The Balvenie Returns To Houston With A New “Raw Craft” Tasting and Screening—Updated
Harold’s Gets Into The Food Truck Game With Sleek New Mobile Kitchen
Southern Smoke Adds Even More Star Power With Momofuku Chefs
Houston Food News Bites: Perfect Fall Events & Recent Restaurant Closings
“Chefs Unmasked” Raises Money for Hospitality Industry Victims Of Hurricane Harvey
Barbecue Rescue: Houston Pitmasters Answer The Call During Hurricane Harvey
Harold’s Gets Into The Food Truck Game With Sleek New Mobile Kitchen
Surprise! Owner Alli Jarrett of Harold’s Restaurant & Tap Room at 350 West 19th in the Heights revealed today that the company has been quietly working on a sleek black and red mobile kitchen with silver trim. It officially debuts on Saturday, October 14 at “Jorstoberfest,” Eureka Heights Brew Co’s denim-themed Octoberfest celebration. It starts at […]
Southern Smoke Adds Even More Star Power With Momofuku Chefs
In what is one of the most star-studded events in Houston this year, the upcoming Southern Smoke festival on Sunday, October 22, from 4 to 8 p.m., has added even more nationally renowned chefs to its already impressive lineup. The new additions are five-time James Beard Award-winner David Chang and Matthew Rudofker of Momofuku. They join […]
Houston Food News Bites: Perfect Fall Events & Recent Restaurant Closings
Week of October 9, 2017 We know our readers are as busy as we are and thought, “Wouldn’t it be cool to have just one roundup of important food news for the week? So, welcome to the inaugural edition of News Bites. It’s full of short, sweet and tasty tidbits. We hope you find it […]
“Chefs Unmasked” Raises Money for Hospitality Industry Victims Of Hurricane Harvey
Weeks after Hurricane Harvey rendered the city’s dining industry immobile—with kitchens unreachable and restaurants closed for days following the storm—many of Houston’s hospitality workers still find themselves struggling to get back on their feet. With lost wages, flooded homes, or any combination of post-hurricane hardships, even those who returned to work as soon as possible […]
Barbecue Rescue: Houston Pitmasters Answer The Call During Hurricane Harvey
This is the second installment for Houston Restaurant Recognition Month where we acknowledge restaurant and bar professionals who helped the community after Hurricane Harvey. Part 1: Houston Hospitality Workers Among First Responders To Hurricane Harvey. As Hurricane Harvey pressed inland over South Texas over the weekend of August 25, people across the Gulf Coast anticipated […]
Upcoming Event: Top Houston Wine Pros Battle For Charity At Iron Sommelier
One of Houston’s best wine events, Iron Sommelier, returns to the Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa on Thursday, November 9 starting at 6 p.m. This is the 10th year the tasting event, competition and silent auction has raised funds for The Periwinkle Foundation, a charity that helps children who are fighting life-threatening illnesses and their families. This year’s competitors […]
Houston Chefs To Know: Mark Schmidt at Rainbow Lodge
Rainbow Lodge, the beautiful, spacious log cabin at 2011 Ella near T.C. Jester, has long been known for its game meat-centric menu and the weddings held on its impeccably landscaped grounds. Behind the acclaimed cuisine is executive chef Mark Schmidt, who has helmed the Rainbow Lodge kitchen a total of five years. He was born […]
Opening Alert: Theodore Rex In Former Oxheart Space Is Ready To Serve
After a delay caused by flooding from Hurricane Harvey, Theodore Rex is now ready to open in the former Oxheart space at 1302 Nance. The new 28-seat restaurant, named for the nephew of James Beard Award-winning chef and owner Justin Yu, officially opens on Friday, October 6. Jason White (who previously worked at Oxheart and was […]
The Original OKRA Charity Saloon Celebrates One Million Donated Dollars With A Big Bash
When members of the Organized Kollaboration on Restaurant Affairs (aka “OKRA”) opened The Original OKRA Charity Saloon in December 2012, the concept of a bar that donated all profits to charity seemed like a good idea, but it was untested. Five years later, it’s safe to say the bar’s mission has been extremely successful. The […]
Killen’s STQ Adds Lunch Service
