Photos By Samantha Jane Beatty
Styling By Todd Ramos
Shot on Location at Chapman & Kirby in Eado
Hair by Zackery Chapa for Hue Salon
Makeup by Kathy Rucker for Green Apple Salon
Styling assistance by Monica Lester & Tyler Treadwell
Norigami spread (photo by Michael Anthony)
Hidden Bar (photo by Jenn Duncan)
The owners of Hidden Omakase and Sushi by Hidden have been testing out their new concept, Norigami, for a couple years via pop-up events — and now, the brick-and-mortar hand-roll restaurant is officially open in West U. The Bissonnet space has two distinct areas — the main dining area, and a speakeasy-style bar called, of course, Hidden Bar. Expect apps like truffle-topped Hamachi crudo, or “Steak and Eggs” served with caviar and toast. The signature handrolls can be ordered individually, or as a set. The Tokyo-inspired space boasts colorful LED lights, lots of wood tones, and decorative shelves of origami cranes.
“We are excited to bring the Norigami concept to a permanent location in Houston,” said Executive Chef Jimmy Kieu in a statement. “After doing pop-ups for a while, now more Houstonians will be able to experience what we have to offer.”
Norigami is open for dinner beginning at 5pm on weeknights, and 3pm on weekends.
Tenfold (photo by Caroline Boyle)
The popular Heights coffeeshop Tenfold is opening a separate roastery later this fall at new East End development The Plant in Second Ward. According to a release, the expanded footprint will also allow Tenfold to pursue new endeavors, such as specialty-minded cold brew and wholesale opportunities like a partnership with Eden Plant Co., a dual coffee and plant shop concept also in The Plant. The new roastery won’t be public-facing, but the owners plan to utilize the space for educational experiences, and will also roll out a subscription service for those who live or work in the neighborhood.
Both locations (West U and Uptown) of this family-friendly fave will offer apple-cider donuts beginning Monday, Sept. 25! They’ll cost just $8 for a dozen. Sweet!
Pumpkin cheesecake at Picos
Pumpkin-spiced churros? Say no more. Arnaldo Richards’ Picos has those on offer, plus pumpkin cheesecake topped with bourbon-drenched sour cream. Craving something seasonally savory instead? Try the new beef and pork meatballs al chipotle, stuffed with hard-boiled eggs.
Ricotta gnocchi at Marmo (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)
The handmade ricotta gnocchi — with confit rabbit, heirloom tomatoes, local peppers and butter-sage sauce — at Marmo is the cozy, indulgent meal you didn’t know you needed (even if it is still 100 degrees outside). Also try the new smoked-corn agnolotti with braised short-rib ragu.
Kolache Shoppe's monthly special made with Roostar's Vietnamese pork bao filling (photo by Sabrina Miskelly)
Open since Labor Day Weekend, Kolache Shoppe’s newest outpost in Pearland’s Broadway Plaza will officially celebrate with grand-opening festivities Oct. 3-8 (think daily specials like free coffee, free kolaches and BOGO deals). The new café, complete with a drive-through window, has a pear-shaped mural on a wall inside, and offers the same two-dozen “Czech-inspired, Texas-influenced” sweet, savory and breakfast-style kolaches.
Sherman Yeung's baked pork chop over rice
Cult-followed Burger-Chan is teaming up with Money Cat chef Sherman Yeung for the latest iteration of its Anti-Burger Club pop-up: On Sunday, Sept. 24, at Money Cat in Upper Kirby, menu items like char siu, baked pork-chop rice, and a Cantonese egg tart will be available from 4pm until sold out.
"Pure (Hot) Honey"
Midtown hotspot Axelrad is pouring up the Pure (Hot) Honey with tequila, hot honey, grapefruit,lime and grapefruit bitters. They’re open after the concert on Saturday until 2am and on Sunday until midnight. It should cost a billion to look this good — but the cocktail is only $11.
Bar Louie's Diva cocktail
Pull up a chair for the pink Diva martini Sept. 24 at this bar with multiple locations including The Woodlands. Snag happy-hour drink specials from 4-7pm along with half-off all bar bites. Its kitchen stays open until 2am if you want to swing by after the show.
The 'Cuff It' cocktail
During the tour weekend, the hotel's rendezVu bar — located near NRG — will offer three cocktails inspired by Beyoncé. "Break My Soul" stars peach schnapps, pineapple juice and tequila, while "Cuff It" is sweeter with blackberry syrup, Grand Marnier and a blackberry swizzle stick. "Crazy in Love" features vodka, forest fruit tea and Aperol. Cheers!
The Phantom
The Phantom Lemonade mocktail is easily upgraded to celebrity status with your choice of liquor. Cool, black and sparkly with a cheerful yellow garnish mirroring a bumblebee, the drink is a fitting tribute the popstar legend.
This Downtown hotel will feature a Renaissance-themed bar with cocktails such as "I Got Hot Sauce in my Bag" and "Becky with the Good Hair." Join the fun from 3-11pm on Sept. 23 and dress the part for a selfie station and nonstop Bey music.
"Beautiful Nightmare" cocktail at Incanto (photo by Pixel Studios)
Both establishments will dispense the dark and moody Beautiful Nightmare cocktail on concert weekend. The complex and fragrant concoction is inspired by Beyonce’s hit “Sweet Dreams” and includes dark rum, crème de violette, sweet vermouth and lime, crowned with a gold leaf.
"Queen Bey" (photo by Jenn Duncan)
Kick off the celebratory weekend in style at this Museum District favorite. Bey-focused cocktails are many including the beautiful “Queen Bey” with cognac, limoncello, orange bitters and a brown sugar rim. Or consider the fueled-up “Everybody on Mute” made with gin, cucumber syrup, lime prosecco and silver glitter — it’s not just for “All the Single Ladies!”
Musaafer's Beyoncé lemonade (photo by @the_imani_experience)
Glistening Bey Lemonade created by beverage director Afzal Kaba is a lively libation inspired by Beyonce’s favorite things and to honor her birthday month. The cocktail features Don Julio tequila infused with lemon and shaken with organic honey, limoncello and edible glitter. It’s topped with prosecco and a cowboy hat and each imbiber will receive a disco ball necklace to wear. Available Sept. 18-24.
"Disco Limonada"
Both Ninfa’s locations are pouring two Bey-inspired drinks. The ultra-boozy Disco Limonada features melon liqueur, gin, tequila and housemade fresh lemonade. While the equally strong Blue Ivy stars Aguasol tequila, Caribbean pineapple liqueur, banana liqueur, pina colada mix and freshlime juice.
