Good taste: What your favorite Girl Scout cookie flavor says about where you shop in Houston

mix and match

Photo courtesy of Girl Scouts USA

It is that time of year again. Girl Scout cookie season officially launches in Houston on Saturday, February 11. Just in time for Super Bowl LVII and Valentine's Day celebrations, entrepreneurial-spirited Girl Scouts will be knocking on doors and selling delicious treats in front of major retailers all over the city.

From February to April each year, Girl Scout cookies outsell every other cookie on the market, bringing in an impressive $800 million. One hundred percent of the money earned by area troops stays in Houston and is used for council-sponsored programs, events, properties, training, and scholarships.

Typically, 12 to 13 cookies are in the lineup each season, and this year the Raspberry Rally cookie will debut as an online exclusive. The cookie is described as a "sister" to the Thin Mint – a thin crunchy cookie infused with raspberry flavor and coated in chocolate.

This cookie season it is even easier to snag a box of the decadent treats. Cookie fans can just type their zip code into the Find Cookies! search box or text COOKIES to 59618 to receive updates about Girl Scout Cookie availability in Houston.

Every cookie enthusiast has a favorite, but according to Girl Scouts USA, the highest-selling varieties are Thin Mints, Caramel deLites, Peanut Butter Patties, Adventurefulls, and Peanut Butter Sandwich.

Now, for tried-and-true Thin Mints devotees and Peanut Butter Sandwich fanatics, we break down the hard-hitting question of what the top five favorite Girl Scout cookies say about your style personality. (And of course, where to shop in Houston.)

Thin Mints

You are: Timeless, elegant, elevated

Your style mantra: Investment pieces never go out of style.

Shop favorites include:Tootsies, Elizabeth Anthony, Saks Fifth Avenue

Thin Mints reign supreme as the best-selling Girl Scout cookie.Photo courtesy of Girl Scouts USA

Caramel deLites

You are: Edgy, fun-loving, not afraid to stand out

Your style mantra: More is more.

Shop favorites include:J. Landa Jewelry, Zadig & Voltaire, Abejas Boutique

Samoa Caramel deLites are also named Samoas in other parts of the country and next to Thin Mints - they are a fan-favorite.Photo courtesy of Girl Scouts USA

Peanut Butter Patties

You are: Feminine, warm, charismatic

Your style mantra: It's what's on the inside that counts.

Shop favorites include:LoveShack Fancy, Frock Shop, Top Drawer Lingerie

Peanut Butter Patty Peanut Butter Patties are the best of both worlds - chocolate AND peanut butter.Photo courtesy of Girl Scouts USA

Adventurefulls

You are: Sporty, independent, well-traveled

Your style mantra: Look good, feel good.

Shop favorites include:Accel Lifestyle, Outdoor Voices, Rebecca Lankford Designs

Chocolate cookie If Adventurefulls are your favorite - you love the outdoors, sports and have an overnight bag at the ready.Photo courtesy of Girl Scouts USA

Peanut Butter Sandwich

You are: Relaxed, warm, dependable

Your style mantra: Comfort is key.

Shop favorites include:Christy Lynn Collection, Kendra Scott, Hemline

Peanut butter cookie Peanut Butter Sandwich cookies elicit a relaxed and dependable feeling.Photo courtesy of Girl Scouts USA

New 2023 Flavor: Raspberry Rallie

You are: Creative, artsy, eclectic

Your style mantra: There is no such thing as too much color.

Shop favorites include:Leopard Lounge, Veronica Beard, Gucci

Raspberry cookie Raspberry Rally cookies will make their online only debut this season.Photo courtesy of Girl Scouts USA

Photo courtesy of Girl Scouts USA

Raspberry Rally is the newest Girl Scout cookie flavor and will be the first-ever online exclusive.

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CultureMap Emails are Awesome

Property Showcase

Meet the gifted chef showcasing authentic, home-grown Greek fare to Houston, plus hottest food news

What's Eric Eating Episode 285

On this week's episode of "What's Eric Eating," chef Mary Cuclis joins CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler to discuss Kriti Kitchen. The Pondicheri veteran opened the family-friendly Greek restaurant in January.

The conversation begins with Cuclis explaining how she entered the world of professional cooking. Prior to opening Kriti Kitchen, she trained at Bo Innovation, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Hong Kong, and spent 10 years working for James Beard Award finalist Anita Jaisinghani at Pondicheri, the acclaimed, Indian-inspired restaurant in Upper Kirby.

At Kriti Kitchen, she honors her Greek heritage by serving dishes she's experienced when visiting family in Greece. Sandler asks her about the ways in which her cooking is different from Houston's other Greek restaurants.

"A lot of the Greek food I found in Houston was very delicious but very much street food. The kind of food I'm wanting to portray is more homestyle, things that I eat with my relatives," she says.

