Everything in Houston is HOT!

I recently traveled for a 2-day getaway to Houston, TX. What a perfect time to get away from the fall weather and the approaching winter chills. I really love all that Houston has to offer-the warm weather, the architecture, the southern hospitality, the food, the spacious living, and my favorite television evangelist Joel Osteen.

Here are my highlights:

Well my initial visit was primarily for play business. I like to think of work as play-fun. It takes the “downer” expression off of the situation, which is that stress that we associate with work. Keep it light and fun and “play.” Had to digress for a second. So, for my play business I spoke on an artist panel and performed at Houston’s 1st Annual Front Porch Series, hosted by author/poet/activist/educator Tim’m West. The event was held at the Montrose Counseling Center, near downtown Houston, and it was HOT! The pre-show panel discussion revolved around our place as artists and our relation to politics and activism. Following the panel was the featured artist session, showcasing jazz and soul vocal songstress Caretta Bell, lyrics, beats, and melodies by Houston’s black gay hip-hop/soul duo The Qure, poetry and spoken word of Tim’m West, followed by spoken word and character sketches from my one-man show FlagBoy. Definitely a HOT and moving night and a must see the next time you’re in Houston. For more information on Houston’s upcoming Front Porch Series log on to www.reddirt.biz/thefrontporch.htm.

While this event happened Saturday evening, I must rewind to my Friday evening, which was Halloween night. Houston was buzzing with Halloween spirit. I was also brainstorming a witty idea for a costume because I was invited to an exclusive Halloween party that evening. Of course my first stop was Houston’s infamous Galleria Mall, which has everything from urban wear to high fashion. Although I didn’t find Halloween inspiration there, in the interim I had dinner at The Kona Grill located inside the Galleria Mall. Kona Grill’s food dishes range from Sushi to Vietnamese to Thai to American traditional. There’s inside seating and outside seating available. Although the service clocked in on the poor meter, I did enjoy the Shrimp Pad Thai and the Grapeade Martini. Yum! My filling dinner fueled my inspiration for my costume….Joe The Plumber!

Off to Wal-Mart I went. Ok, ok…Wal-Mart…I will not open that bag of worms. However, Houston provides you with the accessibility and convenience to get what you need. Two hours later, I was on my way to Houston’s Premiere Alternative Party for Distinguished Gentlemen. The party was really really HOT! If you’re a gay man of color, or not, definitely check this event out during your next First Friday visit in Houston, TX. It’s hosted by “The Fellas” and you can get all the info by logging on to www.houstonfirstfridays.com.

Ok, so, Sunday rolls around. No church for me though…oops. I will definitely catch Joel Osteen during my next visit. Such a short visit and I had to streamline my events, in order to remain physically and mentally healthy, which is why I did manage to squeeze in a quick but delectable and inexpensive brunch at Cyclone Anaya’s Mexican Kitchen. Did I mention how inexpensive it was? They offer Saturday and Sunday Brunch Specials…$5 omelets! Cyclone is located in the newly revitalized downtown Houston (Gray and Bagby Sts.), and it’s definitely the place to be on a Saturday or Sunday.

Well, not much time remaining and I was off to the airport. A short weekend but really fun and HOT!

Here is some additional information about some of my Houston highlights:

The Galleria
www.galleriahouston.com

Kona Grill
5061 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77056
(713) 877-9191
www.konagrill.com

Cyclone Anaya’s Mexican Kitchen
309 Gray St. @ Bagby St.
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 713-520-6969
www.cycloneanaya.com