-Mike Cortez-
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
New Home For Bite Me Houston
Well, things have surely grown for Bite Me Houston. With the huge success of the Texas Tequila Throwdown, I figured it was time I pack my bags and move into a bigger home. You will now find the blog and so much more at http://www.bitemehouston.com/ Here you will find all of the articles, events and event photos. Thank you so much to everyone for their continued support and I hope everyone likes the new website.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
El Gran Jubileo Tequila
El Gran Jubileo Tequila
http://www.elgranjubileo.com/
This time I got to chat with Mike Fahrenthold from El Gran Jubileo and he explains what makes their tequila a cut above the rest. El Gran Jubileo seemed to make a big impact at the Texas Tequila Throwdown because 2 days later they were completely sold out from the Spec's Smith St. location. I have become a pretty big fan of their 5yr aged Anejo. It's a very smooth and mellow tequila that pairs nicely on these cold winter nights. Be sure to check out the Original Ninfa's off Navigation. The word is they are mixing up some killer cocktails with El Gran Jubileo.
For all the latest information follow them on Twitter @GranJubileo
http://www.elgranjubileo.com/
This time I got to chat with Mike Fahrenthold from El Gran Jubileo and he explains what makes their tequila a cut above the rest. El Gran Jubileo seemed to make a big impact at the Texas Tequila Throwdown because 2 days later they were completely sold out from the Spec's Smith St. location. I have become a pretty big fan of their 5yr aged Anejo. It's a very smooth and mellow tequila that pairs nicely on these cold winter nights. Be sure to check out the Original Ninfa's off Navigation. The word is they are mixing up some killer cocktails with El Gran Jubileo.
For all the latest information follow them on Twitter @GranJubileo
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Texas Tequila Throwdown
Texas Tequila Throwdown
On January 23rd, 10 Tequila companies from all over Texas congregated to Houston for a large public tasting and competition. Though it was mainly for bragging rights, each company wanted to take the title for the best Tequila in Texas. 30 people were randomly drawn to judge the Blanco and Reposado Tequila’s. I can imagine it was hard to try 10 samples of Tequila and make a clear judgment but they all took their time made their vote based on their preference of flavor. The results found Dulce Vida from Austin had the best Blanco and Pepe Z also from Austin had the best Reposado. I found while organizing this event every company felt very sure of their product and everyone expected to win in each category. For this reason alone I decided to surprise both the attendees and the Tequila companies by grabbing the representative from each company and put their taste buds to the test. To make it fair I event included a few Tequila lovers to the panel. By the looks of the representatives they seemed pretty sure that they were going to pick their own brand but I 
know this wasn’t going to be as easy as they thought. As the samples came out one by one the representatives took their time and made their vote. With 12 judges, four of them pick sample number 1 and made Riazul from Houston the best Anejo in Texas. The room seemed to light up with excitement as Riazul took the best in their own hometown. While Houston won the best Anejo, Austin seemed to dominate the competition. Every company did a great job representing Texas. This was a big win for everyone due to the amount of press the event received. People drove in from all over Texas and I even had the pleasure of meeting a couple from California and a gentleman from New York. The winner over all was Texas. With over 300 attendees, the Texas Tequila Throwdown was without a doubt a huge success. Attendees 
brought out tons of coats and blankets to donate to the Star of Hope Mission and had the boxes overflowing within the first hour. Houston has to be one of the most giving cities and without a doubt none of this would have been possible without the help of JR Cohen and the Coffee Groundz staff, Spec’s and Russell Guess of Your Bartender. I thank everyone for coming out and all of the support. Thanks again to everyone involved and I look forward to working with you all again in the future. Look out for the Texas Tequila Throwdown 2011 in Austin, TX?
