Posts

Showing posts from December, 2018

Local celebs and Obama star in top Houston society stories of 2018

Image
Editor’s note: It was another gala year for Houston’s society set, with the usual cast of characters (Lynn Wyatt, Hallie Vanderhider) donning their finest for swank soirees. This year’s hottest headlines feature sports stars, glam gowns, and a former president’s stately visit. 1. Local celebs surprise Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell with big birthday bash. Jeff Bagwell has achieved many a milestone as a member of the Houston Astros. But the Hall of Fame power… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2s3HNWW from WordPress http://bit.ly/2Rs1m9E

Give back in 2019 with these Houston social service nonprofits

Image
If giving back is on your New Year’s to-do list, then consider donating to one of Houston’s many social service-oriented nonprofits. These organizations may differ in their missions, but they are all working hard to create safer, healthier, more inclusive city for all. Throughout the year, CultureMap has been highlighting organizations that make our communities a better place as part of our new Houston Charity Guide, presented in partnership with Frost’s Opt for Optimism campaign…. from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2EWIWXT from WordPress http://bit.ly/2SsGBYD

Where to eat on New Year’s Day: 10 brunch options to ease a hangover

Image
If New Year’s Eve is all about excess, New Year’s Day is more subdued. A day off from work provides people with the opportunity to look back at the year that was, make plans for the year to come, and atone for any excesses the night before. New Year’s Day dining is similarly low-key. If the night before is all about multi-course menu and luxury ingredients, brunch on New Year’s Day focuses on familiar flavors… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2Vm1SoA from WordPress http://bit.ly/2F0lx8B

Hoffman’s mug makes its triumphant return to a Houston landmark

Image
One night in the mid-90s, or thereabouts, I had dinner at The Palm restaurant on Westheimer near the Galleria. The general manager took a photo of me and said he was putting me on a wall. It’s a Palm tradition to line its walls with caricatures of local celebrities, political movers and shakers, media personalities, and sports stars. Plus, an occasional mistake. The tradition started back during the Great Depression, when newspaper cartoonists in New… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2EWgFBH from WordPress http://bit.ly/2EYan3s

These 10 worst movies stunk up the big screen in 2018

Image
The worst movies of the year are always a mixed bag between those that are anticipated to be bad and those that disappoint for a variety of reasons. This year’s list runs the gamut from movies aimed at kids to an ultra-raunchy comedy, and you should avoid all of them at all costs. from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2TnfWMZ from WordPress http://bit.ly/2AnHuL0

Ronnie Killen’s highly anticipated Mexican spot now open in Pearland

Image
Killen’s TMX, chef Ronnie Killen’s eagerly anticipated Mexican restaurant, held a two-day soft opening over the weekend of December 29-30. The chef invited a small group of media members in for a first taste Saturday night. As Killen told CultureMap back in October, Killen’s TMX brings together two distinct styles of cuisine: the Tex-Mex items that first appeared on the dinner menu at Killen’s Barbecue and the more traditional Mexican cuisine that the chef became… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2LETNa6 from WordPress http://bit.ly/2ThXJ3h

The 10 stories that most captivated Houstonians in 2018

Image
Editor’s note: What an eventful year in Houston, as the Bayou City bid farewell to our beloved President George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara. Houston also celebrated a Noble Prize winner, suffered massive construction changes, and enjoyed sizzling new restaurants and hot spots. It’s been an honor to deliver this daily news and CultureMap promises to be at the forefront of reporting on the culture, lifestyle, and buzz of this glorious city in 2019…. from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2EY9s3R from WordPress http://bit.ly/2F0I99f

Clichéd storytelling undercuts Ginsburg in On the Basis of Sex

Image
Against all odds, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has become quite the cult figure at her advanced age. She’s been honored in memes and through Halloween costumes, played by Kate McKinnon on Saturday Night Live, and given a gangsta-style nickname — The Notorious RBG — that was appropriated for a recent documentary about her life, RBG. That streak continues with the biopic On the Basis of Sex. It focuses on the early life of… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2SvNCHZ from WordPress http://bit.ly/2TlGSg1

