Houston Chefs Are Making Their Own Versions of Discontinued Taco Bell Dishes
Texas Restaurants Can Operate At 75% Capacity, Bars To Remain Closed — Updated
Five of the Best Products to Buy at Aldi’s
Farmers Market Opens in Downtown Houston; Heights Market Celebrates One Year
11 Steak Nights in Houston to Enjoy At Home Every Monday Through Thursday
Former Bistro Provence Revealed as Freshly Redesigned Bistro 555 in Memorial
Texas Restaurants Can Operate At 75% Capacity, Bars To Remain Closed — Updated
In a press conference earlier today, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that restaurants, along with retail stores, museums, libraries, gyms, office buildings and factories, can begin operating at 75% occupancy on Monday, September 21. These establishments are currently open at 50% capacity. “That’s a little more aggressive than I would prefer,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester […]
Former Bistro Provence Revealed as Freshly Redesigned Bistro 555 in Memorial
Just a little over a month after closing Bistro Provence at 13616 Memorial, thus concluding a 22-year run, owner Genevieve Guy has unveiled her brand-new restaurant concept in the same location, Bistro 555. The setting has a refreshed and updated look, sporting deep, sky blue walls that nicely set off many paintings of French landscapes, […]
Cochon 555 Returns to Houston, Showcasing 5 Top Chefs in a Pandemic-Era Format
For years, Cochon 555 has been an eagerly awaited annual event. Established in 2008 to educate chefs and diners about heritage pig breeds, this touring celebration normally gives attendees the opportunity to sample whiskey punches, wine and lots of heritage pork dishes prepared by some of Houston’s best chefs. In the past, the event has […]
Legendary Houston Restaurateur Tony Vallone Has Passed Away
After years of struggling with undisclosed health issues, legendary Houston restaurateur Tony Vallone of the iconic Tony’s died on Wednesday, September 9, at the age of 75. Founded by Vallone in 1965, this year was the 55th anniversary of his acclaimed original restaurant, a spot that defined fine dining, elegant Italian fare and outstanding service […]
Best Virtual Events in Houston for September 9 – 26, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced some restaurants to host virtual events in order to ensure guest and employee safety. Fortunately, platforms such as Zoom and Facebook have made the transition easier. Some restaurants, bars, breweries, and even wineries are hosting virtual events occasionally, while others have had such success that they’re hosting these types of […]
World Central Kitchen is Feeding Hurricane Laura Victims and Still Needs Help — Updated
“We’ve been through Ike and every other hurricane but we never saw anything like this,” Sonya LeJeune of Lake Charles, Louisiana told me as she waited in line to pick up meals from a Walmart parking lot. There, World Central Kitchen (WCK) is handing out breakfast, lunch and dinner to anyone in need. The […]
Cocktail Events to Support Out-of-Work Bartenders Pop Up at Houston Restaurants
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Houston bars have faced temporary closures and staff have lost their livelihoods. To help offset some of the financial repercussions and give bartenders a venue to showcase their craft, chef and owner Chris Williams of Lucille’s at 5512 La Branch launched Lucille’s 1913 Pop-up Program. During each pop-up, the guest […]
Restaurant Workers Aren’t OK: Charities Issue Urgent Plea for Federal Assistance
Leaders of the Southern Smoke Foundation and the Restaurant Workers Community Foundation have released an urgent plea explaining just how dire the current economic crisis is for hospitality workers. In Houston alone, dining rooms are currently operating at 50% of regular guest occupancy. Bar workers are even worse off. Bars have been completely closed for […]
2020 Houston Restaurant Weeks Extended to Unprecedented Duration
During this time of extraordinary need for restaurants and Houstonians alike, Houston Restaurant Weeks (HRW) is extending the annual fundraiser until September 30, 2020. That means for the first time ever, diners get to enjoy the special set-price menus from hundreds of restaurants around town for a full two months. Originally the fundraiser was to […]
Houston H-E-B Stores Return to Normal; All Locations Open — Updated
Yesterday, Texas grocery store chain H-E-B closed all its Houston-area stores, early in advance of Hurricane Laura, including Central Market and Mi Tienda locations. Now that the Category 4 storm has made landfall and is on a definitive track through Louisiana, the Houston-area stores are back to normal hours as of today. Updated, 8/30/20, 10:46 […]
Texas Restaurants Can Operate At 75% Capacity, Bars To Remain Closed — Updated
In a press conference earlier today, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that restaurants, along with retail stores, museums, libraries, gyms, office buildings and factories, can begin operating at 75% occupancy on Monday, September 21. These establishments are currently open at 50% capacity. “That’s a little more aggressive than I would prefer,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester […]
Former Bistro Provence Revealed as Freshly Redesigned Bistro 555 in Memorial
Just a little over a month after closing Bistro Provence at 13616 Memorial, thus concluding a 22-year run, owner Genevieve Guy has unveiled her brand-new restaurant concept in the same location, Bistro 555. The setting has a refreshed and updated look, sporting deep, sky blue walls that nicely set off many paintings of French landscapes, […]
Cochon 555 Returns to Houston, Showcasing 5 Top Chefs in a Pandemic-Era Format
For years, Cochon 555 has been an eagerly awaited annual event. Established in 2008 to educate chefs and diners about heritage pig breeds, this touring celebration normally gives attendees the opportunity to sample whiskey punches, wine and lots of heritage pork dishes prepared by some of Houston’s best chefs. In the past, the event has […]
Legendary Houston Restaurateur Tony Vallone Has Passed Away
After years of struggling with undisclosed health issues, legendary Houston restaurateur Tony Vallone of the iconic Tony’s died on Wednesday, September 9, at the age of 75. Founded by Vallone in 1965, this year was the 55th anniversary of his acclaimed original restaurant, a spot that defined fine dining, elegant Italian fare and outstanding service […]
Best Virtual Events in Houston for September 9 – 26, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced some restaurants to host virtual events in order to ensure guest and employee safety. Fortunately, platforms such as Zoom and Facebook have made the transition easier. Some restaurants, bars, breweries, and even wineries are hosting virtual events occasionally, while others have had such success that they’re hosting these types of […]
World Central Kitchen is Feeding Hurricane Laura Victims and Still Needs Help — Updated
“We’ve been through Ike and every other hurricane but we never saw anything like this,” Sonya LeJeune of Lake Charles, Louisiana told me as she waited in line to pick up meals from a Walmart parking lot. There, World Central Kitchen (WCK) is handing out breakfast, lunch and dinner to anyone in need. The […]
Cocktail Events to Support Out-of-Work Bartenders Pop Up at Houston Restaurants
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Houston bars have faced temporary closures and staff have lost their livelihoods. To help offset some of the financial repercussions and give bartenders a venue to showcase their craft, chef and owner Chris Williams of Lucille’s at 5512 La Branch launched Lucille’s 1913 Pop-up Program. During each pop-up, the guest […]
Restaurant Workers Aren’t OK: Charities Issue Urgent Plea for Federal Assistance
Leaders of the Southern Smoke Foundation and the Restaurant Workers Community Foundation have released an urgent plea explaining just how dire the current economic crisis is for hospitality workers. In Houston alone, dining rooms are currently operating at 50% of regular guest occupancy. Bar workers are even worse off. Bars have been completely closed for […]
2020 Houston Restaurant Weeks Extended to Unprecedented Duration
During this time of extraordinary need for restaurants and Houstonians alike, Houston Restaurant Weeks (HRW) is extending the annual fundraiser until September 30, 2020. That means for the first time ever, diners get to enjoy the special set-price menus from hundreds of restaurants around town for a full two months. Originally the fundraiser was to […]
Houston H-E-B Stores Return to Normal; All Locations Open — Updated
Yesterday, Texas grocery store chain H-E-B closed all its Houston-area stores, early in advance of Hurricane Laura, including Central Market and Mi Tienda locations. Now that the Category 4 storm has made landfall and is on a definitive track through Louisiana, the Houston-area stores are back to normal hours as of today. Updated, 8/30/20, 10:46 […]
Houston Chefs Are Making Their Own Versions of Discontinued Taco Bell Dishes
Chefs at Houston’s independent restaurants make their reputations on precision-crafted fare with luxurious or local ingredients, but there’s an industry truism. By the time restaurant workers finish mopping the kitchen and lock the doors, the only places still open for a late-night meal are bars, diners and fast food joints. These midnight munchies paired with […]
Five of the Best Products to Buy at Aldi’s
Among the many reasons to shop at Aldi are the brands and products that you can’t find anywhere else. (Another is the budget-friendly prices.) Over the last few months, as I found myself with more time on my hands, I decided that rather than just shopping for familiar items that I buy time and again, […]
Farmers Market Opens in Downtown Houston; Heights Market Celebrates One Year
