Chamak is a Sweet New Shop in Sugar Land

Sarah Ali was working hard to get her new shop ready for the Grand Opening when I stopped by the new Moroccan themed establishment tucked away down Highway 6 in Sugar Land’s Highlands Square. In this small storefront I found an enthusiastic woman excited about her diverse interests and her store’s unique offerings.

Upon entering Chamak, you find custom blended organic mineral cosmetics on one side of the store and a glass case housing an array of confections on the other side. You aren’t sure whether you have entered the workspace of an artist or a mad scientist. After tasting the chocolates, you realize that she may be a bit of both.

Sarah’s chocolates feature the exotic Indian-Pakistani and South Korean flavors of her own mother’s cooking which originally inspired the love of the culinary arts in her. Her gourmet confections are handcrafted from high quality chocolate which she sources from multiple origins and then pairs with a variety of delectable south Asian and Mediterranean flavors. In addition to the custom cosmetics and the artisanal chocolates and confections, the shop also sells hot cocoa and tea and other traditional Indian sweets.

Sarah’s services also include setting up chocolate tasting tables for private events and teaching classes from the beginner to the professional level in her chocolate school. Sarah is bubbly and energetic with a lot to offer to the community. She is proud to support the Fort Bend Women’s Center through her work at the Girlfriends Giggle fundraiser. Learn more at www.chamakchocolates.com

(This was a preliminary draft for a feature for the third issue of Edible Houston)

Sculpted in Steel - A Luxury Automobile Showcase from the Art Deco Era

Whether you are visiting the city of Houston or live here full time, if you are a car lover, there is one thing to do this spring that is a must-do. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts Houston to check out the temporary luxury art deco automobile exhibit, Sculpted in Steel . I toured the display recently and was impressed by the array. This collection is a showcase of seventeen cars and motorcycles designed between 1929 -1940. These vehicles are more than art cars or show cars, they are true art deco masterpieces. The museum has great information about the period and designers throughout the exhibit. Go sooner rather than later, they will only be on display until May 30, 2016.

Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows - Santa Monica

Refreshment on the patio of the Lobby Lounge My husband and I stayed at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows with our adult daughter this summer after her graduation from a Masters program at Claremont Graduate University. We wanted to be near the beach but still be able to easily get into Los Angeles to visit some of the tourist attractions. This was our first time to stay at a Fairmont Hotel . I chose the Miramar for its ocean views and its proximity to the Santa Monica Pier and the beach. It has a long history with a Hollywood connection, it has been a destination of the stars for almost a century. After looking over the various room options, I decided that the Palisade King Suite would easily accommodate us. My husband and I shared a private bedroom and our daughter got the fold out couch in the living room. The six story Palisades wing which housed our room is a historic part of the property that was built in 1924. For a more luxe experience, you can also book a pool

Sipping Sonoma in the Springtime

From Galveston Monthly magazine Your guide on how to identify and find Sonoma Valley wines on the Island.

by Sandra Crittenden

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