What To Do In Houston This Weekend

Trying to come up with what's a guy to do in Houston, on the weekend, after all of the summer trippin is just about over, makes having a daily routine a refreshing change. There's a solace in knowing what to expect and not having to dodge wet kisses or fresh lipstick at family reunions. And what about those visits to and from relatives, some that you don't miss not missing all year. Time for summer to end.

The best weekends always seem to require that you get up early. And early Saturday mornings is a good time to scurry down to the Midtown Farmer's market held in the parking lot of Tafia's. It's the place where you can get veggies fresh enough to make any mom proud of our shopping taste.

These locally grown treats are not the kind of hot house grown, genetically enhanced and rarely tasty, produce you get a the big chain grocers. All of the greens, tomatoes, squash and other vegetables that are sold at the Midtown Farmer's market, are full of flavor because they are raised on small plots of land in and around Houston or close by.

Shopping at Farmer's markets are not just for vegans and rawfers. It's for smart buyers who know that there is a measure of peace, relief and personal satisfaction when you know something about what, when, where and how the food that graces your table is grown. An added benefit is the sigh of relief you'll have after the next food recall from the local stores.

At the Saturday morning marketplace you get a chance to met and support the growers who provide you with the freshness that you need to stay healthy. If I seem to go on and on about the produce, it's because they are my favorites.

But they aren't the only things that you can get at the Midtown Houston Farmer's Market. There's fresh honey, baked goods and a few handcrafted items that show up from time to time at the market.

Houston growers and their patrons are a community of people whose lives are intertwined around a common passion, food. That's one of the reasons that Tafia's chef, Monica Pope offers her parking lot as a meeting place. She has a passion for fresh morsels of vegetables. Some of them are chosen to be a part of the recipes in her Saturday cooking class.

That's the real beginning of a first class meal. When a chef can cajole a few stringbeans from a vendor and toss them in homemade dressings and serve them quicker that the time it'll take you to find your debit card hiding behind a outdated library card and swipe it.

By avoiding the crowds at the big grocery stores and getting your shopping done early on Saturday mornings, at the Farmer's Market, it'll leave plenty of time to catch a power nap. Then you can sit back and surf Midtown Houston Restaurant and Entertainment Guide, another great local blog to help you find more fun things to do in Houston on the weekend.

Books

Art/Theater

Attractions

Parks

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Free Events in Houston-May 2009

The fine folks at the Houston Historical Society are showcasing some of the works from private Houston collections.

The exhibit features some of the finest traditional works. They'll introduce you to the art of the retablo. A style of painting typically done on a wood carving or ornamental structures built and carved over facades and doorways. This exhibit provides a window into understanding the traditions associated with sacred spaces, ritual practices, and customs prevalent throughout the Americas.

Free Movie Screening At Domy Houston.

KABLUEY stars Lisa Kudrow, as a struggling working mom trying to balance work, two out-of-control kids and budget with more out-go than income. She seeks help from her brother-in-law whose part-time job is being a faceless blue mascot. This offbeat, comedy pokes fun at how a lousy job can push you to the edge of your sanity.

The edgy bookstore has more free movies on tap this week including the cult classic "Halloween." Visit their webspace for details on these and other free events this month.

Free Events This Weekend




You've probably passed this free weekly event on the corner of Travis and Alabama on Saturday's and seen all the commotion in the parking lot at T'afia. It was probably the Midtown Farmers Market.

Here's advance notice that you're welcome to stop by and support Houston's urban farmers. If you want to add a little zip to your cooking then start by using fresh locally grown produce. They will enhance the taste of any dish.

If you stick around Chef Monica Pope usually has a cooking class that'll enlighten you to a few culinary tips on how to whip-up a quick and fantastic feast for your friends and family.

Books

Art/Theater

Attractions

Parks/Gardens

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What's Happening This Weekend In Houston

A smart way to improve your favorite dish is by using locally harvested ingredients. You'll love their taste because they excel in freshness and flavor. Saturday is your chance to purchase fresh produce, organic coffee, hand made chocolates, cut flowers and other genuine local products in Midtown Houston.


With the declining availability of fossil energy pushing food prices higher, sourcing as much food as possible from local growers has become a favorite choice for local chef's and restaurants. Come out and support Houston growers who are putting the home back in homegrown.

Everyone is hip to the twelve days of Christmas, but have you checked out The "Twelve Ways of Christmas." Romantic Christmas, Military Christmas, Family Christmas are just a few of them .


The Ensemble Theater has assembled a talented cast to present them in a delightful play that captures the music and spirit of the celebration.


I've heard it said that we all have a book in us, but if you're the kind of person who has a musical in you, that you would like to write, The Ensemble Theater has just the thing for you.

Carlton Leake, Playwright and Musical Director of The Twelve Ways of Christmas has a workshop coming up entitled How to Write a Musical and Audition It.

Reverend Carlton Leake is also a producer, composer, writer, director and musician He has written music and lyrics of several theatrical musicals including Black Men: Live Again, Corretta The Other Side of the Dream and the Vietnam soldier story, Two Wars.

Books

Art/Theater

Attractions

Parks/Gardens

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Art and Films in Houston This Weekend

Art in the Park

Join the artistic excitement in Midtown Saturday April 12, 2008. We are calling this "Art in and Around the Park." The 9th Annual Midtown VISIONS Cultural Arts Tour takes place this weekend. Midtown artists' studios, galleries, complexes, and collectives will be open for you to view compelling installations, video, and mixed media. Purchase original works from the artists. Additionally the 2nd Annual Midtown Art in the Park will be taking place at Baldwin Park 1702 Elgin at Chenevert.
[Where:1702 Elgin, Houston 77002]

Film Screening: "This Is My Home, It Is Not For Sale"

This fascinating documentary chronicles Houston´s Riverside neighborhood over 60 years, as integration led to real-estate blockbusting, white flight, and gentrification. Home movies, archival photos, and interviews with residents are enhanced by a soundtrack from late Houston jazz musician Arnett Cobb. The subject matter is still relevant, as current residents of Houston´s Fourth and Fifth Ward communities challenge the intrusions of developers. Preceded by Schwartz´s five-minute film about the Almeda Theater.

Filmmaker Jon Schwartz in attendance. DVDs of the film available for purchase after the screening.
For showtime and more details visit the MFA.org website.


Midtown Farmer’s Market

Don't forget to stop by T'afia's and shop at the Farmer's Market. The open air market offers fresh local produce, organic coffee, hand made chocolates, cut flowers and more!! Every Saturday!

T'afia 3701 Travis Street @ Alabama, on the big block

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