Alira Med Spa Owner, World Travel Blogger, Influencer, Philanthropist
Travel Blogger & Influencer
I love traveling and learning from different cultures and people around the world. Through travel, I find myself constantly searching for my purpose. Experiencing spas around the world is very important to learn from others and be informed of the latest trends in the beauty industry. As a medical aesthetician, I care for people and I want to keep searching for the best tricks to help others. Follow me on my adventures at livespalife.com and on instagram @livespalife.
Philanthropist
In 2012, I founded the Alira Foundation and our Make-over Day Event. Alira Foundation provides a complimentary make-over day for those who have been touched by cancer. I felt the need to provide support to those people who are suffering from this disease. There are so many people who don’t get beat by cancer and teach us every day how to fight one smile at a time. For that reason at Alira Foundation, we want to share that smile with the world and help these warriors against cancer.
“Pearland is a city that truly appreciates bold flavors, and we’re thrilled to bring our dishes here,” said founder and CEO Tomo Takahashi, who opened the first Jinya Ramen in Tokyo in 2000. “Pearland is the perfect place to share our authentic ramen and connect with a community that values great food.”
In addition to ramen, Jinya is serving up other Asian-inspired dishes — think salmon jalapeno sashimi and Hokkaido scallops. And find local craft brews on tap, too.
The Pearland location opens at 11am on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 9240 Broadway St. Ste. 140 — and the first 100 guests in line will receive a free bowl of ramen!
Duck N Bao's bento boxes are part of Dine Out Rice Village
Fish Company Taco (photo by Becca Wright)
Now through Feb. 2, restaurants in Galveston offer pre-fixe menus a la HRW; two- or three-course dinners are priced $20-$60 and between $1 and $5 will be donated per guest to the Galveston County Food Bank and St. Vincent's House. Faves on The Strand participating in the effort include Italian standout Riondo's and longtime island go-to Yaga's, and the quaint Post Office Street eateries are in on it, too. Head to the Seawall and enjoy Gaido's, or to East Beach and hit up Porch Cafe.
And here's a fun deal! Fish Company Taco has an incredible combo: For $9.99, guests can pair any taco with fresh snapper crudo, and the restaurant will donate $2 to the causes.
Duck N Bao's crispy spicy chicken (photo by Jenn Duncan)
Meanwhile, a little closer to home for most of us, Dine Out Rice Village is taking place through the end of January. Similarly, unique pre-fixe menus and specialty items will benefit a charitable cause — the homegrown and beloved Southern Smoke Foundation, which supports food and beverage workers through hard times with monetary grants and mental-health resources. Acclaimed Hamsa and Navy Blue are among the participating spots, plus newcomer Milton's and longstanding favorites like D'Amico's and Coppa Osteria. Duck N Bao's bento boxes ($15 including a $2 donation; available at lunch) benefit Southern Smoke Foundation, and a three-course dinner of pan-fried dumplings, soup and choice of entree is just $35, with a $7 donation.
NOLA-style BBQ shrimp at Brennan's (photo by Kimberly Park)
Following the horrific New Year's Day tragedy in New Orleans, Brennan's of Houston is finding a way to give back. Through Jan. 19, the restaurant is donating 100 percent of proceeds from a special three-course meal to support the victims in recovery. Savor signature NOLA fare like turtle soup and creole bread pudding — all while giving back!