Taste Magazine Have You Got TASTE?
In this issue Pallotta’s Italian Grill Capri Pasta, Pizza & More Hasta La Pasta Martinis N More Everything Bling Just Pearlz Glitz Chic Free Valentine Printables
February 2012
Food | Fashion
Taste Magazine February 2012
contents Pallotta’s Italian Grill 6 Capri Pizza, Pasta & More 21 Hasta La Pasta 28
Everything Bling Glitz Chic 31 Just Pearlz 24
16
Martinis N More 12 Valentine Printables from PS. Make It Your Own
Letter From the Editor 5 Taste Calendar of Events 6 Coming Next Month 33
19
Letter from the Editor.. Taste Texas Magazine is the next great thing to find the best restaurants, wine bars, sports bars, night clubs and fashion boutiques in the area. Our first edition will be coming out February 1, 2012. The magazine will cover The Woodlands, Conroe, Magnolia, Spring, Tomball and the FM1960/Champions Forest area. We plan on adding a separate magazine for Sugarland and Katy later this year. Our digital magazine will feature great venues and boutiques for you to check out each month. The magazine will also have information on great chefs, food related books and products, new trends, date night ideas and much more. Our fashion section will feature fashions of the season and great accessories. About the Editor: I have over 24 years experience in the restaurant industry. I held various positions for several Atlanta food distributors, I also owned and operated 3 restaurants in the Atlanta area. I have done catering, party and event planning. I am taking all the skills and knowledge in the restaurant industry and putting them to good use creating Taste Magazine. Wendy Anderson Editor-In-Chief
http://got-taste.com info@got-taste.com Editor-in-Chief: Wendy Anderson Event Planner and Entertainment Editor: DJ Blendz Our Sales Staff: Destinye Robinson Jesse Raines
For Foradvertising advertisinginfo infoor orifif you youwould wouldlike liketo tobe be featured featuredininone oneof ofour our issues issuesplease pleaseemail emailus usor or call: call: 832-620-6280 832-620-6280
Taste Magazine Calendar Our first calendar lists what each of our future issues will feature.
February Valentines – Italian Restaurants – Bling – Launch Party 2/7 Martini’s N More
March Rodeo Days – BBQ Restaurants – Country Western Clothes
April Pizza – Beer – Resale & Consignment Shops
May Music – American Restaurants – Wine – Shoes - Purses
June Bridal – Event Halls – Desserts – Wedding Gowns/Tuxes
July Summertime – Burgers – Swimsuits – Pet Fashion & Accessories
August Back To School – Mexican Restaurants – Kids Fashion
September Taste of the Orient – Asian Food – Jewelry and Hair Accessories
October The “Best Of” Issue
November Breakfast – Coffee – Lingerie - Menswear
December Steak Houses – Cocktails – Gift Guide
January Happy New Year – Healthy Restaurants - Sportswear
I had a chance to sit down with Phil Nicosia, the owner of Pallotta’s Italian Grill a few weeks ago to interview him for our first issue of our magazine.. The first thing I noticed was how beautifully decorated the restaurant was. It had a charm about it. Made you feel right at home. I felt like I had Phil for years. He had an ease about him and he loves what he does so much it makes his words come to life. We also found out that Pallotta’s had won some great distinctions. In 2010 Pallotta’s Italian Grill was honored with being voted as the #1 Best Italian Restaurant in The Woodlands. To top off this wonderful honor, they were then informed they had been voted the #4 Best Italian Restaurant in The Houston and surrounding area, by Channel 11. KHOU News, putting this mom and pop shop in lucrative position having beat so many others in a city with more restaurants per capita than any other city in the USA. These well earned praises have come with hard work and dedication to detail and loyal guests. The staff and owners are deeply touched by the loyalty of their patrons that keep them going strong year after year.
Taste: How many years have you been in business? Phil: Pallotta's Italian Grill opened on September 12, 1994 (17 1/2 years ago). We opened as "sghetties" and changed our name to Pallotta's to give ourselves a more grown up sounding name in 2001.
Taste: What is your background in the restaurant business? Phil: I have over 20 years...started as a delivery driver for local mom and pop Italian restaurant. 13 years at Pallotta's (10 as manager, 3 as owner)
Taste: Signature dishes are what sets a restaurant apart. What are some of your signature dishes? Phil: At lunch I would have to say our Lasagna Bolognese...a smooth textured meat and cheese lasagna that melts in your mouth! Lots of ricotta, mozzarella, and Marie Cheese (parmesan/romano cheeses), Top Tomato Sauce, and Pavia sauce. Dinner? The Benjamin! linguini pasta, large gulf shrimp, spicy Italian sausage crumbles, fresh diced tomatoes, amber butter mushrooms, and a Cayenne Pepper Pavia (Alfredo) sauce.