Restaurant news, dining ideas, and Netflix drama lead top stories

Image
Editor’s note: It’s time to recap the top stories on CultureMap from this past week. 1\. Taco Cabana closes 9 restaurants in Texas including 1 in Houston. The company hopes the closures, along with some new initiatives, will help its financial standing. 2\. Houston’s 10 best Chinese restaurants for celebrating Jewish Christmas. Just to be clear, “Jewish Christmas” isn’t a religious holiday; it’s the idea of a non-traditional celebration built around eating Chinese food and… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2TodE0b from WordPress http://bit.ly/2Rs4bHy

Butter your popcorn for the 10 best movies of 2018

Image
2018 was an unusual year for movies, in that it started off strong, leveled off in the middle, and then came back strong again at the end. That left movie lovers with a good number of films that stood up to challengers over the course of the year, making their way onto my top 10 list against the odds. This year’s list tends toward studio fare, but smaller movies made their mark, as well. from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2Qczq52 from WordPress http://bit.ly/2GMjqqI

Top 10 Houston real estate stories of 2018 showcase the hottest ‘hoods

Image
Editor’s note: As the year comes to a close, we look back at the 10 biggest real estate stories in Houston for 2018 — including the best neighborhoods to buy, a boardwalk empire in Katy, and an even more bustling Sawyer Yards. 1. These are the 5 best Houston neighborhoods to buy right now, according to the experts. CultureMap asked local realtors to select the five most sought-after neighborhoods in Houston. The cozy Crestwood –… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2RoUBFi from WordPress http://bit.ly/2AjMEYe

Ring in the New Year with a fab feast at these 10 Houston hot spots

Image
Of all the holidays, New Year’s Eve is the one that’s most closely associated with going out. While some people stay home and watch the ball drop, it’s more fun to go out, have a nice dinner, and enjoy a glass or two of champagne. This roundup focuses on some new options with set menus, but it also includes a couple of more low key, a la carte spots. As of Friday morning, all of… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2Q8853z from WordPress http://bit.ly/2QWZM02

Houston’s best and worst meals of 2018, plus 2019’s exciting openings

Image
On this week’s episode of “What’s Eric Eating,” CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler is joined by five of his regular cohosts for a freewheeling look back at the best and worst of Houston dining in 2018. Six people means some crosstalk, but overall it’s a fun look back at the year in dining. The group — beverage specialist Linda Salinas, local dining enthusiast Matt Harris, Avondale Food & Wine owner Mary Clarkson, Urban Swank blogger… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2Q88B1E from WordPress http://bit.ly/2EROvXs

RodeoHouston won’t say if leaked music lineup is real or fake

Image
RodeoHouston is playing coy about its 2019 concert lineup after a calendar featuring artists including Cardi B, Brooks & Dunn, and Los Tigres del Norte started to float around online. The calendar, which is similar to the one the rodeo normally uses to announce its entertainers, appears to match the genre lineup the rodeo released on December 11. But the rodeo is staying mum on the matter, tweeting on December 28: “Hmmmm, that’s a mighty… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2Q6CG1K from WordPress http://bit.ly/2So8TDC

Acclaimed pizza restaurant suddenly calls it quits in Montrose

Image
Cane Rosso’s Montrose location will close after service December 30, owner Jay Jerrier tells CultureMap. The Neapolitan pizza restaurant’s location in the Heights “isn’t going anywhere,” Jerrier adds. Since it opened in October 2016, the Montrose location has struggled to gain traction in the neighborhood. The restaurant brought in chefs Jonathan Jones and Matt Wommack to upgrade the non-pizza options on the menu, but Jerrier says “staff turnover and service challenges” hindered it from ever… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2AlAJcv from WordPress http://bit.ly/2Q6AOG7