With the open air environments, farm-fresh foods and artisan products, farmers markets are perhaps more attractive than ever to Houston shoppers. Downtown Houston now has a new Sunday farmers market inside of Bravery Chef Hall at 409 Travis, while another, Heights Mercantile Farmers Market at 714 Yale is celebrating its first year of business on […]
11 Steak Nights in Houston to Enjoy At Home Every Monday Through Thursday
Despite the ongoing challenges of navigating the coronavirus pandemic, the sacred ritual of a weekly steak night is still going strong in Houston. While restaurant dining rooms and patios are open for service at limited capacity, many are also offering options for enjoying the goodness of grilled meat at home or wherever your dinner plans […]
Restaurant Happenings & Specials for Labor Day 2020 in Houston
While celebrating Labor Day during COVID-19 is different than previous years, Houstonians can still enjoy a plethora of choices on Monday around town or at home. Here’s a list of restaurants around town doing something special for the holiday weekend, including all-day brunches on Monday, thick steaks to go, family feasts to take home and […]
DIY Dan Dan Noodles at Mala Sichuan Bistro
Last week, Mala Sichuan Bistro launched an easy meal kit for to-go customers and invited us to give it a try. This is a great way for fans to make its beloved Dan Dan Noodles fresh at home. The kit for this classic Sichuan street food is complete with all portioned ingredients, including the quintessential […]
Cocktail Events to Support Out-of-Work Bartenders Pop Up at Houston Restaurants
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Houston bars have faced temporary closures and staff have lost their livelihoods. To help offset some of the financial repercussions and give bartenders a venue to showcase their craft, chef and owner Chris Williams of Lucille’s at 5512 La Branch launched Lucille’s 1913 Pop-up Program. During each pop-up, the guest […]
Reserve a Cozy, Private Space for Small-Group Dining at Rainbow Lodge
Sponsored As we all adjust to the new normal of mid-pandemic dining, Rainbow Lodge is here with the perfect solution: intimate private spaces for small-groups! We have plenty of options that accommodate safe social distancing while still retaining the enjoyment of dining out with friends, family and co-workers. Choose one of our indoor rooms, complete […]
9 Shaded and Socially Distanced Restaurant Patios in Sugar Land
Although I was born and raised in Houston and still spend a great deal of my time enjoying all that the big city has to offer, I have now lived in Sugar Land for over 20 years. During that time, I’ve eaten at many area restaurants — including those with excellent patio dining. In addition […]
MORE Meals That Cost $10 or Less at Houston Restaurants
Although the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on our collective bottom lines, there is a silver lining. We can still eat well — and affordably. The comforting nature of food is as valued as always and Houston has plenty of dishes to nourish the body and the soul that cost $10 or less. So many, […]
Houston Chefs Are Making Their Own Versions of Discontinued Taco Bell Dishes
Chefs at Houston’s independent restaurants make their reputations on precision-crafted fare with luxurious or local ingredients, but there’s an industry truism. By the time restaurant workers finish mopping the kitchen and lock the doors, the only places still open for a late-night meal are bars, diners and fast food joints. These midnight munchies paired with […]
Five of the Best Products to Buy at Aldi’s
Among the many reasons to shop at Aldi are the brands and products that you can’t find anywhere else. (Another is the budget-friendly prices.) Over the last few months, as I found myself with more time on my hands, I decided that rather than just shopping for familiar items that I buy time and again, […]
Farmers Market Opens in Downtown Houston; Heights Market Celebrates One Year
With the open air environments, farm-fresh foods and artisan products, farmers markets are perhaps more attractive than ever to Houston shoppers. Downtown Houston now has a new Sunday farmers market inside of Bravery Chef Hall at 409 Travis, while another, Heights Mercantile Farmers Market at 714 Yale is celebrating its first year of business on […]
11 Steak Nights in Houston to Enjoy At Home Every Monday Through Thursday
Despite the ongoing challenges of navigating the coronavirus pandemic, the sacred ritual of a weekly steak night is still going strong in Houston. While restaurant dining rooms and patios are open for service at limited capacity, many are also offering options for enjoying the goodness of grilled meat at home or wherever your dinner plans […]
Restaurant Happenings & Specials for Labor Day 2020 in Houston
While celebrating Labor Day during COVID-19 is different than previous years, Houstonians can still enjoy a plethora of choices on Monday around town or at home. Here’s a list of restaurants around town doing something special for the holiday weekend, including all-day brunches on Monday, thick steaks to go, family feasts to take home and […]
DIY Dan Dan Noodles at Mala Sichuan Bistro