Taste: Give us an idea of you’re the price range customers can expect? Phil: Our lunch prices range from $5.95-$9.99 Also, we have a $5.95 Lunch Special Mon-Fri from 11am-2pm in house. Full size lunch portion served with soup or salad and bread and garlic butter. Monday-Meatball and Spaghettini Tuesday-Tortellini Alfredo Wednesday-Lasagna Bolognese Thursday-Cheese Ravioli Friday-Fettuccini Alfredo Dinner price range: $5.99-$26.99 We cover the full spectrum of pricing...many items under $10 / Many items approx $15$17 Delicious Filet for $26.99...10oz filet, bacon wrapped, seasoned with olive oil and cbp, topped with amber butter mushrooms, served with a side of fettuccini alfredo, fresh steamed vegetables, toasted garlic bread, soup or salad, bread and garlic butter. We also have a great line of desserts.
Favorite appetizer? Cozze Felice...Happy Mussels! Favorite dessert? Chocolate Raspberry Tiramisu...created by myself for my wife when I proposed to her (and she LOVES tiramisu!) Favorite entree? The Shrimp Brochette! No jalapeno here...We stuff our shrimp with garlic and parmesan cheese and wrap it in bacon! Reservations needed? First Come, First Served but we do try to accommodate if we know a large party is coming in. Private parties? Yes...luncheon groups, business meetings, rehearsal dinners, corporate events, birthday party's, family get togethers, etc‌ Things to look forward to in 2012? We are in the planning stages to build a banquet room in the space next to us! It will hold approx. 60-70 people. New menu items, new wine list.
Healthy options? We have a whole menu dedicated to Healthy Options! 20 items to choose from and they are all Weight Watcher Points Plus listed! Great Pasta dishes, Sandwiches, Salads, and Pizza! Vegetarian options? Yes...we can create just about anything a guest would like.
Pallotta’s Italian Grill Valentine’s Specials Entrees: Chicken Picatta...grilled chicken breast, lemon white wine butter sauce, garlic, red onions, capers, fresh lemon, side of pasta alfredo, toasted garlic bread. Frutti di mare Pasta…fresh steamed mussels, gulf shrimp, tender baby clams, red onions, garlic, basil, oregano, topped with tomato and white wine broth, spaghettini pasta, toasted garlic bread. Tomato Angelina...angel hair pasta, sundried tomato pesto sauce with olive oil and garlic, diced chicken, gulf shrimp, proscuitto, Italian ham, juliened sundried tomatoes, crushed walnuts, fresh ribbons of basil, toasted garlic bread.
Dessert: Dominic' Muds for two...4 layers of mocha almond fudge ice cream, chunks of Butterfinger candy bar in between each layer, hot fudge and peanut butter drizzled throughout the whole thing, with a Nutter Butter cookie crust! Wine: Cupcake Chardonnay Hogue GENESIS Meritage Brancott Pinot Noir Jacob's Creek Merlot
Pallotta’s Italian Grill is located in the Woodridge Shopping Center on the feeder road of I-45 North across the freeway from the Woodlands Mall, where Office Depot is located. 27606 I-45 North Conroe TX 77385 281.364.9555 Serving The Woodlands, Conroe, and Spring Area http://www.pallottasitaliangrill.com/ Hours of Operation are: Sunday 10:57 am to 9:03 pm Monday-Saturday 10:57am to 10:03pm Whether you are a few minutes early or a few minutes late, we are here to serve you.
Spa Party? Spa party for 6 girls $199 Additional guests and mileage fees may apply.
Includes mini manicure, mini pedicure, facial and foot scrub. Slippers, spa robes, magazines and fancy table linen. candles, and dĂŠcor. We provide a calming atmosphere for a grown up experience.
