like children were making music,” which was vital to the storytelling. Jinkins and Newman didn’t just create memorable musical scene transitions, they also wrote catchy high-energy songs, such as “Killer Tofu” and “Shout Your Lungs Out” for the fictitious rock group on the show, The Beets.

Doug was a show that dared to be different artistically, musically, and even culinary too.

In the episode, “Doug’s Cookin,” Doug is paired off with his crush, Patti Mayonnaise, for a class cooking project. All is well at first, with Doug and Patti pulling a freshly baked pizza out of the oven, only for the school bully, Roger Klotz, to accidentally spill banana pudding all over it. But, just like the famed painter Bob Ross once said, “there are no mistakes, just happy accidents,” the new banana pudding pizza is a hit with the whole school!

So, this episode got me thinking, is this dish any good?

I tried Feast Of Fiction’s recipe for Doug's Banana Pudding Pizza to see if this cartoon had inspired a culinary masterpiece or disaster.

My review - I loved the banana pudding and the cheese pizza, but NOT together. The sweetness overpowered the savory carbs, making it an unappetizing dish. While sweet and savory can be a delicious combination, this Frankenstein-like concoction of dinner and dessert falls short. If you want to try a slice, check out Feast Of Fiction’s video below for the full recipe.

Snoop Dogg's Orange Chicken Recipe

May 31, 2023 by Jessica Klausing

By Rebecca Bromley

I’ve never considered myself a cook, I’m a baker by heart, but every once in a while I get the strong desire to go out of my comfort zone and try a new recipe. I own quite a few cookbooks already thanks to my mother, but at the recommendation of my best friend and owner of this blog, I decided to purchase Snoop Dogg's "From Crook to Cook: Platinum recipes from tha Boss Dogg's Kitchen.”

Purchase Snoop Dogg’s cookbook HERE.

I personally am not a fan of rap music, but it’s hard not to acknowledge Snoop’s impact on the industry or admire his down to earth personality and charisma. Plus he’s probably the last celebrity I’d think of to release a cookbook so I just had to see what was inside!

There were quite a few recipes in this book that caught my eye with their unique titles and beautiful, large photos, but as a fan of chinese food I naturally gravitated to the orange chicken, AKA “Orange (but really kinda burgundy) Chicken”. Since owning Snoop’s book I have made this dish several times and it has quickly become a family favourite in my house.

As an amateur in the art of cooking, my first attempt at making the orange chicken was a little slow but it has definitely gotten easier over time and I’m sure for anyone who cooks regularly it will come together in a snap.

A preference of mine is to add a little more orange juice than the recipe calls for for some extra zest, and to cook the chicken longer for extra crispiness. It always comes out juicy and tender, and the soy sauce adds the perfect amount of sweetness and saltiness. I personally don’t believe the scallions are a necessity, but I like to add some for garnish and a mild taste of onion. The ingredients are readily available and over a bed of rice, it is flavourful and satisfying and I recommend this recipe to anyone who has a love for Asian cuisine.

ILÉ-LA

October 05, 2022 by Jessica Klausing

By Jessica Klausing

ILÉ is a multi-course dining experience showcasing West African cuisine with curated music and storytelling by Chef Tolu Eros.

The word, ILÉ means “home” in the West African language of the Yoruba people of Nigeria, and it’s the overall theme of this unique chef’s tasting experience. Chef Eros and his incredible staff will make you feel right at home inside a luxurious Hollywood loft apartment surrounded by modern African art décor. The entire ILÉ team greeted us with warm hospitality and were very eager to answer questions and provide helpful accommodations.

There are two types of communal experiences to choose from when you book your reservation: The West African Pri-Fixed Dinner (5 courses) or the West African Chef’s Table Experience (9 courses). We HIGHLY recommend the West African Chef’s Table Experience (just make sure to come hungry!). The reservation seats parties of 1-18 split into two tables, with an optional BYOB (Bring Your Own Beer, Liquor or Wine). ILÉ will provide the corkscrew openers and ice buckets if needed.

Book your ILÉ-LA reservations HERE

Upon arrival we were treated to a refreshing hibiscus lemongrass juice. Before each of the 9 courses Chef Eros shares fascinating stories about his childhood in Nigeria and a little history about the food prepared for the evening. Funky Afrobeat music played in the background as we feasted on aromatic dishes such as the jollof rice (Nigeria’s signature dish), an exquisite pepper soup that will wake up the senses, and a very sweet and tangy salaad (Yes, you read that correctly, it’s a salad with two A’s). The seasonal menu is well balanced between spicy and sweet. This is a must pop-up experience for all foodies in the LA area.

Recommended Listening: Afrobeats is a popular musical genre in Nigeria. Below is a playlist to enjoy!

Kulick's Pancakes - Scallion Pancake

April 27, 2022 by Jessica Klausing

By Jessica Klausing

Bruce Kulick (former KISS guitarist and current Grand Funk Railroad guitarist) and his wife, Lisa Lane Kulick have launched a pancake recipe website – kulickspancakerecipes.com

Check them out! The Kulicks have an assortment of homemade pancake recipes available on their site. The first one I chose to make was the Scallion Pancake. As a huge fan of Asian foods, I was very excited to try my hand at making one of these golden beauties, and they did not disappoint!

Get the recipe here - Kulick’s Scallion Pancake Recipe.

I do recommend reading through the recipe first before getting started. Making dough from scratch is time consuming but it’s worth it! It’s healthier for you and once you taste the freshness, you’ll never want to buy the processed dough ever again.

A common concern with scallion pancakes is they tend to be overly greasy from the oil. Oil is an essential ingredient used for the pancake’s texture and flavor. The good news is making scallion pancakes at home will be less greasy than the ones at restaurants. I’m happy to report that these were not greasy at all! I loved that this recipe requires sesame oil. The sesame oil gave the pancakes a unique nutty taste to the flaky layers of the dough.

The dipping sauce is an absolute must! It’s the Yin to the pancake’s Yang. The sauce exudes a bold sweet flavor that compliments the savory pancake perfectly.

Overall, I highly recommend this recipe! You can easily serve these as appetizers or as the main course. I made mine with a side of Kinoko Itame. You can easily pair this with stir fried veggies or any type of dim sum dish too.

Recommended Listening: “I Walk Alone” - KISS.

Brunch in LA - WKNDR

June 18, 2018 by Jessica Klausing

Written by Jessica Klausing

WKNDR (an abbreviation of the word, 'Weekender') is Los Feliz's newest brunch spot. The cafe is a tiny hole in the wall on North Vermont Avenue, smack dab in between the vintage Los Feliz movie theater and Skylight Books.

How tiny is this place? We highly recommend going solo or as a couple. A party of three or more will have a difficult time finding seating here. The inside dons a few barstools and tables, while the outside has slightly more tables and chairs.

The founder, Joshua Pourgol, happens to be the man behind Tacos Tu Madre, just a few blocks away from WKNDR. Pourgol and his team may not serve breakfast burritos at WKNDR, but they do focus mostly on vegan, glutton free pastries, healthy breakfast alternatives, and a delightful assortment of milk teas and coffee.

Japanese Air Pancakes photo by Jessica Klausing

Food - Japanese Air Pancakes

Cost - $12

The Japanese Air Pancakes are WKNDR's signature dish. The cafe serves up three thick pancakes adorned with strawberries, raspberries, dragon fruit, coconut shavings, and pistachios. You're given a small cup of real maple syrup to pour onto the pancakes.

I found the pancakes to be a bit too crunchy and grainy for me. I think cornmeal may have been used as an ingredient. I don't have anything against cornmeal, but I generally prefer my pancakes to be light and fluffy. However, the fruit composite and syrup complimented the pancakes well. It was not too overly sweet.

Honey Lavender Latte photo by Jessica Klausing

Drink - Honey Lavender Latte

Cost - $6

The drink menu has many wild assortments of milk teas, tonics, and coffees (Salty Oreo Milk Tea, anyone?). The Matcha Rose Latte and the Honey Lavender Latte are the most popular choices. I found the Honey Lavender to be comfort in a cup. The latte was served at a divine temperature with the lavender blend brewed to perfection. It has a gentle floral flair without tasting like bath soap (a common disappointment with many floral teas and coffees).

Final thoughts - I found the atmosphere to be quite relaxing. The streets nearby do not get a lot of traffic so it's a nice little outdoor area to sit and chat with a friend. The service was quick and friendly. No complaints there. I will definitely return for the drinks not so much for the food. The food is a bit overpriced for a lackluster taste.

Ratings - 3 out of 5 stars.

Recommended Listening - "Banana Pancakes" - Jack Johnson.

Yes, I'm fully aware that banana pancakes are not served at this location. :( The song itself is a laid back tune that would make a great addition to any brunch playlist.

National Wine Day 2018

June 15, 2018 by Jessica Klausing

Written by Jessica Klausing

Happy National Wine Day!

I picked up a bottle of the Red Decadence Chocolate Wine just for the holiday. The thought of chocolate flavored alcohol never really appealed to me. This wine, in particular, had very high ratings so I decided to give it a try. It turned out to be my new favorite dessert wine.

The Red Decadence Chocolate Wine swirls the flavors of black cherry, blueberry, and plum into the dark chocolate. The wine boasts a rich chocolate and cherry aroma that is sure to lift any chocolate lovers spirits! The beauty of this wine is that the combination of red cabernet and chocolate is not too overly sweet. The dry red blend balances out the sweetness perfectly. It's a soft dessert wine with a smooth finish.

