Spring for These New Tasting Menus!

Robin Barr Sussman

FEELING JADED BY the same ole restaurant menus? Whether you’re curious about all things beef, seeking the perfect wine pairing, or craving to know more about the culinary regions of Mexico, this roster of new tasting menus should quell your craving for an epicurean adventure.

Trend Alert! Move Over Espresso Martinis, Carajillos Are Taking Over H-Town

Patrick Magee

ON A RECENT trip to the bar at Washington Ave.’s B&B Butchers for a nightcap of espresso martinis, the bartender suggested his guests try a carajillo instead. The Spanish cocktail is made of espresso and Licor 43, the latter of which is named for its 43 ingredients. And, while the exact recipe is guarded by the Spanish family that distills it, it is known to contain citrus and vanilla, the two most prominent flavors. Many of Houston’s hottest restaurants are putting their own twists on this cocktail that’s giving espresso martinis a run for their money!

Buffalo Bayou Lights Up with New Art — and Food Trucks! — for One Night Only

Chris Becker

HAVE YOU NOTICED more people are outside lately? As April approaches, the sunshine has been spectacular, giving Houstonians even more reason to leave behind the comfort of the screen and enjoy outdoor events like Night Light, an epic new site-specific event along Buffalo Bayou. The unpretentious, audience-friendly multimedia event will illuminate three surprising locations along the trails of Buffalo Bayou East. The free event takes place April 2 (7:30pm-10:30pm), and trail entrances are located 333 S. Jensen Dr. or 700 N. Live Oak St.

promoted

As Escape Spa Expands in 2025, Owner Has Advice on Personal Growth: ‘Focus on Intention Setting’

As Escape Spa Expands in 2025, Owner Has Advice on Personal Growth: ‘Focus on Intention Setting’

CHANGE IS A good thing, and with the start of a new year, I always like to reflect on how far I've come and start fresh by setting self-care goals for the coming months. Personal growth is a passion for me, and also something I enjoy. Guiding a business through growth and change is also one of my passions, so I am very pleased to announce that Escape Spa is going to be expanding in 2025! We’re honored that we’ve built such a loyal following since opening in Cypress in July of 2022, and we’re thrilled to be in a position to grow our wellness and recovery sanctuary just outside of Houston.

Keep ReadingShow less
culture

Backed for First Time by Orchestra, ‘Arias’ Contestants Hit New Heights, Celebrate with Gala Dinner

Concert of Arias finalists on the Wortham stage, including first place and audience choice winner Geonho Lee of South Korea, third from left. (Photo by Michael Bishop)

LONG ONE OF the HGO’s most exciting evenings on the calendar — Artistic and Music Director Patrick Summers called it the best night of the year — the 37th Annual Concert of Arias and gala dinner afterward dazzled and inspired opera fans.

Keep ReadingShow less
Art + Entertainment
the magazine

Beloved Photographer Diagnosed with Stage-Four Cervical Cancer: How You Can Help

Photographer Jhane Hoang with two covers she photographed

ONE OF Houston CityBook’s most beloved photographers was recently diagnosed with stage four cervical cancer. Jhane Hoang has been behind the camera for some of the magazine’s most ambitious shoots — including an overnight shoot at the then-new Weiss Energy Hall at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and a cold rainy shoot at the Houston Zoo where the crew used a concessions stand as a staging area for hair and makeup.

Keep ReadingShow less
Art + Entertainment