Airbnb does more than match up seekers of lodging with private owners. It’s also long offered Airbnb Experiences to give travelers and locals alike an opportunity to experience some of the best that a city has to offer. And now our own editor and publisher Phaedra Cook, who’s covered the Houston restaurant and bar scene for 15 years, is curating and hosting local experiences. The first one is an exclusive lunch experience and tour on Friday, May 16 at elegant Indian restaurant Musaafer located at 5115 Westheimer in the Galleria. 

The palatial restaurant helmed by owners Shammi and Mithu Malik and executive chef Mayank Istwal was recognized with a Michelin star when the inaugural Texas Michelin Guide was revealed last year. It furthermore has the distinction of being the only Indian restaurant in Texas to receive a star. 

“I’m really honored to have an opportunity through the Airbnb Experiences program to show travelers and residents alike the places that make Houston an incredible culinary destination,” said Cook. “The company is looking to showcase outstanding, groundbreaking and unique restaurants of Houston. That immediately brought Musaafer to mind.”

Airbnb Experiences are intended for small, intimate groups, so the Mussafer luncheon will be limited to a dozen attendees. (As of press time, only nine remain.) However, the intent is for this curated event to be periodically repeated throughout the year. In addition, Cook says that development of additional Airbnb Experiences at other Houston restaurants are already underway. (Owners of restaurants and other food and drink businesses that would like to be considered for a future event can contact Cook via email.)

Attendees will be greeted with a welcome drink (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options will be available), meet key staff members and then indulge in a three-course lunch — appetizer, entrée and dessert — created especially for them. As the meal progresses, the staff will explain the ingredients and culinary history behind each dish. 

Then, guests will have the opportunity to tour the palatial space which is also the site of many museum-quality artifacts and objets d’art brought from India. Questions are encouraged, and there will be a special Q&A at the end. Guests will also be invited to discuss with Cook the past, present and future of Houston’s diverse and exciting restaurant scene. 

The cost for this limited-space, exclusive event is $78 per guest. The price includes the welcome drink, three-course lunch and tour. (Beverages other than the welcome drink are available for separate purchase.) Reservations can be made online at the Airbnb Experiences website. Interested parties are encouraged to make reservations ASAP. Due to the limited number of spots, the inaugural date for this Experience is expected to sell out. 

“We are thrilled to welcome not only inbound travelers to Houston, but also curious locals who have not yet had a chance to experience the ambiance, the cuisine, the service and the love that we have all wholeheartedly put into Musaafer,” said Mithu Malik. 

Mario-Sebastian Berry

Mario-Sebastian Berry is a wine and spirits vendor who has been in the hospitality industry since 2002. Currently, he represents Blanco, Texas-based Andalusia Whiskey Co. He holds numerous wine, beer and spirits certifications including Certified Sommelier. Somehow, he also finds time to be Houston Food Finder’s associate editor and social media manager.