Houston Streets, Texas Eats: Beacoup Bar and Grill

There aren't a lot of restaurants around my neighborhood, so this was a welcome addition. Now that I know they have a full bar with really cheap drinks and an awesome happy hour I have a new watering hole.

I had the seafood gumbo with the crawfish bread and fresh sweet ice tea to wash it all down. The food portions are huge. So, either come hungry or be prepared to take home a doggie bag of food. They are veggie-friendly, as well as have an extensive fish menu and will grill or fry the fish options. The staff is super friendly. So, next time your in the loop, check them out.

3102 Old Spanish Trl
Houston, TX 77054-2200
(713) 747-5100


Love the Crawfish Bread!!

Green Grits

On behalf of Grits, I’d like to proudly unveil one of our newest collaborations this month with the artist Jaekim, called “Green Grits.” Produced entirely by Jaekim Green Grits is 14 new tracks of soul, hip hop, and blues.

Download the album for free HERE.

Don't forget to check out the digital booklet.

Doingitfothaluv

Sightings

Just a glimpse at the Gritty Dreams: Oven Fresh Dreams x Grits Apparel shirt that will be available next week. Here are some pics from our extended family in Cali at the T-Mills/ Andre Nicatina show. Josh and the crew have been repping Grits, all day everyday.

The Call

There you are, minding your own business, then suddenly you feel “The Call”. The call to create, the call to follow your passion. The call to do something totally insane and futile.

But, you know you have to do it. You know that if you don’t, a little part of you will be dead forever.

It's time to listen to that voice, "You must create me. You simply must. You have to exist, end of story. You have no choice in the matter."

Show & Prove

Today's download is called "My Greatest Pleasure". Feel free to share. Enjoy! [Download Here]

When you don't belong.....

Today's download is called "If you don't belong, dont be long". Feel free to share. Enjoy! [Download Here]

Stop competing with others...

Today's high-res download is called "Stop competing with others. Start competing with yourself". Feel free to share. Enjoy! [Download Here]

Post Bills

In between clothing releases, sometimes we can get restless. So, we decided to shake things up this week. Instead of daily blog entries, we will be posting high-res images for you to download, forward to your boss, friends and colleagues, print out, and hang up on the office wall, bulletin board, around the watercooler etc.

Today's high-res download is called "How to deal with Naysayers". Enjoy! [Download Here]

I Heart Handpainted Signs

Houston: Land of the Free Ways

Werkinonit

Grits Its more than just me, my fat mouth, and I. It was built on collaboration with different artists and friends. So, periodically, I’ll be interviewing all the crew heads that don’t get to shine otherwise. I’m gonna start off with the ubiquitous Werk.

A while back I figured that I would actually get an intern to help with Grits. After looking very hard for a intern for 2 minutes, Werk popped up and I figured "Why not give him a try?" Ever since Werk plays a important role at Grits. He helps out with events and order fulfillment. But, he is really around to provide comic relief. So far, So Good.

P.S. He wasn't to hyped about taking any pictures but I did manage to sneak in a few anyway.

Your greatest obstacle: Fear

Over the past year I've met a lot of new people and have experienced a lot new things and one thing I've learned is how much fear used to play a role in my life. I realized that if you let fear dictate your decisions then it will debilitate every part of your life.

Many of us live our lives out of the fear of the unknown or out of fear of what other people think of us. We're waiting for someone to give us a permission slip that tells us it's OK to follow our dreams. We sit on the bench waiting for the coach to put us in the game.

The unknown is rarely the scary part. Deciding to pursue a idea that no one supports i.e (friends, family, girlfriend, boyfriend, spouse...etc) wasn't scary at all. It's CHANGE that is the scary part. Leaving your home is scary. Walking on a stage is scary. Packing up, taking a leap -- those are the scary things.

Don't try to be fearless or pretend you aren't impacted by fear. Just try to prevent fear from making your decisions for you.

Chattabox: Gritty Dreams

It's getting closer. The new Chattabox: Gritty Dreams edition is just over a couple of weeks away. Carlos (Oven Fresh Dreams) and I have been cookings some cool stuff for the zine. With only a handful more pages to tidy up, the epic and back breaking edition is almost about to head off to the print shop to get it's ink. So, just to wet your appetite, here are some random sketches.

On the Road

Midnight madness

I typically do a lot of work at night. Mainly in the wee hours, between 12 -4am. I don't know why, but I feel the most liberated at those times. When everybody is sleeping I am working on new and exciting ideas for Grits. Because of this habit, keeping a notepad is very important.

I fall asleep writing down ideas in this thing. I do keep notes on my Macbook, but there's something more gratifying about writing stuff down. Over the past few days I've been working on new issues of The Chattabox.

I also doodle late at night. I guess my imagination gets a bit out there the more tired I get. These are my latest drawings. I think I'm going to start painting them. (hint)

Do you remember Pee Wee's Big Adventure?

Do You remember Pee Wee's Big Adventure? I ran across the DVD at Half Price Books and couldn't resist buying it. This is one of those movies that’s so firmly woven into my childhood that I can’t really find any gripes with it. I’m sure there are those out there who found the Pee Wee persona to be annoying and abrasive and thought this film to be stupid. Honestly, I’m just a guy who loves his weirdness, and PWBA has enough bizarre situations, laugh-out-loud moments, and awesomely crazy sight gags to keep the insane little hyperactive spider monkey in me satisfied. Whether it’s Pee Wee’s attempts at trick riding, the Breakfast Machine, Simone’s big butt, the Big Shoe “Tequila” dance, or the chase through the Warner Brother’s studio lots. Each moment is nearly startling in it’s hilarity.

Where else but in America can a grown man acting like an eight-year-old in a grey suit and red bow-tie climb to the very pinnacle of the entertainment world? Debate it amongst yourselves all you like, but however it came about, it can’t be denied. Pee Wee’s Big Adventure marks the height of Pee Wee mania. It also marks the major directional breakout of Tim Burton. How do you like them potatoes, sonny boy?

Two Cents

Sometimes Free advice is often worth less than the price. Much of the time, you already know what you need to do about something -- you just need to do it. Nevertheless, I hear a lot of things being repeated, and I get asked a lot of the same questions... so here is my two cents for anyone who cares. As the saying goes, take it or leave it.

For the people who say "Good things only come to those who wait."

Sometimes good things come to those who wait; others come to those who go out and get them.

If you relate to the latter, What are you waiting for?

PSA

Working on ideas for the Grits for next year. These shirts are looking tasty! In the meantime...

Houston. It's Worth It

I love Houston. So when I ran across fuckyeahhtown, a photoblog dedicated all things Houston's culture. I instantly bookmarked it. Check it out here.