The 12 best ways to party on New Year’s Eve in Houston

Image
Rest assured that, on the night of December 31, Houston will be swarming with New Year’s Eve parties. Here’s a rundown of festive gatherings, which include desserts, disco, drag queens, and even a sober party. Stay safe — and feel free to party hop. The parties are listed in order of start time, so you can plan your night and your ride sharing. Children’s Museum of Houston’s “Rockin’ New Year’s Noon” For those who have… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2Q8AGWG from WordPress http://bit.ly/2Vaa0IO

Astros star shocks Houston fast food workers with massive tips

Image
Houston Astros Alex Bregman is at it again. The slugger decided to spread some holiday cheer to workers in the Houston area. In a new episode posted on the third baseman’s Youtube channel, he went out with friends and tipped drive-thru workers $1,200. It’s a move reminiscent of his recent surprise gift of $500 to a local waitress. After pulling up to the drive-thru window, he would ask if the worker accepted tips. If the… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2VgYMSG from WordPress http://bit.ly/2Adlq5N

Historic produce company announces closure in Houston Farmers Market

Image
One of Houston’s most prominent produce vendors will soon close its doors. Canino Produce Company will cease operations on January 21, co-owner Bill Canino tells ABC13. “We are just getting old. I’m 70, and my brother-in-law is 71. Just the complication of owning a store and all the permits. It’s just a different world now,” Canino tells the TV station. “I’m tired, and he’s tired. It’s as simple as that.” For over 60 years, Canino… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2LC1hLb from WordPress http://bit.ly/2QR3RCS

Houston’s 11 biggest bar and restaurant closures of 2018

Image
Houston’s restaurant scene continues to experience incredible growth as both home grown and out of town operators continue to see opportunity. Still, the influx means increased competition for existing operators, who may struggle to adapt to diners’ changing tastes. While those factors certainly played a role in many of this year’s highest- profile closings, other factors — everything from a chef’s desire for change to partnership disputes — played a role, too. With all that… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2EPLiHR from WordPress http://bit.ly/2ETaugV

5 hot Houston-area hotels to book a New Year’s Eve staycation

Image
Savvy Houston partiers know that on New Year’s Eve, it’s more fun to ring in 2019 with a little luxury at some of Houston’s hottest addresses. With swanky hotels across the Bayou City offering sweet deals, you can party like a rock star this New Year’s Eve — and even be treated like one. We’ve rounded up five spots offering hot deals (more than just standard rooms) for you to dine, get a little nuts,… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2CBLCZu from WordPress http://bit.ly/2AlKIyB

Best TOH Insider Moments of 2018

This year, fans got some serious face time with the TOH TV crew! Check out a few highlights WANT TO JOIN? Learn more about becoming a TOH Insider here http://bit.ly/2RiFLjO from House Cleaning http://bit.ly/2VcR5gr from WordPress http://bit.ly/2BLkYf7

The Best of “What Is It?” 2018

See if you can guess what these mystery tools are. Trust us, it’s harder than you think! http://bit.ly/2GIAoXc from House Cleaning http://bit.ly/2Q4xqLV from WordPress http://bit.ly/2QXerbp

5 hot Houston-area hotels to book a New Year’s Eve staycation

Image
Savvy Houston partiers know that on New Year’s Eve, it’s more fun to ring in 2019 with a little luxury at some of Houston’s hottest addresses. With swanky hotels across the Bayou City offering sweet deals, you can party like a rock star this New Year’s Eve — and even be treated like one. We’ve rounded up five spots offering hot deals (more than just standard rooms) for you to dine, get a little nuts,… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2VgV4ZF from WordPress http://bit.ly/2EQpmfV

Here are the top 10 Houston pro athletes of 2018

Image
Last year, when the Houston Astros won the World Series, we ranked the top 20 Houston athletes. The Astros World Series championship truly expanded the field. With no titles but some strong performances, this year we offer up the top 10 pro athletes in Houston. Before objecting, keep in mind that rankings are based on 2018 performance in the calendar year against their level of competition. 10\. Chris Paul Injuries have kept him from moving… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2TgQ5Gv from WordPress http://bit.ly/2V6V3am