Last week, Mala Sichuan Bistro launched an easy meal kit for to-go customers and invited us to give it a try. This is a great way for fans to make its beloved Dan Dan Noodles fresh at home. The kit for this classic Sichuan street food is complete with all portioned ingredients, including the quintessential […]
Cocktail Events to Support Out-of-Work Bartenders Pop Up at Houston Restaurants
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Houston bars have faced temporary closures and staff have lost their livelihoods. To help offset some of the financial repercussions and give bartenders a venue to showcase their craft, chef and owner Chris Williams of Lucille’s at 5512 La Branch launched Lucille’s 1913 Pop-up Program. During each pop-up, the guest […]
Reserve a Cozy, Private Space for Small-Group Dining at Rainbow Lodge
Sponsored As we all adjust to the new normal of mid-pandemic dining, Rainbow Lodge is here with the perfect solution: intimate private spaces for small-groups! We have plenty of options that accommodate safe social distancing while still retaining the enjoyment of dining out with friends, family and co-workers. Choose one of our indoor rooms, complete […]
9 Shaded and Socially Distanced Restaurant Patios in Sugar Land
Although I was born and raised in Houston and still spend a great deal of my time enjoying all that the big city has to offer, I have now lived in Sugar Land for over 20 years. During that time, I’ve eaten at many area restaurants — including those with excellent patio dining. In addition […]
MORE Meals That Cost $10 or Less at Houston Restaurants
Although the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on our collective bottom lines, there is a silver lining. We can still eat well — and affordably. The comforting nature of food is as valued as always and Houston has plenty of dishes to nourish the body and the soul that cost $10 or less. So many, […]
Texas Beer Run Encourages Support for Struggling Local Breweries & Brewpubs
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take a toll on local businesses, independently owned breweries are among those taking a hit. To help these small businesses survive, the Texas Beer Collective and Houston Beer Guide are hosting the second Texas Beer Run. Do not worry, this is not a 5k. Instead, the event organizer, Sylvia […]
Some Bars in Houston Are Reopening by Using New Strategies to Comply with the Law
In Texas, a law called the “51% rule” requires a business that generates 51% or more of its revenue from alcohol be classified as a bar, not a restaurant. Currently, Texas establishments that are legally considered bars are required to close due to Governor Greg Abbott’s attempts to bring down the high number of new […]
TABC Allows Brewery Restaurants to Reinstate Dine-In Services — But More Help is Needed — Updated
As previously reported, Governor Greg Abbott’s reinterpretation of the “51% rule”, which deems businesses that make at least 51% of revenue from alcoholic beverage sales as bars rather than restaurants, forced breweries to halt dine-in services at onsite restaurants. That was true even when those restaurants adhered to or exceeded the Open Texas Guidelines for […]
Houston Brewery Restaurants Return to Takeout in Light of Texas Governor’s Ruling
On Monday, July 13, a press release from Saint Arnold Brewing Company at 2000 Lyons revealed that Texas Governor Greg Abbott has reinterpreted the criteria that determines whether a business is considered a restaurant or a bar. Texas law defines a bar as a business that makes 51% or more of its revenue through alcohol […]
Brewery Restaurant Announces 75 Layoffs Due to Governor’s New Interpretation of 51% Law — Updated
Saint Arnold Brewing Company at 2000 Lyons announced on Monday, July 13 that its onsite eatery, the Saint Arnold Beer Garden and Restaurant, was forced to close due to Governor Greg Abbott’s reinterpretation of the criteria that determines whether or not a business is considered a restaurant or a bar based on its alcohol sales. […]
Houston Breweries Release “Black Is Beautiful” Beers To Support Racial Justice
Although the murder of Houstonian George Floyd by Minneapolis police led to large protests and renewed advocacy around the world, forging racial equality is not a short term project. Efforts to continue progressing forward will be needed for the foreseeable future. One group that has banded together to make a difference are craft brewers. Almost […]
Houston Fire Department Releases Video of Bar 5015 Arson, Asks Public For ID Help
On June 12, Houstonians as far as two miles away were startled just before 5 a.m. when the deck and right side of Bar 5015 at 5015 Almeda exploded into rubble. Wood and other debris were shot over 100 feet down the block and into a parking lot across the street. At a news conference […]
Long-Running EaDo Bar Lucky’s Pub is Closing
