Crave Cupcakes, Uptown Park, Houston

For a lovely atmosphere and delish cupcakes, Crave Cupcakes in Uptown Park, Houston is hard to beat. For more information and pictures of the sweet treats, check out Crave Cupcakes.

Brief Butterfly Video from Cockrell Butterfly Center

Here's a little video I created with my digital camera on a visit to the Houston Museum of Natural Science. I always have to stop by the Cockrell Butterfly Center before leaving! It is such a lovely spot for simple joy and much beauty.

Japanese Houston: Kubo's Happy Hour

Kubo's Happy Hour at the Rice Village restaurant.

A nice cold glass of Asahi! Only $3.


Always yummy shrimp tempura. $4.


A spicy tuna roll. $4. Or pick a California roll. Or for $1 more, white tuna tataki


A special creation -- but this was a spendy roll: $13! Pretty presentation, no?


Interested in authentic Japanese Food in Las Vegas? Then check out Japanese Eats, Las Vegas.

Houston Eats: Barnaby's Cafe

Barnaby's Cafe in the River Oaks area of Houston.

One of the famous Barnaby's Burgers (this is the mushroom & cheese version).

The vegetarian spinach & cheese lasagna (yummy, yummy).

The stimulus cappuccino which is $2. Want an espresso instead? $1!

Here is the stimulus brownie: also $1 until the Dow reaches to 11,000 (one good thing about the bear market!) It's rich and delish and just enough for 1 or 2 people. For more on Barnaby's Cafe, check out Barnaby's Cafe, Houston.

Barnaby's Cafe, River Oaks

Barnaby explores the jungle!
Barnaby chillin' in the Arctic.

Barnaby on an archeologic dig in Egypt.

A zenful Barnaby in Japan.

Ah! Barnaby - my Houstonian puppy love and a great family-friendly restaurant in Houston.

Vietnamese Houston: Pho 21

In the new MAMA Food Market Plaza at 5700 South Gessner resides...

Vietnamese Noodle Soup restaurant Pho 21.

I like their shrimp pho ... but meat lovers can find the pho of their choice here, too.

A lovely plate of fresh herbs, jalapenos, and bean sprouts to add to one's pho.

A pretty spring roll to accompany my meal. The menu has much more than just pho, so I'm excited to return and try more as the prices are good.

Mark's American Cuisine Houston

Mark's is more upscale than my usual restaurants. But the architecture makes it a must see.

It once was a church. Hence the arches and slopes of the ceiling are divine.

The food is delicious, a modern fushion American cuisine. Fresh ingredients and beautiful presentation. But this would be a lovely local to come simply for dessert and cafe au lait.

Mediterranean Houston: Mediterraneo Market & Cafe

Mediterraneo Market & Cafe near NASA, Nassau Bay

Per the Mediterraneo Market & Cafe's menu, it is the "best Mediterranean dishes in town." I only had a falafel pita wrap and mango juice, but they definitely were delicious. Plus, I love the atmosphere. The outdoor courtyard is shaded and full of lush greenary and indoors is cute and includes a wide selection in the market. This is a cozy lunch spot on the way to NASA.

Address: Mediterraneo Market & Cafe, 18033 Upper Bay Road, Nassau Bay, TX 77058
Phone: 281. 333.3180

Chinese Houston: Fung's Kitchen

Fung's Kitchen serves Dim Sum daily.

A huge dining area is inside, and traditional Dim Sum dishes abound.

However, I did have a new dish. Here's my first taste of grapefruit ceviche! Pretty dish, no?

French Houston: Croissant Brioche Bakery & Cafe

Croissant Brioche French Bakery & Cafe in Rice Village, Houston is a cozy little cafe, complete with a quaint decor and friendly staff.

Excellent selection of sandwiches (this is the open-faced veggie). Don't forget the onion soup!

Divine desserts (oh so delicious!)

And of course, try the cafe. Look at how big the cup is!

Address: Croissant Brioche French Bakery & Cafe, 2435 Rice Blvd., Houston, TX 77005

Italian Houston: D'Amico's Market Cafe

Photo credit: Jules, January 2009

D'Amico's Italian Market Cafe in Rice Village is cute, cozy, and full of delightful cuisine at a cost one cannot resist. Per the D'Amico website, they specialize in "authentic Northern and Southern Sicilian cuisine". No matter the region, this is delicious Italian food at a great price.

My recommendation: Go during lunch. You can get an excellent deal of $6.95 for three mini entrees. It's a great way to sample several things. Plus, they have a cozy little outdoor courtyard or you can choose to dine inside in the equally quaint cafe. Don't forget to browse the market shelves for cooking supplies (e.g., olive oils, sauces) to bring home.

Each weekday has a different list of mini entrees to pick from, so you can create a unique, individualized lunch special every weekday. Each time I've eaten at D'Amico's, I've come up with a different combination. Never have I been disappointed.

Buon Appetito!