The 8 most memorable onstage moments in Houston theater in 2018

Image
Thanks to America’s first treasury secretary and Lin-Manuel Miranda, the hottest ticket in town in 2018 was a theater ticket. While Hamilton could only remain for about a month to show us all how hip (hop) a musical can be, our own local theater companies were not going to waste their shot to remind us of all the performing and behind the scenes creative talent Houston possesses. Here’s a look back at some of the… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2Q2Lvti from WordPress http://bit.ly/2BMK8JZ

Here are the top 9 things to do in Houston this weekend

Image
It’s holiday season, with many Houstonians enjoying a much-needed getaway. For those still here, it’s a relatively quiet week of events: All the hardcore stuff happens Monday night — New Year’s Eve — when we all count down to 2019. Until then, enjoy these fun happenings: Thursday, December 27 Tea with the Dames at the MFAH If you’re a huge fan of old, English ladies getting together and shooting the breeze, here’s the new documentary… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2ERMYkW from WordPress http://bit.ly/2TbvoLS

Houston young professionals rock tacky sweaters for a classy cause

Image
What: The fourth annual Tacky Sweater Holiday event Where: Children’s Museum of Houston The scoop: The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s Young Professionals Group (YPG) recently hosted its fourth annual Tacky Sweater Holiday event, a social and service event to at the Children’s Museum of Houston. In tribute to President George H.W. Bush, YPG members wore wear quirky and colorful socks, a trademark accessory of the former president. Upon arrival, guests flooded the photo booth… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2SmfxtX from WordPress http://bit.ly/2EOyhi0

Top 10 restaurant and bar stories that Houston devoured in 2018

Image
This year has been an exciting one for Houston restaurants. During the past 12 months, the city has welcomed three new restaurants from Chris Shepherd, said farewell to high-profile places like Kitchen 713 and Vallone’s, and seen no shortage of drama as operators and partners come and go from various establishments. Of course, CultureMap has kept its readers apprised of all the latest goings on. While a closing topped this year’s most-read bar and restaurant… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2EMVYYA from WordPress http://bit.ly/2ELAjPU

Recycle your Christmas tree at these Houston locations

Image
It’s an age-old holiday question: toss the Christmas tree the day after — or leave it up until early 2019? For Houstonians opting for the former, starting Wednesday, December 26, trees can be disposed of at one of the city’s free-drop off recycling sites. Those who receive trash pick-up from the City of Houston can place trees on the curb. However, that option is only available on designated tree waste days. The City of Houston… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2CASbv2 from WordPress http://bit.ly/2ELroho

8 things to know right now: Openings, closings, and gluten-free pizza

Image
Editor’s note: Houston’s restaurant scene moves pretty fast. In order to prevent CultureMap readers from missing anything, let’s stop to look around at all the latest news to know. Openings, closings, and coming attractions A second location of Greenway Plaza-area favorite Kolache Shoppe is now open in The Heights. Located at 1031 Heights Blvd., the cafe features 30 flavors of kolaches, both traditional fruit-topped and meat-filled varieties, along with a full range of brewed and… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2GGJcN0 from WordPress http://bit.ly/2Rg0yVi

Romantic If Beale Street Could Talk shines light on social justice

Image
Writer/director Barry Jenkins announced himself as a major filmmaker with his second film, 2016’s Moonlight, which won three Oscars, including Best Picture. His follow-up, If Beale Street Could Talk, is already notable as it marks the first American fiction film adaptation of any of author James Baldwin’s works. The film centers on Fonny (Stephan James) and Tish (Kiki Layne), a young African-American couple who live in Harlem in the 1970s. It is at once timeless… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2EJWHcp from WordPress http://bit.ly/2QRY541

Here are the 8 best concerts in Houston this week

Image
‘Tis the season for cabin fever, when one too many egg nogs and close proximity to family members make us all a little stir-crazy. Thankfully, this is a week stacked with great shows to celebrate the end of another year and ring in a new one — with an excellent music lineup across Houston stages. Here are CultureMap’s biggest, best, and most notable shows. CultureMap recommends: The Black Angels Austin band The Black Angels have… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2EQFQFw from WordPress http://bit.ly/2EP2XiP

