Crawfish Pioneer Dominic Mandola Has a Few Pots Boiling this Spring — Including a New Opening!

Robin Barr Sussman

CRAWFISH, MUDBUGS, CRAWDADS, crayfish — call them what you will, the prolific Cajun delicacy is now in full steam. And if there’s anyone in Houston who knows his way around a crawfish boil, it is Dominic Mandola. In fact, his father, Luke Mandola, Sr., co-founder of the Ragin Cajun, was the first Houston restaurateur to offer crawfish on a menu. After years of opening Ragin Cajuns all over Houston, and then scaling back to just the original location during the pandemic, Dominic recently announced plans to expand once more.

Everywhere to Eat and Drink in Round Top this Spring

Robin Barr Sussman

TO EXPLORE THE Texas treasure trove that is known as Antique Weeks (March 17-April 3) in Round Top, you’ll need plenty of fuel for the hunt. From quick to leisurely and down-home to garden-chic, here’s where to eat and drink along the antique corridor this spring.

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Ancient French Wellness Cures Reimagined at Houston’s Escape Spa: The Power of Vichy

Ancient French Wellness Cures Reimagined at Houston’s Escape Spa: The Power of Vichy

Serial entrepreneur and spa visionary LeBrina Jackson

NESTLED IN THE heart of France, the town of Vichy holds a rich history in the world of wellness and hydrotherapy. Acquiring fame for their alkaline springs in the 17th century, the Romans were among the first to recognize the therapeutic benefits of the springs. They established a French spa known as “Vichy,” which still exists today and continues to attract spa-goers from around the world to experience the transformative effects of hydrotherapy.

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Arts of Healing Taps Surgeons, Researchers to Model in Tootsies Style Show

Emily Peterson

THE ARTS OF Healing organization has grown tremendously over the past few years, and this spring, Tootsies hosted a crowd of 300-plus for a charitable style show featuring 20 influential physicians and medical professionals.

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Stage Right! Symphony’s Wine Dinner a Lavish Affair for Gourmands and Oenophiles

Priscilla Dickson

Robert Clay, Dana Barton, Bobbie Nau and Tony Bradfield

DINNER ON THE stage is always a special privilege for arts patrons — and the annual Houston Symphony Wine Dinner and Collector’s Auction, served on the stage of the Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, was arguably even more spectacular than usual. After all, in addition to the uniquely striking setting, Symphony supporters also were treated a multi-course meal by chef Aaron Bludorn, paired with wines chosen by John and Lindy Rydman and Lisa Rydman Lindsey of Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods.

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