Blanco Judging Samples
1. Dulce Vida
2. Pepe Z
3. Republic
4. Solorzano
5. Don Valente
6. El Gran Jubileo
7. Riazul
8. Acumbaro
9. Dos Lunas
10. El Grado
Reposado Judging Samples
1. El Gran Jubileo
2. Pepe Z
3. Dulce Vida
4. Don Valente
5. Solorzano
6. Riazul
7. Republic
8. Acumbaro
9. El Grado
10. Dos Lunas
Anejo Judging Samples
1. Riazul
2. Republic
3. El Grado
4. Solorzano
5. Dulce Vida
6. El Gran Jubileo
7. Don Valente
8. Dos Lunas
9. Pepe Z
10. Acumbaro
Photos courtesy of Pauline Alderete
http://www.flickr.com/photos/miamorangel
*If you have photos we would love to see them. Please leave a link in the comments section.*
On January 23rd, 10 Tequila companies from all over Texas congregated to Houston for a large public tasting and competition. Though it was mainly for bragging rights, each company wanted to take the title for the best Tequila in Texas. 30 people were randomly drawn to judge the Blanco and Reposado Tequila’s. I can imagine it was hard to try 10 samples of Tequila and make a clear judgment but they all took their time made their vote based on their preference of flavor. The results found Dulce Vida from Austin had the best Blanco and Pepe Z also from Austin had the best Reposado. I found while organizing this event every company felt very sure of their product and everyone expected to win in each category. For this reason alone I decided to surprise both the attendees and the Tequila companies by grabbing the representative from each company and put their taste buds to the test. To make it fair I event included a few Tequila lovers to the panel. By the looks of the representatives they seemed pretty sure that they were going to pick their own brand but I 
know this wasn’t going to be as easy as they thought. As the samples came out one by one the representatives took their time and made their vote. With 12 judges, four of them pick sample number 1 and made Riazul from Houston the best Anejo in Texas. The room seemed to light up with excitement as Riazul took the best in their own hometown. While Houston won the best Anejo, Austin seemed to dominate the competition. Every company did a great job representing Texas. This was a big win for everyone due to the amount of press the event received. People drove in from all over Texas and I even had the pleasure of meeting a couple from California and a gentleman from New York. The winner over all was Texas. With over 300 attendees, the Texas Tequila Throwdown was without a doubt a huge success. Attendees 
brought out tons of coats and blankets to donate to the Star of Hope Mission and had the boxes overflowing within the first hour. Houston has to be one of the most giving cities and without a doubt none of this would have been possible without the help of JR Cohen and the Coffee Groundz staff, Spec’s and Russell Guess of Your Bartender. I thank everyone for coming out and all of the support. Thanks again to everyone involved and I look forward to working with you all again in the future. Look out for the Texas Tequila Throwdown 2011 in Austin, TX?Blanco Judging Samples
1. Dulce Vida
2. Pepe Z
3. Republic
4. Solorzano
5. Don Valente
6. El Gran Jubileo
7. Riazul
8. Acumbaro
9. Dos Lunas
10. El Grado
Reposado Judging Samples
1. El Gran Jubileo
2. Pepe Z
3. Dulce Vida
4. Don Valente
5. Solorzano
6. Riazul
7. Republic
8. Acumbaro
9. El Grado
10. Dos Lunas
Anejo Judging Samples
1. Riazul
2. Republic
3. El Grado
4. Solorzano
5. Dulce Vida
6. El Gran Jubileo
7. Don Valente
8. Dos Lunas
9. Pepe Z
10. Acumbaro
Photos courtesy of Pauline Alderete
http://www.flickr.com/photos/miamorangel
*If you have photos we would love to see them. Please leave a link in the comments section.*
Monday, January 18, 2010
Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Saint Arnold Brewing Company
2000 Lyons Ave.
Houston, TX 77020
713.686.9494
http://www.saintarnold.com/
This week we stopped into the new home for Saint Arnold Brewing Company just outside of Downtown. We learn a little bit about the new brewery, the beers and the One Pot Show Down. Be sure to check out the brewery everyday at 3pm and on Saturdays between 11am-3pm. Tour cost $7 but comes with 4 drink tokens and a sweet keepsake Saint Arnold glass. Well worth it in our book. Word of warning, on Saturdays get here early. The seating fills up quick so bring your own chair if you feel the need to sit down. Also feel free to bring your own smorgasbord of food to go along with that great local beer. Cheers!
