GUIDEBOOK

Chocolate cake with popcorn ice cream at Tonight & Tomorrow

Here’s where to dine, what to order, and who to know now in the most deliciously diverse city in America.

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DINING DISTRICT 1

MEMORIAL, GALLERIA AREA, RIVER OAKS, UPPER KIRBY, MONTROSE

A’BOUZY american

This sceney restaurant and patio combines a menu of shareable plates with prime meats and a raw bar. Pick from the substantial wine list that includes more than 250 Champagnes or sparklings. Excellent take-out and delivery specials! 2300 Westheimer Rd., 713.722.6899

ADAIR KITCHEN american

This Tanglewood neighborhood gem is popular for its cold-pressed juices, big breakfasts and giant salads. Healthful home-style meals are casual and quick, but regulars are known to settle in with a bottle of wine at dinnertime and stay awhile. 5161 San Felipe St., 713.623.6100

AMALFI italian

Charming Amalfi touts coastal Italian dishes like homemade fettuccine in

creamy black-truffle sauce by Salerno native chef Giancarlo Ferrara. 6100 Westheimer Rd., 713.532.2201

AVONDALE FOOD & WINE

french

L’Olivier on Westheimer is now Avondale Food & Wine. Expect still-amazing shareable plates that chef Olivier Ciesielski rotates seasonally. There’s a private dining room filled with 100 bottles of wine, selected by consultant Nate Rose, available for retail purchase. 240 Westheimer Rd., 713.360.6313

BACKSTREET CAFÉ american

Housed in a two-story 1930s home, Hugo Ortega’s Backstreet Café became a River Oaks staple 30 years ago. Expect a menu boasting an imaginative take on seasonal fare along with hefty vegetarian selections. 1103 S. Shepherd Dr., 713.521.2239

BCN TASTE & TRADITION spanish

Named after Barcelona’s airport code, BCN offers authentic Spanish cuisine in a whitetablecloth setting. The specialty gin and tonics are a must-have, as is the Spanish Iberico ham. 4210 Roseland St., 832.834.3411

NEW! BLUDORN american

Aaron Bludorn — who’s worked in several Michelin-starred restaurants and appeared on Netflix’s The Final Table — and his wife Victoria Bludorn (née Pappas, of that Pappas family)

deliver a Gulf-tinged New American menu and low-key finedining to Montrose.

BRASIL american/coffee

Part coffee shop, part wine bar, part bistro and part art gallery, Brasil is a buzzy brunch destination, and the shaded back patio stays packed with drinkers and diners well into the night. 2604 Dunlavy St., 712.528.1993

BRENNER’S ON THE BAYOU

steakhouse

Enjoy dinner with a view at this steakhouse nestled on the lush banks of Buffalo Bayou. Steaks, sides and decadent desserts are all good bets, and the restaurant’s hip Blue Bar offers a less formal — yet still sophisticated — vibe with craft cocktails. One Birdsall St., 713.868.4444

CARACOL mexican/seafood

Hugo Ortega’s seafood-savvy concept boasts Mexican coastal cuisine in a swanky, mod space on Post Oak. Order the banana-leafwrapped sea bass or coal-roasted peppered tuna, and spring for the signature El Coco dessert and use a wooden mallet to crack open its chocolate shell. 2200 Post Oak Blvd., 713.622.9996

UPDATE! COMMON BOND

bakery

Enjoy gourmet coffee and buttery croissants as big as your face at this Montrose bakery and cafe. Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and post up with a lavender latte on the dog-friendly patio. There’s a drive-through location now open in the Heights, and another coming soon to Garden Oaks! 1706 Westheimer Rd., 713.529.3535

multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

DA MARCO italian

High-end Da Marco puts a luxurious spin on Tuscan cuisine with dishes like spaghetti-andsea-urchin and sweet-corn ravioli with lobster. The elegant space is one often considered for special occasions. 1520 Westheimer Rd.

DESSERT GALLERY bakery

This Upper Kirby café is clean and bright, with colorful treats that range from bite-size brownies to decadent custom cakes for big parties. Sit and enjoy with a cappuccino. 3600 Kirby Dr., 713.522.9999

UPDATE! DISH SOCIETY

american

Fast-casual diner Dish Society is known for its relationships with local purveyors. From fresh juices to the customizable farmer’s plate, diners love the revolving menu of clean eats. Now open in Bellaire! 5740 San Felipe St., 832.538.1060

multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

DORIS METROPOLITAN

steakhouse

This glam steakhouse in the old Triniti space is inspired by Middle Eastern flavors. Hot tip: The breadbasket alone may be worth the trip, with rolls flavored with caramelized onions and presented with crushedtomato spreads and herb butters. 2815 S. Shepherd Dr.