Houston native unleashes Netflix true crime thriller An Innocent Man

Image
Gripping, ominous, and chilling, An Innocent Man is the latest tale that has audiences buzzing on the streaming juggernaut, Netflix. The brooding series is based on the true crime novel of the same name by author John Grisham. Much like the wildly popular streaming series Making a Murderer, An Innocent man is an eerie whodunit, but at its heart, it’s a story that brutally illustrates that the challenges and corruption that plagues the U.S. criminal… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2ELCbc1 from WordPress http://bit.ly/2Cz5xIn

New Houston app helps smart, sporty users find their next thrill

Image
Jeff Long had plenty of professional connections, but he struggled to find a network of people with similar outdoor hobbies. “I’m a climber and I had no good way to meet other climbers,” he says. His sister, Sarah Long, had a similar problem when she was skiing at the Whistler Resort in British Columbia. “I was alone and I was looking for people to ski with,” she says. “So, I actually got on Tinder and… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2GNYvn4 from WordPress http://bit.ly/2rVaJjv

Christian Bale is terrifyingly entertaining as Dick Cheney in Vice

Image
Former Vice President Dick Cheney elicited many strong opinions during his tenure in President George W. Bush’s administration, especially for his role in the United States’ escalation of war and torture. Any movie that focused on him would take him to task, but writer/director Adam McKay has gone the extra mile in Vice. Instead of telling a story solely about those eight years, McKay goes all the way back to his early 20s, when Cheney… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2QMw65E from WordPress http://bit.ly/2GBqp60

Houston’s most popular dog names for 2018 hit a home run

Image
How proud are Houstonians of winning the World Series? Proud enough to cause a 67 percent increase in dogs named Astro during 2018. Rover.com, the nation’s largest network of pet sitters and dog walkers, dug through the hundreds of thousands of names in its database to come up with the nation’s top 10 male and female dog names, as well as those you might hear being called at a Houston dog park. In addition to… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2EH0DdT from WordPress http://bit.ly/2EHrF4S

Texas population exploded from 2017 to 2018, says Census Bureau

Image
In just one year, Texas gained more residents than any other state, according to a new report from the U.S. Census Bureau. The estimates, released December 19, show Texas added 379,128 residents from July 1, 2017, to July 1, 2018 — the largest numeric gain among the 50 states. Texas’ pickup of nearly 380,000 residents doesn’t mean that many people moved to the state in a one-year span. Rather, it means the inflow of people… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2rVdsK4 from WordPress http://bit.ly/2QQzpsC

Houston’s 10 best Chinese restaurants for celebrating Jewish Christmas

Image
All across Houston, families with gather to celebrate Christmas by going to church, opening presents under the tree, and dining on a home cooked meal. To them, we say “Merry Christmas!” This list is not for you. Other people, for any number of reasons, will not celebrate a traditional Christmas. Whether travel is too expensive or too inconvenient, whether someone isn’t a Christian, or whether family gatherings just aren’t fun, we have an alternative. Celebrate… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2V8dtrl from WordPress http://bit.ly/2EMWSnU

Katy’s boardwalk empire and Chinese barbecue’s return lead top stories

Image
Editor’s note: It’s time to recap the top stories on CultureMap from this past week. 1\. Houston’s hottest suburb reveals plans for game-changing boardwalk entertainment district. The mixed-use development will include the Katy area’s first full-service conference center hotel, entertainment concepts, luxury loft residences, and a 90-acre nature preserve. 2\. Legendary Chinese barbecue restaurant returns with new home in Midtown. The family behind the shuttered Long Sing Supermarket has emerged with a new concept in… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2EMb4xy from WordPress http://bit.ly/2AeeHZ7

Best of the 2018 Idea House

The most coveted home-design ideas from our Narragansett, Rhode Island Craftsman-style cottage http://bit.ly/2EI83xs from House Cleaning http://bit.ly/2Ah5Aa6 from WordPress http://bit.ly/2ENNf8G