2000 Lyons Ave.
Houston, TX 77020
713.686.9494
http://www.saintarnold.com/
This week we stopped into the new home for Saint Arnold Brewing Company just outside of Downtown. We learn a little bit about the new brewery, the beers and the One Pot Show Down. Be sure to check out the brewery everyday at 3pm and on Saturdays between 11am-3pm. Tour cost $7 but comes with 4 drink tokens and a sweet keepsake Saint Arnold glass. Well worth it in our book. Word of warning, on Saturdays get here early. The seating fills up quick so bring your own chair if you feel the need to sit down. Also feel free to bring your own smorgasbord of food to go along with that great local beer. Cheers!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Texas Tequila Throwdown
Be sure to come out to Coffee Groundz on January 23rd and be apart of the biggest Tequila tasting in Texas. We will have 7 great Texas companies all competing to be the best in Texas. The public will decide who has what it takes. There is no cover for this event but we ask that you bring a new or used blanket or jacket that we can donate to the Star of Hope. Music will be provided by DJ Ash with Music Heals. It goes down from 3pm - 6 pm so get here early its gonna be packed! 
Monday, January 4, 2010
Texas Tequila Throwdown Press Release
NEWS RELEASE FOLLOWS:
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 4, 2010
TEXAS TEQUILA THROWDOWN
Hosted by Mike Cortez of Bite Me *Houston*
Houston, TX January 23, 2010 -- Saturday, January 23, Mike Cortez of Bite Me Houston will host a large gathering of Texas Tequila companies for a large public tasting. The event will take place at Coffee Groundz (2503 Bagby StreetHouston, TX 77006) at 3pm.
Riazul (Houston), Republic Tequila (Austin), Dos Luna’s Tequila (El Paso), Pepe Z Tequila (Austin), Tequila Don Valente (Dallas), Dulce Vida (Austin), Tequila El Gran Jubileo (La Grange), Acumbaro Tequila (Houston), Tequila Solorzano (Houston) and El Grado Tequila (Corpus Christi) are the Texas companies competing in the event in hopes of being named the best Tequila in Texas. Each company will feature their Blanco, Reposado and Anejo tequilas, and a winner will be selected from each category. This is a blind tasting and the public is the judge. Each company in attendance will speak at the event about their company and the tequila.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 4, 2010
TEXAS TEQUILA THROWDOWN
Hosted by Mike Cortez of Bite Me *Houston*
Houston, TX January 23, 2010 -- Saturday, January 23, Mike Cortez of Bite Me Houston will host a large gathering of Texas Tequila companies for a large public tasting. The event will take place at Coffee Groundz (2503 Bagby StreetHouston, TX 77006) at 3pm.
Riazul (Houston), Republic Tequila (Austin), Dos Luna’s Tequila (El Paso), Pepe Z Tequila (Austin), Tequila Don Valente (Dallas), Dulce Vida (Austin), Tequila El Gran Jubileo (La Grange), Acumbaro Tequila (Houston), Tequila Solorzano (Houston) and El Grado Tequila (Corpus Christi) are the Texas companies competing in the event in hopes of being named the best Tequila in Texas. Each company will feature their Blanco, Reposado and Anejo tequilas, and a winner will be selected from each category. This is a blind tasting and the public is the judge. Each company in attendance will speak at the event about their company and the tequila.
The Texas Tequila Throw Down is a free event and is open to the public, ages 21 and up.
The coordinators ask that attendees donate a new or gently used blanket or jacket to participate in the tasting. The Texas Tequila Throw Down is a great way to support Texas business while helping those in need.
For more information please contact:
Mike Cortez
832-452-2804
BiteMeHouston@gmail.com
www.BiteMeHouston.blogspot.com
Bite Me *Houston* is a local blog written by Mike Cortez featuring Houston businesses for their food and drinks. Started in the summer of 2009 the blog has really taken off and with the help of social networking Mike has made quite the name for himself. Striving to set himself apart from the other foodies in Houston, Mike is always looking to support local companies and giving back to the city. The Texas Tequila Throw Down is a great way to gather the public while helping out the less fortunate.