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CITYBOOK DINING DISTRICTS

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1 Memorial, Galleria Area, River Oaks, Upper Kirby and Montrose

2 Garden Oaks, the Heights, Washington Corridor

3 Midtown, Downtown, EaDo, Third Ward, Fifth Ward

4 Bellaire, West University, Museum District, Med Center

CityBook Partner

GIANCARLO FERRARA

Executive Chef & Owner

Italian born, Amalfi Coast native, will transport you to his homeland with his inspired menu of fresh seafood, vivid citrus, and cozy olive oil in addition to fresh pastas, assorted meats, family-made cheeses, and an extensive, thoughtful Italian wine list.

PRIVATE DINING

Book your next special event or private occasion at Amalfi!

CATERING & EVENTS

Bring the magic of the Amalfi Coast with our worldclass full catering service!

Book Romolo Bianco for Your Special Event or Private Party.

ROMOLO BIANCO

WORLD-CLASS MUSICIAN FROM NAPLES, ITALY

Pianist, Guitarist & Singer specializing in his heartfelt ballads from his native Napoli. Performing Nightly, Exclusively at Amalfi.

Mother’s Day Brunch Sunday, May 9, 2021 11am - 3:30 pm

6100 WESTHEIMER RD., HOUSTON, TEXAS 77057

/AmalfiHouston

713.532.2201

EL TIEMPO tex-mex

El Tiempo — now open in Kingwood and The Woodlands — delivers Tex-Mex in a big way with platters like the ancho-glazed grilled quail with cheese enchiladas and spicy shrimp chalupas. Pair with a peach margarita and be sure to save room for tres leches cake and sopapillas. 322 Westheimer Rd, 713.807.8101

multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

ELOISE NICHOLS southern

Regulars post up at this Highland Village restaurant where hearty plates like the maple-brined grilled pork chop are offered alongside craft cocktails and wine. Breakfast is served on weekday mornings and happy hour — “Afternoon Bites” include a yummy cheese board — is offered daily. 2400 Mid Lane, Ste. 100, 713.554.0136

FLEMING'S steakhouse

Situated at the corner of West Alabama and Kirby, this River Oaks steakhouse is beloved for its happening happy hour and impeccable service. 2405 W. Alabama St., 713.520.5959

FLOWER CHILD vegetarian

Wash down a scratch-made vegan wrap — the Thai Dye has spicy tofu and daikon radish — with flavored lemonade or organic wine or beer at this healthy resto. New location just opened in the Heights! In Uptown Park, 713.730.4261

multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

GEORGIA JAMES steakhouse

Chris Shepherd puts a distinct spin, as only he can, on this steakhouse named after his parents. Cast-iron-seared or wood-fire-grilled steaks from 44 Farms are presented with sides like Steen’s-vinaigrette-dressed Brussels sprouts. 1100 Westheimer Rd., 832.241.5088

GROTTO RISTORANTE italian

Find sophisticated takes on

Italian classics like Veal San Pietro. A festive Sunday brunch brings French toast with Grand Marnier batter and frozen peach Bellinis. 4715 Westheimer Rd., 713.622.3663

multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

HOPDODDY american

This wildly obsessed-over burger bar features a menu of piled-high patties with toppings like seared poblanos, apple-smoked bacon and truffle aioli alongside fries and queso. 4444 Westheimer Rd. 713.227.2337; hopdoddy.com mulitple locations visit restaurant website for details

HS GREEN american

Fast-food meets clean-eats at this order-at-the-counter restaurant near the Galleria. Wash down a customized wrap or salad with a cold-pressed juice. 5092 Richmond Ave., 713.904.3547

HUGO’S mexican

Chef Hugo Ortega’s namesake restaurant is a Houston staple, serving up authentic Mexican cuisine with margaritas to match. Guests love the festive weekend brunch buffet where indulging in seconds — even thirds! — is a must. 1600 Westheimer Rd., 713.524.7744

KATA ROBATA japanese

Discreetly situated in a retail center, this top-notch sushi bar serves up fresh, innovative Japanese dishes daily under the direction of executive chef Manabu Horiuchi. Try a heaping bowl of spicy soy ramen — or Chef Hori’s inventive new caviar service. 3600 Kirby Dr., 713.526.8858