Lucky’s Pub at 801 Saint Emanuel just east of downtown has long been the site of charity chili cookoffs, sports watching, personal celebrations and, most importantly, just a comfortable place for Houstonians to relax over a few beers. Unfortunately, today is its last day of business. Patrons have until 2 a.m. for one last visit. […]
Mongoose versus Cobra Is Turning Into All-Day Venue Red Dwarf
For eight years, Mongoose versus Cobra, located in a historic, 105-year-old building at 1011 McGowan in midtown Houston, has served cocktails, craft beer, bar snacks and more to Houstonians. On July 1, it is becoming a new spot called RED DWARF. According to a press release, it is “named after the stars that are the […]
Coffee & Wine Bar Penny Quarter in Montrose Is Closing Indefinitely
Mark up another casualty of the COVID-19 situation. After being open less than a year, coffee shop and wine bar Penny Quarter is already closing. Located at 1424 Westheimer, behind Anvil Bar & Refuge in the former Etro dance club space, the space had been fully remodeled for a modern, bright look with plenty of […]
Texas Beer Run Encourages Support for Struggling Local Breweries & Brewpubs
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take a toll on local businesses, independently owned breweries are among those taking a hit. To help these small businesses survive, the Texas Beer Collective and Houston Beer Guide are hosting the second Texas Beer Run. Do not worry, this is not a 5k. Instead, the event organizer, Sylvia […]
Some Bars in Houston Are Reopening by Using New Strategies to Comply with the Law
In Texas, a law called the “51% rule” requires a business that generates 51% or more of its revenue from alcohol be classified as a bar, not a restaurant. Currently, Texas establishments that are legally considered bars are required to close due to Governor Greg Abbott’s attempts to bring down the high number of new […]
TABC Allows Brewery Restaurants to Reinstate Dine-In Services — But More Help is Needed — Updated
As previously reported, Governor Greg Abbott’s reinterpretation of the “51% rule”, which deems businesses that make at least 51% of revenue from alcoholic beverage sales as bars rather than restaurants, forced breweries to halt dine-in services at onsite restaurants. That was true even when those restaurants adhered to or exceeded the Open Texas Guidelines for […]
Houston Brewery Restaurants Return to Takeout in Light of Texas Governor’s Ruling
On Monday, July 13, a press release from Saint Arnold Brewing Company at 2000 Lyons revealed that Texas Governor Greg Abbott has reinterpreted the criteria that determines whether a business is considered a restaurant or a bar. Texas law defines a bar as a business that makes 51% or more of its revenue through alcohol […]
Brewery Restaurant Announces 75 Layoffs Due to Governor’s New Interpretation of 51% Law — Updated
Saint Arnold Brewing Company at 2000 Lyons announced on Monday, July 13 that its onsite eatery, the Saint Arnold Beer Garden and Restaurant, was forced to close due to Governor Greg Abbott’s reinterpretation of the criteria that determines whether or not a business is considered a restaurant or a bar based on its alcohol sales. […]
Houston Breweries Release “Black Is Beautiful” Beers To Support Racial Justice
Although the murder of Houstonian George Floyd by Minneapolis police led to large protests and renewed advocacy around the world, forging racial equality is not a short term project. Efforts to continue progressing forward will be needed for the foreseeable future. One group that has banded together to make a difference are craft brewers. Almost […]
Houston Fire Department Releases Video of Bar 5015 Arson, Asks Public For ID Help
On June 12, Houstonians as far as two miles away were startled just before 5 a.m. when the deck and right side of Bar 5015 at 5015 Almeda exploded into rubble. Wood and other debris were shot over 100 feet down the block and into a parking lot across the street. At a news conference […]
Long-Running EaDo Bar Lucky’s Pub is Closing
Lucky’s Pub at 801 Saint Emanuel just east of downtown has long been the site of charity chili cookoffs, sports watching, personal celebrations and, most importantly, just a comfortable place for Houstonians to relax over a few beers. Unfortunately, today is its last day of business. Patrons have until 2 a.m. for one last visit. […]
Mongoose versus Cobra Is Turning Into All-Day Venue Red Dwarf
For eight years, Mongoose versus Cobra, located in a historic, 105-year-old building at 1011 McGowan in midtown Houston, has served cocktails, craft beer, bar snacks and more to Houstonians. On July 1, it is becoming a new spot called RED DWARF. According to a press release, it is “named after the stars that are the […]
Coffee & Wine Bar Penny Quarter in Montrose Is Closing Indefinitely
Mark up another casualty of the COVID-19 situation. After being open less than a year, coffee shop and wine bar Penny Quarter is already closing. Located at 1424 Westheimer, behind Anvil Bar & Refuge in the former Etro dance club space, the space had been fully remodeled for a modern, bright look with plenty of […]
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