ReportWire

Tag: local

  • Best Of Houston® 2025: Best Brunch – Montrose – Houston Press

    [ad_1]

    Overview:

    We choose this year’s winner of the Best Montrose Brunch.

    Best Brunch – Montrose: Októ

    Another hit from Sof Hospitality (the team behind Doris Metropolitan and Hamsa), Októ has brought its playful, modern Mediterranean flair to the brunch scene earlier this spring. The menu moves from Lox & Latkes with Osetra caviar and Green Shakshuka with spinach and feta, to Octopus Carpaccio and Frena French Toast with blueberry clove compote. Cocktails and luxe snacks like mini caviar-tinis keep the energy high, even when it’s not patio weather.

    888 Westheimer

    713-485-0841

    oktorestaurant.com

    [ad_2]

    Houston Press

    Source link

  • Best Of Houston® 2025: Best Fancy Burger – Houston Press

    [ad_1]

    Best Fancy Burger: Chardon

    Melty raclette. Velvety onion fondue. Crispy watercress. And earthy black truffle. That’s what you’re in for when you order the signature Black Truffle Wagyu Steak Burger at The Thompson Hotel’s sophisticated French spot. With a sidecar of golden duck fat fries and a bright, simple salad, it’s best washed down with a bold red or opulent olive brine martini (whether or not you add the caviar bump is up to you).

    1711 Allen Parkway 

    346-560-4180

    chardonhouston.com

    [ad_2]

    Houston Press

    Source link

  • Best Of Houston® 2025: Best Teahouse – Houston Press

    [ad_1]

    Best Teahouse: Emma Jane

    Set in a charming house with neutral tones, floral accents, and a lush 6,000-square-foot back patio, his new Harlow District offers a relaxed and elegant English-style tea experience with brunch, afternoon tea, bubbly and cocktails. Guests can sip a curated selection of teas — from smoky blacks to floral honeysuckle fig — while enjoying chef-driven tea towers with globally inspired tea sandwiches, sweet and savory scones with housemade clotted cream, and pastries like curd- and crèmeux-stuffed cones. Brunch highlights include French omelets with caviar, short stacks with Earl Grey maple syrup, and classic niçoise salad.

    1226 West Clay 

    346-571-6961

    emmajanehtx.com

    [ad_2]

    Houston Press

    Source link

  • Best Of Houston® 2025: Best Vibe Dining – Houston Press

    [ad_1]

    Best Vibe Dining: Toca Madera

    Now in its second year at The Pavilion at The Allen, Houston’s hottest dining destination serves up fiery Mexican flavors with fire dancers, roaming guitarists and a vibe that’s equal parts luxe and sexy. Think dark and moody interiors with natural accents, an inviting lush patio, two bars, a new private speakeasy, and tableside flaming Tomahawks. Go for truffle quesadilla, crispy wonton tacos stuffed with tun and A5 Wagyu, Mayan prawns dripping in chipotle butter, aromatic cocktails hit with hibiscus, agave, serrano and smoke, and a full-sensory experience you’ll be thinking about long after you leave.

    1120 Dennis 

    281-888-5926 

    tagohtx.com

    [ad_2]

    Houston Press

    Source link

  • This Week in Food Events: Brunch Tacos and Fancy Wine – Houston Press

    [ad_1]

    All week long

    Wild Game Specials at Ouisie’s Table

    Ouisie’s Table, 3939 San Felipe, is serving up a weekly series of imaginative game dinners now through November 26. This week features Braised Wild North American Elk Osso Buco.

    Monday–Thursday

    Sips of the Season Week of Giving at The Spot

    The Spot, 2003 Emancipation, hosts its Sips of the Season Week of Giving from Monday, November 17 through Thursday, November 20, offering free meals daily from noon to 1 p.m. Each meal comes with a complimentary beverage and a freshly prepared dish from rotating food truck partners including The Tamale Shakk, Lust for Crust, Kozy Kitchen & Moore and Wings Boyzz. The long-running community lounge continues its nearly 20-year tradition of giving back with this early holiday effort, open to anyone in need. 

    Tuesday, November 18

    Nugsgiving at Cheba Hut 

    From 4:20 to 10 p.m., fans can visit any participating Cheba Hut nationwide to grab a free 4” Nug sub or an order of Pretzel Nugs with honey mustard. No app or purchase is required. 

    Turkey Bowl Fundraiser at Main Event Stafford

    Chef Don Bowie’s nonprofit, Big Chef Bowie Cares, returns with its annual Turkey Bowl fundraiser at Main Event in Stafford, supporting City Wide Club of Houston’s Super Feast. From 7 to 10 p.m., guests can hit the lanes, enjoy bites and drinks, and give back to Houston families in need this holiday season.

