Campfire Lattes, Hard-to-Find Wine and More of This Week's Tastiest Food News

Campfire Lattes, Hard-to-Find Wine and More of This Week's Tastiest Food News

Slowpokes (photo by Becca Wright)

IN TRUE HOUSTON fashion, we haven't even enjoyed our Thanksgiving feast yet, but we're already planning where to eat and drink next. Here are a few tasty ideas.


Coffeeshop Fave Expands

Slowpokes (photo by Becca Wright)

Need some caffeine to propel you through some holiday shopping? Slowpokes opens its fourth location, this one in West U, on Monday.

Owner Mazen Baltagi selected a 2,000-square-foot space (6725 Stella Link Rd.) for the latest iteration of the popular coffee shop, which is known for its community-centric vibe and all-day offerings from cappuccinos to local brews and wines. Seasonal faves include the Snickerdoodle Latte and caramel-apple cider — and holiday treats like the Campfire Latte are on their way.

Sandwiches for breakfast — try the ham and brie croissant — and lunch are filling and delicious, and a $15 charcuterie board is a fine way to ring in happy hour.

This outpost joins Slowpokes' others at 2925 Richmond Ave. across from Levy Park; 8147 Long Point Rd. in Spring Branch; and the original at 1203 W. 34th St.

Coming Soon: Boutique Wine Shop

The Heights space previously home to Obsidian Theatre will soon be a boutique wine shop and tasting room, from wine distributor William Farley. Padre's Wine will be a tribute to his late father, Mike Farley, with whom he quite enjoyed sipping vino.

A release details that Padre's will carry a number of "vibrant and under-appreciated South American wines," sourced from small producers and served in an environment that might bring to mind Marfa. The bottle shop will tout around 500 wines, and customers can consume any of them at the indoor bar or on the patio; there will also be a rotating selection of around 20 by-the-glass options. Expect light bites like paninis, cheese boards and more.

Padre's Wine is slated to open early next year at 3522 White Oak.

Shop Local at Rice Village Fave 

All year long, Local Foods Market is a go-to for curated and artisan foods and wines — great for gifting or simply enjoying. A pop-up on Saturday from 10:30am-2pm will showcase some of the best small businesses vying for Houston's support this holiday season.

The event will include complimentary bubbly; wine and beer tastings (more than 50 in total!); and locally made food and gifts from Madame Zero Champagne, Goulue Chocolatier, Blood Bros BBQ, Katz Coffee and more.

Taco Bout Delicious!

Seasonal snacks at Tacodeli include chile en nogada and the festive Spiked Horchata — available for dine-in or to-go in 16-ounce or 64-ounce containers beginning Dec. 6.

The favorite Mexican dish has picadillo-stuffed poblano peppers smothered in a creamy walnut sauce.

Celeb Chefs Unite at Brennan's

To celebrate its landmark 55th anniversary, Brennan’s is hosting special dining events during its Home & Away series. On Nov. 29 and Nov. 30, the Texas-Creole house welcomes star-studded chefs Chris Shepherd and Sarah Grueneberg back to the kitchen to collaborate on a four-course wine dinner. The event will also celebrate the release of alumnus Grueneberg’s first cookbook, Listen to Your Vegetables and each guest will receive a copy. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket sold will benefit Shepherd’s Southern Smoke Foundation. Read more here.

Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

Keep Reading Show less

Photo by Lynn Lane

HOUSTON GRAND OPERA’S second fall repertoire production is Gioachino Rossini’s Cinderella. The colorful, commedia dell'arte-inspired production opens Friday, Oct. 25, and stars Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard — a breathtaking brunette beauty, even when doused in soot — in bel canto role of Angelina, known to her mean step-sisters as “Cenerentola.”

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment

BRETT MILLER WAS just 10 years old when his parents took him to a screening of the 1925 silent film, The Phantom of the Opera, starring Lon Chaney as “The Phantom” of the Paris Opera House, with an accompanying soundtrack played live by an organist. The film contains one of the most famous “reveals” on celluloid (We won’t give it away!) and is all the more shocking when accompanied by live music played on the Phantom’s favorite instrument.

Keep Reading Show less