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Showing posts from May, 2021

Cruella goes dark and deep to expand on iconic Disney character

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The “101 Dalmatians” property has been an enduring one for Walt Disney Studios, with the original 1961 film maintaining a strong presence in pop culture mostly thanks to its iconic villain, Cruella De Vil. That status was bolstered even more in the late ’90s/early 2000s when Glenn Close starred as Cruella in two live-action movies, well before Disney’s current spate of live action remakes of their animated properties. Now comes a fourth bite at the… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/2RPv8aB from WordPress https://ift.tt/2SEOZJw

8 must-stay glamping destinations in the Hill Country and beyond

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Dear Tom Haverfords of the world, Don’t let anyone tell you tell you you’re not camping just because you’re doing it so stylishly. Camping is a state of mind. So what if you’re bathing in a clawfoot tub in a climate-controlled building with walls and Turkish towels and a kitchenette? Did you know tented cabins exist? That’s right, you’re in a tent. And you’re looking off into the Texas Hill Country sky, with no streetlights… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/34ypYT1 from WordPress https://ift.tt/3fYfTnB

This is the hottest job in Houston for college grads, says new study

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Are you a newly minted college grad searching for an in-demand job in Houston? If you’re a petroleum engineer, you’re in luck. A study published May 27 by RentCafe, a platform for apartment rentals, shows the hottest job in Houston for college grads is petroleum engineer. RentCafe based its list of hot jobs on two factors: median pay and jobs per 1,000. The median pay for petroleum engineers in Houston is $178,240 and the rage… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/34w5FW7 from WordPress https://ift.tt/3fDT3mt

New tree-lined Heights-area park opens along White Oak Bayou

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Hikers and bikers and Heights locals, rejoice. A new green space, dubbed Bayou Greenways Park, is welcoming trekkers at the intersection of White Oak Bayou and the Heights Hike and Bike Trail. Named for the Houston Park Board’s Bayou Greenways initiative, this new space park is the celebration of a century-old vision for Houston’s bayous and parks to serve as the backbone of Houston’s park system, a press release notes. Bayou Greenways Park park is… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3i4xmxg from WordPress https://ift.tt/2RXItxw

Report marches out mediocre ranking for military retirement in Texas

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Texas is more like a first lieutenant than a five-star general when it comes to its ranking among the best states for military retirees. Personal finance website WalletHub puts Texas at No. 21 on its new list of the best states for military retirees. Virginia ranks first, while Oregon sits in last place. “Even without a pandemic, retirement from the military is always difficult, with many retirees facing major struggles including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, disability… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3vEzhMX from WordPress https://ift.tt/3p5YU72

Beloved Houston pizza joint’s reopening heats up week’s top 5 stories

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Editor’s note: It’s time to recap the top stories on CultureMap from this past week. 1\. Houston’s most authentic New York pizzeria serves up reopening date. The restaurant may look different, but the food, thankfully, is exactly the same. 2\. Ken Hoffman perfectly predicts the future of the beloved Astrodome. Our columnist would like to see the Dome either be fixed up or torn down, but he’s skeptical that either will happen. 3\. Where to… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3vzsUL2 from WordPress https://ift.tt/3p4fynK

A Quiet Place Part II silently roars to list of best movie sequels

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There are some movies that beg for a sequel and some that are better as stand- alone experiences. Upon its release in 2018, A Quiet Place seemed like it belonged in the latter category, as it wrapped up its story nicely even as the characters faced an uncertain future. But it’s hard to resist the lure of another go-around, and so, after a year’s delay due to the pandemic, A Quiet Place Part II is… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3vx8TEV from WordPress https://ift.tt/3yOWAFR

Houston real estate expert shares 5 tips for first-time buyers

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As virtually everyone living in Houston right now knows, this real estate market is one of the hottest in the country. n what’s been described as a “buying bonanza,” homes are for sale all over the region, which might have renters thinking it’s time to jump on the home- ownership ladder. Not so fast. First-time buyers face real pitfalls. Jeremiah Jackson, retail sales manager for the the Houston market for real estate powerhouse Orchard, shares… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/34rvvL5 from WordPress https://ift.tt/3p1pRsz