    Wednesday, November 19

    Scribe Winery at The Marigold Club

    The Marigold Club, 2531 Kuester, is hosting an intimate wine dinner with California’s acclaimed Scribe Winery at 6:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy rare, limited-production pours and new releases paired with dishes like Hokkaido scallop crudo, duck Wellington, and classic tarte tatin, all while hearing stories from Scribe’s owner Andrew Mariani. Bubbles are poured at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $295 per person via OpenTable.

    Caymus Wine Dinner at Zanti Cucina Italiana

    Zanti Cucina Italiana, 1958 West Gray, hosts an exclusive five-course wine dinner in partnership with Caymus Vineyards at 7 p.m. Guests can enjoy pairings alongside dishes like cured Carabinero shrimp, lobster ravioli, venison risotto, slow-roasted lamb rib with fig sauce, and goat cheese gelato with truffle and dark chocolate — plus a taste of a not-yet-released Bonanza Chardonnay. Reservations are available via OpenTable.

    Thursday, November 20

    Austin Hope Wine Dinner at Marvino’s Italian Steakhouse

    Marvino’s, 24002 Northwest Freeway, hosts a four-course Austin Hope Wine Dinner at 7 p.m. The $99-per-person experience (plus tax and gratuity) features dishes like wild mushroom risotto, lobster ravioli in lemon butter sage sauce, boneless ribeye with Bordelaise and au gratin potatoes, and a dark chocolate hazelnut tart with vanilla bean gelato — each paired with wines from Paso Robles, including Quest Cabernet Franc and Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon. Seating is limited and reservations are encouraged.

    Friendsgiving at Sol 7

    Thompson Hotel, 1717 Allen Parkway, invites guests to celebrate the season of gratitude with an unforgettable rooftop Friendsgiving at Sol 7. The evening kicks off with a festive cocktail before guests enjoy a lavish buffet of seasonal fare and an exclusive wine tasting, all set against the glittering Houston skyline.

    Iron Sommelier at The Post Oak Hotel

    The Periwinkle Foundation hosts Houston’s premier wine tasting and sommelier competition, Iron Sommelier, benefiting pediatric cancer programs at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center. Guests can sip exceptional wines as top sommeliers present their best selections, with judging based on presentation, creativity, and knowledge. The evening features tasting rooms, People’s Choice voting, an awards ceremony and a live auction. 6pm to 10pm. Tickets are $250.

    Saturday, November 22

    Tamale-Making Class at Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen

    Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen, 1140 Eldridge, kicks off its holiday festivities with the first hands-on tamale-making class of the season from 1 to 4 p.m. For $75 per person, guests learn the ancient art of making tamales — and get to enjoy the fruits of their labor afterward. Additional classes and a special public Tamalada are set for December, and private tamaladas can be arranged at either location. 

    Radfest at Axelrad Beer Garden

    Axelrad, 1517 Alabama, is teaming up with School of Rock Houston for Radfest, an all-day, three-stage music festival and artist showcase that doubles as a fundraiser for Houston Food Bank. Expect a killer lineup featuring Daikaiju, Los Skarnales and a stacked list of local acts, plus cocktails, mocktails, beer and wine flowing all day. Fuel up with eats from Homies (tacos, fried chicken, and mac and cheese), Luigi’s Pizzeria, and Tita’s Tamales while you catch sets from Houston bands, DJs and School of Rock students and instructors. Tickets are $20 in advance ($25 at the door), with $40 VIP passes that include drink specials, a Radfest tee and reserved seating.

    Saturday–Sunday

    Breakfast Tacos at Craft Pita

    Craft Pita, 5172 Buffalo Speedway, 1920 Fountain View,  has added breakfast tacos to its weekend brunch menu, offering two options: a Beef Bacon Breakfast Taco plate with three tacos filled with beef bacon, hash browns, Lebanese cheese blend, sautéed onions and hot sauce; and a Feta Potato Taco plate with three tacos featuring hash browns, Lebanese cheese blend, sautéed onions and hot sauce. Brunch is served at both Craft Pita locations on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

    Texas Renaissance Festival

    Texas’ largest Renaissance-themed festival continues with the Barbarian Invasion weekend. Step into a world of fantasy, food and revelry, with turkey legs, mead and themed entertainment ranging from costume contests to live performances. Tickets start at $25 for adults and $10 for kids ages 5–12; children 4 and under get in free.

