💗 It’s Monday and this is Houstonicity! Today we have our Valentine’s Day Guide along with some interesting area news. I’ll tee the Houston news up first, then we’ll have the Valentine’s Day Guide, followed by sports. Congrats by the way to UH’s women’s tennis team on crushing their recent double header. I love it.

In this edition of Houstonicity:

·         Houston Valentine’s Day Guide

·        Foggy Mornings and 80 Degree Afternoons Return to Houston This Week

·         Free Monthly Clinic in Cy-Fair Offers Care For Uninsured Houston Residents

·         And More…

Today: 81F | 63F | 🌤️ | 20% Precipitation | SSW 15 MPH Winds

Tuesday: 79F | 63F | ☁️| 22% Precipitation | S 16 MPH Winds

Wednesday: 79F | 58F | 🌤️| 24% Precipitation | WSW 6 MPH Winds

Thursday: 80F | 62F | 🌤️| 8% Precipitation | SSE 13 MPH Winds

Friday: 79F | 65F | 🌥️ | 23% Precipitation | SSE 16 MPH Winds

Link for more weather information.

Houston mornings may feel a little slower this week. Thick fog is expected to roll in as early as 5 a.m. and could hang around through the morning commute, sometimes lasting until 10 a.m. In some spots, visibility may drop below a quarter mile, so give yourself extra time and drive carefully.

By the afternoon, it will feel more like spring than February. Highs will climb into the upper 70s and near 80 with extra humidity from Gulf winds. Light rain is expected late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, and a stronger storm system could arrive Saturday. Presidents Day is looking dry and mild.

A new monthly clinic in northwest Harris County is opening doors for neighbors who need care. StreetHealth is led by Texas A&M medical students and overseen by licensed physicians. The goal is simple. Provide free, non-emergency care for people who are uninsured or underinsured in a welcoming space.

The clinic runs the first Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Cy-Fair Helping Hands on Emmott Road. It treats common illnesses, minor injuries, and general health concerns. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred at this link. Questions can be sent to [email protected].

Houston reached a feel-good milestone this week. Trees For Houston planted its one-millionth tree, a live oak, at Sam Houston Park. Since 1983, the nonprofit has worked to plant, protect, and promote trees across the region, helping bring shade, beauty, and cleaner air to neighborhoods across the city.

Community leaders and partners gathered to celebrate the moment and look ahead. The group says this milestone is just the start of planting and caring for even more trees to help Houston stay green for years to come.

3 price points (high price $120-$200+ per person, mid-price $70-$120 per person, and lower pricing $30-$70 per person).

We’ve chosen 5 restaurants per category.

1.  LE JARDINIER – Michelin French Romance.  Link to Le Jardinier.

2.  VIC & ANTHONY’S STEAKHOUSE – Classic Steakhouse Valentine’s Vibe. Link to Vic & Anthony’s.

3.  POTENTE – Luxury Italian Near Minute Maid Park. Link to Potente.

4.  BUNGALOW – Modern Steakhouse Glam. Link to Bungalow.

5.  JOEY UPTOWN – Trendy, Upscale Crowd-pleaser. Link to Joey Uptown.

1.  BRENNAN’S HOUSTON – Southern Romance Classic. Link to Brennan’s.

2.  TASTE OF TEXAS – Iconic Houston Steakhouse. Link to Taste of Texas.

3.  TRAVELER’S TABLE – Trendy Foodie Date Spot. Link to Traveler’s Table.

4.  TINY CHAMPIONS – Hip, Cozy, and Candlelit.  Link to Tiny Champions.

5.  SQUABLE – Sophisticated European Style Bistro. Link to Squable.

1.  NANCY’S HUSTLE – Trendy, Casual Date Night.  Link to Nancy’s Hustle.

2.  CHARDON – Charming French Bistro. Link to Chardon.

3.  THE CHEF’S TABLE – Intimate, Upscale Casual. Link to The Chef’s Table.

4.  POSTINO – Lively & Fun Wine Café.  Link to Postino.

5.  BEAUSOLEIL – Seafood with French Style.  Link to Beausoleil.

If all else fails, and you aren’t confident you can get in anywhere…then, it is time to throw down in the kitchen.  With an average 5-star rating from 698 reviews, you should go with Giada De Laurentiis’ Chicken Parmesan.  This recipe is rated EASY.  Link to the Recipe. I recommend pairing this with a Chianti wine for the full Italian date-night experience.  You can’t go wrong with a Coppola Chianti in my opinion.

1.  JEWELRY – Nazar’s & Co.  Nazar’s is a beloved Houston jeweler.  Link to Nazar’s & Co.

2.  FOOD & WINE – Gracie’s Grazing Boards Charcuterie. Check out their Julian Box with Bottle of Wine.  Link to Gracie’s Grazing Boards.

3.  CHOCOLATE – Cacao & Cardamom Chocolatier.  Luxurious but reasonably priced.  Link to Cacao & Cardamom Chocolatier.

4.  FLOWERS – Breen’s Florist. Long-time Houston favorite florist. Link to Breen’s Florist.

Houston Rockets fans have something to cheer about. Center Alperen Şengün has been named an NBA All Star replacement after an injury opened a roster spot. This is his second straight All-Star selection and gives Houston two All Stars for the first time since the 2019 to 2020 season.

Şengün is averaging 20.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists this season. He will play for the World team in the Feb. 15 All Star Game in Inglewood, California.

The University of Houston women’s tennis team kept its strong start rolling this weekend. The Cougars swept New Mexico and UTRGV in a doubleheader, stretching their season opening win streak to seven matches. Strong doubles play set the tone early, and the team carried that momentum through singles to finish both matches in commanding fashion.

Houston won the first match 4-0 and followed it with a 7-0 shutout. Fans can support Houston Tennis through NIL opportunities and the Center Court Club, and stay connected with the team on social media for updates.

Thanks for reading.  Have an outstanding week.  And please email this newsletter to a friend. – O.B.

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