Houston chef gets the spotlight on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt

Culturemap Houston Restaurants + Bars 3/5 11:00A Steven Devadanam

As Houston powers through after Winter Storm Uri, some deserving locals are getting some national recognition. To that end, a Houston chef who has worked tirelessly to feed the community will be...

Rising star chef teams up with Houston's most intimate Japanese eatery

Culturemap Houston Restaurants + Bars 3/5 10:22A Eric Sandler

One of 2021's most exciting new restaurants has added even more culinary firepower to its lineup. Chef Niki Vongthong has joined the team at Hidden Omakase. A veteran of restaurants such as Uchi and...

Downtown Houston's bustling taqueria serves up 2 new locations

Culturemap Houston Restaurants + Bars 3/5 7:56A Eric Sandler

Mexico City-style street tacos are coming to Midtown and Oak Forest. Downtown taqueria La Calle will add two new locations in 2021, owner Ramon Soriano Tomka tells CultureMap. Later this spring, La...

Behind Torchy's taco explosion, plus Ben Berg's hot Heights takeover

Culturemap Houston Restaurants + Bars 3/4 7:20A CultureMap Staff

On this week's episode of "What's Eric Eating," Scott Hudler, chief marketing officer for Torchy's Tacos, joins CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler to discuss the Austin-based restaurant's explosive...

Houston’s Israeli steakhouse spins off new bakery in Rice Village

Culturemap Houston Restaurants + Bars 3/4 5:45A Eric Sandler

The team behind the best restaurant bread program in Houston will open a new bakery to expand its offerings. Badolina Bakery & Cafe will open this spring in Rice Village. The establishment will serve...

Master list of Houston restaurants maintaining COVID safety protocols

Culturemap Houston Restaurants + Bars 3/3 11:09A Eric Sandler

Houston restaurants may have the legal authority to cease operating with state-mandated protocols to limit the spread of COVID-19, but many are choosing to maintain following the practices they've had...

Houston diners prefer safe COVID-19 restaurant protocols in new survey

Culturemap Houston Restaurants + Bars 3/3 7:10A Eric Sandler

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott may have allowed the state's restaurants to operate both at full capacity and without mask requirements beginning March 10, but business who do so may risk alienating their...

Common Bond bakes up fast and convenient new hot spot in Midtown

Culturemap Houston Restaurants + Bars 3/2 7:12A Eric Sandler

A luxurious Midtown high-rise has added a destination-worthy bakery to its offerings. Common Bond will open its quick service On-The-Go concept in Midtown's Drewery Place tower, real estate developed...

Imaginative new Vietnamese restaurant/sandwich shop unwraps in Katy

Culturemap Houston Restaurants + Bars 3/2 5:17A Eric Sandler

Destination-worthy banh mi have arrived in Katy. Yelo Banh Mi Artisans opened quietly last week, the restaurant announced. Roughly a year in the making, Yelo unites Phat Eatery chef-owner Alex...

Beyoncé grants Houston Black-owned small business $10,000

Culturemap Houston Restaurants + Bars 3/1 7:13A Eric Sandler

Global superstar Beyonce has granted a Houston food truck owner and event planner with $10,000. Misti Buard received $10,000 from the singer's BeyGOOD's Black-Owned Small Business Impact Fund to...

Devour these delicious Houston dining deals on a wildly busy March 1

Culturemap Houston Restaurants + Bars 2/26 9:20A Eric Sandler

Monday is not typically associated with dining out, but Monday, March 1 will be the exception. Diners can celebrate the 10th anniversary of one of the city's best restaurants, indulge at a dessert...

New retro and interactive speakeasy/bar powers up in Midtown

Culturemap Houston Restaurants + Bars 2/26 6:04A Eric Sandler

Three veterans of Houston's bar scene are bringing Midtown a new place to party. Adonis Graham, Bronson Gutierez, and Mike Leitner have teamed up to launch FAO, which they describe as an interactive...

How Houston restaurants braved Uri, plus an innovative East End eatery

Culturemap Houston Restaurants + Bars 2/25 7:56A CultureMap Staff

On this week's episode of "What's Eric Eating," Avondale Food & Wine owner Mary Clarkson joins CultureMap food editor to discuss the news of the week. Their conversation begins with a review of how...

Heights restaurant and brunch hot spot shutters after 10-year run

Culturemap Houston Restaurants + Bars 2/25 4:43A Eric Sandler

A pioneering Heights restaurant has served its last meal. Down House closed after service on Sunday, February 21, the restaurant announced on social media. In the post, proprietor Chris Cusack thanked...

10 things to know in Houston food: The latest news + a legendary loss

Culturemap Houston Restaurants + Bars 2/24 9:20A Eric Sandler

Editor's note: Houston's restaurant scene moves pretty fast. In order to prevent CultureMap readers from missing anything, let's stop to look around at all the latest news to know. Openings, closings,...