    Sunday, November 23

    Saber & Sip Brunch at The Annie Cafe

    Berg Hospitality and Madame Zéro Champagne are teaming up to toast Houston’s fall patio season with a Saber & Sip Brunch at The Annie Café, 1800 Post Oak, on Sunday, 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Enjoy live sabering, tastings and champagne cocktails like the Madame Zéro French 75 and Blanc de Blancs Aperol Spritz, plus the chance to try sabering yourself with bottle purchase.

    All month long

    Thanksgiving Turkey Shawarma at Craft Pita

    Craft Pita, 5172 Buffalo Speedway, 1920 Fountain View, is offering a Thanksgiving special all through November. Choose a Turkey Shawarma Bowl with Lebanese rice, tabbouleh, cabbage, turnips, garlic aioli and cranberry sauce, or a Turkey Shawarma Pita with garlic aioli, lettuce, tomato, red cabbage and pickles. 

    New and ongoing specials

    Thanksgiving Catering

    Those looking to kip the kitchen chaos this Thanksgiving can check out our 2025 Thanksgiving To-Go Guide, featuring an extensive list of Houston restaurants offering takeout and catering, from whole turkey dinners and roasts to sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, tamales and seasonal desserts.

    New Holiday Beer at Karbach Brewing

    Karbach’s getting into the holiday spirit with Yuletide Confessions, the latest in its F.U.N. Series of small-batch brews. The 7.2 percent winter warmer is malty and rich, with notes of toffee, biscuit and a little rye spice — grab it at the brewery or Texas retailers while it lasts. 

    Sprinkles Holiday Boutique 

    Sprinkles’ Houston bakeries are spreading festive cheer with limited-edition holiday cupcakes and treats, available for pickup and local delivery. Now through November 27, enjoy the new Spiced Cranberry Vanilla cupcake ($5.50) and the Gratitude Dozen ($65) or Mini Dozen ($26). Starting November 28 through December 25, the lineup expands to include the Joy Dozen ($64), Chocolate Peppermint Layer Cake (from $14), The Grinch Red Velvet cupcake ($5.25, pre-order only), and seasonal favorites like Chocolate Peppermint, Christmas Cookie, and Gingerbread. All treats come with festive gift wrap options.

    Guerrero Tasting Menu at Caracol

    Chef Hugo Ortega continues his tasting menu series at Caracol, 2200 Post Oak, bringing the flavors of Guerrero to Houston with a four-course tasting menu available at dinner Monday through Saturday. Highlights include Tiritas de Pescado, Pozole Verde, Pescado a la Talla, and Carlota de Limón, each paired with a mezcal cocktail inspired by the region. The menu is $75 per person, with an optional beverage pairing for $36 extra. 

     

    [ad_2]

    Brooke Viggiano

    Source link

  • Best Of Houston® 2025: Best Hotel Dining – Houston Press

    [ad_1]

    Best Hotel Dining: Perseid

    You don’t need a room key to see why Perseid, anchoring Bunkhouse Hotels’ gorgeous new Hotel Saint Augustine in Montrose, is something special. Chef Aaron Bludorn and crew have turned the hotel eatery into a full-on culinary escape, offering Gulf Coast–inspired bistro fare that walks the line between approachable and adventurous. Pop by for caviar service and foie gras with biscuits and jam, squash blossoms with shrimp jambalaya and Creole aioli, and a house burger gone fancy with pickled veg and duck liver mousse. And don’t miss the perfect Bloody Mary, shrimp and grits, and citrus butter pancakes at brunch.

    4110 Loretto 

    832-915-2600

    bunkhousehotels.com/hotel-saint-augustine/eat-drink/perseid

    [ad_2]

    Houston Press

    Source link

  • Local Honor Flight Trip Helps Veterans Reconnect

    [ad_1]

    COLUMBUS, Ohio —Honor Flight Cleveland has launched a new initiative to help veterans build social connections through regional memorial visits.


    What You Need To Know

    • The Honor Flight Cleveland pilot program offers bus trips to Columbus for veterans unable to travel to Washington, D.C.

    • Veterans said the trip helped them reconnect, heal and feel recognized for their service

    • Organizers plan to expand the program with four additional trips next year


    The pilot program brought veterans by bus from Cleveland to Columbus for visits to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum and the Ohio Statehouse, offering an option for those unable to travel to Washington, D.C.

    Retired Sgt. Robert Piatak of American Legion Post 572 said the trip offered an important space for shared experience. “We had some bad days and like to forget it, but you also like to talk about it.” Piatak said.“It’s a brotherhood and a sisterhood. So even though someone served in the Army I served, we can joke around with each other.”

