"You can't teach an old dog new tricks!" I moved to Houston, Texas to join Lars on October 20, 2021. In nearly three years, we have both wrestled with all kinds of challenges because we're both OLD DOGS! We're BOTH stubborn, we both like the lead in most things, okay all things, and well, we're old - er! so we have both had some adjusting to do.
We have some pretty spectacularly, charming differences, however, we are certainly in harmony when it comes to food and wine! When we team up, sharing that love with others is our sweet spot! Thank you for joining me on tableforsue - read on about the many ways we love to entertain both in the kitchen and at some of our favorite, Houston hot spots! Highlighted are beloved seasons we have shared with family or friends who have visited over the past 2 years + and we cannot wait for more of you to..... Be Our Guest!!! oxoxo
It's never all rainbows and butterflies; it's worth hanging on to those who know your shittiest, shit and love you - not just still - but more!
"Be. Our. Guest. Be our guest....." I love that song. There will be champagne.
And cocktails. Lars is a science guy! His cooking and mixology is spot on! And he only buys the freshest ingredients. I love that. His Old Fashioned to my Dirty Sue! You may have it virgin too!
Lars' sister sent us these right when I moved here. I loved that so much!! Whenever I wear my apron, Lars comes to hug me and then he says, "dream on." They are spot on accurate aprons and Kate Cisek Ulrich would know! oxox :)
Those beginning weeks when I moved here were not something we could prepare for. Old Dogs. I came in like a tornado with my two cats and he never knew what hit em'. I needed more emotional support than he could provide. Whenever we had those really hard adjustment times, Lars would always leave love notes. He leaves his in the kitchen and I sneak some under his pillow now and then too. I would rather have a post it note than a purchased gift! Honest. I hope this might inspire some of you when you hit those rough patches. That post it note is still there.
You will undoubtedly have pizza if you come visit us. He has this awesome pizza oven off of the kitchen balcony, but moreover, his yeast starter has its own room in the fridge - guarded and protected with turn down service. If you come during January-February, and actually hit any semblance of cool weather, he makes a deep dish in the oven that is to die!! But the pizza oven za's are my favorite!! Everyone visiting tops their own and that wood fire crust is so mmmmmm!!
Deep Dish
Wood Fire!
I have always made due cooking in my smaller kitchens throughout my adult life. Large, medium, small - I love kitchens! I am grateful for this space where Lars and I share our love for the art of cooking.
We can definitely take a dip or two or three! It is always a blessing to have relief from the Houston heat. (Or late night hot tubs with purple rain lights!)
Be our guest...
Both Lars and I love making fresh pasta. This is also something we would do in the winter months. My homemade Italian sausage lasagna with tomato basil.
So creamy, cheese, and bright!
The drive to New Orleans is about 6 hours, so we have your coffee cravings covered!
My friend Jenny was the first visitor after I moved here to Houston. It was so nice of her to come because I was very homesick in the beginning.
We took Jenny to Eight Row Flint! Awesome find!!
Delicious Saturday libations!
Don't ya just love a good hot dog!! Zippity do dog!
Pork Rinds to replace your average bowl of nuts! They should be complimentary. :)
Tequila flights for Jenny and Lars! I am ill equipped.
The three of us ended up trying out The Hobbit Cafe! A Lord of the Rings treasure.
Check out this massive burger that Lars polished off without a hitch. He gave me a bite of the popper! lol
The "Balrog" burger!
Whether you are in town for something or staying with us, Lars is a master of sous vie and these pork chops are just one of many proteins he prepares to perfection. Equally as sublime are the array of veggies that we put in the wood fire oven (radicchio, fennel, root veg). PINOT NOIR!! 🍷
I am going to sidetrack for a paragraph if you don't mind.
I think, at least from my perspective, that health and wellness can be a tricky conversation to navigate. I have been judged my entire life for being a chubby female. Alllllll of my life!!! At 51, I am beginning to uncover layers of lies and truths about health and wellness that fit me. I hope that for you too. Being a food person, appreciating the art of it, being as charged by it as a newly recruited quarter back with the NFL means that most of my shares on social media are food related. Duh. Judgements are just inevitable. Online, in life, even from those you love. My growing interest & learning with food and cooking has made me healthier. Whether I was living pay check to pay check or temporarily riding on the coat tails of a hot surgeon, I have purchased almost no processed food whatsoever for a long time. I just love cooking with simple, fresh, sustainable ingredients and so does Lars. If our passion was Chess, we would still be chubby. Maybe even chubbier. It really is as cliche' as "loving yourself", I think. And I think loving yourself means that you extend that same grace out into the world. You will never hear me harp at you about your health and wellness. One can be fit, but they're still putting other shit in their bodies or they're miserably unhappy for all kinds of tough reasons. One can be chubby, but they can out dance Ricky Martin and light up a room. Health and wellness go in and out like our breathing. For me, my insides are gearing up for the Olympics so I suspect that is what you will see on the outside too. I have to work every day at it. Weight issues and struggles are familiar to many of us in all kinds of ways. Somehow, by the grace of God, I was placed with the kind of parents that built us up and loved us so unconditionally. I believe my confidence and comfort with myself is thanks to my upbringing. Because of that, I have been able to be confident and chubby. Menopause is beautiful in a way that for the first time in my life, I am slowly and naturally shedding pounds that are harmful to me just by finding joy. I think my next blog will be called, "Chubby-ish!' I love that! How about you? Those are happy people. I wish we could all be chubby-ish.
