These Unique Cookbooks Are Perfect Houston Holiday Gifts
Most Former Employees of El Real Tex-Mex Got Nothing From an Assistance Fund — Updated
Chef with Decades-Long History Returns to Houston Food Scene with Wine Dinner
Who Makes the Best Bao in Houston? Check Out These Winners of This Year’s Big Bao Battle
Café Poêtes Provides a Parisian Hideaway with Hearty Fare Near Downtown Houston
Compass Box Brings Special Whiskey Tour to Penny Quarter in Houston — Updated
Most Former Employees of El Real Tex-Mex Got Nothing From an Assistance Fund — Updated
by Phaedra Cook and Carlos Brandon Crowdfunding platforms such as GoFundMe can be used for humanitarian efforts that demonstrate the combined power of good-hearted people. However, there is a potential flaw: anyone can start a crowdfunding campaign without much thought to how to actually distribute the funds . It’s one thing when a campaign is […]
Chef with Decades-Long History Returns to Houston Food Scene with Wine Dinner
Acclaimed Houston chef Aldo El Sharif, who has been away from the restaurant scene since 2013, is returning with a four-course wine dinner on Friday, November 15, 6 to 10 p.m. It’s taking place at Olive & Twist Bar + Kitchen, at 2712 Richmond, formerly home to Queen Vic Pub & Kitchen. El Sharif was […]
Film Featuring Cambodian-Owned, Houston-Area Donut Shops Wins Award
According to a new short documentary, as many as 95-percent of the doughnut shops in Texas are likely owned and operated by Cambodians. For the approximately one million of those lucky enough to escape the brutal Khmer Rouge regime between 1975 and 1979, it represented a way to earn a living in the United States. […]
Houston Competition Seeking the Best Bao Returns for Fourth Year
On November 6, the 4th Annual Big Bao Battle returns to the Ballroom at Bayou Place. The charitable food competition and all-you-can-eat event raises funds money for OCA-Greater Houston. Founded in 1973 as the “Organization of Chinese American” the OCA evolved to spread its advocacy and civil rights mission to all Asian-Pacific American communities. Among […]
Houston Restaurant Closing Shocker: El Real Tex-Mex is Shuttering — Updated
As of 10/28/19, 4:05 p.m., this story is continuing to be updated as new information comes in. Chef and owner Bryan Caswell announced this morning that he has closed El Real Tex-Mex Cafe at 1201 Westheimer. The Montrose restaurant, located in the old Tower Theater with the striking, vertical sign, made quite a splash when […]
Depressed Cake Shop Houston Returns With Sweet Fundraiser
The Depressed Cake Shop is returning for its seventh year to Silver Street Studios, located at 2000 Edwards. The event is from 1 to 5 p.m. on November 3. Each year, top houston pastry chefs and local bakers join forces to create thousands of goodies for the bake sale, which benefits the Montrose Center and […]
First Bite: “World Traveler” Restaurant in Montrose Has a Careful Path to Tread
In the 1980s, Banana Republic evoked pseudo-safari nostalgia: khaki safari jackets, khaki paratrooper bags emblazoned with red wings, khaki flight suits, khaki fedoras — enough khaki to dress all the stars and all the extras in all the Indiana Jones movies, which were popular then and probably the point. The armchair adventurer was the market. […]
2019 Astros World Series Specials at Houston Restaurants & Bars — Updated
Article by Phaedra Cook, with the occasional pinch-hit by Josh Armendariz Led by American League Championship Series MVP José Altuve, the Astros are headed back for their second World Series in two years. Anyone who’s been a fan for a long time knows exactly how amazing and special this is. For the next week, Houstonians […]
Drink Specials & Dish Deals in Houston for the 2019 Astros Playoffs
After a Major League best 107-win regular season and defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Division Series, the Astros are hosting the Yankees in the American League Championship Series. Restaurants and bars across the city are hosting watch parties and offering specials, and I’ve put together some of the best for you. […]
The Hit List: New Houston Restaurants to Visit in October 2019
