The brunch game is strong here

Probably one of the strongest brunch games here in Houston has to go to PESKA. I’ll admit – brunch here is a little pricey. Until you realize everything you’re getting and the quality.

I’m typically a french toast and bacon kind of brunch gal, but every so often it’s a good thing to step out of your culinary comfort zone and that’s what brunch at PESKA was. For starters, it’s ALL YOU CAN EAT. Yes, all you can eat. Challenge accepted.

Brunch at PESKA is set up very uniquely with different stations, but in my opinion, this is not a buffet. Yes, all you can eat it great, but all of the food is prepared right in front of you and you can get it made exactly how you want it. There are at least four different kinds of ceviche, and if one of them has one tiny ingredient you don’t like, just ask nicely and the staff will make you a special one.

They have a raw bar (fresh market oysters for days!), jumbo shrimp, crab, french toast, pancakes, eggs benedict and so much more. Probably one of the best things about my previous experiences at PESKA is how incredibly knowledgable the staff is. When it comes to seafood and certain fish, sometimes I don’t know the difference, but they are always so quick to explain and give wine pairing recommendations, etc.

Plus, bottomless mimosas and sangria are only $6, so go ahead and splurge. You deserve it.

EAT ME – I’M FRESH

Oh, and they have a dessert table with about 20 different homemade desserts to choose from. This Sunday Funday was well worth every single calorie I put into my body and I can’t wait to do it again!

Brunch is only on Sundays from 11a – 3:30p and I recommend you get there early and stay as long as you can. Seriously, the seats are cushioned, so kick back and relax and get up 20 times for refills. The staff won’t judge you – I already tested out this theory, trust me! 

Click here for their full menu and scroll down to Brunch Menu.

PESKA is also a fantastic spot for a dinner date in Houston.

If you are interested in attending an Omarkase dinner or a private event, Dante Laugier, the event manager, will take great care of you. Call him 832.215.8736 or email him dante@peska.us.

Set yourself a bedtime alarm (Photo: babble)

Here are the five things I’m going to aim for this month – who’s in to join me?

1. Set a bedtime during the week and stick with it. Try this for the entire month. Even if you don’t fall asleep at that time (which will be annoying, I’ll admit), turn off your phone and your TV and just plan to unwind and keep your fingers crossed.
2. Change up your workout routine, or at least do something this month if you’ve found yourself really stagnant. Keep it simple – try a  new class you’ve never done before (I’ve never done barre, so I’ll probably try that), or run a new trail or download a new app.
3. Organize that junk drawer in your house or at your desk. (Or ladies, if you prefer, organize your makeup bag.) Give everything a place, throw out all the old things, and find out what the hell has been in there for all these months you’ve spent looking for it.
4. Bleach Towel DIY is my next little project (I’m assuming it’s not possible to mess this up,
   

   Bleach Towel DIY from LSpace

   right?). I love reading the L*Space blog (my favorite bikinis) and I saw them post this little DIY tutorial, so it’s on my list. Plus, who doesn’t love a beach towel that makes your own personal statement?

5. Schedule that thing you’ve been putting off. Is it a dentist appointment, a check-up at your doctor, scheduling a meeting with your CPA (yay for tax season!) or even just a long overdue dinner invitation to an old friend. Go do it. Sync up your calendars and make it happen.

OMARKASE – Houston’s Thursday night dinner spot!

Not only did I finally get to check out one of Houston’s hottest new seafood spots, I was able to do it in style – OMARKASE style.

Named after PESKA’s very young and very talented (very funny, too) chef, Omar, this is a Thursday night eight-course dinner + drink pairing that will blow your mind.

The event, which takes place every Thursday evening, by reservation only, is a unique and unprecedented way to try out features that aren’t on the menu. You know the kind – the ones chefs are dying to create, but the restaurant isn’t creating new menus for another few months?!

You’ll be sat at a table with other food lovers (what better way to get to know your Houston neighbors), unless you book a reservation for you and a bunch of friends, which happens quite often, and the chef and his team will bring out new features that pair well with unique cocktails, wines and even beers. Chef Omar will interact with you, get your feedback, and if you’re lucky, he’ll sit down and have a drink with you after all his hard-work has been eaten.

Next time you’re in charge of making Thursday night dinner plans – whether with clients or to surprise your sweetie – this will put you at the top of your game with whoever you invite. I promise. 

If you are interested in attending an Omarkase dinner or a private event, Dante Laugier, the event manager, will take great care of you. Call him 832.215.8736 or email him dante@peska.us.

Where seafood meets culture. Cheers.

The Blonde Side at Pearland Golf Club at Country Place | Outfit: Lizzie Driver

Living in the burbs (just temporarily), I realized one of the perks are all all the great golf courses I know have access to, which is amazing!

Last week I played a round at the newly renovated Pearland Golf Club at Country Place, and I’m hooked. Certainly not because I played well on the course, because I did not, but it’s just an amazing spot right in the heart of my new ‘hood. And they say practice makes perfect, so you’ll probably see me there quite frequently!

Aside from the beautiful and newly renovated 18-hole course, I loved the overall vibe there. But you’ll probably laugh at me. It’s a semi-private course (memberships available, but it’s still open to the public) and in the midst of a 55+ retirement community. Those are my people. They are so friendly, not in a rush, and always eager to talk with you and be present (I didn’t see a single cell phone amongst any of the regulars!). The members are proud of their course, as they should be, and they are a treat to greet on the course, at the driving range, or grabbing a beer or burger at the clubhouse. Quite a few of them talked about their favorite new features of the course, what to watch out for, etc.

If you played the course before, you have to come check out the upgrades – it’s definitely more challenging and the ponds and other things they’ve added is downright stunning. Those beautiful ponds also happen to be the new owner of about ten of my lost golf balls, too.

The club also offers some pretty unique events that I hope to partake in very soon – things like couples golf (that could be torture for some of us though, right?), tournaments and much more. The club is definitely appealing to female golfers – whether you’re new to the game (PS – come take lessons with me and Izzy, the GM!), or a seasoned pro. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a course with more females throughout, it was definitely refreshing. And a reminder that I’m nowhere near as good as 99% of them.

The course is open to the public and just 15 minutes from downtown Houston (off 288), so even if you don’t live in the burbs like I do, it’s an easy place to visit.

Pro tip: come hungry and get a fat, juicy burger at the Tee Box Grill. It’s super cheap, has won some incredible awards, and lives up to all the hype. (Read: well worth the calories.)

PS: if you’re a female golfer (or know one), check out Lizzie Driver (what I’m wearing in the photo above) for the absolute most amazing golf clothes, ever. Check out the blog post I did on their line a while ago.