Here's to health and wellness in all of its complexity. I think we are all just always figuring it out. That balance. Let us be lighter on one another. I may be chubby, but my rule is no phone use in front of other people. Strangers included. It is really good for you! You can do it! You won't believe what it will do for your health and wellness! Research shows you will live longer, have better communication skills, and even meet new people. You won't look like every other Tom, Dick, or Harry out there in the world. Your risk of getting hit by a semi decreases by 1000! 🤣
If you're our guest, Lars and I love being active! Swimming, rowing, dancing, hoeing ! Lol. We're in! Fat or thin. Here, we know there is a whole lot more to health and wellness than meets the eye. So come as you are! If you prefer more lounging, I'm down! Lars will row. 🤣
I vowed to remake this dish the next time we have guests! It was so much fun to try something different. Sometimes I just look through Food & Wine Magazine and I get inspired by an idea. I am not a huge "Google-er" because I try to keep my phone use down. Turns out, there are many recipes like this one. So if you search anything, "Veggie stuffed chicken or bacon wrapped...etc", you will find a recipe. I learned a simple trick I didn't think of which is to put raw broccoli in the ninja or food processor and when you fold it with some olive oil, garlic, shallot, lemon juice, pine nuts, herbs, spices, parmesan romano it's like the best ever! So basically pesto! The revelation is that pesto can be created in countless delicious ways!
So I pounded out 6 single chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper, laid on a parchment paper lined sheet and spread on my broccoli pesto mixture. Then I used the paper to help me roll it into a log. Then I wrapped it in a lattice, peppered bacon situation.
Look how good it turned out! Honestly, I can't wait to make this again! I am not sorry to say that I made a little beer cheese sauce for this one!! Much better to have a little cheese sauce on the side instead of slathering this beautiful dish.
If you come visit, we can take you to Pinto Ranch for some boots or a hat ya'll!! Love this place!
I hope you aren't allergic to kitties and it would be even better if you like kissing face!
On breezy days, the rooftop is such a serene spot to visit and be together.
If you come in March it's RODEO time!!! These are Lars' three, lovely daughters and me at the 2022 Rodeo in Houston, TX.
Lars and his sister getting ready for the rodeo. (I made it 5 minutes and couldn't watch)
Lars and his girls. So many fun things to do and see and EAT at the rodeo! I am just really sad that the fairs and rodeos and things like this have just sky rocketed in price. $18 for a pronto pup! Criminal. It makes it inaccessible to everyone.
That's a view of the rodeo that I couldn't stay for. If you know, you know.
Lars and I went back to the rodeo that year to see Gwen Stefani! She was so awesome!!! AWESOME!!!!
Would you believe, we just had a SPAT, but then I turned it around with a 'Rodeo, Hollywood Moment.' Sex-aid!
Rodeo time means St. Patty's Day time - that once a year indulgence where Lars cooks a scrumptious corned beef with cabbage. Mmmmmm, then hash the next day!
It is 1000% guaranteed that Lars' special tomato, moz, basil will make an appearance while you visit. We have all had this Caprese Salad, but he has some special ingredients that set his a part from any I have ever had anywhere! (Pumpkin seed oil is one - shhh) Soon, our tomatoes will be up to the sky! In the off months, we go to our local HEB or Central Market and carefully select some heirlooms, but the climate ain't great for tomaties so it's hit or miss timing wise! 😞
I would love to take you to see Comedy Sportz!! They're fantastic! So far I have done 16 weeks of classes with them and there is so much talent here! Fun for all ages!
There's no way you're leaving Houston without meeting my Himilaya family and tasting the indescribable love that goes into the food of my dear friend, Chef Kaiser Lashkari! A Houston Institution for a reason! I love him because he is, tell it like it is bold with a warm, kind heart.
