From ‘Fuzzy Balls’ to Barbecue: What’s Hot in the Heights Now

THIS SUMMER, THE Heights has become a literal hotbed for restaurateurs and bar owners opening new doors. Here’s a look at newcomers to try, plus what’s on tap this summer at other favorites in the ’hood.

Southern Decadence: Inside the Opulent New Black-Owned Restos Warwick and Rare

Jeff Gremillion

TWO POSH NEW eateries in the voluptuous style of rich steakhouses, Rare and The Warwick — both Black-owned and led by African American chefs, and influenced by the overlapping traditions of Southern cuisine, soul food and Cajun-creole cooking — have opened in Houston.

From Church Organ to World Stage: Houston’s Hot Khruangbin Trio Hits the Road

Chris Becker

FOUNDED IN HOUSTON in 2010 by guitarist Mark Speer, bassist Laura Lee, and drummer Donald “DJ” Johnson, Khruangbin is a rock band Miles Davis would have loved to have played with, for space is the key to their interlocking, antiphonal ambience.

Lawyers Can Be Cool — Especially Lauren Varnado and Energy Experts at Michelman & Robinson!

Lauren Varnado

Law firms aren’t typically associated with cool, but then again, Michelman & Robinson, LLP is no ordinary law firm. Fact is, M&R is different, special and, yes, cool. Especially the lawyers in its Houston office, which is the hub of the firm’s robust energy practice.

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John Kuykendall, Showroom Manager, Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove

How did you get to where you are today? Growing up I had envisioned myself as a news anchor, living in NY and enthusiastically saying into the camera “Good Morning America!”. To this day, I am still a news/political junkie. My mother owned fur salons so specialty retail, luxury retail was in my blood through the family business. Eventually, mom shuttered the stores and I was recruited to a large specialty retailer. Over the next 30 years, I was in commissioned sales on the sales floor, became a department manager, worked my way up to buyer and store manager. Although I never became a newscaster, I did live in NYC for a few years. But Texas is home and with aging grandparents, I felt the pull to come back to my roots. A headhunter approached me. I never envisioned myself in the high-end appliance market, but there are so many similarities. Clients want a memorable experience; whether shopping for diamonds and fur or remodeling their kitchen.

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How did you get to where you are today? My journey to where I am today is built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Every step along the way, I faced obstacles, but I approached each one with determination and a “never give up” mindset. Instead of being discouraged by challenges, I used them as opportunities to grow and improve. Consistency was key—I committed to showing up and giving my best effort every day. I also learned not to take “no” as a final answer. Instead, I saw it as a chance to push harder, adapt, and find another way forward. It’s this combination of persistence, resilience, and unwavering focus that has brought me to where I am today.

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