Adair Kitchen – Snapshots & My Thoughts by Ailee Petrovic

Personal August 24, 2015

Week in Review

Can you believe August is almost over, and that Texas public schools start back today? Oh goodness, where is this year going?! We spent part of the afternoon planning our trip to Australia in January, as it felt so far away until we pulled out our calendars. Only 4.5 months until we leave! I cannot believe it. I’m so ready to sunbathe on Manly Beach (plans changed from a trip to New Zealand to Sydney!), photograph the colorful boat houses on Brighton Beach, play with koalas at Taronga Zoo, watch our favorite players at the Australian Open, etc. However, the insanely long flight with a 18 month old will be less exciting (ha!).

Overall, we had a fun week, filled with a few shoots, tiny train ride, a birthday party, a high school pep rally and a whole lot of rain. Isla loves to splash in the puddles, so she was in heaven.

Other highlights from the week included:

Photographing two DEFINE body shoots for some of their new clothing and another for DEFINE Foods (I kept snacking on the set food!).
Attending a Butter Artistry and Fave4 hair styling event and getting a fancy schmancy braid in my hair. It was a great event, but I need a serious private lesson to learn Britt’s amazing skills.
Taking a trip to the Rice area, where we had ice cream at Cloud 10 Creamery then headed to Hermann Park to walk around the Japanese Gardens and take a train ride, which Isla LOVED. We grabbed Niko Niko’s on the way home – they have the yummiest falafel.
Shooting our friend’s newly built, gorgeous house, which I’ll feature on the blog this week!
Going to our niece’s adorable 4th birthday party at their house and laughing at Isla’s crazy pool antics. Like I said earlier, she loves to splash.
Having both my older and younger sisters babysit Isla, which I love, as I want Isla to be very close to her aunts!
Receiving my Canon 600EX-RT Speedlite flash in the mail. I’m so ready to take some photos in the evening now!
Photographing the Memorial High School cheerleaders at their back-to-school pep rally. It seriously made me nostalgic! I cannot believe I graduated 9 years ago. What?!
Getting the house painted grey – we finally landed on Benjamin Moore’s Classic Grey! I cannot wait for it to be completed.
Planning another fun shoot that will take place in a few weeks with lots of my favorite creatives and entrepreneurs like Lindsay Marcella, Willow Crowns, A Fine Flourish, Cake & Confetti, cuteheads, Miss J’s cookies and Shop Sweet Lulu.
Eating lunch with Meredith of Cake & Confetti and Leah of The Monogram Shop at Adair Kitchen to discuss some potential collaborations between the three of us – a store with every cute item imaginable, a stylist and a photographer. Expect colorful things to come!
Going to church at Bayou City Fellowship and catching up with our sweet friends, Sydney and Philip, then going to lunch at Buff Burger afterwards.
Eating a delicious and fun brunch with Megan of Willow Crowns and her sweet little Olivia at Sweet Paris in City Centre and then running around the green afterwards. Isla fell fast asleep as soon as we go in the car – she was worn out!
Participating in the Rising Tide Society challenge (#risingtidechallenge), which was so inspiring and I got to ‘meet’ lots of other creatives whom I’m now following and already loving. I am so pro “community over competition” and think it’s great that this global group is pushing it so actively!
Organizing jewelry on our dresser with new holders from Target – the stacking glass jars and another West | Emory bracelet holder that is now out of stock! I’m glad to finally get more organized.
Getting started on Snapchat! You can add me by my username @aileepetrovic and I’ll add you back! It still confuses me a bit, but I’m getting the hang of it and love seeing my friends’ fun activities (especially the little babes!).

How was your week? What were your highlights?

Personal May 18, 2015

Week in Review

The big week is finally here – we leave for Europe on Thursday, and while I’ve been preparing for months, there are still a ton of last minute things that need to be taken care of. Like… actually quitting my job, which is a big on! I have an exit interview this week, and I have to go and turn in my badge and laptop. The only thing that is totally done is packing! We took care of that on Saturday night, which is a big thing off our check list. And of course, there was the typical passport scare (how do I always misplace them?).

The past week was full of playdates and lunches with friends, which I love so much. We are so blessed with the wonderful people in our lives.

The highlights of this week included:

Finding out more about an upcoming collaboration with Decorist, which I’m really excited about. Just as Sasha thinks we’re done with changes to the house after we finish our master bedroom, I’m throwing a curve ball by re-fiddling our entry/living room. I cannot wait to share the process with you!
Meeting two of my closest (and longest-lasting) friends, McKenzie and Brittany, for lunch at Dish Society. We’ve been best friends since elementary (17 years and counting), and we always have the greatest giggles. I love them to pieces, and Isla does too. It’s such a joy seeing them interact.
Going to Isla’s The Little Gym class – we had to miss for two weeks while she was sick, and before that, our nanny was taking her. I was very ready to be playing on the gymnastics equipment with her, blowing bubbles and doing flips.
A visit from my newest ‘bestie,’ Meredith, who is helping with Isla’s party. She is the owner of Cake & Confetti (on Instagram), and I love every single creative idea she’s thrown at me. I cannot wait to celebrate on June 6!
Getting a surprise visit from my little sister, Jill, who brought over a juice from Big Yoga’s new juice bar. It was delicious, and I need to go myself!
Taking Isla’s first birthday photos with Paige of Awake Photography at T.C. Jester Park on Friday. She sent them to me that same day (I love her), and I’ve already ordered the Shutterfly book, which guests will sign at her party (order now for 50% off with code ‘Celebrate’)!
Getting my makeup done by the incredibly talented Brittany Williams (I cannot wait to share details about her new business!) – she’s the sweetest friend ever and came over at 6am on the day we were taking family photos. I love her to pieces. We then went to lunch later at Adair Kitchen in the day and met our other ‘bestie,’ Jessica.
Celebrating Lainey’s first birthday with the cutest party at her house. I loved all of the little lady bug details (a nod to her nickname, Lainey Bug), and especially her silhouette from Biscuit Home.
Eating lunch at Yard House with our friends, Alexis and Mike, and their sweet little boy Kevin (who you’ve seen before here, here, here and here).
Going on a triple date (plus Isla!) to True Food Kitchen with Amanda, Scott, Taylor and Luke (all featured in this post!). I love these two couples so much.
Sneaking in a visit to Crave Cupcakes for a vegan cupcake for Isla’s cake smash (I sprayed it with water and rolled the icing in sprinkles!). They definitely have the best vegan red velvet cupcake in Houston.
Fighting the Texas heat with a dip in the pool for Isla’s swim class at Dad’s Club. The lessons are now outdoors, and it’s literally the only opportunity I have to get a tan. Killing two birds with one stone!
Finally making my way back to Life Time Fitness after a hiatus with Isla being too sick to take to day care. I’m doing my BBG workouts there, and loving them so far!
Having a playdate with our sweet friends, Emma and Alexander. He is seriously a doll. I love him! He’s two weeks younger than Isla, and already says, “Hiya.” Cue my heart melting.
Treating myself to a Drybar visit. I watched The Notebook while sipping champagne and getting my hair done. That’s seriously my idea of heaven.
Hearing Derrick preach at Bayou City Fellowship about suffering. It was so good. We sang the most beautiful songs – ‘Come and See’ by Matt and Cameron Hammon and ‘Good Good Father’ by Housefires II.
I told my sweet neighbor that I missed reading the Houston Chronicle, and the next day, she put her copy on my door mat. It was the best surprise all week.
Getting my new Johansen Totes camera bag in the mail, as well as my second lens for my new Canon Mark III – a 24-70mm f/2.8L. I am loving it so far. I already purchased the 50mm f/1.2L, and adore it. So anxious to finalize details about my new photography venture!
Celebrating my mother-in-law’s birthday on Wednesday and having her babysit twice!

What were the highlights of your week? I would love to know. Have a great Monday!

AwakePhotography-1110 Isla’s first birthday photos by Paige of Awake Photography (more on Instagram!) 4B3A2344

Food October 2, 2013

Houston Food + Drink Awards

Alison Cook just published her Top 100 Restaurants of 2013, and I was inspired to post my own “awards” of such. I came up with my own categories and picked winners (listed below). I’ve still got a few places that I’m dying to go to in the city, but these are my favorites to date. We are so blessed in this amazing foodie city (speaking of, read this article).

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Best Happy Hour: Anvil

Best Mimosas: Backstreet Cafe

Best Ladies-Who-Lunch: Tiny Boxwood

Best Girls Night: Canopy

Best Guys Night: Beavers

Best Lunch-to-Go: Relish (salad pictured above) and Zoe’s Kitchen

Best Dinner Atmosphere: Sparrow and Underbelly

Best Intimate (and Hipster) Vibe: Roost

Best Healthy Options: Harvest Grille

Best “Skinny” Cocktails: Cyclone Anaya’s

Best Sunday Brunch: Buffalo Grille and Rainbow Lodge

Best Farm-to-Market: Haven

Best Views: The Grove Rooftop and Brenner’s on the Bayou

Best Porch Area: Cedar Creek

Best BYOB: Jonathan’s The Rub and La Vista

Best Romantic Date Night: Mockingbird Bistro or Glass Wall

Best Asian: Uchi

Best Indian: Indika and Pondicheri

Best Italian: Coppa, Dolce Vita, and Giacomo’s

Best American: Benjy’s

Best Mexican: El Tiempo

Best Mediterranean: Island Grill

Best Middle Eastern: Maryz

Best French: Phillipe

Best Southern Cooking: Lucille’s

Best Bar Food: The Tasting Room

Best Bar(s): Anvil, Bar Boheme and Mongoose vs. Cobra

Best Coffee: Antidote and Catalina

Best Frozen Yogurt: Pinkberry

Best Vegetarian Options: Baba Yega and Field of Greens

Best Tofu Dish: Ruggles Green

Best Quinoa Dish: Latin Bites and Relish

Best Falafel: Brasil and Barnabys

Best Veggie Burger: Adair Kitchen

Best Brussels Sprouts: Benjy’s and Uchi

Notable missing from the list (and high on my list of places to go): Oxheart, Triniti, Revival Market, Radical Eats, RDG, Ouisie’s Table, Da Marco, Hugo’s, and Irma’s. Anyone up for dinner?

Bon appetit!

Food February 12, 2013

Best of Houston: Restaurants + Coffee

I found this map by Bonnie Dain online, and I love love love it. It highlights most of my favorite places. I went to Kuhl-Linscomb for the first time on Friday, and I’m seriously obsessed. I’ve embarrassingly never eaten at Da Marco!

I must admit it, I love the Bayou City, so I’ve compiled a list of my favorite restaurants + coffee shops by area, including some brief thoughts about each place. Let me know if you have any other good suggestions – always up for a new culinary adventure!

Email me if you want any specific recommendations! Click here for a Google map of all these restaurants, which helps when trying to pick a restaurant nearby.

Downtown

The Grove – love the views and the fact it’s a part of Discovery Green

The Blue Fish – a perfect downtown spot for a night at the theater – good tofu options for veggies!

Midtown

Sparrow (by Top Chef Monica Pope) – try the brussels sprouts (oh, and everything else)

Barnabys (there are a few around the city) – this is a staple in my life – get the falafel patty

Pass & Provisions – one of the more recent “cool” places to go – formal and casual in one building

Brooklyn Athletic Club – plan on having a fun game night at BAC with amazing food (not typical bar food!)

Montrose/West Gray

Bistro Menil – a pretty little restaurant directly across from the Menil Collection with delicious sangria and quinoa + roasted veggie dish

Indika – amazing Indian fusion restaurant – try the Kale Blueberry Salad

Roost – one of my new favorites – very intimate setting with delicious food (and yes, Brussels)

Cafe Brasil – love this eclectic spot – sit in the back courtyard and eat the Goat Cheese Salad

Uchi – amazing sushi, beware – the wait may be LONG, but the Brussels sprouts are worth it

El Tiempo Cantina – amazing Mexican food – pretty busy on the weekends (warning: strong margs!)

Just Dinner – it’s an old house converted into a BYOB dinner-only restaurant

Canopy – the layout of the place can change and it looks like it’s a canopy – how cool is that?

Black Hole Coffee – totally Austin-like coffee shop – Dell-users would feel out-of-place

Backstreet Cafe – a gorgeous two-story house turned into an absolutely delicious restaurant

Dolce Vita – step into Italy at this intimate restaurant – please, please eat the Brussels sprouts

Baba Yega – a “wholesome vegetarian” menu? yes… please

La Griglia – a big, loud Italian restaurant – worth a visit

Underbelly – not the most veggie friendly place in the world, it’s definitely worth a visit (great wine menu!)

Mockingbird Bistro – more of a fancy, quiet restaurant (for dates!) – the food is phenomenal, as are the cocktails

The Heights

Cedar Creek or Onion Creek – the former feels like it’s in Austin – love both!

El Gran Malo – delicious flavor-infused tequila – grungy garage style, but cool

Cottonwood Club – popular hangout place at night – just north of the Heights (pretty new)

Antidote Coffee – it’s super, super hipster and it’s pretty much awesome (as is the sign)

Glass Wall – go there for a date night – it’s small and tasty and you won’t regret it

Rainbow Lodge – two words: Sunday Brunch, and three more: 99 cent mimosas!

Washington Corridor

Benjy’s (also in Rice Village) – where I go for my birthday every year – Brussels sprouts are amazing!

The Counter – make your own yummy burgers (veggie options too)

Catalina Coffee – best coffee in Houston, hands down

Beavers – not the healthiest option in town, but great food and vibe

Coppa – great wine selection, delicious “bites” and fresh salads (try the burrata cheese!)

Rice Village

Benjy’s – see note above

Black Walnut Cafe – has become a chain but doesn’t feel like it – the Black Walnut Salad is great

Tiny’s No. 5 – sister restaurant to Tiny Boxwoods (below)

Upper Kirby/River Oaks

Tiny Boxwoods – you need to go here – it’s perfect – esp. in the spring – best “ladies who lunch” experience

Haven – organic, delicious, pretty – went there when I got engaged and for the Royal Wedding

Pondicheri – Indian fusion at West Ave – love the big doors when you walk in

Tasting Room – also in Galleria and CityCentre – small bites are amazing (baked brie – eeeek!!) and wine selection is great

Giacomo’s – authentic Italian food – don’t leave without trying the involtini di melanzane alla parmigiana

Corner Table – tucked away off Westheimer, this gorgeous, healthy restaurant has one of the best menus around (try the Earth veggie burger!)

Field of Greens – not a fancy restaurant, but darn good vegetarian and vegan food – Quinoa Delight is unreal

Local Foods – I am seriously obsessed with this place (namely the giant old map of River Oaks on the wall) – try the Fall Harvest Salad or Falafel Sandwich as a salad (+ sangria!)

Galleria/Tanglewood

Adair Kitchen – must go there – it’s best during lunch, but busy – get the Black Bean Quinoa Burger

Relish – gorgeous glass building and amazing light, healthy meals

Kiran’s – delicious Indian food (kind of pricey) – great for a romantic meal or special occasion

Philippe – a great place for a private party or romantic dinner – Quartette of Vegetables, all day long

Dish Society – a relative newcomer, this farm-to-table restaurant will win you over with the quinoa stuffed avocado

Memorial/Bellaire

Barnabys – see note above

Brenner’s on the Bayou – a tucked-away garden with great views, this laid-back version of Brenner’s Steakhouse won’t disappoint (perfect date night spot)

Harvest Grille – all organic – lovely

La Vista – BYOB, down the street from Harvest – amazing portobello mushrooms

Jonathan’s The Rub – the “hidden gem of Houston” – also BYOB – total Memorial crowd

Union Kitchen – do yourself a favor and order the baked brie

Island Grill – hummus, falafel and the best juices and smoothies in town (new location at Bunker Hill/I10!)

Maryz – amazingly authentic lebanese food, with hummus so good, you’ll order seconds

Shri Balaji Bhavan – voted best Indian in Houston by Alison Cook – who am I to argue? Try everything

Latin Bites – attention all vegetarians: order the Quinoa Salad… it’s absolutely phenomenal

CityCentre/Town and Country

Cyclone Anaya’s – try the skinny blueberry mojito – it’s Sasha’s favorite

Ruggles Green – one of my top three regular go-to places – I dream about the Texas Goat Cheese Salad

Zoe’s Kitchen – the only “fast food” worthy of your time (you’ll find others across town as well)

Uncategorized January 14, 2013

New Houston Favorite: Adair Kitchen

I was meeting two of my best friends for lunch last weekend, and asked my sister where we should eat near the Galleria, since I don’t know that area very well. She suggested Adair Kitchen, and when I told Patrick and Paola, Pat replied, “Oh, my friend owns that.” Huh? Yup, his fraternity brother, Nick Adair, is a co-owner of this delicious new Houston restaurant, located on San Felipe near Sage Rd. I checked out the lunch menu, saw the words “Black Bean Quinoa Burger” and was sold. Most restaurants’ vegetarian options are boring, but that caught my attention. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The setup and decor of the restaurant is gorgeous as well – great lighting, minimalistic but welcoming, and the perfect amount of white. The fonts are amazing – American Typewriter and Despeinada for the menus (yes, I’m a typography nerd). We loved it so much that we ate there again on Thursday night for dinner – this time with McKenzie, who was equally pleased. We had the baked brie to start (melt in your mouth tasty), and I tried the Kale and Quinoa salad – yummm. Looks like I’ve got a new go-to restaurant. Go and try it for yourself!
Top right picture courtesy of 29-95.com

Feature image courtesy of KiKiMac