    Piatak emphasized that recognition, rather than praise, remains significant for many veterans. “It’s not that we want to be thanked all the time, but just recognized.”

    Honor Flight Cleveland Vice President Bill Synk said the pilot trip was developed to reach veterans who experience isolation or have limited ability to travel longer distances. He said the outings are intended to be therapeutic, giving participants opportunities to share experiences that can lead to new friendships.

    Synk said the positive response to the program calls for more opportunities. Honor Flight Cleveland plans to offer four additional regional bus trips in 2026, continuing to bring veterans to Columbus for museum and Statehouse visits.

    [ad_2]

    Saima Khan

    Source link

  • Best Of Houston® 2025: Best Restaurant – Memorial – Houston Press

    [ad_1]

    Overview:

    We choose this year’s winner of the Best Restaurant in Memorial.

    Best Restaurant – Memorial: Bar Bludorn

    With a year under its belt, Bar Bludorn has settled right into Memorial like it was always meant to be there. From chef Aaron Bludorn (yep, that Bludorn), this neighborhood tavern nails the sweet spot between easy-going and luxe. Come for Sunday Brunch or Martini Happy Hour, stay for the crave-worthy dry-aged Tavern Burger and Country Ham Beignets that disappear way too fast. The hits keep coming with Lamb Ragu Pappardelle, Ora King Salmon in green curry and an Ice Cream Sandwich stacked with churro, cajeta and pecans.

    9061 Gaylord

    832-271-8264

    barbludorn.com

    [ad_2]

    Houston Press

    Source link

  • Best Of Houston® 2025: Best Dessert Service – Houston Press

    [ad_1]

    Best Dessert Service: Camaraderie

    Camaraderie proves chef Shawn Gawle didn’t leave his sweet tooth at March, where he was executive pastry chef. The buzzy Heights newcomer splits its personality between a tasting-menu dining room and a laid-back lounge and patio, but both end with show-stopping, whimsical desserts that are almost too pretty to eat (we said almost). Think froyo with stone fruit, granola and olive oil, “Milk & Honey” with beeswax gelato and candied almonds, a miso-butterscotch bombe with toasted buckwheat gelato, and a peachy melba pavlova. Come for dinner, stay for dessert — or skip straight to the sweets with a fancy cocktail in hand.

    608 West 11th 

    camaraderiehtx.com

    [ad_2]

    Houston Press

    Source link

  • Best Of Houston® 2025: Best West African – Houston Press

    [ad_1]

    Best West African: ChòpnBlọk

    ChòpnBlọk is Houston at its most flavorful. Founded by Ope Amosu, a Houston-born James Beard semifinalist, the West African pop-up and food hall hit turned into a vibrant Montrose destination last fall. Bites show off bold West African flavors – think Buka Blọk (red stew with tender short rib, rice and beans), Smokey Jollof Jambalaya, Polo Club Suya skewers and the decadent Dodo Old Fashioned cocktail starring sweet plantain and bourbon.

    401 Franklin

    281-631-5009

    chopnblok.co

    [ad_2]

    Houston Press

    Source link

  • Best Of Houston® 2025: Best Breakfast – Downtown – Houston Press

    [ad_1]

    Overview:

    We choose this year’s winner of Houston’s Best Downtown Breakfast.

    Best Breakfast – Downtown: Press Waffle Co.

    Downtown’s Lyric Market has a breakfast star in Press Waffle Co., where golden Liége waffles come loaded with both sweet and savory hits. Go indulgent with the Chicken & Waffles, piled high with crispy tenders, bacon crumble and a generous maple syrup drizzle, or the American, topped with cheddar, bacon and an oozing fried egg. Sweet tooths can’t miss The Elvis with banana, peanut butter, honey and some bacon for good measure.

    411 Smith

    713-405-1407 

    presswaffleco.com

    [ad_2]

    Houston Press

    Source link

  • Best Of Houston® 2025: Best Brunch – Heights – Houston Press

    [ad_1]

    Overview:

    We choose this year’s winner of the Best Heights Brunch.

    Best Brunch – Heights: Squable

    Squable doesn’t shout about its brunch, but it doesn’t have to — the food speaks for itself. The menu runs from a cloudlike Dutch baby with maple butter to beef-fat tater tots topped with salmon roe. Fried chicken gets a spicy lemon-pepper kick, the confit egg yolk carbonara is rich and savory, and the French cheeseburger might be the best in town. Pair it with a green chile Bloody Mary or a Casablanca Carajillo and settle in. Brunch runs Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    632 West 19th

    832-834-7362

    squabletime.com

    [ad_2]

    Houston Press

    Source link

  • Best Of Houston® 2025: Best Brunch – Midtown – Houston Press

    [ad_1]

    Overview:

    We choose this year’s winner of the Best Midtown Brunch.

