Habanero hits the spot

 

Habanero hits the spot

         I'm told Habanero Bar & Grill serves a more Mexican style of Mexican food. That is to say, less Tex-Mex. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

         My mom has been bragging about the restaurant at 6685 Eastex Freeway in Beaumont and now I can vouch for it myself. I enjoyed my grilled chicken and sides and scooped up every bite with chips and salsa. And more chips and salsa. I even eyeballed dishes arriving at other tables and got jealous of their orders. So, we'll have to head back.

         Habanero is in the sit of the old J&J Steakhouse. Remember that? Apparently a lot of people do, because this info is printed right on the the business card of Neno Chavez. 

  Com     Community  Coffee and the Big Game

                      Does Community Coffee put you in the mind of football, brisket sliders with spicy slaw, sweet and spicy chicken wings and cream cheese swirled mocha brownies?

                      Want to win a trip to Minneapolis for the Big Game? Get  a specially-marked bag of Community Coffee from our friends in Baton Rouge and enter Tailgate Traditions. Also look for Community® Porch Breeze™ tea at participating locations where Community, while supplies last. Specially-marked bags or boxes contain Code on the package. More information here: www.tailgatetraditions.com

                            My mornings have been starting off smooth with Private Reserve Brazil Santos Bourbon, that smells very, very exotic. Study up on the contest rules with Signature Blend Dark Roast and  Extra Bold French Roast, the stuff that fuels offices from Louisiana to Southeast Texas. We love those red labels. Now look for the ones with Tailgate Traditions markings. The link features game day recipes, like Smokey Maple-Glazed Nut Mix, with coffee, rosemary and pepper. What a wake up!

                             Krups

                            

                             The Savoy Turbo sounds like an English race car. But Krups, the trusted name in coffee appliances, is behind this sleek, programmable coffee maker that brews up to 35 percent faster. Need 12 cups of your favorite? You’re ready for the day. It’s easy to work and looks good in the kitchen. This model will rev you up. There are so many choices out there these days. If you want a dependable product, get a trusted name that will last a good, long while. I expect to work with this Krups for the long stretch.

                             Just a little schmear

                        Did you ever hear a friend say she didn’t want to hit the grocery store because she didn’t want to put on makeup? A little Dermelect is all she needs to brighten her look. It’s my favorite pick-me-up. America just celebrated National Lipstick Day (you did, right?) and Dermelect Cosmeceuticals’ 4-in-1 Smooth Lip Solution and Smooth + Plump Lipstick was on the scene. The 4-in-1 combines the luminous properties of lipstick, lip stain, lip balm, and lip gloss, all in one, so just one step for a great look. I tried Smooth + Plump Lipstick with peptide-infused pigments and a plumping technology for smoothing. You get what you pay for in lipstick, so I’m taking good care of a tube of Adorned, pinkish coral full of keartin peptide, vitamins A, C  & E, hyaluronic acid and shea butter. www.dermelect.com.

              darraghcastillo@icloud.com

 

 

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Amber Sunrise and an onion habit

 

         Amber Sunrise 

Make your own forecast for an Amber Sunrise by getting Community Coffee Company’s newest coffee item—the Amber Sunrise™ Blend, into your cup.

            In Southeast Texas, coffee lovers get excited when they see this red label from our Baton Rouge neighbors. It truly is a “community” thing. Since April in our area, we’ve had access to this “rich and vibrant blend” with a “lighter roast with a smooth finish.” I’ve tried it and liked it. Here’s another bonus: For every dollar redeemed on specially-marked coupons, Community Coffee Co. will donate a matching dollar to land preservation efforts along the gulf coast. Isn’t that enough to put some amber in your sunrise?

            Just the aroma of opening up a package of this family-owned product transports me back to family gatherings. The company is keeping up with modern trends of development and giving-back. I’m sharing Private Reserve Exclusive Coffee, marked “exclusive coffee availale through our long-standing relationships with the communities of Toledo and Labateca, for when my mom visits. We sat for coffee with the open package between us, just to inhale some more. Then it’s bak to another of the red labels, Café Special, a medium-dark roast marked smooth & full flavored. C’est bon!

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              My onion habit

                      Onions and peppers are both a food group to me. I’d have them at every meal if possible. Vidalia Chop Wizard makes this more possible. It’s the tool that chops vegetables and fruits into salsas and salads. The hinged case with has two sizes of stainless steel grids of blades for chopping and dicing. Place your cut produce on top of them and snap the lid to collect cubes of onion, zucchini, tomato carrots, apples, mushrooms, boiled egg and other delights. It’s easy and by your third or fourth “closing” you’ll be chopping like a pro, or As Seen on TV, people, who bring us this Wizard. The case is well made – not flimsy at all – and I love how your produce collects in the bottom for to me measured or stored. So if you crave fresh salsa for a breakfast taco, you can have some extra later.

                      If you have a garden with an abundance of zucchini, get one of these to make easy cutting for side dishes. Also, call me to take some zucchini off your hands.

                      All about Disney?

                      Know any Disney fanatics? Quiz them from “The Disneyland Encyclopedia: The Unofficial, Authorized, and Precedented History of Every Land, Attraction, Restaurant, Shop and Major Event in the Original Magic Kingdom.” Christ Strodder’s book hits something of interest for every fan. I’d have loved to see the James Bond double jet packing his way over Tomorrowland or young Steve Martin selling programs in period costume. The book reports a Disney co-worker inspired his trademark “Excuuuuuuuse me!!!” line.

                      So foodies may go for the restaurant notes. Strodder mentions the  Troubadour Tavern, aka Yumz; aka Louie’s, aka Meeko’s; aka Fantasyland Theatre Snacks; aka Troubadour Treats; aka Enchanted Cottage Sweets & Treats. Through good marketing, the restaurant themes and menu items have changed based on nearby attractions and recent releases.

              darraghcastillo@icloud.com