Red Decadence Chocolate Wine

Listening Pleasure - I put on Jordan Reyne's The Annihilation Sequence while sipping a glass of my wine. Her music is a steampunk evolution into a much darker folk genre. Reyne exhibits a sexy and menacing vocal dexterity that's brilliantly layered over with industrial loops. It's not all a pleasant mechanical soundscape though. Reyne proves there is more that meets the eye or ear, rather. Listeners are pulled into a dystopia ruled by paranoia and a sense of hopelessness.

Drink Of The Day: "Wretched Blue Milk" @ Scum and Villainy Cantina

June 15, 2018 by Jessica Klausing

Written by Jessica Klausing

Wretched Blue Milk photo by Jessica Klausing

Type: Star Wars inspired cocktail

Cost: $9

Ingredients: Rum, Coco Lopez, Blue Curaco, and Pineapple Juice.

Fellow Star Wars nerds! Warp speed over to Hollywood’s Scum and Villainy Cantina for Sci-Fi themed drinks and fun galore. The Scum and Villainy Cantina is modeled after the infamous Chalmun’s Spaceport Cantina from Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope.

The “Wretched Blue Milk” or Bantha Milk is a Star Wars staple. We first meet our hero, Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope, enjoy a glass of blue milk with his aunt and uncle on Tatooine. The Blue Milk has since made recent appearances in Star Wars Rebels and Rogue One.

The drink itself tastes exactly like a Pina colada. The rum overpowers the senses with a hint of coconut. It’s the perfect tropical drink to beat the heat after a long day.

Recommended Listening: "Binary Sunset" (Star Wars: A New Hope OST) - John Williams

Stormtrooper masks and neon colored chemistry flasks furnish the bar’s geeky apparel. The décor is cool but it’s the sense of community the people have created here that makes it truly special. Keep an eye out for some awesome costumes! Cosplay is encouraged but not required. Whether you’re a part of the Rebel Alliance or drawn more towards the Dark Side there’s a specialized drink just for you!

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Drink Of The Day: "Get Out" @ Ever Bar

June 15, 2018 by Jessica Klausing

Written by Jessica Klausing

Get out cocktail drink photo by Jessica Klausing

Type: 2018 Oscars inspired cocktail

Cost: $15

Ingredients: Capurro Moscatel Pisco, Appleton Estate Rum, Velvet Falmum, Lemongrass, Heavy Cream, Egg White, Soda Water. Served with a bowl of Froot Loops.

For a limited time - Ever Bar is serving up 2018 Oscars movie inspired drinks. Whether you wash down a bathtub of vodka for “Shape of Water,” toast “The Post” with a coaster of The Washington Post or give a shout out to “Get Out” with a drink and Froot Loops, fun will be had with friends at this delightful bar.

“Get Out” is a frothy lemon refresher. Chase it down with a handful of Foot Loops and the taste resembles a much less sour version of Starbuck’s Unicorn Frappucino. “Get Out” is a satirical horror film about an African American man’s infamous weekend with his white girlfriend and her family. Let’s sit back and raise a glass to Jordan Peele’s Original Screenplay winner of 2018!

Recommended Listening - "Sikiliza Kwa Wahenga" - Michael Abels

According to an interview with POPSUGAR, Jordan Peele says that the song is "Swahili, actually. I was into this idea of distinctly black voices and black musical references, so it's got some African influences, and some bluesy things going on, but in a scary way, which you never really hear. African-American music tends to have, at the very least, a glimmer of hope to it — sometimes full-fledged hope. I wanted Michael Abels, who did the score, to create something that felt like it lived in this absence of hope but still had [black roots]."

Nestled inside The Kimpton Everly Hotel is Hollywood’s newest contemporary bar. Don’t be fooled by the Hollywood hipster décor! Ever Bar boasts a cozy, laidback living room vibe with ample personal space. The eclectic cocktail menu features a playful spin on the classics such as “Bone, Thighs, and Harmony” Millionaire and “Bananas in Pajamas” Scorpion.

Ever Bar social media:

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Drink Of The Day: "Come On You Wanna Lei Me" @ Harvard and Stone

June 14, 2018 by Jessica Klausing

Written by Jessica Klausing

Featured on Jeenalavie.com

"Come On You Wanna Lei Me" tiki drink photo by Jessica Klausing.

Type: Tiki cocktail

Cost: $14

Ingredients: Tapatio 110 Tequila, Aperol, Strawberry Coconut Milk, Rosewater, Coconut Lacroix, Pink Peppercorn.

The “C’mon You Wanna Lei Me” is a smooth and sweet coconut concoction. The peppercorn adds a slight spicy kick to the tequila in the cocktail. It’s a refreshing tropical drink best paired with a day at the beach or pool.

Recommend Listening: The Beach Boys - "Beaches In Mind."

Harvard and Stone is a steampunk inspired bar in the Thai Town district of Hollywood. The bar hosts live music, DJs, and burlesque shows. Seasonal drinks and occasionally food are served randomly on the back patio. The cocktail menu changes constantly. The current tiki themed menu offers refreshing fruity blends that’ll put you in a summertime mood!

Harvard and Stone social media: