Austin: Uchiko

Uchi is hands down the best Japanese food and sushi in Austin. Every time I've been - one very memorable time with my friend Martha - the wait is insane, but completely worth it. I, along with the rest of the city, have been patiently waiting since last year for chef Tyson Cole to finally open Uchi's sister restaurant, Uchiko. Here's a peek at the Michael Hsu-designed space - the library is below - at the new spot on North Lamar.

I've interviewed both architect Michael Hsu and Tyson Cole for Texas Monthly. If you want to take a peek at Cole's kitchen cabinet and what he uses in his home kitchen - think $5,000 knives - or see the tie flying obsession that Hsu has in the garage of his mid-century home, click here or here.

Austin: Apiece Apart

Austin's Laura Cramer kills it with the fall collection she designed with her Apiece Apart co-founder, Starr Houtt.

There's a reason that Style.com, Vogue, Lucky, Elle, and The New York Times love them.
I've always thought that modern clean design is the hardest to do. To be able to pull back, restrain, and just whittle it down to the essentials while also making sure all the little details are compelling enough to make clothing into something much more than just a blouse, dress, or trousers. To make something sculptural that hangs on someone is like creating walking art.
The knit loops on this black wool coat look so beautifully textured. Doesn't it make you want to reach out and touch it?

Houston: 310 Rosemont

In case you haven't met, may I introduce you to 310 Rosemont? The River Oaks Shopping Center boutique carries a slew of designers that aren't in every other unisex shop in H-town. Think Iro, Rag & Bone, Adam Adam Lippes, and Halston.

When you come in, you're offered a drink from their fully-stocked bar.
And your four-legged friends are welcome to keep up you company while you decide what you'll take home that day.
Love the color combo of the pink shag carpet and orange damask wallpaper.
Will be in Houston in the next couple of weeks, so I'll have to put this on my must-stop list.

Dallas, Austin, Houston: My Fit Foods update

I'm dutifully reporting that the green chili chicken over quinoa that I devoured for lunch was indeed delicious. I have also snacked on apple breakfast patties - yummy little pie shaped snacks made with apples and egg whites and would totally substitute for pancakes or some other carb-heavy morning dish - and I am now complete.

Dallas, Austin, Houston: My Fit Foods

For weeks I've driven by the My Fit Foods location on Lemmon Avenue on my way to Tread and today I finally looked it up to see what it's all about. The Houston-based company cooks and packages fresh, preservative-free dishes that are perfectly proportioned for a super-healthy alternative to fast food. All the meals are designed to boost your metabolism, are made with low glycemic carbs, and are affordable. The menus look pretty good and everything can be ordered online. Tomorrow I'm going to buzz in and try some things. Will keep you posted on what I think of the breakfast tacos and turkey chili.