"For example, when you go to a taverna in Crete, a lot of times it's a couple running the whole thing. They invite you back into the kitchen to smell the stew. It's stewed meat and a lot of fresh vegetables with beans and lentils. I don't think too many people see that side of Greek food. I wanted to share a little bit of what I see with my family and what we eat when we're there."

Listen to the full interview to hear Cuclis explain why Kriti Kitchen offers both dine-in options during the day as well as heat-and-serve options that customers can pick up for dinner. She also discusses her goals for the future.

Prior to the interview, Sandler and co-host Rebecca Masson, chef-owner of Fluff Bake Bar, discuss the news of the week. Their topics include: Nobie's owners Martin and Sara Stayer's plans to open a new pizzeria; Roswell's Saloon opening in Montrose; New York City's Lady M establishing a permanent presence in the Galleria; and Masson's experiences during Austin's Hot Luck food festival.

In the restaurants of the week segment, Sandler and Masson share their thoughts about meals at two new Italian restaurants. First, they recount the highs and lows of a meal at Triola's Kitchen. Then, they share first impressions of Bari Ristorante, a new restaurant in River Oaks District that serves classic Italian dishes.

Photo by Ajna Jai

Chef Mary Cuclis is this week's guest.

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Subscribe to "What's Eric Eating" on Apple podcasts, Google Play, or Spotify. Listen to it Saturdays at 2 pm on ESPN 97.5.

Famed luxury shoe brand Jimmy Choo steps into Houston with stylish boutique in first outlet locale

WELL-HEELED

Local favorite Houston Premium Outletshas exciting news for fashion-forward and price-conscious shoppers. The renowned luxury brand Jimmy Choo has recently opened its doors, bringing its signature high-end styles and accessories to Houston.

Shoppers will be delighted to find an extensive range of Jimmy Choo's coveted collection, including trendy shoes, chic bags, stylish eyewear, cute small leather goods, and other must-have accessories.

The luxury footwear brand hit the scene in the 1990s and quickly became a favorite of Princess Diana. Carrie Bradshaw and Sex in the City catapulted the shoe to a household name and the shoes became synonymous with femininity and luxury.

With more than 200 stores worldwide, Jimmy Choo is no stranger to the fashion scene. However, this outlet store marks its first in Houston, making its elevated shopping experience more accessible to a broader array of discerning buyers.

Savvy Houston shoppers will be thrilled to find top-notch designer pieces at prices that won't break the bank. Jimmy Choo joins other luxury brands at Houston Premium Outlets, such as Armani Outlet, Burberry, Tory Burch, Coach, and Cole Haan. It's the perfect excuse to make the journey to Houston Premium Outlets and stock up on summer wardrobe essentials.

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Photo courtesy of Jimmy Choo/Instagram

The Jimmy Choo boutique at Houston Premium Outlets includes shoes, bags, stylish eyewear, small leather goods, and other must-have accessories.

Jimmy Choo; Suite 955, near Armani Outlet; Houston Premium Outlets – (Suite 955, near Armani Outlet); 29300 Hempstead Rd. in Cypress.

Houston SPCA's handy guide to weathering hurricane season with your pets

Get Ready

Every year during hurricane season, spare gas tanks are filled, food and water supplies are replenished, and go bags are packed. However, one aspect of storm preparation that shouldn’t be overlooked is your pet’s preparedness. Make sure they’re included in your emergency plans just like your human family members.

Not sure what that entails? Follow this handy guide from Houston SPCA:

1. Never leave your pet behind when evacuating
It’s critical that your pet is prepared to come with you should you need to evacuate during a storm. Don’t wait until it’s time to leave to put your pet in a crate for the first time. Make sure they’re comfortable in a travel carrier every now and then by encouraging them to enter and exit the kennel with plenty of positive reinforcement.

If you know your pet becomes carsick or anxious when traveling and requires medication, be sure to have a current prescription. Administer the medication at least once in advance to know how your pet reacts to it.

2. Ensure a happy reunion
In the event that you and your pet are separated, confirm that they have a properly fitted collar and tag with your current contact information.

Also check that their microchip information is up to date, and that you have a recent photo of yourself with your pet to help prove ownership.

3. Be medically prepared
Obtain vaccination and medical records from your veterinarian. Write down any care or medical instructions as well, and seal this information in a plastic bag with the medications they take.

4. Secure your yard
Walk around your yard to ensure that your fence is secure and there are no weak spots that your pet could escape through if they get spooked. If they wear a tether or use a leash to go outside, test it to confirm it won’t break when pulled.

Photo courtesy of Houston SPCA

Never evacuate without your pet.

5. Build an emergency kit
Save this disaster checklist to make sure your pet has everything they need before leaving home in an emergency.

Pack the items in a sturdy backpack or duffel bag and have a secure travel carrier in good shape ready to place in the car. Ensure that it fits in advance if you have a large animal.

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Follow Houston SPCA on Twitter and set notification for real-time updates in the event of a local disaster.

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