Killen’s STQ at 2231 South Voss will soon be available for some meat-centric power lunches—but only three days a week. Starting on October 5, chef Ronnie Killen’s only restaurant within Houston city limits (for now) will open for lunch Thursdays through Saturdays. The hours are from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Killen’s STQ then closes […]
Harold’s Gets Into The Food Truck Game With Sleek New Mobile Kitchen
Surprise! Owner Alli Jarrett of Harold’s Restaurant & Tap Room at 350 West 19th in the Heights revealed today that the company has been quietly working on a sleek black and red mobile kitchen with silver trim. It officially debuts on Saturday, October 14 at “Jorstoberfest,” Eureka Heights Brew Co’s denim-themed Octoberfest celebration. It starts at […]
Southern Smoke Adds Even More Star Power With Momofuku Chefs
In what is one of the most star-studded events in Houston this year, the upcoming Southern Smoke festival on Sunday, October 22, from 4 to 8 p.m., has added even more nationally renowned chefs to its already impressive lineup. The new additions are five-time James Beard Award-winner David Chang and Matthew Rudofker of Momofuku. They join […]
Houston Food News Bites: Perfect Fall Events & Recent Restaurant Closings
Week of October 9, 2017 We know our readers are as busy as we are and thought, “Wouldn’t it be cool to have just one roundup of important food news for the week? So, welcome to the inaugural edition of News Bites. It’s full of short, sweet and tasty tidbits. We hope you find it […]
“Chefs Unmasked” Raises Money for Hospitality Industry Victims Of Hurricane Harvey
Weeks after Hurricane Harvey rendered the city’s dining industry immobile—with kitchens unreachable and restaurants closed for days following the storm—many of Houston’s hospitality workers still find themselves struggling to get back on their feet. With lost wages, flooded homes, or any combination of post-hurricane hardships, even those who returned to work as soon as possible […]
Barbecue Rescue: Houston Pitmasters Answer The Call During Hurricane Harvey
This is the second installment for Houston Restaurant Recognition Month where we acknowledge restaurant and bar professionals who helped the community after Hurricane Harvey. Part 1: Houston Hospitality Workers Among First Responders To Hurricane Harvey. As Hurricane Harvey pressed inland over South Texas over the weekend of August 25, people across the Gulf Coast anticipated […]
Upcoming Event: Top Houston Wine Pros Battle For Charity At Iron Sommelier
One of Houston’s best wine events, Iron Sommelier, returns to the Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa on Thursday, November 9 starting at 6 p.m. This is the 10th year the tasting event, competition and silent auction has raised funds for The Periwinkle Foundation, a charity that helps children who are fighting life-threatening illnesses and their families. This year’s competitors […]
Houston Chefs To Know: Mark Schmidt at Rainbow Lodge
Rainbow Lodge, the beautiful, spacious log cabin at 2011 Ella near T.C. Jester, has long been known for its game meat-centric menu and the weddings held on its impeccably landscaped grounds. Behind the acclaimed cuisine is executive chef Mark Schmidt, who has helmed the Rainbow Lodge kitchen a total of five years. He was born […]
Opening Alert: Theodore Rex In Former Oxheart Space Is Ready To Serve
After a delay caused by flooding from Hurricane Harvey, Theodore Rex is now ready to open in the former Oxheart space at 1302 Nance. The new 28-seat restaurant, named for the nephew of James Beard Award-winning chef and owner Justin Yu, officially opens on Friday, October 6. Jason White (who previously worked at Oxheart and was […]
The Original OKRA Charity Saloon Celebrates One Million Donated Dollars With A Big Bash
When members of the Organized Kollaboration on Restaurant Affairs (aka “OKRA”) opened The Original OKRA Charity Saloon in December 2012, the concept of a bar that donated all profits to charity seemed like a good idea, but it was untested. Five years later, it’s safe to say the bar’s mission has been extremely successful. The […]
Killen’s STQ Adds Lunch Service
Killen’s STQ at 2231 South Voss will soon be available for some meat-centric power lunches—but only three days a week. Starting on October 5, chef Ronnie Killen’s only restaurant within Houston city limits (for now) will open for lunch Thursdays through Saturdays. The hours are from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Killen’s STQ then closes […]
Field & Tides Features Eureka Heights Brewery At Upcoming Dinner
When you think of “beer food”, what comes to mind? Fried items, bar food and hot dogs? Those are only the most casual options—the beginning of beer-pairing possibilities. Field & Tides at 705 East 11th in the Heights is hosting neighboring Eureka Heights Brewery for a more elevated five-course beer pairing menu featuring game and Gulf seafood. This […]
Best Houston Bakeries For Freshly Baked Bread
There’s an incomparable smell, texture and taste to freshly baked bread, but most of us don’t have the time to make professional-quality bread at home. Here are a few places around Houston for picking up top-notch baked goods. Note: As of the publication date, these bakeries report being open and fully stocked following Hurricane Harvey. […]
Where To Stock Up On Hurricane Supplies When The Grocery Stores Run Dry—Updated
If you haven’t been stocking up by the time a hurricane forms in the Gulf of Mexico, chances are you will be greeted with empty grocery store shelves—especially the bottled water aisle. So, it’s important to think outside the box and look in stores that don’t occur to everyone. Updated, 8/24/17, 1:30 p.m.: The smaller […]
Krisp Bird & Batter In The Heights Will Feature Breakfast, Espresso Drinks & More
The parade of new restaurants opening in the Heights is marching on at a rapid pace. Among them is the second location of Krisp Bird & Batter, an upscale fast-casual restaurant that focuses on top-quality sandwiches made with organic, pasture-raised, hormone- and antibiotic-free chicken. The original restaurant is at 5922 Richmond Avenue (in what would […]
Morgan Weber Of Eight Row Flint And Master Distiller Dave Pickerell Are Opening A Spirits Company
Morgan Weber—who opened Coltivare, Revival Market And Eight Row Flint alongside chef Ryan Pera as part of Agricole Hospitality—is starting a new endeavor named Indianola Distilling Company. The company’s spirits will be available at Coltivare, Eight Row Flint and forthcoming Indianola, Vinny’s and Miss Carousel in early 2018, as well as other restaurants and retail […]
Ford Fry’s Tex-Mex Concept Superica Slated To Open In The Heights
The rumor mill has been churning for weeks, but a press release this morning confirms that five-time James Beard-nominated chef and restaurateur Ford Fry is opening a second restaurant in his hometown. (His first restaurant in the Bayou City is State of Grace.) The third incarnation of Superica, Fry’s Tex-Mex concept with two locations in […]
Tickets Are Going Fast For This Year’s Houston BBQ Throwdown
The Houston Barbecue Festival and Saint Arnold Brewing Company announce the 3rd Annual Houston BBQ Throwdown! Houston barbecue restaurants are competing to create the dish that best represents Houston-style barbecue. This year’s event will be held at Saint Arnold Brewing Company on Sunday, September 24, from 1 to 4 p.m. As of this writing, only about 100 […]
What We Eat—And Cook—When We’re Sad
It’s been an especially depressing and distracting week, no matter where anyone is on the political or social spectrum. The negative, tragic and disturbing news flowing into our social media feeds just won’t stop. It’s enough to make you sit in the corner and eat an entire pint of ice cream—alone. For some, emotional eating […]
Review: Rim Tanon In Upper Kirby Serves A Refined Yet Unfussy Take On Thai
At Rim Tanon, a modest but attractively designed Thai restaurant located at 2241 Richmond (near Hobbit Cafe), three people can comfortably dine together on a hundred spot, total, and all luxuriously cruise through the menu. That covers each person ordering an appetizer, entrée and non-alcoholic beverage. That is not to say this is “cheap” Thai […]
Would You Eat This? “Love at First Sting” Burger At Hopdoddy Requires A Waiver
Would you eat a burger laden with peppers so hot that the restaurant requires that you sign a waiver before consuming it? Chileheads and culinary daredevils can sink their teeth into a hot pepper-topped burger, Love at First Sting, now through August 22 at all Hopdoddy Burger Bar locations. The burger comes with a mini vanilla milkshake […]
Field & Tides Features Eureka Heights Brewery At Upcoming Dinner
When you think of “beer food”, what comes to mind? Fried items, bar food and hot dogs? Those are only the most casual options—the beginning of beer-pairing possibilities. Field & Tides at 705 East 11th in the Heights is hosting neighboring Eureka Heights Brewery for a more elevated five-course beer pairing menu featuring game and Gulf seafood. This […]
Best Houston Bakeries For Freshly Baked Bread
There’s an incomparable smell, texture and taste to freshly baked bread, but most of us don’t have the time to make professional-quality bread at home. Here are a few places around Houston for picking up top-notch baked goods. Note: As of the publication date, these bakeries report being open and fully stocked following Hurricane Harvey. […]
Where To Stock Up On Hurricane Supplies When The Grocery Stores Run Dry—Updated
If you haven’t been stocking up by the time a hurricane forms in the Gulf of Mexico, chances are you will be greeted with empty grocery store shelves—especially the bottled water aisle. So, it’s important to think outside the box and look in stores that don’t occur to everyone. Updated, 8/24/17, 1:30 p.m.: The smaller […]
Krisp Bird & Batter In The Heights Will Feature Breakfast, Espresso Drinks & More
The parade of new restaurants opening in the Heights is marching on at a rapid pace. Among them is the second location of Krisp Bird & Batter, an upscale fast-casual restaurant that focuses on top-quality sandwiches made with organic, pasture-raised, hormone- and antibiotic-free chicken. The original restaurant is at 5922 Richmond Avenue (in what would […]
Morgan Weber Of Eight Row Flint And Master Distiller Dave Pickerell Are Opening A Spirits Company
Morgan Weber—who opened Coltivare, Revival Market And Eight Row Flint alongside chef Ryan Pera as part of Agricole Hospitality—is starting a new endeavor named Indianola Distilling Company. The company’s spirits will be available at Coltivare, Eight Row Flint and forthcoming Indianola, Vinny’s and Miss Carousel in early 2018, as well as other restaurants and retail […]
Ford Fry’s Tex-Mex Concept Superica Slated To Open In The Heights
The rumor mill has been churning for weeks, but a press release this morning confirms that five-time James Beard-nominated chef and restaurateur Ford Fry is opening a second restaurant in his hometown. (His first restaurant in the Bayou City is State of Grace.) The third incarnation of Superica, Fry’s Tex-Mex concept with two locations in […]
Tickets Are Going Fast For This Year’s Houston BBQ Throwdown
The Houston Barbecue Festival and Saint Arnold Brewing Company announce the 3rd Annual Houston BBQ Throwdown! Houston barbecue restaurants are competing to create the dish that best represents Houston-style barbecue. This year’s event will be held at Saint Arnold Brewing Company on Sunday, September 24, from 1 to 4 p.m. As of this writing, only about 100 […]
What We Eat—And Cook—When We’re Sad
It’s been an especially depressing and distracting week, no matter where anyone is on the political or social spectrum. The negative, tragic and disturbing news flowing into our social media feeds just won’t stop. It’s enough to make you sit in the corner and eat an entire pint of ice cream—alone. For some, emotional eating […]
Review: Rim Tanon In Upper Kirby Serves A Refined Yet Unfussy Take On Thai
At Rim Tanon, a modest but attractively designed Thai restaurant located at 2241 Richmond (near Hobbit Cafe), three people can comfortably dine together on a hundred spot, total, and all luxuriously cruise through the menu. That covers each person ordering an appetizer, entrée and non-alcoholic beverage. That is not to say this is “cheap” Thai […]
Would You Eat This? “Love at First Sting” Burger At Hopdoddy Requires A Waiver
Would you eat a burger laden with peppers so hot that the restaurant requires that you sign a waiver before consuming it? Chileheads and culinary daredevils can sink their teeth into a hot pepper-topped burger, Love at First Sting, now through August 22 at all Hopdoddy Burger Bar locations. The burger comes with a mini vanilla milkshake […]
The Balvenie Returns To Houston With A New “Raw Craft” Tasting and Screening—Updated
Updated, 10/17/17: A reader has informed us that all event times are now completely booked. On Tuesday, October 17, The Balvenie Scotch whiskey brand is hosting a tasting and screening at the Majestic Metro theater and event venue at 911 Preston. It’s free to the public but attendees must register online for a ticket. There […]
Anvil Bar & Refuge Is Finally Offering A Frozen Cocktail—Updated
After nine years, Anvil Bar & Refuge has added a blender to the back bar. What is this world coming to? Are we soon in for Cosmopolitans and B-52 shots on the drink list, right next to the Anvil Pousse-Cafe? Update, 10/5/2017, 10:18 a.m.: Well, yes, actually, we are in for Cosmopolitans. Anvil director of operations […]
First Look at Prelude Coffee & Tea In Downtown Houston
As their first Houston coffee shop, Greenway Coffee & Tea, approaches the decade mark (and is undergoing a well-deserved remodel), Ecky Prabanto and David Buehrer have now unveiled their fifth. Prelude Coffee & Tea, designed by Emily Sutton of HOK, is a clean-lined space in the new Hines tower at 609 Main and Texas. With […]
The Hay Merchant Rolls Out Its New Cocktail Program; Underbelly Soon To Follow
Remember when we reported on changes at Underbelly and The Hay Merchant, including forthcoming cocktail programs at each? That was back in June and the anticipated rollout at the time was July. Well, as any bar or restaurant owner knows, the wheels at the City of Houston permitting department sometimes roll slower than expected. The […]
4 Tiki Cocktails To Drink Right Now In Houston—And 1 To Look Forward To
Tiki cocktails are famous for deceptively potent blends of liquor–often rum, but not always—fresh juices, funky syrups and creative garnishes. Connoisseurs of these drinks know that the right season to imbibe is—well, any time of the year. For many people though, summer is when they crave these island-inspired libations. While some people think anything made […]
Literary Libations Week Launches Today at Houston Bars
Books and booze have long shared an entwined—and entertaining—history. Just look to writers like Sinclair Lewis, Eugene O’Neill, William Faulkner and Ernest Hemingway whose prose reflects thoughts and discussions influenced by imbibing. Starting today, proceeds from specific cocktails inspired by these kinds of writers and sold at four Houston bars will go towards promoting literacy. Based […]
Hughie’s on North Main Officially Opening Next Week With One Arm Tied Behind…er…Next Door
For years now, Hughie’s Tavern & Vietnamese Grille (1802 West 18th), located in a former Timbergrove-area Dairy Queen, has been wildly popular destination for those craving craft beer and good Vietnamese grub. Earlier this year, word spread that Phillip Pham and fam had leased the former Foreign Correspondents space at 4727 North Main, then came […]
Thirsty AND Hungry? Here Are Five Houston Bars That Serve Great Food
People usually go to bars with the intent to just have a few drinks, but what happens when the munchies strike? If the bar doesn’t have a full-fledged food menu, hungry imbibers may be stuck with a small bowl of snack mix comprised of undisclosed ingredients. This is a real problem, so here’s a list […]
First Look: New Restaurant a’Bouzy Celebrates Bubbly
Booze, bites, and bubbles are the centerpieces of new restaurant a’Bouzy, opening Wednesday, August 2 in River Oaks. Owner Shawn Virene, formerly the managing partner for Brasserie 19, brings a level of sophisticated fun to his “Champagne-fueled” concept, where over 250 types of Champagne and sparkling wine grace a list with more than 1,000 labels. […]
Saint Arnold And The Hay Merchant Team Up On Special Beer For MS Fundraiser
Houston-based Saint Arnold Brewing Company has brewed a limited edition beer, Gordon’s TerraForm, to raise money for the Grant Gordon Foundation. The organization, founded in 2015, educates patients and their families on the chemical effects of multiple sclerosis (MS) on the brain, which can lead to mental health issues. The beer debuts at The Hay Merchant at […]
The Balvenie Returns To Houston With A New “Raw Craft” Tasting and Screening—Updated
Updated, 10/17/17: A reader has informed us that all event times are now completely booked. On Tuesday, October 17, The Balvenie Scotch whiskey brand is hosting a tasting and screening at the Majestic Metro theater and event venue at 911 Preston. It’s free to the public but attendees must register online for a ticket. There […]
Anvil Bar & Refuge Is Finally Offering A Frozen Cocktail—Updated
