TIME TO PAINT the town! This season, a trio of art fairs hits Houston, beginning with the Houston Art Fair (formerly the Houston Fine Art Fair), where nearly 50 local and international galleries exhibit Sept. 29-Oct. 2 at Silver Street Studios. On the same weekend, the Texas Contemporary event is held Downtown at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Opening-night festivities include a collaborative performance with the Houston Ballet’s Oliver Halkowich and multi-media artist Chris Doyle. And a week later, the semi-annual Bayou City Art Festival returns to the streets of Downtown with hundreds of outdoor booths.
Gulf Red Snapper at The Annie
These CityBook partners are among the best eateries in the most deliciously diverse city.
Annabelle Brasserie
Infused with the charm of a bustling Parisian café, Berg Hospitality’s newest concept is in Autry Park on Buffalo Bayou. Anticipate modern French cuisine — brunch, lunch and dinner — served in a very pretty space with picturesque views of the park. 811 Buffalo Park Dr.
B&B Butchers
Venture in for the deep-fried A5 Wagyu katsu sando, or similarly stacked deli sandwich in the adjoining butcher shop, at this boutique steakhouse. A rooftop terrace makes B&B a premiere Sunday brunch destination. 1814 Washington Ave.
B.B. Italia
Find classic Italian-American food with modern twists in a lively setting, in the heart of Sugar Land’s Town Square. 16250 City Walk
BB Lemon
The old-fashioned-yet-upscale bar setting, complete with green-checkered tablecloths and tufted leather banquettes, serves starters like blue-crab beignets, chili and New England clam chowder. 1809 Washington Ave.
Benny Chows
Bringing to mind Chinese restaurants in Ben Berg’s native New York, from the menu to the decor, Benny Chows is a delight. With Chinese-born exec chef Shirong Mei at the helm, it serves dishes both familiar — dim sum, Peking Duck — and uniquely Texan, a la the Smoked Brisket Egg Roll starring Truth BBQ. 1818 Washington Ave.
Brasserie 19
Wine with lunch and bubbles with brunch is the norm at this sceney River Oaks spot. Situated in the center of a busy shopping strip, it’s reminiscent of a Parisian sidewalk café. 1962 W. Gray St.
Emilia's Havana
At this speakeasy lounge reminiscent of a 1950s Cuban club, guests can enjoy cocktails designed by Alba Huerta, chef-driven small plates, as well as nightly live “bossa nova style” music and tunes by local DJs on weekend nights. 1800 Post Oak Blvd.
Jonathan's The Rub
Jonathan’s the Rub has two locations in the Memorial area and is open for brunch, lunch, dinner and special occasions, touting steaks, meatballs, gumbo and hearty American cuisine. The eatery is also known for its catering services, private events and putting on amazing wine dinners at the Memorial Green location. Multiple locations
NoPo Cafe
An all-day café from Ben Berg, NoPo offers a menu of classics like a piled-high club sandwich, pizzas and more. In the front, find unique local provisions, premade meals and freshly baked pastries to-go. New happy-hour specials and cocktail list! 1244 N. Post Oak Rd.
Potente
Chef Danny Trace’s handmade pastas come with the option of tableside truffle service, and baguettes and pastries are made in house by pastry chef David Berg. A supremely sexy cocktail lounge serves as a festive gathering area with a happy hour to boot. 1515 Texas Ave.
Sorrento Ristorante
Under new ownership, the upscale spot on the Westheimer Curve is an elegant space touting a richly classic menu — lobster tortellini, stuffed lambchops — that now includes killer pizzas and dessert staples like cannoli. One of the best bread baskets in town. Brunch is lovely. 415 Westheimer Rd.
Steak 48
A steakhouse standout delivers in its rich side dishes — the Hasselback potatoes are excellent — and desserts. Crowds of pretty people pour in early and stay late, so reservations are recommended. In River Oaks District
Tavola
Polished and glamorous, Tavola on Post Oak aims to be the next see-and-be scene in a neighborhood known for them. Chef Luca Di Benedetto’s wild-boar ragu is a must-try. 1800 Post Oak Blvd.
The Annie Café & Bar
A fine-dining stalwart for decades, The Annie Café & Bar has ample private-event spaces and impeccably executed white-tablecloth service. 1800 Post Oak Blvd.
Tonight & Tomorrow
The restaurant inside storied Montrose hotel La Colombe d’Or boasts eclectic but sophisticated European dishes with Southern touches. Be sure to check out the cocktail lounge, Bar No. 3. 3410 Montrose Blvd.
Trattoria Sofia
An Italian-American spot from Berg Hospitality looks like a trattoria you might stumble upon in rural Italy, with enchanting and spacious indoor and garden seating. 911 W. 11th St.
Turner's
At hidden-gem Turner’s, the food is as decadent as the environment (which is kicked up a notch further with live vocalists accompanying the pianist on weekends). 1800 Post Oak Blvd.
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Memorial Bookstore Reboots, Hosts Houston Author for Ribbon-Cutting and Meet-and-Greet
Jan. 22, 2025
THE BARNES & NOBLE in Town & Country Village has been closed since February 2024, but on Wednesday, Jan. 29, it reopens with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and book-signing.
During the renovation, the building was taken down to the studs, and it now showcases a sleek design that emphasizes books and the joys and comforts of reading; it will still also sell toys, games and gifts, and tout a remodeled B&N Café. The layout is similar to that of other recent Barnes & Noble openings, and the bookseller's new look has been well received across the country since 2022.
"We are thrilled to welcome our customers back into this beautifully redesigned Town & Country Barnes & Noble,” said CEO James Daunt in a statement. “We thank our loyal customers for their patience during the rebuilding and also thank our bookselling team for the momentous work they have undertaken. There is a particular pleasure to bring such an ambitious new bookstore back to a community in which Barnes & Noble has for so long been embedded.”
The grand opening (Jan. 29 at 10am) is hosted by bestselling Houston-based fantasy author Katherine Quinn, who will sign copies of her books, including the newly released To Shatter the Night, book two of The Mistlands Duology.
“I am so excited, humbled and honored to be bringing our new format Barnes & Noble store back into the Memorial community,” said Store Manager René DeLaPortilla. “We are so happy to be a part of the fabric of this area again.”
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BY NOW, MOST of us are bracing for whatever Mother Nature decides to bring next week, be it snow, ice, or just a lot of bad traffic.
At Tony's, the crew is planning a little fun on Friday and Saturday nights, inspired by the potential "snow day." Sponsored by Kaviari, the "unforgettable alpine evening" includes a best-dressed contest and live music by Latin crooner Miguel Delabarca. Among the menu items to ensure guests stay cozy is what might be the best chili you've ever had ($15), hot toddies for just $5 a pop, and a blood orange "dreamsicle" baked Alaska ($45).
Each night, a group of ski-bunny-clad guests will be crowned Best Dressed Table, winning Kaviari Prestige Oscietra Caviar (1oz), a bottle of Vve Forny & Fils Blanc de Blanc 1er Cru, and the aforementioned baked Alaska, on the house. Winners will be announced at 8:30pm on both Friday and Saturday.
Bundle up and book on OpenTable.
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