A Leisurely Lunch at Houston's BlackFinn American Grille

By: Athena Yang

BlackFinn American Grille, which just opened up its first location in Houston, is known to be the great American restaurant and community gathering spot that serves classic comfort foods in a non-stuffy and casual environment. Just walking in made me want to kick off my heels and swig back one (or three!) of their cocktails (which, FYI, are all made with fresh-squeezed juices). Business mixes seamlessly with pleasure in this laidback space, where the wood-trimmed walls are filled with Houston sports and rodeo memorabilia offset by vibrant and contemporary oil on canvas paintings.

Holiday Party in a Box: Hot Buttered Yum Chex Mix to the Rescue!

"Oh what a celebration, we'll have today..."

One of my favorite ways to make regular (and boring!) Chex Mix festive for a party is creating the Hot Buttered Yum Chex Mix for my guests when throwing a holiday party. A combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, honey and marshmallows blend effortlessly together in a crazy-delicious, gluten free crunchy mix. Stir up a rich and buttery mix married with delicate spices and rum flavoring. Check out the recipe below!

The World's Biggest Baby Shower! Doin' The "New Mom" Thing New York Style!

By: Anne M. Raso

Big City Moms, the largest social group for moms, and TheBump.com, the only multi-platform brand focused on expectant and first-time parents, teamed up to host the 10th Annual Biggest Baby Shower last week.

McDonald's Celebrates the Age-Old Question: You Want Fries With That?

Hey Finance Foodie Fans~

I’m sure you all are familiar with McDonald’s Fries, but check out this contest celebrating the perfect side order! Last Friday, McDonald’s kicked off a Contest and Weekly Drawing in honor of McDonald’s World Famous Fries.

Upstairs At The Kimberly Revisited: This Time It's For Brunch!

By: Anne M. Raso

Last summer, we ate dinner at Upstairs At The Kimberly and raved about it here on financefoodie.com. We loved their Modern American fare with generous portions, so when we were asked back for brunch, we jumped on it like Grey Poupon on a turkey club sandwich! The decor is modern as well--it looks like James Bond and P. Diddy shared the decorating tasks, plus there is plenty of outdoor space full of beautiful greenery and some of the best city views. They keep those spaces open as long as it stays warm, and it was actually warm for a few days recently (in November, believe it or not)!

A Factory of Fabulousness at The Woodward in the Ames Hotel Boston

By: Jessica Cickay

It’s kind of an understatement to say that the Woodward at the Ames Hotel near Government Center is, as the kids say, BEYOND. The Woodward is RIDIC. The Woodward is OMFG AMAZEBALLS. The Woodward is…you get the point. From the second their Skip N Go Naked cocktail (Plymouth gin, Woodward ale & lemon juice) was placed in my hands, to the final lick of my peppered chocolate ganache and salted caramel tart covered spoon, I was more than impressed with The Woodward. Packed to the gills on a random Tuesday night, it’s obvious that Bostonians are flocking to The Woodward’s modern-yet-steeped-in-history décor and contemporary-yet-comfortingly traditional food the kitchen consistently churns out. Say hello to The Woodward, Boston, because this factory of fabulous is certainly here to stay.

Charcuterie

Northern Louisiana: Music Legends, Hot Biscuits And Colorful Characters!

By: Anne M. Raso

Most tourists visiting Louisiana don’t venture outside of the New Orleans area but there is so much to see and do in Northern Louisiana that we can barely put its uniqueness into words. There are music museums and other landmarks plus some down home eats along the way—and you’re never short of a neighborhood hang with original music in it.

The Meatball Factory -- Top Chef Dave Martin's New Venue Isn't Just About The Meatballs!

By: Anne M. Raso

We couldn't wait to visit The Meatball Factory, the brainchild of Top Chef Season 1 Finalist Dave Martin. Martin was actually on the scene at the restaurant, and was kind enough to answer any questions we had about our meal...and even brought over our "floatillas" at the end of the meal. (The mascarpone ice cream served in them is one of his sugar addict masterpieces!) He picked the decidedly non-foodie nabe of 14th Street and Second Avenue to open his casual eatery based on his love of--you guessed it--meatballs! (There used to be a food court featuring Arthur Treacher's and Taco Bell on the spot, as well as several other common fast food joints). As a result of his location choice, the crowd is young and hopping, and it is quite noisy, but diners can still carry on a conversation without raising your voice. Prices are right, too--the affable young chef pretty much keeps every item in the $8 to $15 price range.

Cool Treats to Curb the Thanksgiving Weight Gain

“Yum yum in my tum…”

Even though Thanksgiving is still a few weeks away, my mind is already thinking about the delicious holiday treats that await my stomach on Thursday afternoon. Candied yams, green bean almandine, pumpkin pie, and of course the roasted turkey centerpiece – can you say 10 pounds straight to the hips?

Free Milk and Win a $25 Gift Card to Kroger Supermarket

"Special Announcement"

Want to save even more when shopping at Kroger? Purchase any four participating General Mills products* that your family knows and loves and Kroger will reward you for your purchases.

From November 13th through November 26th, with the purchase of any four participating General Mills products, you will either receive free milk (up to $3; limit of 2) or to receive $3 off your shopping order**