Chicken Hara Masala - I must have it every time. His saffron rice is so delicious! I don't know how he perfects it. Drives me crazy! He just says, "...saffron." lol
The garlic naan means you need to break every rule that you may legitimately or illegitimately have and go for it!! Frickin 'A' it's so good! Yes, everyone LOVES his biryani pictured here too! I just have a love affair with his rice and prefer it unaccompanied. But EVERYONE I bring here orders the biryani!
It wouldn't be a trip to Texas without a CUE stop! Right in the city is quite the gem!!
The Pit Room!!
Liz had to head home early after the rodeo and Lars was back to work so before their flight, Sarah, Lexie and I shared a Pit Room platter! Aren't they darling gals! Lars has wonderful kids!
There is always a line that is quick and efficient. You order all of your delicious options and there are many indoor and outdoor seating options. Everything was perfection!!!
My favorite place for a quick taco - this is "The Naughty Santa!" on the secret menu! Damn Good!
My favorite country sport's bar!!! When Shamani was in town we enjoyed that small town feel - George is just like a gay Billy's! If you know, you know! Shamani and I met in college as well! He is another kindred spirit! I love him so! A beautiful, African diva, Dr. Shikwambi from none other than our beloved Namibia. 🇳🇦
Shamani and I also hit Riel! I love this chill bar within walking distance from our house!
They just kind of tip some classics with an elevated spin. These empanadas were so yummy!!! They have pierogies, tater tots, amazing drinks, and DR PEPPER cake!!! I love their ever-changing menu!
Meet my friend Kyle. The very first friend I made here. He's a kindred spirit. He came to church with me that morning. I love having a guest at Bering. Where EVERYONE is welcome. And EVERYONE is celebrated! You heard me - EVERYONE!!!
Hope you're okay with not just one big cat, but two if you come visit! Joey & George
My comedy sisters came for a visit when the weather was warm!!! Oh Sorrento's! Rox treated us to a beautiful, Italian dinner!
Lars, me, Jodi, and Rox
Their offerings are beautifully made, prices reasonable, service so warm and kind! Highly recommended!
Made me so happy to have them both here! We swam, shopped, ate, and laughed.
Kenny and Ziggy's you guys!!! I can only go here once a year!! Jewish deli's in Houston?? You betcha!!
Tid bit: I love Katz in NYC, but NOT HERE! I love Acme in New Orleans, but NOT HERE.
The only thing Lars does not prefer making in the kitchen is fried food. He says he is not very good at it. I doubt that. I have known him 8 years and I cannot recall him identifying anything he is not very good at, so I guess I'll take it. I love making him fried shrimp or oysters because we're near the GULF and the seafood here is beautiful! Fried shrimp, lemon, and homemade tartar.... (I would love to make this for our guests - fresh made crunch - no prepackaged stuff here!)
Did I mention the produce here!!! Oh my gosh I love these colache squash!!! All of the food groups are represented throughout your stay. 😊
More Central Market produce!!! I cannot get enough pineapple! And topping it with some chile-lime (tajin) takes it to that level!!!
(Insert me reveling in what I love about Texas because I still want to long to live anywhere north...nothing against Texans. I have come to appreciate much of the culture & the people have broken many of my misconceptions. I'm just too hot!!)
Seafood is a celebration here!! I must make you my fish sandwich with spicy slaw!!
Don't mind the garage. A few projects under way.... (sigh)
I love, love, love December! It is the time of year I miss home the most. I was born in December. I grew up on the Iron Range with LOTS of snow. I have the most beautiful memories of Christmas growing up which is a tremendous blessing, I know. I can't wait for my family to come visit us. With our first Christmas together, Lars ordered us these stockings. It was really sweet and made my heart a little less lonely. Be our guest during the holidays.....
Tis the season where my hot doctor will make a traditional Italian porchetta. We rangers love our porketta. Note to my range family - think of this as a roasted pork. Our porketta and the classic are quite different. So for me, I love them both separately rather than comparing. Made in the wood fire oven with root vegetables! Merry Christmas!
Icicle lights make me happy even though I am in flip flops and a tank top. (Don't mind the garage!) lmao
If it's the holidays you can be SURE I will make a cheesecake! I have made about 8 now in my life and they keep getting better. This one I called "Hot Chocolate Cheesecake" and it was rich! Dark chocolate cheesecake with a chocolate graham crust, rich ganache & milk chocolate butter cream. This one was donated to my church.
If it's the holidays, I'll make you Martha Stewart's Chocolate Lava minis!! She rocks!! I'm a fan!!
We love cooking here! Lars listens to NPR when he cooks and I rock out to Netflix. But if you're here, my favorite thing is cooking with loved ones around the kitchen. You can drink and taste samples and relax. Better to stay out of my way. LOL
LOVE!!!!