New Orleans High School Students Build Homes to Learn Skills for Work and Life

unCommon Construction, a non-profit in NOLA, gives students valuable training in the building trades http://bit.ly/2BE4Dsk from House Cleaning http://bit.ly/2T9lg6y from WordPress http://bit.ly/2BAu0LH

Tooth Loss in Postmenopausal Women Linked to Hypertension

Image
Researchers in the US suggest that tooth loss in the older women puts them at an increased risk for hypertension. http://bit.ly/2EJR129 from General Dentist Hammond, Louisiana http://bit.ly/2EIU0HN from Lingual Braces News http://bit.ly/2SfUNnB from WordPress http://bit.ly/2V5Ku7B

Team Wolverine Puts the Spotlight on the Trades

Wolverine, the Michigan-based footwear and apparel company, will sponsor three up-and-coming trade workers to help start their careers while also elevating perceptions of the trades http://bit.ly/2SfxwlV from House Cleaning http://bit.ly/2PSXfhP from WordPress http://bit.ly/2Ad2xQx

Small-Bathroom Before and After: Smart Paint Opens Up a Space

Lightening up overhead—and underfoot—allows a windowless bath to be wrapped in a warm, dark shade for a sophisticated new look http://bit.ly/2AdhF0e from House Cleaning http://bit.ly/2V4okmf from WordPress http://bit.ly/2SexFWx

Bumblebee’s beating heart can’t transform it into a good movie

Image
In the modern movie industry, the mantra for many studios has been, “When in doubt, reboot.” So it goes for the Transformers series, which, after a promising start in 2007, saw each of its four subsequent films savaged by critics (though the cushy box office receipts likely softened those blows). Now the filmmakers appear to be going back to square one with Bumblebee. Just as in the first Transformers movie, a human gets roped into… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2BytlKU from WordPress http://bit.ly/2QHNatm

Prepare for more Galleria-area traffic nightmares in the near future

Image
One of Houston’s biggest traffic trouble spots is undergoing a major makeover, but starting in January 2019, construction on the 610 / US-59 interchange near the Galleria will go into overdrive. “We’ve had one-lane closures, two-lane closures, a few weekend closures — nothing too impacting, but you are going to see a change. We are going to see more significant closures coming up within the next year,” says Danny Perez, Texas Department of Transportation spokesperson…. from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2T23WAg from WordPress http://bit.ly/2QOL1wl

Hot Houston sports bar saves you a stool for big New Year’s Eve party

Image
Choices abound for where to ring in 2019, but for the true sports fan, the best option is Live Sports Bar & Grill. This sporty hot spot, situated between downtown and the Theater District, is not only your go-to for watching games year-round but also the place to be on New Year’s Eve. Why? Because there will be two DJs spinning the best tunes, a balloon drop at midnight, and plenty of VIP options. Groups… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2EFrff5 from WordPress http://bit.ly/2UZbCVT

10 festive events for a merry Christmas Day in Houston

Image
Christmas Day is a time to spend hanging out by the tree, unwrapping presents, and generally lounging. But if you and yours get a little cabin fever, we’ve rounded up 10 fun events to get you out and about, once the wrapping paper and packages have been thrown away — and A Christmas Story is in its second showing. Axelrad Enjoy a screening of not one, but two cinematic adaptations of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2LvppyT from WordPress http://bit.ly/2EJns1l

Project Bootstrap and Team Wolverine Putting the Spotlight on the Trades

Wolverine, the Michigan-based footwear and apparel company, will sponsor three up-and-coming trade workers— a trim carpenter, apprentice electrician and timber framer— to help start their careers while also elevating perceptions of the trades http://bit.ly/2AbclKx from House Cleaning http://bit.ly/2rOdDqx from WordPress http://bit.ly/2BxgUyH

How to up your holiday entertaining game by hosting a whiskey party

Image
With holiday parties winding down and New Year’s Eve celebrations gearing up, there’s still one soiree you can host for friends who may be fatigued by the typical festive fare. Give everyone a break from mulled wine and declare Champagne so 2018. Here’s how to throw the ultimate tasting party featuring Balcones Distilling, one of the world’s most decorated craft distilleries that also happens to be located right here in Texas. What whiskey to serve… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2EADPfP from WordPress http://bit.ly/2CugOd7

