Taste of Home Restaurant and Catering presents "HOU-DAT" Day!

Sunlight poured into Taste of Home Restaurant and Catering at 5455 Allendale Road Houston, TX 77017 on Saturday May 25th around the eighteenth hour of the day (6pm) which is when I arrived to cover the restaurant's first ever "HOU-DAT" Day - an event dedicated to the celebration of New Orleans culture while embracing Houston's southern flare.


The parking lot was sprinkled with cars and a few smiling faces were visible upon entering the eatery.  A myriad of savory Cajun aromas filled the air while toe-tapping music from Adrian "DJ AYYYone" Hargrove  filled the room.  DJ AYYYone boasted that he knows his music from old school to new school because he was taught by the best - his mother.  He said he gives the people what they want ranging from hits from the 1960's up to today!  In addition to Taste of Home patrons, also on the scene was Frame Fanatics Eyewear Co.   displaying an array of trendy shades ranging from $5-$20.  Question. Are you a frame fantatic?  You may want to check them out.  Just ask for Trina, a Houston native who got into the business over a year ago because of her love of shades, fashion, and people.  According to Trina, shades plus fashion plus people equals Frame Fanatics!   

Not even ten minutes had gone by since my arrival when the room went from a chill vibe to full blown "HOU-DAT" LIVE! People seemed to come pouring in from everywhere to place their orders for some of the best food this side of heaven! (Ask me how I know.) Here's what a few event attendees had to say:

Kim, originally from St. Louis, has resided in Houston for the past 30 years.  When asked what she thought of the "HOU-DAT" Day event, she said that she loves New Orleans culture and that it's like no other. She stated that she could imagine the spacious venue being the perfect spot for lots of private events like birthday parties and more.

Deariel was on the scene to support Taste of Home as well as one of the performing artists for the evening.  Sidenote: Deariel's face was beat fa the gawds honey! She gave the Taste of Home culinary delights a big thumbs up!

Aja and Dresy were serving as hostesses for the evening and flashing their bright smiles for every customer.  The two ladies were also called upon to lend a hand with cooking in preparation for the big day!  More and more people entered as I spoke with Aja and Dresy.  By all accounts, "HOU-DAT" Day seemed to be in full swing!  It felt like a celebrity sighting when I was able to get a glimpse of one of the venue's owners and chefs Qiana Jackson.  I could tell she was in her zone and it pleased her to serve one satisfied customer after another. 

Lilith identified herself as a proud supporter of Taste of Home and as a satisfied customer of their catering services.  She mentioned that guests at her catered event fell in love with Taste of Home's etouffee and rice, vegan pasta dish, and the stuffed chicken breast and became customers themselves.  Clearly, Taste of Home made believers of them.  

Monika explained that she traveled quite a distance to support the new restaurant because she believes in supporting Black businesses.  She mentioned that she would like to encourage others to do the same to give businesses a chance to succeed.  Monika is a New Orleans native and expressed pride in supporting the venue's owners who hail from New Orleans as well.

Aneka was all smiles as she explained that she was taking a break from her usual diet to enjoy the authentic Cajun cuisine offered by Taste of Home.  She ordered the shrimp and fish platter.  From the looks of things, she had no regrets about breaking her diet.

Trell and Brandon, friends of the dj on deck, enjoyed stuffed bell peppers, red beans and rice, and a side of green beans which Trell described as being "fire."  Fire means finger-licking good ya'll.  Brandon enjoyed fried chicken and jambalaya and described the food using one word - "awesome."  Both men confirmed that they'll be back again.

By the time this blogger was wrapping up her time at the lively event, beats were dropping, folks were dancing, and plates were moving!  Ice Cube voice: Today was a good day...for Taste of Home Restaurant and Catering. 

Shout Out: 

Marcia, Owner
Just Hers Boutique 

Briana, Devan, and Makaila creators of SIS (She is Strength) T-Shirt line (Contact Frame Fantatics for information.)

Lisa Love
RADIO | EVENTS | BOOKS | STAGE | BLOG 
I want to cover YOUR next event! 713-489-0567

Frame Fanatics Eyewear Co.

Trell and Brandon, friends of DJ AYYYone

Taste of Home patrons

Monika and Stephanie

Taste of Home HOU-DAT Day

Taste of Home HOU-DAT Day

Deariel, Taste of Home Supporter

Kim and another HOU-DAT Day attendee

Taste of Home HOU-DAT Day

Trina, Owner of Frame Fanatics Eyewear Co.

Aneka, Taste of Home supporter

Lilith and another HOU-DAT Day attendee

Aja and Dresy, event hostesses

DJ AYYYone

Yours Truly, Lisa Love  RADIO | EVENTS | BOOKS| STAGE | BLOG

Marcia, Just Hers Boutique and Briana, SIS (She Is Strength T-shirt line)

TIMBO'S BARBERSHOP: A GRAND OPENING EVENT TO REMEMBER

They could have just moved in and put up a simple "OPEN" sign, but that's just not how things are done with this bunch.  Instead, what I found as I drove up on Saturday 8/4/18 at Timbo's Barbershop was a Grand Opening event to remember!  The cozy-super-comfortable space was complete with ample seating in the center of the main barbershop floor, a wall-mounted, color tv monitor, an attention-grabbing game system (calling all gamers), and a licensed professional barber in each corner of the space. It was a shop full of supporters, clients, friends, and family.