    Best Brunch – Midtown: Josephine’s Gulf Coast Tradition

    Brunch gets a refined, high-low twist at this Midtown standout. Laidback and welcoming, the spot pairs comfort food with playful surprises – think crawfish boil breakfast skillets with all the proper fixin’s, Rotel dip chilaquiles, and fried catfish and grits with hot sauce and spiced honey. Sip a Café du Lu topped with a micro beignet or a Bloody Mary with pickled okra, and you’ll see why this is the neighborhood’s top brunch pick. 

    318 Gray 

    713-527-8988

    josephinesgulfcoasttradition.com

    [ad_2]

    Houston Press

    Source link

  • Best Of Houston® 2025: Best Cocktail Bar – Houston Press

    [ad_1]

    Best Cocktail Bar: Diversión

    After shuttering its Spring Branch location, Diversión has landed in Montrose’s Harlow District, taking over a night-only perch in the Emma Jane teahouse and quickly winning a new wave of fans. Bold cocktails — tableside-brewed, caviar-topped, flamed, and featuring interesting flavoirs like smoky fig and pineapple-miso — share the spotlight with playful bites like wagyu & shrimp with hot custard and morel sunomono. Sip, nibble, repeat. This is cocktail hour on expert mode.

    1226 West Clay 

    diversioncocktails.com

    [ad_2]

    Houston Press

    Source link

  • How the Housing Proposals Will Turbocharge Mayor Mamdani

    [ad_1]

    Supporters of Zohran Mamdani celebrate during an Election Night event at the Brooklyn Paramount Theater on Tuesday.
    Photo: Angelina Katsanis/AFP/Getty Images

    When New Yorkers elected Zohran Mamdani, they gave a much-needed boost to the next mayor by approving ballot measures that will ease the process of building housing, which experts say will be a boon to the mayor-elect’s ability to deliver on his campaign pledge to make the city more affordable.

    Proposals 2 and 3 create a fast-track review process for publicly financed affordable-housing projects and cut down the time to review smaller projects. The fourth measure creates a board that has the power to overrule the City Council’s rejection of or revisions to affordable-housing proposals. Most significantly, the measures curtail the City Council’s input on land-use decisions, removing them from the review process and ending the practice of member deference, which gave councilmembers significant power to block projects in their communities.

    “I think it’s going to shave a lot of time, possibly years, off some of the new affordable-housing units that the city is financing, so I think that’s really significant to the next mayor’s housing plan,” says Rachel Fee, the executive director of the New York Housing Conference.

    Mamdani has promised to jump-start housing construction, with the goal of creating 200,000 units over the next ten years. Amit Singh Bagga, campaign director of the Yes on Affordable Housing PAC, which supported the ballot questions, said that such lofty goals will not be possible without these changes to the city’s housing process.

    “Unless we are able to turbocharge the amount of housing that is produced every single year, we are not going to be able to meet that 200,000 figure that Zohran Mandani has promised for his first term. Because 15,000 to 20,000 units a year does not equal 200,000 in four years,” he says, referring to the current rate of housing creation in the city.

    The measures would allow potential projects to avoid the typically lengthy Uniform Land Use Review Procedure that requires applications to undergo months of scrutiny by city agencies, as well as by the local community board and the borough president, culminating in a City Council vote that is subject to the mayor’s approval or veto.

    The City Council swiftly condemned the proposed measures and moved to defeat them, first attempting to block the questions from appearing on the ballot and later launching a campaign that spent more than $1.5 million on mailers urging voters to reject the allegedly “misleading” ballot questions — actions that some critics believe run afoul of the city’s laws against electioneering.

    Bagga believes the reaction to the measures has been overblown and that the City Council was removed from these review processes for a good reason. “The reason for that is that our current system has essentially been weaponized by a small-minded few that have forced individual City Council members into a Hobson’s choice, which is block housing or lose your seat. What that has resulted in is a total lack of movement on housing for decades in multiple iterations of the Council,” he says. However, he did offer praise for the current City Council and its Speaker, Adrienne Adams, noting that they ushered through the “City of Yes” plan to build more housing.

    Mamdani was notably mum on his position on the ballot measures throughout the election. Some of his most prominent allies were on opposite sides of the issue, with Comptroller Brad Lander, Governor Kathy Hochul, and Cea Weaver, who has advised Mamdani on housing policy, supporting the measures and union backers like Local 32BJ SEIU and the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council opposing them. Ultimately, Mamdani revealed Tuesday that he voted “yes” on the proposals.