KILLEN'S southern

Ronnie Killen’s first inner-Loop endeavor is now open in the former Hickory Hollow space. At Killen’s, expect much of the same mouthwatering comfort-food fare experienced at his fried-chicken pop-ups throughout the last year, plus fried green tomatoes with buttermilk sauce, and an ever-comforting chicken-anddumplings dish. 101 Heights Blvd., 713.637.4664

LA GRIGLIA italian

From caprese salad to wild mushroom lasagna, the menu at La Griglia is simple, but elegant. When Houston weather permits, enjoy the patio, complete with fire pits and scenic River Oaks views. 2002 W. Gray St., 713.526.4700

LE COLONIAL french/vietnamese

French-Vietnamese cuisine is presented in a posh space in River Oaks District. Dishes like the crispy whole duck — which serves up to four people and must be ordered in advance — are authentic and full-flavored. Weekend brunch brings Vietnamese steak and eggs and “exotic” mimosas! 4444 Westheimer Rd., 713.629.4444

MAD spanish

Everything at this BCN sister concept — from the mirror-lined hall to the bathroom and the cartoon-like, cheese-stuffed shiny red MAD Tomato — is photoworthy. Reservations weeks in advance highly recommended. 4444 Westheimer Rd., 281.888.2770

UPDATE! MALA SICHUAN chinese

This longtime Chinatown favorite is equally popular inside the Loop, where its corner location in a Montrose shopping strip is reminiscent of a trendy New York resto. Mala’s menu packs a punch with dishes like the dry-pot chicken and three-pepper duck. Now open in Sugar Land! 1201 Westheimer Rd., 832.767.0911

MASTRO'S steakhouse

At more-is-more Mastro’s,

Vegas comes to Houston, with everything but showgirls and roulette wheels. Try something out of the steakhouse box, like the Wagyu hamburger helper. 1650 W. Loop S., 713.993.2500

MERUS GRILL american

Uptown Park’s newly enhanced dining scene includes industrialglam Merus Grill, from the folks at J. Alexander’s. The menu touts beautifully prepared, classic American dishes — fresh seafood, burgers, piled-high salads. 1180 Uptown Park Blvd., 346.299.5775

NARIN’S BOMBAY BRASSERIE

south asian

Indulge in saag paneer and chicken tikka masala (and oh so much more) at this traditional Indian restaurant run by father-and-son team Narin and Sanjay Sehgal. Visit during weekend brunch and see what’s cooking on the tandoor in the main dining room. 3005 W. Loop S., 713.622.2005

NOBU sushi

At socialite-savvy Nobu, hyperinformed waiters float around, delivering bite-sized delicacies on geometric white plates to tables. Unique takes on sushi include ones with pickled cucumbers, Shiso leaf and Japanese mackerel. In the Galleria, 832.987.2599

NORTH ITALIA italian

Stop in to this hip Uptown Italian restaurant for happy hour on weekday evenings and all day on Sundays to enjoy the $20 special: a choice of a pizza, bruschetta, or meat-and-cheese board, with a bottle of wine. In BLVD Place, 281.605.4030

ONE FIFTH gulf cuisine

In its fourth phase, One Fifth explores the fresh flavors of the Gulf coast, with a menu of raw, cured, fried and roasted seafood. 1658 Westheimer Rd., 713.955.1024

OUISIE'S TABLE southern

This River Oaks institution serving Southern standards — shrimp and cheese grits, New Orleans red snapper, chicken and waffles at brunch! — is charming. With a beautiful patio and private rooms, it’s a popular locale for showers, receptions and more, too. 3939 San Felipe St., 713.528.2264

OUZO BAY mediterranean

This Greek spot in River Oaks District, known for its eye-catching seafood displays and simply delicious whole-fish presentation, is next door to the whiskey-centric Loch Bar. 4444 Westheimer Rd., 832.430.6610

PAPPAS BROS. STEAKHOUSE

steakhouse

Given its expansive wine list and in-house dry-aging process, diners can expect nothing short of perfection when dining at familyowned Pappas Bros. Steakhouse. Visit the newest location in the heart of Downtown. 5839 Westheimer Rd., 713.780.7352

