Each week “My Top 5” shines the spotlight on an enterprising Houstonian who is helping to shape our city’s creative culture. This week, we hear from actress and singer Emily Neves, currently starring in the title role in Stages Repertory Theatre’s crowd-pleasing “Marie Antoinette,” who reveals her favorite things to do in her hometown.
My Top 5 Things to Do in Houston
by Emily Neves
- Path of Tea on West Alabama in Upper Kirby – This little tea drinker’s paradise has been a haven for me for years. They offer a wide selection of specialty teas, but my favorite part is the wall of mugs from which one must select each time. I always pretend I am Indiana Jones choosing the Holy Grail in The Last Crusade, because they sterilize the cups. That means once you touch one, you have to use it! Choose Wisely! Right now the Jiaogulan healing tea with goji berry is my favorite.
- Field of Greens Healthy Cuisine – Right next door to Path of Tea, this is the best place to go for vegan/vegetarian cuisine in my opinion. The macrobiotic platter is the best, and the owners are truly delightful. Plus you can bring your lunch into the Path of Tea next door to enjoy with a pot of tea and a healthy treat!
- TACOS! – I have a taco addiction, and Houston boasts some great taco joints! My faves: Tacos A Go-Go, for the bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast taco plate; Torchy’s on 19th for the Wrangler, Ranch Hand, or Mr. Pink; El Rey, for the fish taco or cuban pork taco; and Pollo Campero for the chicken tomatillo taco.
- Houston B-cycle – I am a huge fan of Houston B-cycle! For a very reasonable yearly fee, you can rent a bike at any of the various stations around town and explore our fair city! You can rent them hourly or daily, too. The yearly membership is by far the best deal, though. I especially love to get a bike downtown and ride down the trails along the bayou. I have spent many breaks on two-show days this way.
- River Oaks Theatre – I have been seeing films there since the 1990’s; everything from Amelie, Broken Flowers and The Royal Tenenbaums to midnight showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show or The Goonies. I love that you can drink there now, too! What a treasure!
About Emily Neves
Emily Neves is a native Houstonian who has been an integral part of the Houston theatre community for the past seven years. She has performed at Stages Repertory Theatre, where she is currently starring in David Adjmi’s Marie Antoinette; 30 or so productions at the Alley Theatre, and with the Classical Theatre Company. She holds a BFA in Acting from Texas State University, cum laude.