Fall is usually a busy season for new Houston restaurants and, as the temperatures threaten to dip into the 80s, this autumn is already off to a tasty start. From a recently revamped Houston classic to Mike Tran’s latest venture in Chinatown, Houstonians have a plethora of new dining options. To help you decide where […]
Most Former Employees of El Real Tex-Mex Got Nothing From an Assistance Fund — Updated
by Phaedra Cook and Carlos Brandon Crowdfunding platforms such as GoFundMe can be used for humanitarian efforts that demonstrate the combined power of good-hearted people. However, there is a potential flaw: anyone can start a crowdfunding campaign without much thought to how to actually distribute the funds . It’s one thing when a campaign is […]
Chef with Decades-Long History Returns to Houston Food Scene with Wine Dinner
Acclaimed Houston chef Aldo El Sharif, who has been away from the restaurant scene since 2013, is returning with a four-course wine dinner on Friday, November 15, 6 to 10 p.m. It’s taking place at Olive & Twist Bar + Kitchen, at 2712 Richmond, formerly home to Queen Vic Pub & Kitchen. El Sharif was […]
Film Featuring Cambodian-Owned, Houston-Area Donut Shops Wins Award
According to a new short documentary, as many as 95-percent of the doughnut shops in Texas are likely owned and operated by Cambodians. For the approximately one million of those lucky enough to escape the brutal Khmer Rouge regime between 1975 and 1979, it represented a way to earn a living in the United States. […]
Houston Competition Seeking the Best Bao Returns for Fourth Year
On November 6, the 4th Annual Big Bao Battle returns to the Ballroom at Bayou Place. The charitable food competition and all-you-can-eat event raises funds money for OCA-Greater Houston. Founded in 1973 as the “Organization of Chinese American” the OCA evolved to spread its advocacy and civil rights mission to all Asian-Pacific American communities. Among […]
Houston Restaurant Closing Shocker: El Real Tex-Mex is Shuttering — Updated
As of 10/28/19, 4:05 p.m., this story is continuing to be updated as new information comes in. Chef and owner Bryan Caswell announced this morning that he has closed El Real Tex-Mex Cafe at 1201 Westheimer. The Montrose restaurant, located in the old Tower Theater with the striking, vertical sign, made quite a splash when […]
Depressed Cake Shop Houston Returns With Sweet Fundraiser
The Depressed Cake Shop is returning for its seventh year to Silver Street Studios, located at 2000 Edwards. The event is from 1 to 5 p.m. on November 3. Each year, top houston pastry chefs and local bakers join forces to create thousands of goodies for the bake sale, which benefits the Montrose Center and […]
First Bite: “World Traveler” Restaurant in Montrose Has a Careful Path to Tread
In the 1980s, Banana Republic evoked pseudo-safari nostalgia: khaki safari jackets, khaki paratrooper bags emblazoned with red wings, khaki flight suits, khaki fedoras — enough khaki to dress all the stars and all the extras in all the Indiana Jones movies, which were popular then and probably the point. The armchair adventurer was the market. […]
2019 Astros World Series Specials at Houston Restaurants & Bars — Updated
Article by Phaedra Cook, with the occasional pinch-hit by Josh Armendariz Led by American League Championship Series MVP José Altuve, the Astros are headed back for their second World Series in two years. Anyone who’s been a fan for a long time knows exactly how amazing and special this is. For the next week, Houstonians […]
Drink Specials & Dish Deals in Houston for the 2019 Astros Playoffs
After a Major League best 107-win regular season and defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Division Series, the Astros are hosting the Yankees in the American League Championship Series. Restaurants and bars across the city are hosting watch parties and offering specials, and I’ve put together some of the best for you. […]
The Hit List: New Houston Restaurants to Visit in October 2019
Fall is usually a busy season for new Houston restaurants and, as the temperatures threaten to dip into the 80s, this autumn is already off to a tasty start. From a recently revamped Houston classic to Mike Tran’s latest venture in Chinatown, Houstonians have a plethora of new dining options. To help you decide where […]
Who Makes the Best Bao in Houston? Check Out These Winners of This Year’s Big Bao Battle
