Every week “My Top 5” highlights one of Houston’s creative and enterprising citizens, who reveal their favorite things to do in the city. This week, we’re pleased to feature Erin Hicks – entrepreneur, designer and author of the Houston Classic cookbook series – who gave us a deep dive into some of her favorite Houston destinations, activities and locally made products.
My Top 5 Things to Do in Houston
by Erin Hicks
- Stay-cation at the Houstonian – This fabulous hotel/spa is a wooded wonderland smack-dab in the middle of the city. The holiday season is my favorite time of year there – the decorations are so festive you truly feel like you are somewhere well north of here! A visit to the Trellis Spa, some filet mignon nachos and a glass of wine in the cozy bar and all is right in the world…
- Museum District and Hotel ZaZa – The terrace at hotel ZaZa’s Monarch restaurant offers gorgeous views of the fountains and gardens of Hermann Park. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a bite and a glass of bubbly after a trip to the Museum of Fine Arts or the Museum of Natural Science. I can’t wait to make it to the Fabergé exhibit!
- Urban Harvest Farmers Markets – I’ve become a bit of a fanatic about knowing where my food comes from. Fresh, quality ingredients are key to delicious food and it doesn’t get much better than the weekly offerings at the Saturday Eastside market. I am currently in love with all the lavender bath, body (and culinary) products from Lavande Farms and the bourbon cajeta from Blue Heron Farms.
- Live Music – There are so many great spots to catch a live show here – Continental Club, House of Blues and Discovery Green are a few of my favorites. In fact, I’ll be catching guitar legend Ian Moore this Saturday at the Mucky Duck! The authentic pub’s great beer and wine list make this one of the best music venues in town. This time of year head toward a shepherd’s pie and a St. Arnold’s Christmas ale.
- Memorial Park – There are vast amounts of food in my life so I have to exercise. A lot. I frequently walk the tree-lined park in the mornings with my friend, Chef Arturo Boada. The three-mile trek often includes food-centric conversation. We once made ourselves so hungry, we abandoned our walk and high-tailed it to Niko Niko’s for one of Chef Dimitri’s delicious burgers (yes, at a Greek restaurant – who knew?). P.S. Their hand-cut french fries are killer!
About Erin Hicks
Erin Hicks is an entrepreneur with a passion for great food and creative cooking. She “cut her teeth” in the culinary world as a twenty-something restaurateur. She’s the author of the Houston Classic cookbook series which includes Houston Classic Desserts, Houston Classic Mexican Recipes, Houston Classic Seafood (Pelican Publishing) and Houston Small Plates & Sips (Captiview). She also works as a realtor and residential and hospitality interior designer. Her work includes Brooklyn Athletic Club in Midtown, El Big Bad across from Market Square Park in Downtown and Glass Wall in the Heights. You can learn more about her at www.ErinHicksCooks.com.