    Fee believes that the measures could spur new construction in areas long seen as resistant to new housing and will motivate developers to give project proposals a second look. “If those proposals require a councilmember saying ‘yes’ in the City Council and that councilmember has indicated to the development community that their answer is going to be ‘no,’ nobody’s even looking at sites. Nobody is looking at those opportunities. They’re not going to take the risk of buying a site, investing time and money in a ULURP process that’s going to go nowhere,” she says.

    “I do think developers will take a fresh look at some of these areas where we’ve not been building any housing at all and that we will see some new proposals come up that never would have without these changes,” she says.


    See All



    [ad_2]

    Nia Prater

    Source link

  • Best Of Houston® 2025: Best Mediterranean – Houston Press

    [ad_1]

    Best Mediterranean: Októ

    Sof Hospitality has done it this sultry Montrose Collective stunner, where Mediterranean-Levantine flavors serve serious swagger. Expect emerald-green glam with a menu built for sharing – plump tiger shrimp in an insanely silky arak beurre blanc, spot-on lamb chops with cauliflower skordalia, and Sof’s signature bread service, a Moroccan Frena bread with pistachio butter, pickled peppers, and olives. Pass plates, sip a shishito-infused G&T or Olive Oil Martini, and save room for a rose-kissed kadaif.

    888 Westheimer  

    713-485-0841

    oktorestaurant.com

    [ad_2]

    Houston Press

    Source link

  • This Week in Food Events: Oysters, Brews & Blues – Houston Press

    [ad_1]

    All week long

    Grand Opening of Kolache Shoppe Memorial

    Kolache Shoppe, 10321 Katy Freeway, is now open in Memorial, and it’s celebrating with a full week of pastry-packed festivities. Each day brings something new — free kolaches, coffee, gift cards and bonus loyalty points. Highlights include a Houston Food Bank benefit day on Wednesday, buy-one-get-one pastries on Thursday and complimentary coffee drinks on Friday (with a chance to win free weekly coffee for a year). 

    Wild Game Specials at Ouisie’s Table

    Ouisie’s Table, 3939 San Felipe, is serving up a weekly series of imaginative game dinners now through November 26. This week features seared five spice duck breast with orange glaze, roasted spaghetti squash and almandine green beans.

    Tuesday–Friday

    $10 Daily Meal Specials + Kids Eat Free at Comfort Foodies

    As families and workers feel the impact of the ongoing government shutdown and rising economic challenges, Comfort Foodies, 8128 North Sam Houston Parkway West, is offering $10 daily meal specials featuring hearty southern soul and Latin-Caribbean dishes — think smothered pork chops, Dominican brown stew chicken, fried wings, and fried catfish baskets, all served with a choice of sides. Kids eat free all day with the purchase of an adult meal (child must be present). The restaurant is also offering a pay-it-forward option for meals at half price to support those in need. Specials are available for dine-in customers Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

    Thursday, November 6

    Oysters, Blues & Brews at Goode Co. Armadillo Palace

    Goode Co. Armadillo Palace, 5015 Kirby Dr, hosts its annual Oysters, Blues & Brews, celebrating Gulf Coast flavors and live Texas blues while benefiting the Coastal Conservation Association’s Building Conservation Trust. Guests can dig into mesquite-fired coastal dishes like smoked boudin links, Gulf redfish, and Christmas Bay gumbo, plus Gulf shrimp taquitos, Yellowfin tuna tostadas, and a seafood bar stacked with Campechana, boiled shrimp, and freshly shucked mariculture oysters. The Mighty Orq keeps the night rocking from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets start at $100, ages 21 and up.

    Saturday–Sunday

    Texas Renaissance Festival

    Texas’ largest Renaissance-themed festival continues with the Pirate’s Adventure weekend. Step into a world of fantasy, food and revelry, with turkey legs, mead and themed entertainment ranging from costume contests to live performances. Tickets start at $25 for adults and $10 for kids ages 5–12; children 4 and under get in free.

    Saturday, November 8

    Piano Brunch at Brennan’s

    Brennan’s, 3300 Smith, kicks off its brunch series featuring live piano tunes and half-priced rosé from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

    Bites & Beyond Festival at Discovery Green

    Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney, hosts the Bites & Beyond Festival from 1 to 10 p.m., with local chefs, food trucks, drinks, live music across four stages, art installations, and cultural activations. Tickets start at $30.48, with VIP and Party on Stage passes available.