Last night, at The Ballroom at Bayou Place, 12 chefs and restaurants battled for the honor of being named as having the best bao at the 4th annual Big Bao Battle. The charity food competition benefiting the OCA-Greater Houston welcomed over 400 guests to eat as many of the traditional Chinese steamed bun sandwiches as […]
Café Poêtes Provides a Parisian Hideaway with Hearty Fare Near Downtown Houston
So many photographers want to use the nearly all-white, yet lush interior of Café Poêtes at 122 West Grey as a backdrop, the owners have implemented a policy to rein in the practice. But make no mistakes: the elegant space adorned with dainty porcelain tea cups, paper flowers and a wall of books belies a […]
Where To Eat In West University and Rice Village — From A Resident
Guest writer Jonathan Horowitz is the CEO of Legacy Restaurants, which owns and operates the two Original Ninfa’s locations, Antone’s Famous Po’ Boys restaurants, and newly opened Mama Ninfa’s Tacos y Tortas. He was the president of the Greater Houston Restaurant Association from 2016-2018. A Rice University graduate, he moved to Houston from New Hampshire […]
Rosie Cannonball Brings a New & Needed Business Lunch Spot to Montrose
Before it closed to be remodeled and turned into steakhouse Georgia James, Underbelly often had a bustling lunch crowd. Next door, sister business The Hay Merchant took over lunch service after Underbelly’s demise, including some of the classic favorite dishes such as the fan-favorite Korean Goat Dumplings. Undeniably, though, not everyone wants to dine in […]
Atlas Diner Merges Morning-to-Night Americana with British Class
Chef Richard Knight’s new endeavor is Atlas Diner, located in Bravery Chef Hall at 409 Travis in Aris Tower, diagonally across from Market Street Park. While it has classic diner features, such as a long counter lined with seats and an open kitchen, the mesh of influences include classic British fare, including dishes that reflect […]
Where to Eat at Katy Asian Town Center — By a Resident
Guest writer Thomas Nguyen is a co-founder of South African restaurants Peli Peli and Peli Peli Kitchen. A graduate of Mayde Creek High School, Thomas and his family have lived in Katy since 1979. These days, he resides in Cinco Ranch with his wife, Kristine, and beloved pug, Tyson. Here’s a frequent comment I get […]
An Upscale Cake Truck is Heading to Houston for a Brief Visit
New York-based cake shop Lady M is not a stranger to Houston, as the company visited for a pop-up last year. This time, though, it’s returning with the #LadyMxBaccarat truck, a “luxury cake pop-up boutique” and it will only be in town for three days. The dates and hours are from 3 to 8 p.m. […]
Best Houston Japanese Restaurants for Omakase
The literal translation of the Japanese word omakase is “to entrust”. More loosely defined, the word means “I will leave it up to you”. In American Japanese dining, the term has taken on a life of its own. It is now colloquially used to define a series of rotating menus and seasonal experiences offered at […]
5 Best Memorial City Restaurants for Family Night Out
Sponsored Summer may be over, but it’s easy to extend the fun into fall with cool nights in Memorial City. Enjoy family-friendly specials all week during Family Night Out from September 23 through 29 at five area restaurants. These deals offer a variety of treats the whole family will love! Win the Ultimate Memorial City […]
5 Best Restaurants for Date Night Out In Memorial City
Sponsored This week, celebrate your special bond with these romantic date ideas in Memorial City. Take advantage of traditional dinnertime excursions at three locales or choose from two brunch affairs, complete with delicious sips and decadent bites. This special date-night week in Memorial City runs from September 16 through 22, which means there’s plenty of […]
Who Makes the Best Bao in Houston? Check Out These Winners of This Year’s Big Bao Battle
Last night, at The Ballroom at Bayou Place, 12 chefs and restaurants battled for the honor of being named as having the best bao at the 4th annual Big Bao Battle. The charity food competition benefiting the OCA-Greater Houston welcomed over 400 guests to eat as many of the traditional Chinese steamed bun sandwiches as […]
Café Poêtes Provides a Parisian Hideaway with Hearty Fare Near Downtown Houston
