Photos by Samantha Jane Beatty
Styling by Todd Ramos
Model Jerry Raines for Neal Hamil Agency
Grooming by Briana Dai
Photography assistance by John Lewis
Styling assistance by Tyler Treadwell
Shot on location at The Barn at Four Pines Ranch in Crosby
Enter Hai Hospitality’s new Sushi at Home boxes, which can be picked up or delivered via Uber Eats. Hai is the Austin-based umbrella company for Uchi, Uchiba, Uchiko and Loro. There are three different boxes to choose from, beginning with the Ichi ($95). From the dedicated menu, guests can pick 12 pieces of perfectly dressed nigiri along with two makimono (rolls) and the signature hama chili crudo — an Uchi classic! The wonderful combination of savory yellowtail over juicy orange supreme with Thai chili and fruity ponzu is a summertime treat. This cool starter was on all the original Uchi menus, and they can’t take it off based on popularity.
The Ni box ($195) has everything the Ichi box has, plus a chirashi set with the following pieces of sashimi (plus accoutrements): Kanpachi, masu, bluefin otorotartare, ikura, sushi rice, cucumber, avocado, shiso, and negi.
And for a special occasion, the San ($295) has everything in the Ni box, plus two 15-gram servings each of kalugo hybrid and smoked trout roe. Accoutrements include potato chips, crème fraiche and two mother of pearl spoons — but of course!
Ariana Quant, Uchi’s executive pastry chef, took the lead in creating the boxes, which are presented in high style unlike your typical to-go order — it’s more like a gift you can’t wait to unwrap and devour. The boxes are available nationwide at Uchi, Uchiba and Uchiko locations.
The company continues to evolve customizable experiences like this, as well as its Uchi at Home Chef Experience, which accommodates gatherings of 10 to 30 guests. The Uchi chef will craft unique dishes and the staff will ensure all the details are taken care of during the culinary adventure.
Dinner at home just got a lot less boring!
Uchi's hama chili crudo
Bombpop Slushies at Heights & Co.
Looking for ways to make the night sparkle? Try Mutiny Wine Room's flight of sparkling wines for just $25. Try the NV Poulet et Fils; NV Domaine de Bois Mozé Crémant de Loire Brut Rosé; and 2019 Jean-Paul Brun “Charme” Crémant de Bourgogne. What a lineup!
Bread pudding at Brennan's (photo by Debora Smail)
Beginning tomorrow, July 2, and running through the end of the month, the Houston institution hosts a date-night special: three-course, pre-fixe dinner menu for two for just $99, and for an extra $30, tack on a bottle from Wine Guy Rich Carter's list. Cheers!
Il Bracco to-go specials
These fun Post Oak go-tos offer star-spangled to-go bundles this week! Whether you're feeding a group of 4-5 or 8-10, or just want a Fireworks Show (a.k.a. large-format cocktails and wine), these spots have you covered. Get faves like Il Bracco's housemade focaccia with whipped ricotta, or Balboa's coconut shrimp and sushi rolls, and your party will thank you.
BombPop Lemonade (photo by Rachel Low)
Try the BombPop Lemonade all week long. The 20-ounce iced beverage is just $6, and tastes like summer. Or try the coffeeshop's new Energy Wave drinks to get the party started — the Shark Bite is tropical Red Bull and blue raspberry, and the Hawaiian Punch is watermelon Red Bull with Hawaiian Island syrup.
Granger's cocktail (photo by Becca Wright)
Hitting up Miller Outdoor and Hermann Park this July 4? Walk to the just-opened, upscale-American restaurant Granger's before or after and light things up with a festive cocktail (it comes with a sparkler!).
Smoked ribs at The Warwick (photo by Jenn Duncan)
Red, white and... barbecue?! Sounds good to us. This July 4, The Warwick serves up a sizzling plate of ribs and brisket and one side of your choice for just $15 until closing time at 7pm.
FM Kitchen & Bar frozens (photo by Shawn Chippendale)
The Washington Ave. mainstay and new next-door PKL Social is hosting a special giveaway all week long — winners are announced each day at 4pm (you must be present to win). Whether or not your name is called, definitely grab frozen cocktails for the crew: For $60, get a half-gallon of the triple-layered, red-white-and-blue drink — it's frosé, margarita and Ocean Water.
Bomb Popsicle Slush
Movie night! Heights & Co. screens Independence Day at sunset. Arrive early to snag a spot and enjoy a Bomb Popsicle Slush made with frosé to keep you cool!
Hot dog basket at Christian's Tailgate (photo by Becca Wright)
The Houston classic knows the assignment: $2 hot dogs all day long, and Bombpop 'Ritas for just five bucks.
A Dance of Fire and Ice (photo by Jenn Duncan)
A Dance of Fire and Ice, with vodka, Blue Curacao, Cointreau, grenadine and soda water, is the newest addition to the cocktail menu here. It's half red, half blue, and 100 percent patriotic.