    Five-Year Anniversary Bash at Pier 6

    San Leon favorite Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House, 113 6th, is marking five years with a blowout bash. Executive chef Joe Cervantez will serve an exclusive anniversary menu paired with caviar and Champagne tastings, plus a few surprises to toast the milestone. 

    Brighter Futures BBQ Fundraiser at The Pit Room Memorial City

    Communities In Schools of Houston teams up with The Pit Room for the Brighter Futures BBQ Fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m. at The Pit Room Memorial City, 10301 Katy Freeway. Guests can enjoy top-notch barbecue, drinks, live music, and a silent auction supporting CIS programs for local students. The Montrose location will also donate all food and drink sales that day to CIS. Tickets start at $300 per person, with table options available.

    Sunday, November 9

    Beer & Cheese Pairing at Saint Arnold

    Saint Arnold Brewing Co., 2000 Lyons Ave, teams up with Houston Dairymaids for a Beer & Cheese Pairing, offering a curated tasting of five artisanal cheeses matched with five of Saint Arnold’s signature brews. Guests can also enjoy soft pretzels with mustard and receive a token for an extra beer at the Beer Garden & Restaurant. The event runs from 1 to 3 p.m., and tickets are $50.

    New and ongoing specials

    Fall + Winter Menu at North Italia

    North Italia’s new Fall + Winter Menu just dropped, featuring highlights from Sunday Night Lasagna with Italian sausage and braised short rib, Prime New York Steak Tagliata, Salted Caramel Budino and a Morning Market Board (CityCentre and The Woodlands only) for brunch, with caramelized onion frittata, shaved asparagus salad, burrata, heirloom tomato and hearth bread.

    [ad_2]

    Brooke Viggiano

    Source link

  • Growing Food Insecurity Prompts Communities to Step Up

    [ad_1]

    BELLEFONTAINE, Ohio — As federal SNAP benefits remain on hold, food pantries across Ohio are struggling to meet rising demand, prompting residents and volunteers in Logan County to hold a community food drive to help families who have lost access to food assistance.


    What You Need To Know

    • With SNAP benefits on hold, food pantries across Ohio are struggling to meet growing needs
    • Community members are stepping up to collect food and support families facing food insecurity
    • Local pantries said meal-ready items are in short supply as more families seek help

    Dustin Ragland, who organized the Logan County Food Drive, said the effort aimed to fill the gap left by shrinking benefits and limited resources.

    Ragland once relied on SNAP himself 20 years ago as a single father and said he understands how quickly families can fall into food insecurity.

    “We all need help,” Ragland said. “I think it’s the job of the community to come together and fill that gap, no matter what the circumstances are.”

    He said the event was designed to ensure families don’t go hungry when government systems fail to provide adequate support.

    “Our leaders may not be able to work together, but our community still can,” he said.

    The donations collected during the drive will be divided equally among the food pantries that participated, helping distribute resources across Logan County.

    Bobbi Allen, pastor of Buckeye Gospel Barn, said her pantry serves more than 400 families each month. She said calls for help began increasing as soon as SNAP benefits were paused.

    “It’s going to be hard,” Allen said. “Because already, before I even arrived here, I’ve got people calling, saying, ‘Hey, can we come over and get some food?’”

    Allen said even simple, kid-friendly foods such as canned spaghetti are getting harder to keep on the shelves. She said pantries especially need items that can serve as complete meals and don’t require extra ingredients.

    Allen said she’s already noticed a sense of panic among SNAP recipients as parents worry about how they’ll feed their children in the coming days, with many running low on groceries and unsure how they’ll make it through next week.

    Despite the growing strain, Allen said the community’s response gives her hope.

    “Just reach out to each other, be kind to each other and help each other,” she said. “Because if we all start binding together, we can do it.”

    Ragland said he plans to continue organizing community efforts through the holidays.

    [ad_2]

    Saima Khan

    Source link

  • This Week in Food Events: New York Deli Turns 50 – Houston Press

    [ad_1]

    All week long

    Wild Game Specials at Ouisie’s Table

    Ouisie’s Table, 3939 San Felipe, is serving up a weekly series of imaginative game dinners now through November 26. This week features Herb Crusted Red Deer Chop with balsamic reduction, mashed sweet potatoes and sautéed brussels sprout.

    Monday, October 28

    First Responder’s Day

    Several Houston restaurants are giving back to the heroes who give so much this First Responder’s Day — including State Fare, where first responders can enjoy a complimentary dine-in meal from a special menu featuring favorites like the State Fare Cheeseburger and Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich; Hachi, which invites first responders to enjoy a complimentary chef’s choice nigiri; Kolache Shoppe’s Greenway location, offering first responders who present proof of employment a free cup of coffee or kolache with any purchase; Molina’s Cantina, offering 50 percent off for first responders; Pier 6, with its daily 10 percent discount for first responders; and PINCHO, where educators, military members and first responders can take 25 percent off in-store orders every day.

