Fifth Down

Houston Texans linebacker Whitney Mercilus, 26, has teamed up with Underbelly celeb chef Chris Shepherd to open the highly anticipated dining concept One Fifth in Montrose. The restaurant, which will change its menu and décor annually for five years, begins its reign in Houston in January as a traditional steakhouse. The Ohio native, a self-proclaimed foodie, draws inspiration — and energy — from Houston’s cultural and cuisine scenes.

Featured-Whitney-for-Web
Featured-Whitney-for-Web

Map-For-Web


1. Underbelly

“I dine at Underbelly at least once a week. I sit in on menu meetings and learn about how the food is made. I find it all so intriguing. But it’s not just the food that I love — it’s the people who work there, too. Everyone is so friendly. It truly feels like family.”

2. Discovery Green

“I find it refreshing to go to Discovery Green on the weekends. From all of the different activities and people-watching to the art and light installations, I really enjoy the great outdoor space in the heart of Downtown.”

3. 13 Celsius

“I gravitate toward the list of French wines at 13 Celsius. They have so many wines, and you may not know some of them unless you’re educated on wine or visit with their sommelier. But that’s what I love about it. Cool vibe, great wine.”

4. Kata Robata

“By far the best sushi I have ever had. I love all the raw stuff — have never been scared of it. And at Kata, Chef Hori is a perfectionist who makes sure each dish is made perfectly using the freshest ingredients.”

5. Empire Barber Studio

“I have been connected with Julian Diaz since my rookie year, and he recently opened Empire Barber Studio, where you’ll find some of the best barbers in town. They take their time and make sure you look good. I appreciate that.”

6. Houston Symphony 

“I find the Houston Symphony very relaxing. I started listening to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 when I was very young, and fell in love with classical music. I have actually met some of the musicians and the new music director. I handed him a jersey!”

7. Hamilton 

“Houston’s oldest family-owned business — my favorite. They take their time to handcraft shirts, pants and suits that contour your body perfectly and make you look amazing. Once you have one of their shirts, you’re going to keep coming back.”

8. London Sizzler

“My mom is Haitian, and I grew up on a lot of spicy food. If you tell me something is spicy, I will tell you it’s not spicy enough. So I love the fiery dishes at London Sizzler."

Uncategorized
Expect ‘Complete Beauty and Medical Gym Experience’ at Montrose Med Spa

MONTROSE MED SPA is consistently focused on one thing: the patient. The boutique spa is intentionally designed as haven where clients can realize their aesthetic and wellness aspirations in a secure and comforting environment. Business partners Maricela and Ashley pride themselves on their unwavering commitment to the patient and continuous learning ensuring that clients receive the most safe and effective treatments available. Intentional wellness of placing emphasis on inner well-being and self-care is the vision of the spa and they have curated a team of highly trained professionals who share this philosophy. With this vision in mind, Maricela and Ashley have developed a complete beauty and medical gym experience. Services provided include Medical Weight Loss, EMsculpt Neo, EMface, HydraFacial (face & body), Fillers, Neurotoxins, Microneedling, VI Chemical Peels, and IV Therapy. LUXURY BEAUTY & MEDICAL GYM MEMBERSHIPS available. Schedule your complimentary skin analysis consultation and receive $100 off your first treatment. 713.485.5027, 2505 Dunlavy St. Houston, TX 77006 Follow us on Instagram.


Keep Reading Show less

ON JAN. 3, 2025, I observed a big personal anniversary. As of that day, it’d been 20 years since I first moved to Houston — from the Big Apple media circus, by way of my home state of Louisiana — and began working as an editor in the lifestyle-magazine biz here. It’s been two full decades, which is hard to believe! I like to joke that I’m far too young and good-looking to have done anything for two decades. But here we are.

Keep Reading Show less

Christopher Salazar stars as troubled-genius chef in the Alley's 'Seared'.

ONE OF HOUSTON'S favorite theater makers — Alley Associate Artistic Director Brandon Weinbrenner — has gotten some delicious news about his latest show. The run of his Seared, a sometimes-funny and sometimes-intense tale of life in the kitchen at a suddenly hot New York restaurant by playright Theresa Rebeck, has been extended beyond its original schedule and will now be up through March 9.

Keep Reading Show less
Food+Travel