food

Wildly Delicious and Ambitious Asian Smokehouse Sets Opening Date — Finally!

Wildly Delicious and Ambitious Asian Smokehouse Sets Opening Date — Finally!

AFTER OPENING IN Austin to great fanfare in 2017 — and really, were two James Beard-winning chefs expecting anything else? — a popular fusion restaurant under the Hai Hospitality umbrella has finally set an opening date for its Houston Heights location.

Loro, an Asian smokehouse from pitmaster extraordinaire Aaron Franklin and Uchi creator Tyson Cole, will open Feb. 23 in a 1940s church on 11th Street. The building, reimagined by celebrated architect Michael Hsu, took significantly longer than expected to complete due to pandemic- and permit-related setbacks.

Expect the delicious dishes and flavor profile for which Loro became instantaneously known five years ago: Melt-in-your-mouth brisket, Southeast Asian spices — and boozy slushies. Chef de Cuisine Marcos Leal, a Mexico-born chef who considers Houston home, will put his own stamp on the menu, which will tout starters like crunchy sweet-corn fritters with Thai chili and fish sauce, and wonton chips with a Thai green salsa for dipping.

Meatier offerings include a smoked prime bavette with shishito salsa verde and pickled onion, and oak-smoked salmon with cucumber-yuzu broth; rice bowls and sandwiches are on the menu, too. And save room for the Yuzu peach cobbler!

Beginning today, foodie fans can enter an Instagram giveaway to try to win a one-on-one hang sesh with Leal and learn how to smoke their own brisket, plus a $200 happy hour to share with friends.

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Fall Philanthropy Report: March of Dimes’ ‘Signature Chefs’ Event Coming in November

Fall Philanthropy Report: March of Dimes’ ‘Signature Chefs’ Event Coming in November

What year was your organization launched? 1938

What is your mission? March of Dimes was founded in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, to combat polio. The name “March of Dimes” was suggested by entertainer Eddie Cantor as a way to encourage people to donate even a small amount, like a dime, to help fight polio.

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Fried Chicken, Fancy Bubbles, and a Side of Glamour: Sundays at The Marigold Club Just Got Fun

Chef-owner Austin Waiter of The Marigold Club, now serving fried chicken and Champagne on Sunday nights.


IF YOUR SUNDAY nights could use a little sparkle—and a lot of fried chicken—The Marigold Club has just the thing. Starting May 25 at 5pm, the Montrose hotspot known for its playful mix of Southern charm and London polish is rolling out a new weekly tradition: Fried Chicken & Champagne Sundays.

This isn’t your average comfort food situation. We're talking a shareable fried chicken dinner for two, made with farm-raised birds from Deeply Rooted Ranch, and served alongside buttery whipped potatoes, minted peas, aged cheddar scones, and some over-the-top sauces — including a foie gras sauce supreme that’s as extra as it sounds.

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Spa-tacular Getaway Opportunity: Retreat to Mexico this Fall with a Houston Wellness Expert

Palmaïa The House of AïA

THIS FALL, LEBRINA Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, is taking her wisdom and joie de wellness to the jungle. Far beyond the walls of her beautiful spa, she’s aiming to create a quiet space for people to work on their personal growth in a community-centric atmosphere. She shares what participants will get out of the trip and why it’s important to take time for self-care in 2025.

Why is it important for people to “retreat”? Life can feel like a non-stop marathon, and sometimes we forget to just... breathe. Retreating offers a chance to step off the treadmill for a bit and hit the reset button. It's about giving your body and mind some much-needed TLC, allowing for genuine relaxation and rejuvenation. Beyond the personal perks, retreats often create a cool sense of community, connecting you with others on a similar path. By carving out space for self-reflection, you can recharge and return to your daily life with a clearer head and a bit more pep in your step.

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