    Thursday, October 30

    Shawn’s Supper Club at PINCHO Memorial

    PINCHO is teaming up with local content creator Shawn the Food Sheep for a one-night-only burger omakase experience. Guests will enjoy a seven-course tasting curated by Shawn and the PINCHO culinary team, plus endless fries, sweet potato tots and queso frito. Tickets are $105.96 per person and include non-alcoholic drinks, a surprise gift and interactive photo ops throughout the evening, with beer and wine available for purchase. Seatings run at 6  and 8 p.m. 

    Friday, October 31

    Halloween Frights and Bites

    This Halloween, Houston’s food scene is serving up spooky-good specials and events worth carving out of your calendar. From haunted bars and cocktail-filled costume parties to family-friendly treats and trick-or-treat style dining, check out our 2025 Halloween Food and Drink Guide to dig into the bites and bites-worthy happenings for the holiday.

    Friday–Saturday

    Dinner Service Launch at Jane and the Lion Bakehouse

    Jane and the Lion Bakehouse, 4721 North Main, debuts dinner service with cozy, seasonal three-course suppers served Thursday through Saturday at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Expect locally sourced ingredients, rotating chalkboard menus and chef Jane Wild’s signature no-shortcuts style. Soft launch seatings kick off October 31, with regular service in November. Reservations required.

    Saturday, November 2

    50th Anniversary Celebration at New York Deli & Coffee Shop

    Houston’s iconic New York Deli & Coffee Shop, 9724 Hillcroft, is throwing a party to celebrate five decades of bagels, schmears and community love. Held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the free family-friendly bash will feature 50=cent wood-fired pizza slices, deli favorites, cookie decorating, tie-dye and face painting stations, merch giveaways and a live DJ spinning tunes all afternoon. 

    Saturday–Sunday

    Texas Renaissance Festival

    Texas’ largest Renaissance-themed festival continues with the All Hallow’s Eve weekend. Step into a world of fantasy, food and revelry, with turkey legs, mead and themed entertainment ranging from costume contests to live performances. Tickets start at $25 for adults and $10 for kids ages 5–12; children 4 and under get in free.

    Sunday, November 2

    Chef’s Table Dinner with Tobias Dorzon at FRNDS Restaurant & Lounge

    FRNDS Restaurant & Lounge, 2411 University, hosts acclaimed chef Tobias Dorzon for a one-night-only Chef’s Table Dinner, with seatings at 7 and 9:30 p.m. The Tournament of Champions and Chopped star will present a multi-course prix fixe menu highlighting his refined, flavor-forward cooking. Seats are $150 to $200 per person.

    All month long (October)

    Black Lagoon Pop-Up at Nickel City

    Spooky season means that Nickel City, 2910 McKinney, will once again transform into acclaimed Halloween pop-up Black Lagoon, rocking a darkly immersive atmosphere and brand-new cocktail menu from October 1–31. 

    Pearland Restaurant Weeks

    All October long, Pearland Restaurant Weeks is offering curated two-course menus at participating spots (breakfast/lunch $20, dinner $35), and with every meal, restaurants donate to the Pearland Neighborhood Center.

    Saint Arnold Beer Dinner at State Fare Kitchen & Bar

    State Fare Kitchen and Bar, 947 Gessner, 15930 City Walk, 1900 Hughes Landing, celebrates fall with a three-course Saint Arnold Beer Pairing Dinner ($55), featuring dishes like Cocoa-Chili Braised Short Rib, Brown Butter Pierogi and Texas Pecan Tart, each paired with seasonal Saint A brews.

    New and ongoing specials

    Tasting Series at Caracol

    Caracol, 2200 Post Oak, continues its tasting menu series, as chef Hugo Ortega and team take guests to Tabasco now through November 1. Expect food that reflects the region’s fertile land and waterways: robalo a la tabasqueña, grilled pejelagarto, river shrimp and tamales with chipilín. The four-course menu runs $75 per person plus tax and gratuity, with an optional beverage pairing for $36.

    Pan de Muerto at URBE 

    In honor of Día de los Muertos, URBE, 1101 Uptown Park, is offering handmade pan de muerto  through Sunday, November 2, available at the restaurant on Saturdays or in large to-go orders (placed via URBE’s catering page with two days’ notice). 

    [ad_2]

    Brooke Viggiano

    Source link