I find it really, really hard to believe that we haven’t talked more about Jim Parsons together aside from passing comments or photos from awards shows, but it’s true, and for that, I’m sorry. But here’s an interview with Vanity Fair that I just came across, and it’s all Jim talking about his hometown of Houston, Texas. Pretty much where to go, what to eat, what to do … and, of course, what he does when he ventures out of L.A. or New York and heads home.
To get away from it all, I go to . . .
Houston, Texas. Specifically, I go to the Menil Collection, which is located at 1533 Sul Ross Street. It is still my favorite museum I’ve ever visited, partly because it was the first place I ever saw a Magritte painting in person, and partly because it is one of the most beautiful, peaceful areas of the city. Across the street is the Rothko Chapel, and although I am not really into meditation, there is a serenity that permeates as soon as you enter the space. You leave with no doubt that there are curative properties to art.
My favorite way to travel there is . . .
I take a rental car down I-45 South.
My favorite place to stay is . . .
With my sister, who lives in a northwestern suburb of Houston, so that I can spend as much time with my nephews as possible.
When I’m in the mood for room service . . .
I get my sister to run to the local Kroger grocery store to pick me up almond milk and shredded wheat. Yum!
My favorite local cuisine to indulge in is . . .
Mexican, Mexican, Mexican. I love it most from Lupe Tortillas (just off of I-45, the northern part) and Pappasitos (the Willowbrook-mall location).
To stay in shape, my vacation fitness regime is . . .
Unfortunately, it usually means a vacation from exercise, but I sometimes go running outside, if it’s not too hot—which it frequently is in Houston.
My suitcase must absolutely contain . . .
Honestly, clean underwear and a toothbrush are the only things I’m certain about.
When it comes to luggage, I . . .
Totally underpack. I’d rather find I left something behind than break my shoulder carrying too much crap through the airport.
My favorite best-kept secret about Houston is . . .
Sometimes, my best-kept secret in Houston is that I actually am IN HOUSTON. It’s kind of nice to get away with as few people knowing as possible.
When I’m in the mood for some retail therapy, I must visit . . .
I’m not much of a shopper, to be frank, but I grew up loving and still love the Galleria Mall, at 5085 Westheimer Road, just off the 610 loop. It was the first place I ever went ice-skating, and was a great place to be dropped off with my friends when I was in high school. I have been back several times as an adult, and there really are an amazing amount of stores to select from.
When I’m in the mood to paint the town red, I go to . . .
My version of painting the town red is pretty laid back, but I always loved being at Rudyard’s, a pub at 2010 Waugh Drive. It’s a beautiful, cozy building where I have a lot of good memories—everything from pool and darts to live music and theater. Just a great space.
Upon arrival, I most look forward to . . .
I would say my very favorite thing is to hang with my brother-in-law at my mother’s house watching either a Rockets game or a Texans game, depending on the season.
Upon departing, I am most happy to leave behind . . .
It’s always nice to leave work behind. Even though I love my job, it’s a good feeling to know you’ll be out of reach, at least for anything requiring immediate action (I don’t do very good “acting” over the phone).
OK, first, ‘almond milk and shredded wheat’? Gross. Gross. Second, isn’t he just the neatest? Yeah, he doesn’t have the most interesting of hobbies, but he seems like such a sweet, down-to-earth guy, and I don’t know that there’s much more you could ask for from the dude who plays “Sheldon” on ‘Big Bang Theory’.
Do we already love him just a little bit more?
I recently did almond milk and cereal and DAMN it’s good.
Euueh, really? I bought almond milk a few weeks ago because I like to try all those crazy ‘milks’, and I hated it. I like soymilk the best, I suppose.
yes, I love almond milk with cereal! and if you get the vanilla almond milk – even better! yum.
Jim is great and so is his show.
yuk shredded wheat and almond milk but he does seem like a cool dude very normal and i love mexican food mmmm..
Feels like the Houston Tourist Board has paid for this interview lol no but seriously it’s cute that he likes going back home so much.
Yes, thank you! Let’s talk about him looots more. That interview was funny, do you think he really knows all the adresses or has the journalist put those in there? The funniest thing about him (for me) is not how much I love him, but my mother’s obsessed with him! She always tells me the latest gossip on him and the best thing: She didn’t know a word of English but she learned it just so she could watch his interviews on youtube. Crazy, right?
Is he working for the Chamber of Commerce for heaven’s sake. Street numbers??? You should try poison ivy milk and vodka.
Jim, I’d become a man for you.