Contact us at: alilsomething@yahoo.com 832.468.6385 http://alilsomethingtoremember.webs.com
Article by: DJ Blendz
Being in the entertainment business for over 25 years I have seen my share of clubs, bars, and venues that just didn’t have the elements I look for when I’m not DJing a show. The one place, in my opinion, that stands out the most is Martinis N More located in The Woodlands. Their motto “Music for the heart, Sprits for the soul, dancing for the feet” is a perfect way to describe the atmosphere & ambience. Martinis N More is owned by Ervin J. West. Having worked locally in the bar industry for over 14 years, Ervin started out as bus boy at Carrabba’s Italian Grill. From there he got hired at Ruth Chris Steak House and became Lead Bartender. Finally, he landed a position as a bartender at Martinis which with hard work and learning more about the industry, became manager and then owner. Ervin truly knows what his customers want and expect. He has passed his beliefs down to his staff. Ervin is considered to be the best dirty martini maker in The Woodlands. Martinis N More is known for its excellent customer service, upscale clientele, live entertainment and outstanding drinks. From my experience, Martinis n More, by far, is the best bar/night club North of Houston. Their Happy Hour is the perfect time to unwind from a long day of work. The smooth sounds of jazz and R&B fill the room.
Customer service is the heart and soul of the bar. With Ervin’s lead and experience, the bartenders and servers have learned the importance of customer service and how important it is to make their customer feel like family. Each employee focuses on the details and takes pride in their craft. With that in mind, you can also count on a well mixed drink. Martinis N More has a wide selection of specialty martinis to choose from. Their signature drink is The Dirty Martini. They also carry an extensive selection of single malt scotches, cordials and cognacs, along with a nice wine selection. The live entertainment is the other part of the trademark of the bar. Starting on Wednesdays, try out your singing skills with Tony Mac’s A-List Entertainment. Show your stuff with live Karaoke. To set the tone for the weekend, Thursday kicks off with the singing duo of R&B Vocalist Tony Mac & Silky Songstress Kamil singing today’s hits, Classic Motown, Country and classic rock.
Friday and Saturday nights speak for themselves with a monthly all-star lineup from jazz saxophone extraordinaire Lloyd Hughes to the Motown sounds of Fidelity Max, just to name a few. Enjoy a private booth, pull up a seat at the bar or get out on the dance floor. Martinis does offer reservations and you can also book private and public events. Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. From time to time Martinis partners with local restaurants like Carrabba’s and Pitmasters BBQ for networking events. These restaurants provide an excellent buffet for the patrons of the bar. Our launch party for Taste Magazine will take place at Martinis N More on February 7th, 2012 at 7:00 PM. Please RSVP at http://www.facebook.com/events/362486490434973/ if you plan on attending. We will have door prizes and DJ Blendz spinning the music. Martinis N More 311 Sawdust Rd The Woodlands,TX 77380 http://martinisnmore.com 281-296-8464 Monday – Thursday 4PM - 1AM Friday 4PM - 2AM Saturday 6PM - 2AM HAPPY HOUR Monday – Friday 4PM - 8PM $2 OFF all Martinis/1$ off all Beers/$3.50 Calls
Taste Magazine is please to announce our official choice for event planning :
Creative Visions and Events located in The Woodlands is the official event planning company for Taste Magazine. Taste Magazine will have one or more themed events each month. Right now we are in the planning stages for unique and fun events for our readers. Look for announcements on our Facebook Page : http://www.facebook.com/tastemagazines Or on our blog: http://www.tastemagazines.blogspot.com/ And in our next issue.
Everything Bling is a boutique nestled in the heart of Tomball. The owner is Rhonda Dillman. Everything Bling specializes in things that sparkle for your home, car and wardrobe. They carry jean brands such as Miss Me and LA idol. If you are looking for rain boots, flip flops or other footwear with some shine you have come to the right place.
Everything Bling is located in a cute little cottage style house. Everywhere you turn there is something that is sure to catch your eye. From the decorative crosses to the beautiful jewelry, shopping here is a wonderful experience. Just in‌ Valentine’s T-Shirts. They come in different styles covered with rhinestones. These great t-shirts can be worn year round. They are having a huge sale right now so go check them out., if you are looking for your sparkle or a gift.
Everything Bling 112 Commerce St. Tomball, Tx.77375 (281)516-0366 http://everythingblingstore.com
NuSkin’s Galvanic Spa
Save your money! The Galvanic Spa from NuSkin is exactly what you have been searching for. Bring the benefits of a spa experience home with you. Rejuvenate your complexion, revitalize your scalp and redefine your body. The Results are amazing. Email me for your free half face demo at: foreveryoungtexas@gmail.com
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Free Valentine’s Day Printables From: PS Make It Your Own Pamela Smerker and Dawn Rumin together have created PS Make It Your Own. An inspiration blog with lots of recipes, home decor ideas, DIY crafts as well as free party printables. Pamela has designed a special collection just for our readers for Valentine's Day. Click on the link on the next page and download the designs to use to help make your day special.
If you are planning a Valentine’s Day Party, being the classroom hero or surprising your kids with their own private party at home, the designs from PS Make It Your Own will be sure to be a hit. Click on the link below to download the free designs and then have some fun. These are easy, beautiful and a great way to dress up your celebration. "Made With Love" printable collection: http://www.scribd.com/my_document_collections/3439557
Follow PS Make It Your Own for your dose of daily "make it your own" inspiration
Blog/Website: http://www.psmiyo.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PSMakeItYourOwn Twitter: https://twitter.com/PSMakeItYourOwn Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/psmakeityourown/
Capri Pasta, Pizza and more is an Italian Style Trattoria located in The Woodlands. The restaurant is owned and run by Barbara Coglianese and her family. Barbara and her crew designed the restaurant and did all the custom work on the bar, counters and dÊcor. Modeled after a traditional style Italian trattoria all the pastas are homemade everyday. It features an open kitchen and a casual atmosphere. They try to keep the menu as authentic as possible except for the children’s menu and the addition of an alfredo sauce pasta. Some of the items are imported from Italy and Barbara makes a weekly trip downtown to an Italian Importer to pick up items. All of the produce is hand selected by Barbara and all products deliver to the restaurant are checked for quality.
All of the pasta dishes including the gnocchi are handmade on a pasta machine handed down from Barbara’s mom. Barbara’s mom taught her how to make homemade pasta when she was a little girl. The recipes that Capri serves are dearly loved family treasures made for the enjoyment of those we consider family and friends. As you experience the harmonies of flavor and color that Barbara prepares for your plate, you can admire the handmade mosaics that adorn the walls. Each one of them is a reproduction of an ancient piece that still exists in Italy today. Their goal is to make you feel part of their family. Capri is a family-owned and operated Tuscan style restaurant. They are committed to providing every dining guest with a truly authentic dining experience through excellent service, friendly atmosphere and food prepared with passion.
Capri Valentine’s Specials Still thinking about how to impress your love on Valentine's Day??? Well here you go! You can easily have a WONDERFUL meal of hand made pasta by candle light for under $60.00! Not a bad deal! Plus they will be serving these new specials from 2/10-2/15. Don't miss out and don't forget your wine!!!! Grilled Scallop Salad A fresh salad made with romaine lettuce, watermelon, avocados and grilled scallops dressed with a light mint vinaigrette. Sparkling strawberry Risotto. A creamy risotto made with fresh strawberries and sparkling Italian wine. Black truffle Tagliatelle Fresh handmade green tagliatelle pasta served covered in a decadent black truffle cream sauce. Capri Pizza, Pasta & More
25602 IH-45 North Suite 101 Spring, Texas 77386 Phone: (281) 298-0055 Mon - Thu:11:30 am-2:30 pm 5:00 pm-9:00 pm Fri:11:30 am-2:30 pm 5:00 pm-10:00 pm Sat:11:30 am-10:00 pm Closed on Sunday http://capri-pasta.com
Citrus Salmon Perfectly grilled salmon drizzled with a bright and sunny lemon sauce and served with two of our signature sides. Mini Filet Mini filet medallion served with Brie cheese and an apple balsamic reduction Fresh berry "tiramisu". A more romantic take on the classic tiramisu dish using lime and fresh berries.
Just Pearlz is an online jewelry boutique that offers some very unique and glamorous pieces. Just Pearlz is owned by Lanette Kincaide.
Photo Credit: Elaine Dacres
The woman behind Just Pearlz … Lanette Kincaide is no stranger to wasting time and not following her passion. Since 2002, Kincaide worked a series of customer service and government jobs which left her emotionally drained and frustrated. Kincaide sought refuge in completing her Associate’s degree at the Tarrant Country Community College system. But even the completion of two degrees seemingly only prepared Kincaide for another career choice at someone else’s company. She recalled only gaining small recognitions in each position but never a promotion into management. She was burned out. In 2008, she left corporate America under the pretense to complete her educational goals, completing Bachelor’s degree from the Texas Wesleyan University, and to find out what she really wanted to do with her career. During her time away from working mundane jobs, Kincaide began to remember watching her grandmother glow after putting on a special piece of jewelry. Even as a young girl Kincaide knew then that jewelry was more than just something to wear, it was also a statement. That fond memory made Kincaide realize her true passion and that she had a gift and it was time to use it. In March 2010, Kincaide officially launched Just Pearlz, a custom jewelry and accessory boutique company, after attending a local event that catered to women and their businesses. She was mesmerized that so many women took control of their own destinies and made their dreams a reality.