These are the best Houston restaurants open on Christmas Day

Image
From enchiladas to vindaloo to wagyu, hungry Houstonians can enjoy cuisine from all over the world on Christmas Day. We’ve rounded up a list of go-to favorites and hot spots that are sure to make for a tasty yuletide celebration. Dreading doing dishes? Try one of these restaurants open on December 25. Alicia’s Mexican Grille Texans do reach for the tamales on Christmas — it just feels right. The suburban Tex-Mex fave will serve its… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2R99bku from WordPress http://bit.ly/2SmfjCY

Heights-area studio lights a fire for fitness-minded Houstonians

Image
They say summer bodies are made in the winter, but Justine Vandenbrink is determined to help Houstonians keep fit year-round. Actually, as the owners of Fyre Fitness, Justine and her husband Justin are focused on getting their clients LIT: Lagree Intensity Training. The exercise method — which is popular with Houston Rockets and Texans players, along with many Hollywood celebrities — targets slow twitch muscle fibers through low-impact, high-intensity workouts. The method concentrates on resistance-based… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2R9p9Lk from WordPress http://bit.ly/2LznIRi

Houston among the most affordable places to live and work in 2019

Image
A new study indicates it’s worth it to live and work in Houston. The study, done by BusinessStudent.com, puts Houston among the country’s 25 most affordable places to live and work for 2019. Four other Texas cities appear ahead of Houston in the report: Fort Worth (No. 7), College Station (No. 18), Irving (No. 21), and Dallas (No. 22). Noticeably absent from the top 25 are Austin and San Antonio. “Making a high salary is… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2A9DSfs from WordPress http://bit.ly/2EzLUkK

Taco Cabana closes 9 restaurants in Texas including 1 in Houston

Image
Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., the parent company of Taco Cabana and Pollo Tropical, is closing 23 restaurants, including nine in Texas. The other 14 closures are in Florida and Georgia, including all nine Pollo Tropical restaurants in Atlanta, and nine Taco Cabana restaurants in Texas. Nearly all employees impacted by the Florida and Texas closures will be offered positions at nearby Pollo Tropical or Taco Cabana restaurant locations. The nine restaurants closing in Texas are… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2T1HQha from WordPress http://bit.ly/2Riba69

These are Houston’s 12 best new restaurants of 2018

Image
Not that any year in dining should necessarily be compared to what came before, but the odds of 2018 topping what happened in 2017. After all three of Houston’s James Beard Award-winning chefs opened new establishments last year. Still, this year didn’t lack for intriguing new options. Concepts from out of town — everything from Nobu and Superica to Rodeo Goat, Flower Child, and International Smoke — made a splash and raised the game for… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston http://bit.ly/2QGl4ia from WordPress http://bit.ly/2UVRsvI

Meet Trixie the cheeky Chihuahua, CultureMap’s pet of the week

Image
Name: Trixie, like Speed Racer’s girlfriend and the fab drag queen. Birthdate: March 16, 2016 Ethnicity: Tiny Trixie is a short-haired Chihuahua mix, tipping the scales at a mere 8 pounds. She’s all ready for a NYE party in her little black dress — she just needs a date. This diminutive doll loves to talk. Her finder reports that Trixie is a sweetheart and loves to snuggle; she loves beds. Trixie loves stroll on a… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/2EHcxoJ from WordPress https://ift.tt/2UZgCtr

Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges confront addiction in Ben is Back

Image
The horrors of opioid addiction have made bold-faced headlines for years in the United States, so it only makes sense that filmmakers are increasingly using it as storytelling inspiration. Earlier this year, Beautiful Boy gave a real-life look into a destructive codependent parent-child relationship, and now Ben is Back has gone the fictional route for even greater effect. As the film begins, Holly Burns (Julia Roberts) finds her son, Ben (Lucas Hedges), on the doorstep… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/2EFsj3x from WordPress https://ift.tt/2R8Oxkd