So many photographers want to use the nearly all-white, yet lush interior of Café Poêtes at 122 West Grey as a backdrop, the owners have implemented a policy to rein in the practice. But make no mistakes: the elegant space adorned with dainty porcelain tea cups, paper flowers and a wall of books belies a […]
Where To Eat In West University and Rice Village — From A Resident
Guest writer Jonathan Horowitz is the CEO of Legacy Restaurants, which owns and operates the two Original Ninfa’s locations, Antone’s Famous Po’ Boys restaurants, and newly opened Mama Ninfa’s Tacos y Tortas. He was the president of the Greater Houston Restaurant Association from 2016-2018. A Rice University graduate, he moved to Houston from New Hampshire […]
Rosie Cannonball Brings a New & Needed Business Lunch Spot to Montrose
Before it closed to be remodeled and turned into steakhouse Georgia James, Underbelly often had a bustling lunch crowd. Next door, sister business The Hay Merchant took over lunch service after Underbelly’s demise, including some of the classic favorite dishes such as the fan-favorite Korean Goat Dumplings. Undeniably, though, not everyone wants to dine in […]
Atlas Diner Merges Morning-to-Night Americana with British Class
Chef Richard Knight’s new endeavor is Atlas Diner, located in Bravery Chef Hall at 409 Travis in Aris Tower, diagonally across from Market Street Park. While it has classic diner features, such as a long counter lined with seats and an open kitchen, the mesh of influences include classic British fare, including dishes that reflect […]
Where to Eat at Katy Asian Town Center — By a Resident
Guest writer Thomas Nguyen is a co-founder of South African restaurants Peli Peli and Peli Peli Kitchen. A graduate of Mayde Creek High School, Thomas and his family have lived in Katy since 1979. These days, he resides in Cinco Ranch with his wife, Kristine, and beloved pug, Tyson. Here’s a frequent comment I get […]
An Upscale Cake Truck is Heading to Houston for a Brief Visit
New York-based cake shop Lady M is not a stranger to Houston, as the company visited for a pop-up last year. This time, though, it’s returning with the #LadyMxBaccarat truck, a “luxury cake pop-up boutique” and it will only be in town for three days. The dates and hours are from 3 to 8 p.m. […]
Best Houston Japanese Restaurants for Omakase
The literal translation of the Japanese word omakase is “to entrust”. More loosely defined, the word means “I will leave it up to you”. In American Japanese dining, the term has taken on a life of its own. It is now colloquially used to define a series of rotating menus and seasonal experiences offered at […]
5 Best Memorial City Restaurants for Family Night Out
Sponsored Summer may be over, but it’s easy to extend the fun into fall with cool nights in Memorial City. Enjoy family-friendly specials all week during Family Night Out from September 23 through 29 at five area restaurants. These deals offer a variety of treats the whole family will love! Win the Ultimate Memorial City […]
5 Best Restaurants for Date Night Out In Memorial City
Sponsored This week, celebrate your special bond with these romantic date ideas in Memorial City. Take advantage of traditional dinnertime excursions at three locales or choose from two brunch affairs, complete with delicious sips and decadent bites. This special date-night week in Memorial City runs from September 16 through 22, which means there’s plenty of […]
Compass Box Brings Special Whiskey Tour to Penny Quarter in Houston — Updated
Update, 11/6/19, 10:17 a.m.: Added information on the Compass Box dinner at Riel, Scotch whisky brand Compass Box is kicking off a five-city tour in Houston on Thursday, November 7th at 7 p.m. in Houston at Justin Yu and Bobby Heugel’s Penny Quarter, located directly behind Anvil Bar & Refuge at 1424 Westheimer. It’s to […]
Houston Wine Pros Return to Iron Sommelier to Battle in Good Taste
The annual Iron Sommelier competition returns on Wednesday, October 30 to its usual glamorous venue, The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa at 111 North Post Oak. It’s not just a wine competition: it’s also an important fundraiser for the Periwinkle Foundation, which provides programs for children, young adults and families who are challenged by cancer […]
We’re Not Sour on True Anomaly Brewing Co.
