Devouring Houston 2024: Inside the Best Neighborhoods for Foodies

Devouring Houston 2024: Inside the Best Neighborhoods for Foodies

Cocody on West Gray

THE CITY'S DINING scene has never been bigger or better. Step inside the trendiest and tastiest H-Town restaurants now!


Hot 'Hood: Diverse District

Kakigori, or Japanese shaved ice, at Katami (photo by Casey Glitner)

Now known as Harlow District, the multiacre former site of Nino’s and Vincent’s is home to a growing number of fabulous restaurants, including the relocated La Griglia and Kata Robata chef Manabu Horiuchi’s chic new Katami. Also find the ultimate patio hangout in Verde Garden, and, rumor has it, a cozy coffeeshop and bookstore in the coming months.

Hot 'Hood: Post Up!

The S.S. Poet cocktail at Rumi’s

It’s long been one of the most prominent corridors in the city, but Post Oak Boulevard is experiencing a serious culinary renaissance. In addition to classics like The Annie and Hugo Ortega’s Caracol, now find Tavola from the Bastion Collection and Ben Berg; Persian pleasure Rumi’s Kitchen; and a pair of Dallas hot spots from Western Addition restaurant group: The stately Italian spot Il Bracco, and fun Balboa Surf Club.

Hot 'Hood: All In On Allen

Espresso martinis at Clarkwood

Splashy, flower-flocked Annabelle Brasserie from Berg Hospitality is the newest addition to Allen Parkway. For cocktails, cool-kid Clarkwood remains the place, and it’s all about live fire and big beef at Andiron. For more steaks, luxe seafood, comfort sides and a rooftop patio, there’s Georgia James. Coming soon to The Allen Pavilion is Mexican steakhouse Toca Madera and Meduza Mediterrania next to the new Thompson hotel.

Hot 'Hood: Restaurant Row

Cocody on West Gray

You’d think River Oaks Shopping Center on West Gray had enough eateries with Brasserie 19, Perry’s Steakhouse, and glitzy Italian newcomer Zanti. That’s until upscale Albi debuted with belly dancers, diverse Eastern Mediterranean dishes and cocktails like the Turkish coffee martini. Newest is Cocody, a lavish French-inspired restaurant starring cuisine from chefs David Denis of longtime Le Mistral, and Lionel Debon. Adventurous flavors and presentations include table smoked East coast seared scallops. Forthcoming Leo’s with chef Tim Reading promises surf-and-turf and more!

Hot 'Hood: Spring Forward

The Audacity cocktail at Hando

Spring Branch boasts more star-chef power every year! In 2023, Christine Ha Blind Goat, plus the drive-through sandwich spot Stuffed Belly, both on Long Point, near the new Hando. Underbelly Burger and Wild Oats also bowed in the Branch, on Witte. Meanwhile, across the freeway, the Pit Room is readying its first outside-the-Loop locale.

Food
Leadership in Action: John Kuykendall Traded Newcaster Dream for Success in Luxury Retail

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.

Keep Reading Show less

What year was your organization launched? Founded in Houston in 1947, as the Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center, the organization provided services to individuals with disabilities living in Houston and Harris County. In 1989, the organization changed its name and greatly expanded its services to meet the needs of its clientele. Today as Easter Seals Greater Houston, the organization provides multiple outstanding service programs to children, adults, veterans, and service members with all types of disabilities and their families in Harris and sixteen surrounding counties.

Keep Reading Show less

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.

Keep Reading Show less