Each week, our My Top 5 series highlights a Houstonian who is shaping the culture of the city and making an out-sized impact on its character. In turn, each shares their own favorite things to do in Houston when not hard at work. This week, we’re very pleased to feature Nike Blue, Chief Program Officer at AIDS Foundation Houston (AFH).
My Top 5 Things to Do in Houston
by Nike Blue
- Zumba at InnerMe Studios – I’m a mom of one, and I love doing Zumba now that I’ve gotten my body back. It’s my opportunity to relax after work and let loose with friends, plus it’s great for my health. InnerMe offers a different kind of Zumba that’s a mix between Latin music, hip-hop, and pop — it’s fast-paced and fun for women of all ages and sizes.
- Live music at Sambuca – I love listening to live music, especially Yvonne Washington. Growing up, I knew her as my second mother and the neighborhood babysitter — she watched my brother and I, and a lot of other kids on our block, throughout elementary school. When her own kids got older, she went back to singing. “Miss Washington” performs a few times a month at Sambuca in Downtown.
- Movies at Star Cinema Grill – When my husband and I get a date night, we drop our kid off at the grandparents’ and sneak away for a sci-fi or action movie at Star Cinema Grill in Missouri City. It’s a typical dinner-and-movie theater with a full bar, really good food and reasonable prices. I love the Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls — I swear they’re the same recipe as Bennigan’s.
- Dining out – My mom is from Louisiana and my dad is Nigerian, so I grew up with an appreciation for good food. I usually cook at home, but when I want a good home-style meal, we go to Jackie’s Kitchen (American diner), Finger Licking Bukateria (Nigerian — delicious meat pies and pepper soup), Blue Water Seafood (best boiled crawfish) and Cavatore (Italian). For dessert, my family unanimously agrees on Hank’s, a small ice cream parlor that offers unique seasonal flavors. Hank’s homemade sweet potato pie and banana pudding flavored ice creams are my personal favorites.
- Houston Public Library – My mother was a librarian, and she passed on that love of reading to my daughter. We’re always checking out books from the public library. Our local branch offers lots of kid-friendly programs like Baby Playtime, Toddler Storytime, and after-school activities.
About Nike Blue
Born and raised in Houston, Nike Blue is the Chief Program Officer at AIDS Foundation Houston (AFH). Nike has been involved in public health, program innovation, and non-profit management for over 12 years. She follows her passion advocating for healthy relationships and healthy communities on a daily basis as she oversees AFH’s 11 housing, prevention, and support services. AIDS Foundation Houston hosts its 28th annual AIDS Walk Houston “Red Umbrella Stroll” on Sunday, March 5, 2017, at Sam Houston Park in Downtown. The event is the city’s single greatest response in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and it benefits organizations that provide services to almost 30,000 Houstonians living with the virus. Click here for more information or to register a team.
