AFTER A LONG weekend of music, buzzy bars and, most importantly, basketball, more than 72,000 people attended the last game of the NCAA’s men’s basketball Final Four on Monday night at NRG. But, at least one attendee wasn’t impressed by the host city.
After UConn clenched the championship on Monday, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said in an interview on Wednesday, “You walk around downtown Houston, which is butt ugly, not much there.” He doubled down later in the day saying in a second interview, “You’re walking around downtown Houston, it’s kind of godforsaken, not very pretty."
Perhaps Lamont, whose state has never hosted the Final Four, is just jealous? After all, the economy of the city of Houston is nearly double that of the state of Connecticut. But, truly, how does one even compare a city known for space exploration, oil tycoons, the world’s largest medical center and urban cowboys with a state that’s known for … being hard to spell?
Not to mention our world championship Astros. If only the state of Connecticut had a MLB or NFL team — maybe they could at least compete there.
Not surprisingly, Twitter is alight with responses to the Nutmeg State’s governor. (Yeah, that really is their nickname.)
Dade Phelan, speaker of the Texas House, had one suggestion. (For comparison, 2.5 million people attended the rodeo this year while Connecticut’s population is just 3.6 mil.)
\u201cI fully support a budget amendment tomorrow on HB 1 to purchase the state of Connecticut & turn it into a parking lot for the Houston Rodeo. You can never have too much parking. #txlege\u201d— Dade Phelan (@Dade Phelan) 1680730334
Sportswriter Michael Schwab contemplated a motto change for the state.
\u201cIs Connecticut even a real state? Like who is the most famous person from Connecticut... some guy from the 1700s?\n\nThe state motto for Connecticut is "we are totally a real state, we promise"\u201d— Michael Schwab (@Michael Schwab) 1680741065
And, @VailColin noted that size does matter in Texas.
\u201c@michaelschwab13 I mean, look at this, I\u2019d be mad too\u201d— Michael Schwab (@Michael Schwab) 1680741065
And, lots of people sharing this Family Guy clip.
\u201c@HoustonChron *cough*\u201d— Houston Chronicle (@Houston Chronicle) 1680714011
A couple more of our favorite responses…
\u201c@michaelschwab13 He\u2019s just mad the biggest event his state has ever gotten to host was a regional office supply convention.\u201d— Michael Schwab (@Michael Schwab) 1680741065
\u201c@HoustonChron A guy named \u201cNed\u201d from Connecticut also thinks mayonnaise is too spicy.\u201d— Houston Chronicle (@Houston Chronicle) 1680714011
Also on Wednesday, Lamont said the championship title “is enormous for UConn, and it's enormous for the state of Connecticut. For one brief and shining moment everyone was talking about the state of Connecticut." We’re glad they had their moment in the sun, but we think people will be talking about Houston for years to come, as the city, which has hosted the Super Bowl three times, is hosting the NCAA college football championship in January of next year. And, will host the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
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WHETHER YOU ARE brunching with kids in tow, in it for the Bloody Marys, or craving prime rib, seafood and seasonal strawberry desserts served on a silver platter, H-Town has the Easter treat for every bunny!
Bloom & Bee
Bloom & Bee
Easter Brunch at this flower-driven Post Oak Hotel stunner starts with a luxurious choice of deviled eggs with prosciutto and black truffle or white asparagus soup. Mains range from lobster eggs Benedict with caviar to herb roasted lamb leg with thyme lamb jus, plus a dessert buffet of French pastries and cakes.
Brennan's of Houston
Brennan's of Houston
The iconic Creole house has three dates for Easter dining this year starting April 7 with Brunch with the Bunny starring photos with the Easter Bunny. April 8 is the Very Hoppy Brunch, also family friendly with live bunnies on the terrace from nearby Boling Bunny Farms! Sunday brunch April 9 is the most leisurely with seatings throughout the day. Reservations are required for all events.