True Anomaly Brewing, the latest addition to Houston’s craft beer and EaDo bar scenes, opened its doors at 2012 Dallas this past February. Since then, it has garnered attention for its elegant, fruity, and sometimes salted sour beers, as well as its contemporary space-age aesthetic. On an uncharacteristically pleasant Sunday afternoon in September, we stopped […]
Houston Beer Bar Star Returns to Scene With Innovative Spring Branch Concept
After being absent from Houston’s bar scene since leaving The Hay Merchant in October 2018, the expansive Montrose beer bar that he helped establish as part of Underbelly Hospitality, Kevin Floyd is planning his big comeback. Those plans include his new business partners, longtime chef Dax McAnear and Jonas Herd, who has owned and operated […]
Houston Bar Owners Join Forces to Assist Hurricane-Ravaged Bahamas — Updated
Updated 9/23/2019, 10:32 a.m.: Houston Food Finder has been informed that the event series is now benefitting World Central Kitchen, the disaster food relief organization founded by chef José Andrés. In 2018 alone, the group responded to 13 disasters, including Hurricane Harvey. In addition, this article is updated to reflect that Flying Saucer Draught Emporium […]
First Bite: Toasted Coconut Melds Vibrant Tiki Style With a Full Menu
It seems like just yesterday when the team from Nobie’s was hosting Toasty Tuesdays — previews of what was to come at the forthcoming Tiki-inspired “barstaurant,” The Toasted Coconut. Fast-forward seven months and the doors are now open in the former Maria Selma space at 1617 Richmond. When the team of chef Martin Stayer, wife […]
Big Craft Beer Festival Returns Over Labor Day Weekend in Galveston
The 10th annual BrewMasters Craft Beer Festival at Moody Gardens Convention Center kicks off today (Friday, August 30) at 7 Hope Boulevard in Galveston. This extensive festival runs through September 1 and gives both independent brewery fanatics and newcomers the opportunity to try new beers and to learn more about the craft. The festival begins […]
Neighborhood Beer Garden Opens in Spring Branch with Menu of Elevated Bar Fare
Lazy Oaks Beer Garden is a quaint, dog- and kid-friendly new arrival to the Spring Branch/Shady Oaks neighborhood. Owned by Emily and Chris McReavy, who also own Public House Heights, the newly opened bar features a large back patio that opens to a full backyard. At 10158 Long Point Road, walking distance from several residential […]
Former Dynamo Player Plans Fall Opening of New Bar East of Downtown Houston
Former Houston Dynamo forward and current restaurateur Brian Ching has impacted Houston over the years both on and off the soccer field. From scoring goals to creating a welcoming space with the bar Pitch 25 in 2018, his reach is broad. Ching’s next project, East End Backyard, is set to open this October at 1105 […]
Best Bang-For-the-Buck Wines in Houston Restaurants & Bars
Everyone loves a good value, but when it comes to wine it’s not always a great idea to aim for the cheapest glass or bottle on the list. However, sometimes it’s fine! Sommeliers at Houston’s finest restaurants and wine bars all have favorite under-appreciated and under-valued regions they enjoy putting onto their lists. We talked […]
Compass Box Brings Special Whiskey Tour to Penny Quarter in Houston — Updated
Update, 11/6/19, 10:17 a.m.: Added information on the Compass Box dinner at Riel, Scotch whisky brand Compass Box is kicking off a five-city tour in Houston on Thursday, November 7th at 7 p.m. in Houston at Justin Yu and Bobby Heugel’s Penny Quarter, located directly behind Anvil Bar & Refuge at 1424 Westheimer. It’s to […]
Houston Wine Pros Return to Iron Sommelier to Battle in Good Taste
The annual Iron Sommelier competition returns on Wednesday, October 30 to its usual glamorous venue, The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa at 111 North Post Oak. It’s not just a wine competition: it’s also an important fundraiser for the Periwinkle Foundation, which provides programs for children, young adults and families who are challenged by cancer […]
We’re Not Sour on True Anomaly Brewing Co.