The clear and sunny day provided the perfect backdrop for the excitement associated with welcoming a new business to a community.  In spite of the oh-so-familiar and unforgiving Houston heat, the parking lot at Timbo's Barbershop was full of not only cars but families and smiling faces!  It could have been the music from Casey "DJ Ice Cold" Cooley piping from the two large speakers under the tent.  Maybe it was the cold and tasty snow cones and other good eats served up by Itz A Party Rental.  Perhaps it was the colorful GINORMOUS moonwalk castle.  Could it be that all the smiles were for the camera as REALDEAL Visuals took the official event photos?  This blogger thinks it was a combination of all of those things PLUS the incredibly welcoming vibe created by the men who are the members of the Timbo's Barbershop family:

TIM:  
When asked what clients could expect at Timbo's Barbershop, Tim smiled and said: It's going to feel like family here.  That's understandable because he added that he'd been cutting with Jay for about 8 years, with Kendrick for 5 years, and with Chico for 4 years. As Timbo did what he does best (he was cutting hair as we spoke), he continued by promising that along with fabulous cuts, customers could expect loads of laughs. Tim explained that the barbershop welcomes everyone from first-cut tiny tots to seasoned seniors who are eligible for the senior citizen's discount. In addition to his commitment to doing good business, Tim is a big believer in community engagement, so expect amazing things to happen at Timbo's Barbershop.


JAY: 
A hair cut means everything to a man. It's like the ArmorAll  shine on the tires of a clean car.  A hair cut is how a man "shines."  No doubt this barber will be helping customers to shine as he offers words of wisdom, professionalism, and a laid back experience from his chair in the shop.  Jay explained that it means a lot to him to be working with Tim, Kendrick, and Chico because of their bond.  He used words like trust, mutual respect, and having one another's back to describe the bond shared between the four men.

KENDRICK:
This barber boasted in not only his professional cutting skills but in his upbeat and positive personality which he feels adds color to the shop.  Kendrick explained that he understands that his work could possibly help get a kid off the street. How so? You may ask. Well, he says that you never know what time spent in his chair could mean to someone.

CHICO:
A mild-mannered, towering man (easily over 6ft tall) named Chico says he delivers great cuts, peace, and love from his chair. He explained that lots of people vent when they sit in the barbershop chair.  He considers it a privilege and honor to listen and promises not to offer advice unless invited to do so. Chico wrapped up our time together by saying that he offers a shoulder to cry on because you never know what people are going through.  WARNING:  Most people will need a ladder to reach his shoulder!

If all you need is a haircut, any shop will do.  ...BUT if you're looking for a fabulous haircut AND a place that reminds you of haircuts in kitchen, talking and laughing with friends, and an all-around feel-good experience, Timbo's Barbershop is for you. 

Timbo's Barbershop

featuring Brothers in Business

8414 Tidwell Road

Houston, TX 77028

8am-7pm MON-SAT

Closed: SUN

Mea asks: CANIBEMEA? Lisa responds: Well, of course you can!

 Lisa Love stops by as a guest on the CANIBEMEA Show at GMT Radio Station.



Apparently, the folks at the CANIBEMEA show like to have crazy folks on.  I only know this because they invited ME!  Lol! :)  #yallKNOWImcrazy  I had the extreme honor of being a guest on the CANIBEMEA Show Thursday - May 3, 2018 @ 8pm...and what a dope experience it was.  It was like kicking it with old friends, only we let folks listen in and watch. Lol. :)  

Mea Chenault, creator and host of the show, opened by reflecting on thoughts about karma.  What is it exactly?  Is it real?  Has anyone experienced what they believe to be karma?  Well, because you know I don't know how to act...my mind went straight to Credit Karma!  I kept trying to see if there was a connection.  Yes.  The Credit Karma folks probably want us all to know that all that spending (and not paying bills on time) can come back on you and bite you in the seat meat!  Absolutely!  Karma is real.  CREDIT karma.  RELATIONSHIP karma.  POOR HEALTH CHOICES karma.  EVERYTHING karma.  

We also talked about the recent Kanye opioids-liposuction-slavery rant.  Ya'll mad, or naaaww?  I hadn't even seen the video yet, and my Fb page exploded with opinions! Ok, Mr. Yeezus.  We don't know WHAT to make of this one.  People tuned in to the GMT Radio Station.  People watched and posted on Facebook Live feeds.  Some wanted to revoke Kanye's Black card.  Others were ready to present him with a Nobel Peace Prize.  Ok.  Maybe not, but you get the idea.  People are split on this one.  Either he's a genius or he's insane. Click here to watch the video.  You decide.  We decided to agree to disagree.  He did manage to get us all talking.  Kudos for that Mr. West.  

On the show, we also sipped some tasty coconut whisky in order to give our review.  (We were all thumbs up!  ...and cups up too!) Lol! :)  #YUM

CANIBEMEA announced a special LIVE Broadcast scheduled for Thursday June 7, 2018. Get connected, so you can get the deets!  LISA LOVE WAS HERE will be in the building that night to make sure you get the story!  Be there or be square!