PEPPER TWINS chinese

Don’t take the “pepper” in foodie fave Pepper Twins lightly. The dishes at this Szechuanstyle restaurant, now open in CityCentre, incorporate serious spices like the fresh nine-leaf peppercorn, helping customers to feel the burn. Try the mung bean smoothie! 315 Fairview St., 832.649.7175

multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

RAGIN’ CAJUN cajun

Crawfish season is here! There’s no better spot to get the fixins for a backyard boil than the original

Ragin’ Cajun on Richmond. Don’t miss Jambalaya Tuesday, when a bowl is served with bread and a drink for just $10. 4302 Richmond Ave., 713.623.6321

RELISH american

Quick counter service is offered for lunch and brunch at this café run by a husband and wife team, while evenings are reserved for a full-service dining experience. 2810 Westheimer Rd., 713.599.1960

RISTORANTE CAVOUR italian

When a European vacation is not in the immediate future, visit the romantic Ristorante Cavour inside Hotel Granduca. The elegant menu, executed by Maurizio Ferrarese, boasts Italian plates and a wine list for days. 1080 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.418.1104

UPDATE! RIEL american

Riel offers an American menu inspired by local color and chef Ryan Lachaine’s Ukrainian heritage; the Montreal smoked meat is splashed with French’s mustard. Check out the sandwiches at lunchtime, when Riel operates as Louie’s. 1927 Fairview St., 832.831.9109

UPDATE! STATE OF GRACE

southern

Grab a seat at the oyster bar during happy hour for $1 oysters at chef Ford Fry’s River Oaks restaurant. Dining out with the fam? Try the festive Sunday supper for $29/person. The new weekend brunch touts mouthwatering cinnamon rolls and batch cocktails — even to-go! 3258 Westheimer Rd., 832.942.5080

STEAK 48 steakhouse

A steakhouse standout delivers in its rich side dishes — the Hasselback potatoes are excellent — and desserts. Crowds of pretty people pour in early and stay late, so reservations are recommended. In River Oaks District, 713.322.7448

NEW! TONIGHT & TOMORROW european

Storied Montrose hotel La Colombe d’Or has reopened after years of restoration, and its restaurant was worth the wait. Expect eclectic but sophisticated European dishes with Southern touches. Be sure to check out the cocktail lounge, Bar No. 3. 3410 Montrose Blvd., 713.517.1001

TONY’S italian

A cherished part of the Houston dining scene, Tony Vallone’s namesake restaurant is an exquisite treat from start to finish. Opt for the three-, five- or seven-course tasting menu for a true culinary experience, featuring the foie gras flambé — a feast for the senses! 3755 Richmond Ave., 713.622.67788

UPDATE! TRIBUTE southern

At this restaurant in the Houstonian hotel, savor unique fare that blends the flavors of Texas, Louisiana and Mexico. Book the private wine room for a special occasion and pick your own playlist! 111 N. Post Oak Ln., 713.680.2626

UPDATE! UB PRESERV american

Underbelly lives on at Chris Shepherd’s cozy concept on the Westheimer curve. Chef Nick Wong’s dim sum-style Sunday brunch was called out by Food & Wine as the most interesting brunch in America. Check out the new late-night menu on Thursdays! 1609 Westheimer Rd., 346.406.5923

UPDATE! UCHI japanese

It’s hard to beat Uchi for fresh, interesting sushi and sashimi — and the Brussels sprouts are can’t-miss. The sake social hour seating, which offers heavily discounted plates and wine from 5 to 6:30pm, is one of the most sought-after in the city. Prepare to wait in line. Equally delicious: An eight-course dinner to-go, with wine, for less than $100. 904 Westheimer Rd., 713.522.4808

VIBRANT american

It's easy to be happy and healthy at this adorable neighborhood café. Enjoy breakfast — dishes like the coconut-chia pudding, which is both creamy and crunchy, are served all day — and lunch in an indoor-outdoor space that feels much more Santa Fe than Houston. 1931 Fairview St., 832.409.6423

WHITE ELM

bakery/mediterranean

The Memorial area’s new White Elm Café Bakery is a nearly 3,500-square-foot space with a patio that offers walk-up coffee and pastries in the morning and lunch and dinner daily.