Kincaide has stepped into a jewelry market that has a normal societal view of pearl jewelry pieces and that also have major players with larger financial background. Fortunately for Kincaide, her target market is for women who want high fashion and fun pearl jewelry pieces at a very affordable price. Kincaide’s strategic business development plan for her company is to strategically position Just Pearlz to become a multi-level marketing company or network marketing company as well as remain an online establishment with various shipping opportunities for customer throughout the country and across the world. Her jewelry pieces have been featured in Crave Magazine, ALIVE Magazine as well as online at Examiner.com – Dallas Edition. Kincaide is actively pursuing her Master’s degree in Women Studies and the Texas Women’s University in Fort Worth. She is also the proud member of Sigma Kappa Delta, and English Honor Society and Alpha Kappa Delta, a Sociology Society. She spends her off time with her family and mentoring other small business owners looking to make a statement in the fashion industry.
To view all of the great jewelry at Just Pearlz go to: http://justpearlz.com
With Just Pearlz you can earn money now by hosting an ONLINE Just Pearlz Party!! You can follow them on twitter at: http://twitter.com/justpearlzJP You can follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BestofJustP earlz
Voted BEST Dallas Business in 2011 by Examiner.com 214.471.5605
Great Italian Food Hasta la Pasta Italian Grill offers guests an excellent menu featuring chef ´s specials like Filet da Vinci and Cannelloni Pepe, along with original pasta dishes, signature sauces, and grilled seafood, pork, chicken or veal, as well as traditional Italian favorites like lasagna and veal parmesan. Their warm atmosphere is perfect for date nights, entertaining guests, or dining with friends and family. The menu is complemented by an excellent wine list and decadent homemade desserts. The dÊcor of the restaurant is warm and comfortable. It has a main dining room as well as four private dining areas. The Upper Cellar has room for up to 20 guests, the Lower Cellar can accommodate 28 guests, The Entire Cellar has room for up to 50 guests and the Cypress Room is a great choice for up to 40 guests. I am more of a light eater so appetizers are my thing. I would make a meal of a few different appetizers. Of course sharing with the rest of the table is a must. They have great choices such as calamari, sausage and peppers and tortellini fritti (fried tortellini). They also have a soup of the day, tomato basil soup or a variety of salads. This is not just a place to get spaghetti and meatballs. Their menu has something for everyone from pizzas to seafood to beef, chicken and pork entrees as well as traditional Italian selections. Some of my top choices are the eggplant parmesan, chicken piccata, and filet Da Vinci.
The eggplant parmesan is topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella and served with a side of pasta. The chicken piccata is breaded chicken, topped with artichoke hearts, diced tomatoes, chives and mushrooms with angel hair pasta in a lemon wine sauce. And finally the filet Da Vinci is Tenderloin cut beef, served on sautĂŠed spinach with mushrooms and peppercorns in brown sherry wine sauce. Pair your entree with a glass or bottle of one of their wines and your experience will be memorable. What better way to top off a great meal than an awesome dessert. Choose tiramisu, an Italian classic, or one of their other scrumptious choices. Hasta La Pasta is open for lunch as well. Their lunch special has a choice of eight different options, all for $8. For a great meal and great experience give Hasta La Pasta a try.
Hasta La Pasta Champions Hours: 6915 Cypresswood Dr. Mon - Thu:11:00 am-9:00 pm Suite A Fri - Sat:11:00 am-10:00 pm Spring, TX 77379 Sun:11:00 am-9:00 pm 832-717-7676 http://hastalapasta.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hasta-la-Pasta-Italian-Grill-Champions/142479355773111
glitz chic was founded by the owners 10 yr old daughter Leah.. Leah wanted a way to make some income to purchase a laptop and glitz chic was born. Leah loves anything glitzy so all of glitz chic pieces carry rhinestones. glitz chic is for the diva of all ages so we carry something for everyone! The jewelry is very affordable. The prices range from $8 to $25. They offer bracelets, rings, iPhone covers, necklaces, necklace sets and pins.
glitz chic participates in public/private local shows, birthday parties, bachelorette parties, and fashion shows. You can also host your own glitz chic party and earn free jewelry in the process. Items can be ordered straight off their website or Facebook page for your convenience.
glitz chic http://glitzchic.com info@glitzchic.com http://facebook.com/glitzchic
Coming Next Month
Rodeo Days Food BBQ Restaurants Fashion Country and Western Fashion Fun Country and Western Bars
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Thank You for reading Taste Magazine. See you next month!