Here are the top 10 Memorial Day events in Houston

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Those venturing out of the house this Memorial Day can expect a wide array of events on this holiday of remembrance. Look for solemn observances, memorial events, WWII-themed activities, a crawfish fest, and a massive pool party. Be safe, and take a moment to remember those who gave all. Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia will present the Veterans Memorial Day Walk at Jim and Joann Fonteno Park. This will be a perfect time… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3oXHAkH from WordPress https://ift.tt/3ft2lRW

Houston Restaurant Weeks serves up highly anticipated dining dates

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The Bayou City’s favorite charity dining event will return for 2021. Houston Restaurant Weeks will take place from August 1 until Labor Day, September 6. Founded by media personality Cleverley Stone, Houston Restaurant Weeks offers diners two- and three-course prix fixe menus at set price points for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Almost 300 of the city’s restaurants participate in the event, which raises money for the Houston Food Bank. This year features a new, $49… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3yJne35 from WordPress https://ift.tt/2SDsZPi

Houston’s Olympic superstar Simone Biles cartwheels home on big tour

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After what promises to be a spectacular, medal-worthy performance at the Olympic Games this summer, the best gymnast in the world is vaulting her way back to her hometown as part of a 35-city gymnastics tour extravaganza. Headlined by the pride of Spring, Texas, Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, the Gold Over America Tour — billed as a “high-energy, gymnastics-meets-pop-concert spectacular” — kicks off September 21, tumbling its way to the… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3yIXZ0F from WordPress https://ift.tt/3vIPPUp

Mysterious West U ‘Darth Vader house’ lights up market for $4.3M

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For years, West University neighbors and residents would stroll or drive by the intriguing contemporary/modern house on 3201 University Blvd., hoping for a peek inside what’s been dubbed the “Darth Vader House.” Now, finally, photos have been revealed, as the striking home has hit the market. Listed by Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty, the house is on sale for $4.3 million and is represented by Wade Knight and Nadia Carron. Immediately evocative of sci-fi’s most… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3vxBNof from WordPress https://ift.tt/3p0pM8D

Chris Shepherd serves up a burger joint for historic farmers market

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Chris Shepherd is bringing burgers to the Heights. The James Beard Award winner will open Underbelly Burger at the Houston Farmers Market this summer. The announcement clarifies the style of the fast casual restaurant that Shepherd first announced last year would open at the market. It will be located next to a butcher shop from Texas wagyu purveyor R-C Ranch. In terms of construction, the Underbelly burger will be similar to the Cease & Desist… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3fss0dy from WordPress https://ift.tt/3fr8vlM

11 hot Houston-area hotels for a last-minute weekend staycation

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The long weekend (and requisite salute to all who gave all to the nation) means Houstonians are in search of local getaways. While many hop spots are completely booked for Memorial Day weekend (staff at The Houstonian Hotel confirm the elegant spot is jam-packed), many hotels still have availability and even decent rates. Best bet is to confirm online or call. Here, then, is a roundup of staycation spots for that wayfaring Houstonian. Four Seasons… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3vtjtMZ from WordPress https://ift.tt/3fsssbN

Central Market stores are first to sell this buzzy vegan barbecue

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A vegan barbecue line is making its Texas debut. Called Barvecue, it’s a wood- smoked, plant-based barbecue that’s launching a national rollout beginning at all 10 Central Market locations in Texas. Central Market is the first major retailer for the Barvecue brand. “We are excited to bring Barvecue to Texas, a state that has a deep love and tradition of barbecue,” says CEO and founder Lee Cooper in a statement. “As we roll out national… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3vsg6WE from WordPress https://ift.tt/3vu8LpG

Historic Houston-area barbecue joint links up with fancy food retailer

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A new partnership will bring a historic Houston-area barbecue joint to homes nationwide. Fulshear’s Dozier’s BBQ is the first Texas barbecue restaurant to partner with food retailer Williams Sonoma. Effective immediately, customers may order different Dozier’s products to be shipped anywhere in the continental United States through the Williams Sonoma website. The available items consist of: Ultimate Dozier’s Sample Pack (1 lb. sliced brisket, 2.25 lb. rack ribs, 1 lb. sliced bacon, 1 lb. sausage,… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3bYOEbi from WordPress https://ift.tt/3ftS7kc

Southwest helps Houstonians get away with cheap new Memorial Day fares

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With locals — and indeed, the nation — ready to skip town, a Texas-based airline is launching cheap fares in advance of the long weekend. Southwest Airlines has released a flurry of new Memorial Day fares, with prices starting at $49 each way. Prices on Southwest.com are valid through June 10 at 11:59 pm throughout the continental U.S. (Prices for inter-island Hawaii, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and international travel are valid August 17 through November… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3oWinHe from WordPress https://ift.tt/3bYEmIk

