Ask Someone Who Cares (Really)

If you're wondering where to find fun freebies in Houston, or the whereabouts of the city's oldest tree, ask Veronica Nielsen, visitor information manager for the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. Nielsen has answered such questions by phone for the past eight years, and she's now online, at AskVeronica.com. A Houstonian since 1964, Nielsen previously worked as a hotel concierge and has yet to be stumped (though you're welcome to try), even when asked about Houston's senior citizen of timber, the 400-year-old live oak in downtown's Tranquility Park. "This began as a service for visitors, but it has expanded," says Nielsen, who usually answers questions within a day. "I never know what to expect."

— Michele Meyer

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Tuesdays with Tommy

There's nothing unusual about a chef who cooks. Unless you're talking about an award-winning, multitasking celebrity chef like Tom Colicchio, who's spent the past 15 years expanding his culinary reach and his job description. Colicchio has opened 25 restaurants in seven cities, written three cookbooks, and held down a regular gig on TV as head judge of Bravo's Top Chef, endeavors that didn't leave him much time to deglaze a pan or stir up a risotto.

But in October 2008 Colicchio put himself back at the stove with the launch of Tom: Tuesday Dinner. Every other Tuesday, Colicchio cooks up a spontaneous, seasonal, 10-course menu in the private dining room at Craft, his acclaimed New York restaurant. Some dishes are updated versions of preparations that brought him acclaim early in his career. The open kitchen allows diners to watch the chef at play with fava beans and fiddlehead ferns.

"I got into this business because I love cooking," Colicchio says. "So it's great to turn off my cell phone for four hours and focus on the food. What people see is me having fun."

Only 32 seats are available for each Tuesday Dinner; reservations are available six weeks in advance. 212.400.6495, tomtuesdaydinner.com

— Laura Taxel

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Photo Op

If you own a pair of khaki shorts, go get them — the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is going on safari. The zoo's annual Photo Safari contest offers visitors a chance to win a prize in any of five categories. Starting May 25, special "photo opportunity" signs will be posted at key viewing areas where you're likely to get the best shot. But anything on zoo grounds is fair game — just make sure to turn in your entries by September 7. Shutterbugs of all ages are encouraged to let their cameras go wild. Continental is the official airline of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. clemetzoo.com

— Chelsea Haddaway

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Photographs: Courtesy of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau (Tranquility park); Bill Bettencourt (Colicchio); Courtesy of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo