Is the Out-of-Town Chain Invasion Hurting Independent Houston Restaurants?
There’s a saying that “a rising tide lifts all boats.” In the growing, rapidly changing and highly competitive world of Houston restaurants, that’s not always the case. 2018 was yet another year of rampant growth for the Houston dining scene. For food journalists and avid diners trying to keep up with over 100 new, high-profile eateries, it’s been challenging. In Houston, there is never a shortage of new menus to taste, new chefs to profile or new cocktails to sip. As Houston continues to receive accolades on a national level for its dining scene, it has also attracted restaurant chains […]
Under the Radar: Rico’s Morning + Noon + Night In Midtown Houston
At 401 Gray in the heart of midtown Houston, Rico’s Morning + Noon + Night is serving up burgers and hot dogs out of a large, glass-walled stand. It’s right across the street from parent restaurant Cyclone Anaya’s. There are a few tables on the patio and bar counter seating around the stand. Oh, and it serves breakfast all day long, hence the name. Breakfast is mostly standard protein, egg, and cheese tacos for all under $3 and there’s an egg, bacon, and cheese breakfast sandwich available for $3.50 — which places Rico’s in the “very affordable” category. General manager Alex Velasquez says […]
The 2018 James Beard Award Semifinalist List Is Out—And It’s A Banner Year For Houston
The cuts from the “long list” of James Beard Awards to the short list of finalists run deep, so there is no telling who from Houston will remain when that happens. For now, though, the Bayou City can revel in a lot of pride in the quality of its food scene as demonstrated in the lengthy number of semi-finalists. This year’s list ranges from the very expected to the insanely surprising. Some of those surprises are delightful; others are a bit troubling. The Tracy Vaught-Chef Hugo Ortega power team (otherwise known as H-Town Restaurant Group) continues to ride higher than […]
Editorial: Pageviews Is Not The Only God Of Internet Journalism
Taken together, articulating and acting on clear values alongside an aggressive commitment to transparency and community can be a roadmap for news organizations wanting to rebuild and strengthen trust and the emotional relationship with its audience. —”(HINT: IT’S ABOUT YOUR BRAND)” by Millie Tran and Stine Bauer Dahlberg You know I love it when the news is bad Why it feels so good to feel so sad? I’m only happy when it rains —“I’m Only Happy When It Rains” by Garbage It’s no secret that journalism — especially journalism that focuses on arts and entertainment — has been on a long, […]
Opinion: With Devastating Floods, Houston Restaurants & Bars Should Only Open For The Right Reasons
From editor Phaedra Cook with additions by Josh Armendariz: In light of the unprecedented, devastating flooding occurring across Houston and the surrounding areas, business owners need to take a strictly conscientious approach to whether or not to be open. Here are good reasons to be open: To help the surrounding community—your immediate neighbors—and take care of basic needs: food, drink, a dry place to rest, charge phones and provide access to a clean restroom. The restaurant or bar is not touched by floodwaters The ability to maintain sanitary conditions as required by law is intact Owners are working performing work […]