##
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
No Label Brewing Co.
No Label Brewing Co.
Katy, TX
http://site.nolabelbrew.com/
This article is a little different than usual. Usually I go to a place and try their food or beverage and rush home to write about it. In this particular case there was nothing to try, nothing to see and nothing to particularly write about. I am so excited for new businesses to pop up in Houston and I love to watch them grow. I was lucky enough to find a new brewery starting up in Katy that is still in the very beginning stages. I was lucky enough to meet with Brian Royo, head brew master and founder of No Label Brewing Co. Now when I say that things are just getting started I mean they have yet to finish setting up their brewery. Brian is still brewing beer in his garage and this is where it has taken him from home brewing to starting up Houston’s newest microbrewery.
Brian Royo, a Katy Taylor graduate and University of Houston alumni, became inspired to brew after visiting the local Saint Arnold’s Brewery. He headed over to Delfaco’s and purchased his first home brewing kit and he got to work. While making beer for friends and family he figured why not try and make a business out of it; Three year later and that is exactly what Brain has done.
-The Beer –
No Label Brewing Co. is hoping to have the brewery setup and brewing by mid April and if all goes well we can expect to see the beer on shelves by the end of 2010. No Label Brewing Co. is working on bringing you some very authentic and original styled brews from their Ridgeback, a hybrid of Brown and Amber ale, their El Hefe, a hefeweizen and their Silo Ale is a blond ale. Brain seems very passionate about his beer and he is quick to mention Southern Star & St. Arnold as inspirations for small breweries that have grown and spread into the market. I believe what separates No Label Brewing apart from others is that they are a laid back small brewery and they are working hard to get their name out there before the product even hits the shelves. No Label Brewing Co. Has been making a name for themselves tailgating at the University of Houston football games and keeping up with their fans on Twitter and Facebook and I believe it will help them greatly to establish themselves as Houston’s newest brewery. I anxiously await to sample the beer and look forward to their success in Houston.
Be sure to follow them on Twitter @NoLabelBrewCo to find out about their events.
Katy, TX
http://site.nolabelbrew.com/
This article is a little different than usual. Usually I go to a place and try their food or beverage and rush home to write about it. In this particular case there was nothing to try, nothing to see and nothing to particularly write about. I am so excited for new businesses to pop up in Houston and I love to watch them grow. I was lucky enough to find a new brewery starting up in Katy that is still in the very beginning stages. I was lucky enough to meet with Brian Royo, head brew master and founder of No Label Brewing Co. Now when I say that things are just getting started I mean they have yet to finish setting up their brewery. Brian is still brewing beer in his garage and this is where it has taken him from home brewing to starting up Houston’s newest microbrewery.Brian Royo, a Katy Taylor graduate and University of Houston alumni, became inspired to brew after visiting the local Saint Arnold’s Brewery. He headed over to Delfaco’s and purchased his first home brewing kit and he got to work. While making beer for friends and family he figured why not try and make a business out of it; Three year later and that is exactly what Brain has done.
-The Beer –
No Label Brewing Co. is hoping to have the brewery setup and brewing by mid April and if all goes well we can expect to see the beer on shelves by the end of 2010. No Label Brewing Co. is working on bringing you some very authentic and original styled brews from their Ridgeback, a hybrid of Brown and Amber ale, their El Hefe, a hefeweizen and their Silo Ale is a blond ale. Brain seems very passionate about his beer and he is quick to mention Southern Star & St. Arnold as inspirations for small breweries that have grown and spread into the market. I believe what separates No Label Brewing apart from others is that they are a laid back small brewery and they are working hard to get their name out there before the product even hits the shelves. No Label Brewing Co. Has been making a name for themselves tailgating at the University of Houston football games and keeping up with their fans on Twitter and Facebook and I believe it will help them greatly to establish themselves as Houston’s newest brewery. I anxiously await to sample the beer and look forward to their success in Houston.
Be sure to follow them on Twitter @NoLabelBrewCo to find out about their events.
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