Bad Air Day

Dallas claims dubious distinction of most polluted city in Texas, Houston number two

downtown Houston skyline smog haze pollution

No breathing deeply on days like this in Houston.

Forums.AnandTech.com

Big D has finally beat out Houston with a distinction for which we would rather not prevail. Dallas-Fort Worth was recently identified as the most polluted Texas city in terms of ozone, and the 11th worst in the entire country. Houston on the other hand ranked 15th for bad air.

However, The American Lung Association, which looked at data from 2012-2014 to compile its State of the Air 2016 report, notes, "Compared to the 2015 report, Houston has cut ozone significantly. This is in keeping with a trend seen across the nation of lower ozone pollution levels."

How bad is our air in comparison to other cities? According to the report, Houston-The Woodlands was ranked 15th for high ozone days out of 197 cities studied. The area ranked 63rd for 24-hour particle pollution out of 94 metropolitan areas studied and ranked 16th for annual particle pollution out of 171 metropolitan areas.

The air in Los Angeles is the worst for ozone, and Bakersfield, California, has the highest recorded levels of both particle pollutant types.

You can breath deeply in Burlington, Vermont; Elmira-Corning, New York; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Salinas, California, which are ranked as the cleanest, without a single day of unhealthy ozone levels.

The ALA does note, however, that ozone and particle pollution levels have improved overall from last year. Cleaner power plants and increased use of cleaner vehicles and engines have helped greatly, but "a changing climate is making it harder to protect human health."

This comes right after the news that Texas definitely didn't make the cut on WalletHub's list of greenest states.

reports health sustainability

cherry blossom restaurant

Eye-catching new restaurant serenades Montrose with global cuisine and wood-fired steaks

Photo by Adrian Barboza

Muse opened Thursday, March 23.

Houston’s next destination that blends eclectic cuisine with an eye-catching interior and a lively atmosphere has opened its doors. Muse is now open for dinner in the former Emmaline space at 3210 W Dallas St.

Part of of the Sundown Entertainment Group (Sugar Room, Todos Santos, and The Sporting Club), any conversation about Muse has to start with its eye-catching design. Inspired by owners Brandon Duliakas and Dan Wierck global travels, the space features an 18-seat wraparound bar, walnut accents, and lots of natural light. Most noticeable of all are the large cherry blossom trees that shade the restaurant’s banquettes. All in, the approximately 4,200-square-foot restaurant seats almost 200 people.

Turning to the cuisine, Muse offers serves a globally-inspired menu that hops across a range of genres. Created by executive chef and partner E.J. Miller (Riel, International Smoke) with an assist from sous chefs Dung Nguyen (The Dunlavy) and Andrew Aguilera (The Classic), Muse’s menu incorporates locally-sourced ingredients into shareable dishes that include hot and cold plates, sushi rolls, and wood-grilled steaks and seafood.

Specific dishes include:

Octopus salad with with shaved vegetables and soft-boiled quail egg
Sticky pork ribs with soy-tamarind glaze
Yellowtail aguachile
Wood-grilled lobster with green papaya salad
R-C Ranch bone-in ribeye with chili eggplant.

Pastry chef Maggie Lin (La Table) makes her own contributions with a Yuzu Tart with sesame shortbread; Profiteroles with lemongrass ice cream and macerated strawberries; and a Mocha Torte with red bean brownie and cafe su da mousse.

“Growing up in Houston, I’ve always enjoyed exploring global flavors and experimenting with a variety of traditional techniques,” Miller said in a statement. “While the name ‘Muse’ comes from the idea of a person or personified force that provides a source of inspiration, our menu is inspired by Houston’s unique multicultural dining scene.”

As they did for the Sporting Club and Sugar Room, Sundown turned to beverage consultants Ladies of Libation to create the restaurant’s cocktails. The results include the Japanese Breakfast a blend of orange blossom gin, bergamot, sake and white peach tea that’s served over dry ice from a traditional tea pot; the Matcha Colada with dark rum, coconut, matcha, pineapple; and lime; and the on-trend take on an Espresso Martini.

Those who prefer wine or sake will find plentiful changes, including 20 wines by-the-glass and a rotating list of sake. They’re overseen by general manager Patty Burbach.

Initially only open for dinner Tuesday-Sunday beginning at 5 pm, Muse’s future plans include construction of a rooftop patio and weekend brunch service.