By Jane Humphrey By Jane Humphrey | May 17, 2023 | Food & Drink, Features, Migration, Food & Drink,
Houston is on fire with a fresh batch of broadway shows, gallery openings and foodie finds galore. Here—a few hot spots...
The signature Picnik Hash is a must-try
LET’S BRUNCH
Spin around the buzzy Montrose Collective, and you will notice a new face in the mix. Might we introduce Picnik—a new restaurant that prides itself on top-tier ingredients and good vibes—can anyone ask for any better combo? We think not. “We strive to ensure our menu is approachable and delicious,” enthuses CEO Dan Mesches. “Even if you don’t live in the neighborhood, we want you to feel like this is your place to eat, drink and relax.” With mouthwatering dishes including the season hash (ahem—to your left ), bacon jam burger, and the signature Picknik Benedict where the restaurant touts a velvety hollandaise sauce to top things off, there is no wrong choice to make on the menu. 888 Westheimer Rd.
The new eatery in the Montrose Collective serves up lunch, brunch and dinner.
SING
Conductor Lucas Waldin heads back to the Jones Hall stage May 5-7 for a cavalcade of fan-favorite songs from some of Hollywood’s most adored musical films.
The curtains will rise sky-high this month as the Houston Symphony presents Broadway Hits Go to Hollywood. Swinging into town for showtime is guest conductor Lucas Waldin who will lead the charge for three jam-packed performances of some of cinema’s most iconic melodies. Broadway stars Nikki Renée Daniels and Hugh Panaro will hit all the high notes with “I Could Have Danced All Night” from My Fair Lady, “The Music of the Night” from The Phantom of the Opera, and Funny Girl’s“Don’t Rain on My Parade.” 615 Louisiana St.
ON A ROLL
The Oheya menu is updated monthly and created in collaboration with a guest chef from one of the eight Uchi Restaurants locations.
From the team behind some of the city’s most beloved eateries (hello, Uchi, Uchiko and LORO Asian Smokehouse & Bar) comes an unrivaled dining experience. Have we piqued your interest yet? Ladies and gentlemen, meet Oheya by Uchi, which recently made its grand debut in town. Perched next to Uchi Houston, this incomparable omakase experience awaits with 15 exquisite courses that will rotate based on season and the creative direction the guest chef decides to take. Enlisting a new chef from one of the eight Uchi Restaurants locations each month, this intimate new spot will spotlight sensational ingredients married with expert craftmanship within the culinary field. 904 Westheimer Rd.
SHOP TALK
The newly opened boutique carries the brand's signature accessories, including this checkered carry-all bag.
Headband lovers, rejoice! Fashion’s favorite accessories queen Lisa Sadoughi has set up shop in the River Oaks District with her dreamy storefront, Lele Sadoughi. Marking the playful brand’s foray into the Houston market, the 500-square-foot space is a treasure trove of sunglasses, jewelry, handbags, hats, and, of course, headbands. Rife with punchy prints, cheerful details and swaths of color, Lele Sadoughi is the best place to play dress-up. 4444 Westheimer Rd.
ROCK N’ROLL
The Summer Breeze cocktail is a refreshing concoction of grey goose, watermelon, basil, strawberry, lychee, lemon, soda and mint.
The famous saying goes, “If only these walls could talk.” Well, let me tell you, that is certainly the case for ROCKHOUSE Southern Kitchen. Taking over the space of lauded venue Billy Blues, this restaurant guarantees to be the next destination for live music and southern fare. “We want to go back to the roots of southern culture, where music and good food are the celebrations,” shares co-owner Rob Wright, who is at the helm of the concept alongside Mazen Baltagi, Steven Rogers and Kurt Agomuo. “We have created an experience where our culinary farm-to-table offerings, hand-crafted cocktails, and nightly musical oblations will leave you returning for more.” Brass bands and live saxophones rotated nightly will excite guests as they delight in southern-inspired dishes, including creole pizza, fried chicken, oxtail egg rolls and more. 6025 Richmond Ave.
SWINGERS
Live jazz music keeps the crowd coming back for more.
Feast your eyes on the latest launch from Benjamin Berg—Turner’s jazz lunch. Bringing the Big Easy to Houston, the celebrated restaurant is rolling out a live music program paired with decadent fare with a dash of spice, thanks to chef Ricardo Cerna. Mark your calendars for a weekly dose of fun as every Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m.-3 pm; the space will light up with the ultimate laissez les bon temps rouler mindest, and, of course, mouthwatering cuisine, including seafood gumbo, duck confit and hand crafted-cocktails for added panache. 1800 Post Oak Blvd.
Photography by: From top: PHOTO COURTESY OF PICNIK RESTAURANTS; PHOTO COURTESY OF PICNIK RESTAURANTS; PHOTO COURTESY OF HOUSTON SYMPHONY; COURTESY OF BRAND; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND; PHOTO BY RAYDON CREATIVE; PHOTO BY BRIAN KENNEDY