At the top of each week “My Top 5” showcases enterprising and creative Houstonians making things happen in H-Town, revealing their favorite things to do in their down time. This week, we’re very pleased to Urban Eats Chef Levi Rollins, who shares some of his favorites inside and outside the Loop.
My Top 5 Things to Do in Houston
by Levi Rollins
- Oyster Creek Park – I like feeding the turtles at Oyster Creek Park in Sugar Land, which is near my home. Houston has great public spaces throughout the city. It has ample space to explore; a rose garden, picnic area and a babbling creek. I really like the tranquil albino turtles, which seem to be sweet and serene amongst their peers. Do stop at Tornado Taco in Missouri City for their bacon, egg, potato, and cheese taco with habanero salsa.
- Tiny Boxwoods – I enjoy the “French Picnic” or the “House Cheese and Meat Plate” at Tiny Boxwoods in the Greenway area. With a bottle of wine to share, it’s a perfect way to spend a late afternoon. The “Plate” includes a yummy paring of house honey, mustard and nuts. I could eat this type of food every day. Unbeatable flavor, fantastic surroundings – a great place!
- Buchanan’s Native Plants – Located in the Heights, Buchanan’s has endless options to create an amazing garden with native plants that love our black gumbo soil and heat. I love to garden at home, and will be adding a garden to Urban Eats this spring. One of my very favorite things to do on Sundays during the summer, is eating freshly toasted bagels with vine-ripe tomatoes and basil from my garden with “June’s Joy Goat Cheese” (available at Houston Dairy Maids) and “Alderwood Smoked Sea Salt” (available at Savory Spice Shop in the Village). During peak season, Buchanan’s partners with local food trucks, so go hungry, and discover your own Sunday ritual.
- Galveston – For a quick local get-a-way, Galveston is at the top of my list, and a bargain too. Over the years my family and I have made many annual trips to the bay. Today, our itinerary rarely changes, my partner Eric, mother, grandmother and dearest aunt make our way to the market, jointly select all the perfect ingredients for a night of feasting; usually an assortment of cheese, olives and bread, salad, filets and lobster (Mom loves “surf & turf”) and, of course, our favorite cocktail makings and champagne. We book a modest, cozy suite (kitchen included) at the Casa Del Mar on Seawall Boulevard, which sleeps six for just $150 per night. We all share the space, so we can visit and cook together, and enjoy an amazing meal with great views of the gulf.
- Lupe Tortilla’s Bar – Located on Shepherd, nothing beats the seared, salty lime goodness paired with a sangria swirl frozen margarita. In a town with endless options for delicious Tex-Mex food, there will always be a place for a great consistent quality product.
About Chef Levi Rollins
Chef Levi Rollins is the owner of Urban Eats, a combination market, bistro and bar offering handcrafted, comfy gourmet fare. Levi has spent his life in the restaurant, service, and sales industries. Coming from a family of self-taught chefs, he spent much of his time in his family’s restaurants where he learned time-honored recipes from his mother and grandmothers. This set the stage for his never ending love of sharing great food with friends and family, along with a passion for simple, delicious, traditional ingredient pairings.