Bring your family to South Padre Island for an unforgettable vacation

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The school year is ending, weather is getting warmer, and you’re getting the itch for a family vacation. It can only mean one thing: Summer is here. And after a year of missing family members and friends, why not make time this summer for a vacation reunion at the beach? South Padre Island is the perfect setting for everyone, from seniors to young children. Here are all the things you need to know to have… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/2SAcQdr from WordPress https://ift.tt/3unx2MB

Houston’s cult-favorite burger spot, plus fresh new Anglo-Indian fare

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On this week’s episode of “What’s Eric Eating,” Diane and Willet Feng join CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler to discuss Burger-Chan, their cult favorite burger restaurant. The conversation begins with the couple sharing the story of how they met while attending Rice University. Willet explains how he entered the world of professional cooking; eventually, he worked at Oxheart during its opening and ran a gastropub in Shanghai while Diane advanced her career as a teacher…. from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3ur5iH7 from WordPress https://ift.tt/3oUMfUt

Home improvement experts welcome the rise of the flex space

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We’ve all been embracing the term “flexible” recently, especially when it comes to our homes, which now double as offices, schools, gyms, restaurants, and entertainment centers. So it’s no surprise that home remodeling trends are also showcasing versatility. Brixos, Texas’ trusted team for remodeling, home additions, and home improvement projects, has seen a major uptick in flex spaces. One client requested specific features during a recent home addition, which will serve as both a gym… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3bZ8aVg from WordPress https://ift.tt/3vsMiZT

Andy Roddick nets famous investors for launch of new Texas bourbon

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For Austin-based Tennis superstar Andy Roddick, years of preparation have all been leading to this moment. No, it’s not the final match of the U.S. Open, nor is it a star-studded gala for the athlete’s nonprofit foundation. Right now, at this cozily lit cocktail speakeasy in the heart of downtown Austin, Roddick is finally stepping into his latest role: one the city’s newest bourbon moguls. And it’s been a long time coming — a long… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3wEojXU from WordPress https://ift.tt/3fTxj4T

Midtown art crawl/bike tour showcases colorful female rising stars

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Artsy and active Houstonians can enjoy some favorable weather and engaging art this weekend. Midtown Houston is showcasing some local female artists via a hybrid art crawl/bike ride at 10:30 am May Saturday, May 29. The curated event, dubbed the Midtown Art Crawl + Bike Ride, is open to a maximum of 25 riders, who can hop on bikes from bicycle-sharing company Houston BCycle. The biking outfit hosted a first-of-its-kind competition for artists to paint… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/34mRhj1 from WordPress https://ift.tt/2RNPmkM

Here are the top 12 things to do in Houston this weekend

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This weekend is, of course, Memorial Day Weekend, which means you’ll probably be outside grilling some burgers on Monday. Coincidentally, May is National Hamburger Month and Friday is National Hamburger Day. So, you might wanna get the grilling early this weekend, or even head out to a spot where they serve some tasty burgers. (Or you can just stay home and order from the Burger Joint, like everybody else.) Here are some other things going… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3foCaM9 from WordPress https://ift.tt/3fqaoPo

12 Houston leading ladies rock the runway at Mother’s Day soirée

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The Junior League of Houston was all abuzz for LCAHouston International Society News Magazine’s eighth-annual Mother’s Day Soiree. Media maven and soiree host, Ruchi Mukherjee, pulled out all the stops for a fashionable luncheon and style show featuring 12 of Houston’s most notable mothers. Each year, the Mother’s Day Soiree honors a diverse group of exemplary women who show distinction in their professions and dedication to their families. This year’s honorees represented mothers from a… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3voRoGQ from WordPress https://ift.tt/2TaBod5

Texas’ Whole Foods roots out 5 plant-based food trends for summer

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In Houston and Texas, summer’s the time for backyard barbecues. So heat up the grill and get to cooking some barbecued … banana blossoms? According to Austin-based Whole Foods Market, banana blossoms (the flower that grows at the end of the bunch), barbecued jackfruit, and nut-based cheese will be all the rage this summer. The certified organic grocer recently released its first-ever list of plant-based trend predictions, with the top five trends serving up meat… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3vp428H from WordPress https://ift.tt/3oRuR2V