Crú
Dessert at Crú (photo by Robert Tsai)
This smart, cozy spot features a three-course wine country-style brunch, along with brunch cocktails and specials on Domain Chandon rosé and Veuve Cliquot by the glass. Highlights include crab cake Benedict, smoked salmon deviled egg toast, and desserts.
Four Seasons Houston
Cheese station at Four Seasons brunch
The Four Seasons Houston’s annual extravagant Easter Brunch in Toro Toro will feature classics with a Latin twist from 10am-2pm ($155 per adult and for $65 per child, 12 and under). Reservations can be made on the website.
Guard and Grace
Seafood tower at Guard and Grace
Downtown Houston’s modern steakhouse will keep guests ‘hoppy’ with a special menu for Easter brunch. Start with smoked salmon rillette with crème fraiche and smoked trout roe or TG wagyu beef dumplings. Its raw bar features a Bubu sashimi plate, Crispy Tuna with ahi, avocado, serrano, yuzu and tempura sushi rice, and a custom-built Seafood Tower for six.
Le Jardinier
Le Jardinier
Who wouldn’t want to be in “the garden” (translation of the restaurant name) on Easter Sunday? Take your time because this MFAH gem serves its three-course menu from noon to 7pm. Anticipate lovely choices including Murray’s burrata with strawberry rhubarb; spiced roasted lamb, and Ora king salmon. Save room for the award-winning desserts!
Local Table
Local Table (photo by Jenn Duncan)
It’s easy to find a Local Table as they are all over town with a casual family-friendly menu of egg dishes, chicken and waffles, and savory sidekicks. We hear the Easter Bunny will be hopping around from table to table this year.
Navy Blue
Navy Blue
Celebrate Easter Sunday in the heart of Rice Village at Aaron Bludorn’s modern American seafood concept. A la carte lunch with Easter specials will be served from 11-2:30pm, as well as dinner a la carte from 5:45-9pm. Lunch on house smoked salmon served with jumbo asparagus, poached egg with Bearnaise sauce, and rack of lamb persillade served with spring vegetables.
Traveler's Table
Cruise on over to this light-filled Montrose fave for a special three-course prix-fixe Easter brunch (dine-in or take-out). International dishes include shitake edamame dumplings, Japanese Ube pancakes, and Norwegian smoked salmon latkes with onion-dill crème fraiche.
Ostia
Ostia
Surrounded by bougainvillea, lemon trees and greenery, this chic restaurant evokes a picturesque spot for brunch. Chef Travis McShane’s focaccia French toast with blueberries and mascarpone; ricotta pancakes with maple syrup; and pizza dough doughnuts will appease carb lovers. Savory dishes include grilled Gulf fish with Calabrian chili, pizzas, gnocchi, and a frittata. Brunch runs from 11am-3:30pm.
Ouzo Bay
Lobster omelet at Ouzo Bay (photo courtesy of Atlas Restaurant Group)
Let Ouzo Bay handle the holiday spread this Easter with Mediterranean takes on classic brunch dishes including short rib chilaquiles with fried pita, tzatziki, and salsa verde; and the roasted lamb Greek Breakfast Gyro with scrambled eggs, tzatziki and Greek oregano fries. Brunch also spotlights Ouzo Bay’s fresh seafood program with crab cake Benedicts and a Maine lobster omelet.
Postino
Postino (photo by Becca Wright)
Looking for come-as-you-are casual? Try the eye-opening brunch menu, perfect for dining al fresco on the restaurant’s large, shaded patio. Served weekends, the menu offers myriad shareable dishes. Think Umbria egg toast, cast iron sticky bread, and seeded avocado toast. Sip $6 mimosas and bellinis and refreshing wine-based and beer-based brunch cocktails.
Xochi
Chef Hugo Ortega and his team will serve an epic Sunday brunch buffet from 10am-3pm this Easter. Expect the usual coastal Mexican favorites as well as a carving station, new seasonal items and Easter desserts.
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