For the first time, the cancer-fighting Alcides E. Rosaura Diniz Foundation hosted a gala at the Astorian. Ana Paola Diniz, who lost her father Alcides to Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2006, praised MD Anderson, the night’s beneficiary, for its dedication. … Meanwhile, Catholic Charities’ “happy”-themed 75th annual Spirit of Charity event did indeed bring smiles to many faces. The evening, held at the Marriott Marquis, raised $1 million. … This year’s Lyndon Baines Johnson Moral Courage Award dinner honored President George W. Bush for his lifelong commitment to service and country. The total till doubled the previous record, coming in at $4.2 million. … In addition to celebrating the induction of five new members of the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame, the Lone Star Flight Museum’s Flights of Fancy event garnered $700K for the museum. … And the 30th annual Goodwill Gala was the organization’s most successful ever, with more than 400 black-tie-clad guests — including Simone Biles and her family, guests of board member Leisa Holland Nelson — partying for a cause at the River Oaks Country Club.
Olympics Specials, Trill Burger's Latest Collab, 'Volcano' Ramen, and More of This Week's Food News!
LET THE GAMES begin! Houston restaurants are celebrating the Olympics, White Linen Night, back-to-school season and more. What summer slowdown?!
Kazzan Ramen & Bar
Beef Sukiyaki Kazzan-style ramen (photo by Traci Ling)
Originating in Osaka, Japan, this fun concept-dining hot-spot is now open in the Heights, marking only its second location in America. Its signature dish is known as "volcano ramen," as it's served in a 350-degrees-hot stone bowl; the broth is poured tableside into the bowl from a cylindrical top, causing the steam to rise in a dramatic fashion. Guests can choose their ramen flavor and toppings, and also select other traditional Japanese dishes like gyoza, Kushikatsu skewers and more. Don't forget Kakigōri — Japanese snow cones — for dessert!
EZ's Liquor Lounge
White Linen Night returns on Friday, Aug. 3, and EZ's Liquor Lounge is ready! There will be live music courtesy of Western Jelly from 7-10pm, and a menu of items from The Original Ninfa's to supplement EZ's delicious hot dogs and chili pies.
Trill Burgers
(photo by Dominique Hill)
The collabs keep comin': The latest to hop on the Trill Burgers bandwagon is Levi's, the iconic apparel brand with a storefront in the Galleria. The two businesses will cross-promote each other this week, as Levi's pops up inside the burger joint's brick-and-mortar on Shepherd with special black-and-yellow merch, and also offers restaurant gift cards to customers who spend $100 at its Galleria store. Meanwhile, Trill Burgers is serving a limited-edition Western-style OG Trill Burger topped with homemade chili; make it a combo and get a Levi's-Trill-Burgers t-shirt. Snag a 30 percent discount card for Levi's!
a'Bouzy
Through Aug. 11, toast the Olympics in true Parisian style! Each day at 5pm, the restaurant will pop a bottle of Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte for each U.S. medalist who wins. Keep the celebrations going with a delicious oyster deal: six fresh oysters paired with a glass of Nicolas Feuillatte Brut for $20.
Hungry's
Hungry's kids menu (photo by Jenn Duncan)
Make back-to-school easier on everyone: Kids eat free every Monday at this family-fave establishment with locations in Rice Village and Memorial — not to mention a much-anticipated new one opening on Woodway soon!
Heights & Co.
Mark your calendars for Aug. 10, National S'mores Day, and hit Heights & Co. for the ultimate s'mores board. Toppings include rice krisipies, cornflake candy, frozen fruit and chocolate ganache, and each order comes with a tableside fire pit (so you don't get too toasty yourself!). Wash it all down with an espresso martini for just $5.
BEGINNING AUG. 1 THROUGH Aug. 10, the Houston Shakespeare Festival, the professional arm of the University of Houston’s School of Theater and Dance, takes the stage at Miller Outdoor Theatre for its 50th iteration. The milestone event includes productions of Romeo & Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream, plus "Bard talks," all at no cost to viewers.
"The excitement for our 50th anniversary season pulses through our shops and rehearsal studios where nationally-acclaimed artists, including some UH alumni, and current students create imaginative and passionate productions of two of the world’s most beloved plays,” said Jack Young, HSF artistic director and acting professor at UH’s School of Theater & Dance, in a statement.
The classic lineup is the perfect way to celebrate 50 years of the Houston Shakespeare Festival, which has entertained more than 1 million Houstonians since Sidney Berger launched it in 1975. While the longtime director of the UH School of Theater and Dance passed away in 2013, his legacy lives on each summer. The festival is a professional equity company that incorporates a select group of UH students to bring its productions to completion.
The show schedule alternates A Midsummer Night's Dream (Aug. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9) and Romeo & Juliet (Aug. 2, 6, 8, 10), with a pre-performance Bard Talk at 7:45pm and a curtain time of 8:15pm. All shows are free to attend, but a complimentary ticket is required to enjoy the covered seating. Ticket information is found here.
Romeo & Juliet
Titiana in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'
Costume sketches for 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'
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