Houston’s ‘Diva of Dining,’ Cleverley Stone, honored by TV special

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A Houston TV station will broadcast a special segment to honor the “Diva of Dining.” Fox 26 will honor local media personality Cleverley Stone on the one year anniversary of her death from cancer, this Friday, May 28. Fox 26 reporter Ruben Dominguez and Stone’s daughter Katie Stone will participate in a segment during the 9 am broadcast of the station’s morning show. Then, at 10:15 am, the station will stream a celebration of her… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3ulLDYZ from WordPress https://ift.tt/3fT31PQ

Prolific Rice University president announces end to storied tenure

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For some 17 years, Rice University president David Leebron has overseen exponential growth of the school’s facilities, research initiatives, and student body. Now, his tenure is coming to an end. Leebron and the university announced on May 26 that he is leaving his position at the end of the next academic year. His official departure from the presidency will be effective on June 30, 2022, per a press release. “Ping and I are so grateful… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3uoHDXM from WordPress https://ift.tt/3fLAdIW

Upscale Dallas house of burgers and oysters cozies up to River Oaks

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A popular Dallas destination for burgers and oysters is coming to Houston. Hudson House will open in the River Oaks Shopping Center in late 2021, the restaurant announced in a release. Originally opened in Dallas in 2017, Hudson House takes its inspiration from neighborhood restaurants in New York’s West Village. The concept is built around a classic, double patty cheeseburger, an extensive selection of raw oysters, and the self-described “World’s Coldest” martinis. It has grown… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3fju3AB from WordPress https://ift.tt/3wv6Pgw

Houston-area paradise blooms on new list of best U.S. state parks

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In perhaps a sign that the country is revving back to normal, the number of people expected to travel 50 miles or more from home is expected to be a 60-percent increase from last year, CNN reports. Americans are ready to hit the road, and one popular destination is state parks. And why not? The U.S. boasts more than 10,000 state parks covering a total of 18.6 million acres; with more than 813 million visitors… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3oTC3LG from WordPress https://ift.tt/3uoW79W

Houston sports TV legend reveals shocking Houston Rockets tales

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Legendary local play-by-play man Bill Worrell recently retired after nearly 40 years announcing Houston Rockets games on TV. Over his long, amazing career, Worrell also broadcast Houston Astros and Houston Oilers games, plus everything from rodeo to table tennis, volleyball to boxing, and golf to synchronized skating. Synchronized skating? “I got there two hours early and they tried to explain the sport to me. Basically I just did the introductions and turned it over to… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/34iGoPi from WordPress https://ift.tt/3oTcY3Q

Action and emotions carry Those Who Wish Me Dead through fire

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Even the most complicated action movies tend to have a singular focus. If you’re making a crime thriller, the action is about the crime. If you’re making a movie about firefighters, the action is about the danger of the fire. The new film Those Who Wish Me Dead divides its focus, trying to fit a bit about both of those worlds into its running time, and barely succeeding at making a coherent whole. Angelina Jolie… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3uju244 from WordPress https://ift.tt/2QRuTLv

Massive west Houston water park makes a splash with big beach bash

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As local families plan their Memorial Day weekend, a popular west Houston water park is welcoming the masses. Katy-area Typhoon Texas will reopen with a three-day Welcome Back Beach Bash from Saturday, May 29 through Monday, May 31, the venue announced. The long-weekend event features live music, strolling in-park entertainment, and family-friendly activities. Main attractions, no doubt, are the park’s more than a mile of winding, twisting slide paths; Texas-size wave pool; a lazy river… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3hNFRwK from WordPress https://ift.tt/3yGPR0D

Where to eat in Houston: 10 new restaurants for posh + diverse dining

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Being out and about recently leads to one obvious conclusion — Houstonians have resumed dining in restaurants. The signs of a surge in dining are everywhere. Weekend reservations at popular spots book up a week or more in advance. A manager at one Inner Loop hot spot recently shared that revenues currently exceed 2019’s strong sales. Places might be even busier if they could hire more staff, but a complicated combination of factors means most… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3vlugc1 from WordPress https://ift.tt/3bTfa5P

Rice University crafts pivotal new Houston flood tracking system

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The recent Houston deluge is a sobering reminder of the constant potential of flooding here, especially in at-risk areas. To that end, a local university has devised a new tool to tackle high water threats in vulnerable spots. Engineers at Rice University have crafted a new radar-based flood assessment, mapping and early-warning system to help planning for and responding to flooding at Houston hospitals and other critical facilities, namely on the watersheds of Brays, Sims,… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3yDtN7e from WordPress https://ift.tt/3wz12GQ

