Alto started driving in Houston in late 2020, and it has quickly become a favorite way to get around. The experience is unparalleled. Think luxury SUVs with leather captain chairs, thoughtful amenities like complimentary water and umbrellas, and even curated playlists to choose from in the Alto app. Those who have ridden know that Alto is more than a ride from point A to B, but a journey to be enjoyed — because the recap of every dish on the ride home should be just as good as the dinner.
Community is at the heart of Alto. Rather than hiring independent contractors, Alto has hired W-2 employee drivers who are trained and supported by a local Houston team. The service also offers a Membership that unlocks Alto benefits as well as unique offers from Houston partners. Those who join Alto’s exclusive Membership gain full access to the Alto fleet during the busiest "Members Only" hours, savings on every ride, and Alto’s prescheduling feature for booking rides in advance (Pro tip: Lock in your ride when you lock in your dinner reservation!). Join a community of adventurous, in-the-know Houstonians, at only $12.95 a month.
Alto shared the top pick-up and drop-offs that make up their Members most recommended spots — and also happen to be celebrating Houston Restaurant Week! — so you can plan the perfect night out.
Trattoria Sofia A top drop-off among Alto Members, we recommend Trattoria Sofia for authentic Italian with the perfect atmosphere.
The Annie Cafe Another frequent destination, The Annie Cafe and Bar serves classics, totally reimagined.
MAD Houston A spot as innovative as your Alto. Book a ride to MAD for a night of tapas with a twist that are sure to be a new adventure.
Ouzo Bay The Alto team’s go-to modern Mediterranean spot for a perfect night out.
B&B Butchers and Restaurant This upscale steakhouse and traditional butcher shop is a classic Alto favorite.
FLORA A must try this month — FLORA is a culinary journey through the small towns of Mexico with a Texas touch.
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As with Table, the concept for Traveler’s Cart was born of husband-and-wife owners Matthew and Thy Mitchell’s international travels in which they ate street food at night markets and back-alley food carts. “Both of our lives have been greatly enriched by our travels, and those experiences have shown us how important food can be for learning about other cultures and for connecting with people all over the world,” says Matthew, who worked as a journalist before entering the food world.
“We have great respect for the people who we've met making this food, often in the humblest of circumstances,” he adds. “We truly want to celebrate them and their food traditions.”
Traveler’s Cart will offer an expansive menu served counter-service-style and a full-service bar with an inventive cocktail menu; the Da Jerk Shack Punch is a Jamaican rum punch with the spices of jerk seasoning, and the Bangkok 8 mimics Thai chili notes of Tom Yum soup. The food menu includes street snacks — think falafel bites and butter chicken samosas, and small plates like Thai fried chicken wings and pan-fried lamb dumplings. For mains, there’s the can’t-miss American roadside burger and the more adventurous Peri Peri chicken and Jamaican jerk pork ribs.
Traveler’s Cart opens Wednesday, October 23, and is open from 10am to 10pm from Sunday to Wednesday, and open 10an to midnight Thursday to Saturday.
Cocktails
Beef Rendang
Fried Chicken Muffuletta
Interiors by Gin Braverman
Head on shrimp
Thai Fried Chicken Wings
Tiger Shrimp Pad Thai
Firefighter and "Mr. February" on the runway at Red Hot
Again with event founders Elizabeth and Alan Stein leading the show as chairs, the Red Hot Gala in support of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Charitable Foundation drew more than 500 to a pair of Royal Sonesta ballrooms. One was used for pre- and post-dinner cocktailing and perusing of an extensive silent auction, while the one across the hall was the scene of a lavish dinner and presentations that ranged for heart-tugging to heart-racing.
Indeed, the mournful playing of the bagpipe and a rousing acapella rendition of the National Anthem moved the crowd. Later on, the strains of Disco Inferno and Fireball got guests going in a different way — and the first responders featured in the 2025 hunky-fireman calendar to the catwalk shirtless, oiled-up pecs glistening under stage lights. One imagines the whoops and hollers could be heard from space.
Thanks in part to both silent and live auctions, some $850,000 was raised to help provide state-of-the-art equipment for the fire department not covered in its government budgets. A generous set of patrons helped make the night such a success. The Steins’ dedication, “along with that of steadfast supporters and returning presenting sponsors Bobbie Nau, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees are without a doubt a reflection of true philanthropists,” gushed a rep for event organizers. “This year, Edna Meyer-Nelson stepped up as our dinner sponsor, and the Royal Sonesta pulled out all the stops.”
TV personality Courtney Zavala served as emcee. Other presenters and special guests included Association President Patrick M. “Marty” Lancton, newly appointed Fire Chief Tom Munoz and Mayor John Whitmire. Other VIPs were spotted in the crowd, like Dawn Buckingham, Gary Petersen, Alicia and Lance Smith, Brigitte Kalai, Patti and Don Murphy, Kirk Kveton and Daniel Irion, Cheryl and Bill King, Beth Muecke, Van & David Greenberg, Fady Armanious and Bill Baldwin, and Donae Chramosta.
Donae Charmosta, Paulina Padilla and Stacey Lindseth (Photo By Catchlight Group)
Firefighting hunks aplenty!
Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees (Photo By Catchlight Group)
Kirk Kveton, Daniel Irion, Fady Armanious and Bill Baldwin (Photo By Catchlight Group)
Marty Lancton, Mayor John Whitmire and Fire Chief Tom Munoz (Photo By Catchlight Group)
Elizabeth Stein, Denise Monteleone and Laura Elizabeth Stein (Photo By Catchlight Group)
Mr. March (Photo By Catchlight Group)
Jared Jinkerson, Jeff Gremillion, and Alicia and Lance Smith (Photo By Catchlight Group)
Ashley Gibson and Michael Vanderhider (Photo By Catchlight Group)
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