After nine years, Anvil Bar & Refuge has added a blender to the back bar. What is this world coming to? Are we soon in for Cosmopolitans and B-52 shots on the drink list, right next to the Anvil Pousse-Cafe? Update, 10/5/2017, 10:18 a.m.: Well, yes, actually, we are in for Cosmopolitans. Anvil director of operations […]
First Look at Prelude Coffee & Tea In Downtown Houston
As their first Houston coffee shop, Greenway Coffee & Tea, approaches the decade mark (and is undergoing a well-deserved remodel), Ecky Prabanto and David Buehrer have now unveiled their fifth. Prelude Coffee & Tea, designed by Emily Sutton of HOK, is a clean-lined space in the new Hines tower at 609 Main and Texas. With […]
The Hay Merchant Rolls Out Its New Cocktail Program; Underbelly Soon To Follow
Remember when we reported on changes at Underbelly and The Hay Merchant, including forthcoming cocktail programs at each? That was back in June and the anticipated rollout at the time was July. Well, as any bar or restaurant owner knows, the wheels at the City of Houston permitting department sometimes roll slower than expected. The […]
4 Tiki Cocktails To Drink Right Now In Houston—And 1 To Look Forward To
Tiki cocktails are famous for deceptively potent blends of liquor–often rum, but not always—fresh juices, funky syrups and creative garnishes. Connoisseurs of these drinks know that the right season to imbibe is—well, any time of the year. For many people though, summer is when they crave these island-inspired libations. While some people think anything made […]
Literary Libations Week Launches Today at Houston Bars
Books and booze have long shared an entwined—and entertaining—history. Just look to writers like Sinclair Lewis, Eugene O’Neill, William Faulkner and Ernest Hemingway whose prose reflects thoughts and discussions influenced by imbibing. Starting today, proceeds from specific cocktails inspired by these kinds of writers and sold at four Houston bars will go towards promoting literacy. Based […]
Hughie’s on North Main Officially Opening Next Week With One Arm Tied Behind…er…Next Door
For years now, Hughie’s Tavern & Vietnamese Grille (1802 West 18th), located in a former Timbergrove-area Dairy Queen, has been wildly popular destination for those craving craft beer and good Vietnamese grub. Earlier this year, word spread that Phillip Pham and fam had leased the former Foreign Correspondents space at 4727 North Main, then came […]
Thirsty AND Hungry? Here Are Five Houston Bars That Serve Great Food
People usually go to bars with the intent to just have a few drinks, but what happens when the munchies strike? If the bar doesn’t have a full-fledged food menu, hungry imbibers may be stuck with a small bowl of snack mix comprised of undisclosed ingredients. This is a real problem, so here’s a list […]
First Look: New Restaurant a’Bouzy Celebrates Bubbly
Booze, bites, and bubbles are the centerpieces of new restaurant a’Bouzy, opening Wednesday, August 2 in River Oaks. Owner Shawn Virene, formerly the managing partner for Brasserie 19, brings a level of sophisticated fun to his “Champagne-fueled” concept, where over 250 types of Champagne and sparkling wine grace a list with more than 1,000 labels. […]
Saint Arnold And The Hay Merchant Team Up On Special Beer For MS Fundraiser
Houston-based Saint Arnold Brewing Company has brewed a limited edition beer, Gordon’s TerraForm, to raise money for the Grant Gordon Foundation. The organization, founded in 2015, educates patients and their families on the chemical effects of multiple sclerosis (MS) on the brain, which can lead to mental health issues. The beer debuts at The Hay Merchant at […]
Scott Sandlin on Barbecue Rescue: Houston Pitmasters Answer The Call During Hurricane Harvey
October 12, 2017 at 9:14 amBud Royer on Barbecue Rescue: Houston Pitmasters Answer The Call During Hurricane Harvey
October 10, 2017 at 1:43 pmPhaedra Cook on Houston Chefs To Know: Mark Schmidt at Rainbow Lodge
October 5, 2017 at 9:23 pmMargo Stephanow on Houston Chefs To Know: Mark Schmidt at Rainbow Lodge
October 5, 2017 at 6:39 pmPhaedra Cook on Exclusive: KUU Owner Speaks Out On Bad Assumptions Regarding TABC “Refilling Bottles” Citation—Updated
September 22, 2017 at 11:34 amSteve Stelzer on Exclusive: KUU Owner Speaks Out On Bad Assumptions Regarding TABC “Refilling Bottles” Citation—Updated
September 22, 2017 at 9:39 am