Foreign investors bank on Houston as hot commercial real estate market

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Houston is in the midst of a residential real estate “buying bonanza.” Now, a new report reveals that the Bayou City is no slouch when it comes to commercial real estate, as well. In a recent survey released by AFIRE, an industry group for real estate investors, Houston tied for No. 14 on the list of cities favored by foreign real estate investors. Last year, Houston sat at No. 12. Elsewhere in Texas, foreign real… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3bS8lSd from WordPress https://ift.tt/2RO0Y7n

Houston real estate market leads nation with new homes on the market

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When folks are shopping for a new home in the Houston area, there’s a good chance they’ll wind up in a newer home. In a new report by Homes.com, Houston ranks No. 8 in the U.S. for the newest homes for sale, with 29.3 percent of listings being built in 2000 or later. Ranking above Houston, here are the top locations for the newest homes being sold: 1. New Orleans, 40.8 percent 2. Raleigh, North… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3p05r3j from WordPress https://ift.tt/2SoQdZd

Houstonians shine at glittering $600,000 Junior League Charity Ball

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What: The Junior League of Houston 73rd annual Charity Ball, “Illuminate” Where: Homes across Houston The scoop: Charitable Houston women and their families gathered for a cherished annual tradition. The Junior League recently held its annual Charity Ball, dubbed “Illuminate,” which raised some $600,000 for the league’s charitable, women-focused initiatives. This year, the time-honored event was reimagined from the traditional, multi- night celebration. Junior League members and donors hosted small watch parties in their homes…. from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/34fMEYa from WordPress https://ift.tt/3oLSRV2

Cult-favorite salad chain freshens up Houston with 2 new locations

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Two more Sweetgreen locations are opening soon in the Houston area. The cult-favorite salad restaurant will open its fourth local outpost in The Woodlands (9595 Six Pines Dr.) on Tuesday, May 25 with another slated to arrive in the M-K-T Heights development (600 N. Shepherd Dr.) in the coming weeks. Founded in 2007 by then-Georgetown students Jonathan Neman, Nicolas Jammet, and Nathaniel Ru, Sweetgreen has grown to over 100 locations across the country. The company… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/34ignPS from WordPress https://ift.tt/2Ss7656

Longtime Houston theater company stages new season of rousing romps

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One of Houston’s most cherished and longstanding theater groups is making a triumphant return to live, in-person performances, just in time for fall. Stages has unveiled its 2021-2022 season, which will showcase the venerable company’s impressive new campus, The Gordy. This new lineup promises comedies, musicals, and six world premieres — four of which have been written by Houston-based playwrights, per a press release. Another draw is the fifth-annual Sin Muros Latinx Theater Festival. Fall… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3bQiOh2 from WordPress https://ift.tt/3vhMqeZ

Final Account chronicles thoughts of aging Nazis, Holocaust witnesses

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The atrocities committed by Adolf Hitler and the Nazis before and during World War II are well-documented, but what has rarely been put on film are interviews with those who witnessed or perpetrated the crimes. The most famous example is the 1985 film Shoah, a 9+ hour documentary by Claude Lanzmann that told the story of the Holocaust directly from the mouths of survivors, witnesses, and perpetrators. The new documentary Final Account treads similar ground,… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3oK0nQa from WordPress https://ift.tt/2SsjEK8

Chris Shepherd’s One Fifth previews ‘beefy’ new restaurant concept

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One Fifth may be come to the end of its five-year run, but it’s not going out quietly. Instead of operating in its current Southern Comfort iteration through August, it will offer at least two more concepts from Underbelly Hospitality chef-owner Chris Shepherd and culinary director Nick Fine. Up first will be a preview of Georgia James Tavern, a more casual take on Shepherd’s Montrose steakhouse that the company will open later this year in… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3fEXVXb from WordPress https://ift.tt/3fhnA9n

Ken Hoffman perfectly predicts the future of the beloved Astrodome

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The Astrodome Conservancy is polling the public for ideas on what do with the abandoned “Eighth Wonder of the World,” (read the CultureMap story here) that sits forlorn and forgotten, quarantined from the public in the middle of NRG Park. Before you submit, “turn the Dome into a 250-screen multiplex,” bear in mind: any renovation project would have to be paid for mostly by private money, be self-sustaining financially, and supported by the public. Good… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3vjsXub from WordPress https://ift.tt/2RzKujr