True Anomaly Brewing, the latest addition to Houston’s craft beer and EaDo bar scenes, opened its doors at 2012 Dallas this past February. Since then, it has garnered attention for its elegant, fruity, and sometimes salted sour beers, as well as its contemporary space-age aesthetic. On an uncharacteristically pleasant Sunday afternoon in September, we stopped […]
Houston Beer Bar Star Returns to Scene With Innovative Spring Branch Concept
After being absent from Houston’s bar scene since leaving The Hay Merchant in October 2018, the expansive Montrose beer bar that he helped establish as part of Underbelly Hospitality, Kevin Floyd is planning his big comeback. Those plans include his new business partners, longtime chef Dax McAnear and Jonas Herd, who has owned and operated […]
Houston Bar Owners Join Forces to Assist Hurricane-Ravaged Bahamas — Updated
Updated 9/23/2019, 10:32 a.m.: Houston Food Finder has been informed that the event series is now benefitting World Central Kitchen, the disaster food relief organization founded by chef José Andrés. In 2018 alone, the group responded to 13 disasters, including Hurricane Harvey. In addition, this article is updated to reflect that Flying Saucer Draught Emporium […]
First Bite: Toasted Coconut Melds Vibrant Tiki Style With a Full Menu
It seems like just yesterday when the team from Nobie’s was hosting Toasty Tuesdays — previews of what was to come at the forthcoming Tiki-inspired “barstaurant,” The Toasted Coconut. Fast-forward seven months and the doors are now open in the former Maria Selma space at 1617 Richmond. When the team of chef Martin Stayer, wife […]
Big Craft Beer Festival Returns Over Labor Day Weekend in Galveston
The 10th annual BrewMasters Craft Beer Festival at Moody Gardens Convention Center kicks off today (Friday, August 30) at 7 Hope Boulevard in Galveston. This extensive festival runs through September 1 and gives both independent brewery fanatics and newcomers the opportunity to try new beers and to learn more about the craft. The festival begins […]
Neighborhood Beer Garden Opens in Spring Branch with Menu of Elevated Bar Fare
Lazy Oaks Beer Garden is a quaint, dog- and kid-friendly new arrival to the Spring Branch/Shady Oaks neighborhood. Owned by Emily and Chris McReavy, who also own Public House Heights, the newly opened bar features a large back patio that opens to a full backyard. At 10158 Long Point Road, walking distance from several residential […]
Former Dynamo Player Plans Fall Opening of New Bar East of Downtown Houston
Former Houston Dynamo forward and current restaurateur Brian Ching has impacted Houston over the years both on and off the soccer field. From scoring goals to creating a welcoming space with the bar Pitch 25 in 2018, his reach is broad. Ching’s next project, East End Backyard, is set to open this October at 1105 […]
Best Bang-For-the-Buck Wines in Houston Restaurants & Bars
Everyone loves a good value, but when it comes to wine it’s not always a great idea to aim for the cheapest glass or bottle on the list. However, sometimes it’s fine! Sommeliers at Houston’s finest restaurants and wine bars all have favorite under-appreciated and under-valued regions they enjoy putting onto their lists. We talked […]
Dot merritt on Houston Restaurant Closing Shocker: El Real Tex-Mex is Shuttering — Updated
October 29, 2019 at 9:25 pmHouston Restaurant Closing Shocker: El Real Tex-Mex is Shuttering — Updated – 10NEWS on Houston Restaurant Closing Shocker: El Real Tex-Mex is Shuttering — Updated
October 28, 2019 at 12:28 pmJay Francis on Houston Restaurant Closing Shocker: El Real Tex-Mex is Shuttering — Updated
October 28, 2019 at 9:44 amAdán Medrano on First Bite: “World Traveler” Restaurant in Montrose Has a Careful Path to Tread
October 24, 2019 at 4:53 pmExploitative News: First Bite: "World Traveler" Restaurant in Montrose Has a Careful Path to Tread - houstonfoodfinder.com - Exploitative on First Bite: “World Traveler” Restaurant in Montrose Has a Careful Path to Tread
October 24, 2019 at 6:31 amExploitative News: First Bite: "World Traveler" Restaurant in Montrose Has a Careful Path to Tread - houstonfoodfinder.com - Exploitative on First Bite: “World Traveler” Restaurant in Montrose Has a Careful Path to Tread
October 24, 2019 at 6:31 am