Lars' daughter Sarah sent us these bars during Christmas. I told her I do not want to know anything about them. Not their name, not anything. I will relish in their deliciousness when she sends them, but I can never make them. They're too hard to resist. Lars likes them, but he does not worship them. I hid them in the back of the fridge and I never ever do that ever! lol
A few other certainties when you come visit - there will be Central Market cheeses and there will be a guy in his scary polar bear pj's with a shirt that says, "Needs Salt." 🧂💞
(Scary because I once asked him what he was afraid of cuz I am afraid of snakes and he said, "polar bears." So I got him this outfit. lol)
Often, the Central Market cheeses will be a part of a charcuterie with pate' and things.... Holiday indulgences are meant to be shared together while enjoying one another's company. You should try it if you haven't lately. Enjoy someone's company.
Oh my gosh!!! I would love, love to take you to Nancy's Hustle!!! Such a cool vibe!! Artsy meets geeky meets all ages type thing.... I love this place especially after like 9pm. It is just a place that is perfect for later night. The menu is AMAZING!!!! I fricking love this place!!
"Choke that chicken!" (Grace & Frankie)
It's dark in there! That's another reason I love it! I love low lighting. Lars likes everything lit up like an OR! lol. Anyway, this is Nancy's Hustle's gnocchi and back when I did some "Yelping" it was a favorite photo/review. Such a delicious dish!
The drinks at Nancy's Hustle are also awesome!! I love sitting at the bar late at night, sipping a cocktail and sharing a few offering's.
Late night, viby, eclectic means a simple cup of Jo and a perfectly homemade cookie before saying goodnight/good morning! Love it!! So good!
Our most recent guest was my long time friend and "gay husband" (a coin I took away from the Margaret Cho scene on Sex and the City my all time favorite show ever!!!!!), Brian! We met at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN in the early 90s. Brian joined us in the OuterBanks one summer so Lars and Brian are quite compatible! I have not yet decided if that's a good thing. But Brian has been there through all of my great loves and I was so happy when he came to visit us just this month!
Of course I took him to Himilaya!! He didn't get to meet my dear Chef Kaiser, but Brian loved, loved their dishes just as I knew he would! Doesn't he look sweet? Sham! lol
I was so happy to share my worship community with Brian. It was such a special hour together. I love Bering so much! It colors my path and smoothes out the dark edges that are breaking at every seam. I am so grateful for my faith in a loving God.
A few highlights from Brian as our guest! Lars made this incredible porterhouse preceded by his spin on Oysters Rockefeller and some fresh broccoli. Those two yammered on about me only having one oyster...."what's wrong with you? you don't like them?" blah blah.... I tried to explain that they're very lovely. I just wanted the guys to enjoy them and I do prefer my seafood less fussed with. I love raw oysters more. Sheesh - there were more for them so you'd a thunk they would just eat and enjoy! 😄
When Lars was at work Monday morning, we saw there were a couple of crab cakes left from the night before. Yes, Lars must really love Brian because he made crab cakes!!! I made Brian a lovely Benedict and we had some fruit and granola. nummy
That's what I'm talkin bout!! Oysters raw on the half shell with that mignonette (we just put finely diced shallots, parsley, pepper, salt & vinegar) makes my mouth water! Love! I am also cuckoo for horseradish!! Freshly grated right on top. You guys!!!
Lars was eager to bring Brian to Vault and Vino on his last night with us. We just recently became members due to wine problems (lol) and it is such a wonderful space to entertain! It is basically a place that houses your overflow of wine, no delivery worries anymore from Sonoma or other, it is open 24/7 for any kind of entertaining, and they have really nice social events. We brought Brian to this wine tasting and met some nice people. Gotta love a tipsy Monday! My two husbands💞
"Gay!!!" lol
inside joke
Thirty three years later and we are still like - "One, two, three, suck in!!!!" LOL!! When really, how incredibly blessed we are to still be riding those waves!! Let's never stop!
Love you Brian!! Always!
Outer Banks North Carolina
There are plenty of readers and snake sweaters for you to enjoy as well! I will foreclose that I am about 30 days into full blown menopause which I think will make your visit even more exciting and unpredictable!
Thank you again for joining me on tableforsue!! Last January I had the great fortune of visiting St. Kitts/Nevis (see blog - "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" ) and I have shared with Lars more than once now that I believe our calling is to open a bed & breakfast there. Something quaint; maybe just 8 rooms or so. I loved that island & its people/culture so much!! They would BIG TIME embrace a new cooking team, I know. I think that should be our retirement plan? Would you come?
Whether sooner or later, longer or shorter, Houston or the Islands, we would be honored for you to
🎵be our guest, be our guest..!!! oxox
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