Beachy Houston private lagoon welcomes all Houstonians to summer bash

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Houston skies are grey and the ground is soggy, but a forecast projects sunny skies and warm days ahead. Perfect timing, then, for a popular north Houston beachy draw to open its sandy doors to the public. Balmoral, the private community nestled in Humble, is opening its two-acre Crystal Lagoon experience to the public in a Summer Kickoff event running from 11am to 8pm May 31 to June 6. The usually private getaway (located at… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3vjI7zw from WordPress https://ift.tt/3fERXpj

Downtown Houston’s newest concert venue rocks this week’s top stories

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Editor’s note: It’s time to recap the top stories on CultureMap from this past week. 1\. Houston’s hottest new entertainment destination rocks out downtown. The venue will be a key anchor in the transformation of the historic, former Barbara Jordan Post Office into a hub for culture, food, shopping, and recreation. 2\. Nashville hot chicken chain from L.A. to open at least 6 restaurants in Houston. With seven levels of spice available, the menu will… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3fbhNC7 from WordPress https://ift.tt/2Sifm7Q

Houston power brokers launch game-changing new social justice fund

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Responding to inequities and mounting calls for change after the murder of George Floyd, Mayor Sylvester Turner and a group of Houston business executives and civic leaders have announced a pivotal new tool to help the Black community. The new Houston Fund for Social Justice and Economic Equity aims to improve social and economic inequalities specifically by investing in grassroots nonprofit organizations and supporting economic development initiatives that empower, per a press release. “This is… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/34jq1SJ from WordPress https://ift.tt/3fCAwWf

Texas jewelry giant Kendra Scott expands with first men’s collection

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Jewelry maven Kendra Scott is expanding her collection to include a whole new demographic: men. Scott and CEO Tom Nolan are launching Scott Bros. by Kendra Scott, the Austin-based brand’s first men’s collection. It’s due to hit stores and be available online June 7, conveniently in time for Father’s Day and graduation gifts. “I’ve been a jewelry designer as long as I’ve been a mom. As my boys have grown, so has this business,” says… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3v9FIaB from WordPress https://ift.tt/2Shm3Hr

New Houston-based golf app links up players, sets tee times, and more

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A new, Houston-based golf app is teeing up a chance for enthusiasts to link up over their love of the sport. TeeMates Golf is a custom-made app that globally connects players and even sparks new networks and even friendships. The clever app has launched on the Apple Store and Google Play, with a full web version next month, the company notes in a press release. How does it work? Users create a profile page with… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3u7ahML from WordPress https://ift.tt/3oI1mQT

Young cast hits the mark in funny college-set film Drunk Bus

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Movies about young people doing crazy things while at college have a long history, from Animal House to Revenge of the Nerds to Old School to Neighbors. As that list of four attests, fraternities (and sometimes sororities) are often the focus of such films, something that can still be funny, but can wind up feeling redundant. The new film Drunk Bus goes in a different direction, much to its benefit. Every night, Michael (Charlie Tahan)… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3bM1zgF from WordPress https://ift.tt/3hKr9Xh

Harris County + Houston left out of $1 billion in flood mitigation aid

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The city of Houston and Harris County won’t receive a single cent from $1 billion in federal funds that communities could apply for and use for flood mitigation projects related to Hurricane Harvey. The Texas General Land Office (GLO) will make the formal announcement on Friday, May 21, but on May 20, it told ABC13 Investigates it has already met with Houston and Harris County to let them know they were not awarded any funds…. from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/3bKv56y from WordPress https://ift.tt/3vc8fwh

Houston’s most authentic New York pizzeria serves up reopening date

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Houston pizza lovers rejoice. The city’s most authentic New York slice is back. Romano’s Pizza will reopen for lunch and dinner service beginning Monday, May 24. The restaurant has been closed since November after a fire at the adjacent nail salon caused significant smoke damage. After cleaning up the mess, the restaurant decided to use the closure as an opportunity to remodel, manager Francesco Quarto tells CultureMap. Diners will find new floors, bigger TVs (upgraded… from News Feed – CultureMap Houston https://ift.tt/2QCmXxy from WordPress https://ift.tt/3u3VTox