Question.  Are you ready for another lovebug productions event?  I was able to spill the beans on CANIBEMEA that a special team and I are preparing for the upcoming SLOW RIDE MATCH-MAKING EVENT for singles 30 and above.  Here's how it works.  You register for the event, meet a person selected for you based on your preferences, get acquainted, then make a decision. Remain at the event with the person you met -OR- mix and mingle with other singles during the dance party that follows. Price (to be determined) includes match-making, live entertainment, food, first drink, sweet treat, and singles only dance party.  Love is in the air.  Take deep breaths!  July 21, 2018  Registration opens soon at www.letmelisaloveyou.com. Stay tuned! July is my birthday month.  All I want for my birthday is for love to reign supreme!

Thank you Mea!  I had a blast on the show!


IG: letmelisaloveu 
Twitter: letmelisaloveu 
Snapchat: letmelisaloveu 
Fb: letmelisaloveYOU

 Shout Out:
K Nice, GMT Radio
Tahonnie Shaw, Purple Diamond Promotions

ABOUT LAST NIGHT: April Fool's Comedy Show at MASERATI'S EVENT CENTER powered by Citi Streets Limo and Spa Therapy Spa

Lisa Love was in the building on Saturday 4/28/18 to shine a light on the very versatile, very inviting, 2nd floor event space MASERATI’S and to enjoy some gut-busting laughs!
 
Celebrity Sighting: Poet Nikki Da Kidd

I was honored to be the ride-along with Purple Diamond Promotions who was on the scene to scope out the space as a potential location for their next social masterpiece.

If you know ANYTHING about me, you know that I love good people and good vibes in good spaces.  MASERATI'S has it all!  Sprinkled throughout the space's roomy open design were beautiful people who appeared to be having the time of their lives. As I entered the space, I couldn't miss the gold pillars and the walls of large, tinted windows. In addition to the ample general seating were (3) sections that were fit for the most exclusive of guests or ordinary folks who just like to feel all special and important. Lol. Each section is positioned with a clear view of the main stage. The MASERATI'S team which donned red t-shirts with gold lettering, others in black t-shirts with gold lettering, scurried around throughout the night tending to festive patrons.  I didn't approach the bar because I hadn't decided if I'd be drinking or not.  Well, when one of the owners came to the table to personally ask if we needed anything, what was a girl to do?  Order, of course!  In just a few short minutes, my tasty drink was delivered to my table. Food and drinks were in no short supply.  Neither were the laughs!  The crowd roared in laughter at the jokes from the likes of host Comedian Grossman, Comedian Charles G (Someone tell this brother to get me a link STAT!), and the headliner, Comedian Rodney Bigham.

Just when I thought the night had given me EVERYTHING, I was later surprised by a chance encounter with Houston's own Willie Dutch, Author/Artist/Activist.  #blacksdoread As if  his strapping physique, twinkling smile, and undeniable charm weren't enough, he demonstrated an uncommon brand of generosity when he blessed me with a copy of his latest book Rich Life.  According to Willie, if you like urban fiction, you'll love this one.  I flipped through the book to taste a few Rich Life morsels only to be caught savoring the sweet taste of compassion as I read the following words on the last page of the book: FREE SHIPPING TO INMATES.  Willie Dutch, you are a man after my own heart!  I can't wait to sink my teeth into Richard "Rich" Lewis, the main character of this piece.  (Well, I had to keep the eating and tasting analogy going. Lol!)  

Anyway, about last night...it don't owe me a damn thing! #letmelisaloveyou

Media Shout Out:
It's All Love with Lisa Love (blogtalkradio)
Urban Houston Network


If you don't follow and share this blog, you're evil. LOL!

Shawn Artis   
http://www.theshawnartisgallery.com/
 
The pride I felt standing in that room with you, your precious wife, and other exhibit attendees yesterday (4/21/18) is indescribable. As a little girl, I watched a man pour his heart into his artwork (my father), so I have an appreciation for the finished product as well as the painstaking effort that goes into transferring imaginations of one’s heart and soul which are unseen to a canvas which can be seen...and hopefully appreciated by the world.

As you spoke of each piece, I imagined the once empty and void canvases...and how the words you spoke, the emotions you felt, the thoughts in your head were now ALIVE hanging on walls right before our very eyes! You should be TREMENDOUSLY proud of yourself. I remember your live painting of Purple Lady. It was such a pleasure to watch you work. I also remember your generously using your gift of art to benefit the YWCA back when I worked there. (Allison Booker Brooks, Executive Director YWCA of Greater Houston),  this is a MUST SEE exhibit!) We all have watched your grind. Brother, you’ve paid your dues. It’s time for a well deserved moment in the spotlight. I brought my son with me. I wanted him to experience being in the presence of greatness.

 
#respect

May the world carefully listen with their eyes as you tell a very colorful story using your art. ❤️ http://hmaac.org/#about

#theshawnartisgallery  
#blackrobotshtx  
#hmaac 
#bertlongjrgallery