Expect fresh bread, and Greek specialties nodding to chef-owner “Bread Man” Tasos Katsaounis’ upbringing. 14079 Memorial Dr., 281.496.2920

WILLIE G'S seafood

The new Willie G’s, steps from Tilman Fertitta’s new Post Oak Hotel, is glam and modern. Enjoy the rotating selection of fresh fish, and the Mexican-street-corn-topped seared scallops. 1640 W. Loop S., 713.840.7190

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DINING DISTRICT 2

GARDEN OAKS, THE HEIGHTS, WASHINGTON CORRIDOR

BB’S CAFE southern

Get your Cajun-food fix at BB’s: From Maw Maw’s gumbo to a platter of fried catfish, find New Orleans-style cooking with a Texas twist. 2701 White Oak Dr., 713.868.8000

multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

B&B BUTCHERS steakhouse

Venture in for the deep-fried A5 Wagyu katsu sando, or similarly stacked deli sandwich in the adjoining butcher shop, at this boutique steakhouse. A rooftop terrace makes B&B a premiere Sunday brunch destination. 1814 Washington Ave., 713.862.18144

B.B. LEMON american

Ben Berg has combined the best of his two favorite cities, Houston and New York, at his latest concept located across from his flagship B&B Butchers. Expect flavorful plates like blue-crab beignets, craft cocktails and retroinspired desserts. 1809 Washington Ave., 713.554.1809

COLTIVARE italian

With its strict “no-reservation” policy, the restaurant’s onsite garden — where many of the herbs and produce for the Italian dishes are grown — doubles as a charming waiting area. 3320 White Oak Dr., 713.637.4095

FIELD & TIDES american

This Heights restaurant in an old 1940s gas station may seem unassuming, but the food is incredible. Try the braised octopus with chorizo and chimichurri, or the colorful soba noodle salad. 705 E. 11th St., 713.861.6143

MAX'S WINE DIVE southern

Here, keeping it classy means pairing fried chicken with a glass of Champagne. Max’s is hardly a dive, with a serious wine list and hearty Southern plates. 4720 Washington Ave., 713.880.8737; maxswinedive.com

POSTINO italian

Rosé — and everything else — all day! This patio spot in Heights Mercantile, with a second location in Montrose, is always packed, especially during the bottle-andboard special, available after 8pm on Mondays and Tuesdays. Coming soon to CityCentre! 642 Yale St., 346.223.1111 multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

RAINBOW LODGE steakhouse

True to its name, Rainbow Lodge provides steakhouse and wild game fare in a rustic lodge setting. Outdoor seating on the newly expanded wine deck is coveted. 2011 Ella Blvd., 713.861.8666

REVIVAL MARKET american

Part grocery store, part coffee shop, part sidewalk café, Revival Market is your one-stop shop for a midday treat. Try the hot chicken honey butter biscuit and stock up on meat and charcuterie for the week. 550 Heights Blvd., 713.880.8463

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DINING DISTRICT 3

MIDTOWN, DOWNTOWN, EADO, THIRD WARD, FIFTH WARD

THE BREAKFAST KLUB southern

Enjoy a feast of home-style classics — wings and waffles, catfish and grits — at this no-frills Midtown diner. The line starts forming bright and early, but being part of the “klub” is worth the wait. 3711 Travis St., 713.528.8561

UPDATE! BRENNAN’S OF

HOUSTON southern

Count on this decades-old Houston staple for an exquisite dining experience full of Southern-Creole flavors. Seating spans two levels and guests love Sunday brunch in the courtyard. The turtle soup with sherry is famous, as are the pralines. Inquire about cocktail kits and DIY bananas foster, to go! 3300 Smith St., 713.522.9711

UPDATE! INDIANOLA american

This retro-chic diner reopened after Covid with a new focus on Gulf cuisine. On the simple menu, find not only superb seafood, but lots of plates with influence from Mexico and ones utilizing local beef and pork. 1201 St. Emanuel St., 832.582.7202

NEW! THE NASH american

With a globally inspired menu of shareable seasonal items, plus plenty of hearty steaks and chops, The Nash occupies the ground floor of the historic Star building. Guests can expect to be enticed by pies like the Pizza Bianco with truffled honey! 1111 Rusk St., 713.222.6274

NINFA’S ON NAVIGATION

tex-mex

The origin of Tex-Mex as we know it, Ninfa’s is always packed no matter when you dine. Guests love the sizzling fajitas and loaded quesadillas. In the mood for something different? Try the grilled octopus from the woodburning oven. 2704 Navigation Blvd., 713.228.1175

POTENTE italian

Top-tier chef Danny Trace and Astros-owner-turned-restaurateur Jim Crane hit a haute homerun at this elegant eatery by the ballpark. Opt for tableside truffle service on handmade spaghetti al tartufo, and save room for intricate desserts. 1515 Texas Ave., 713.237.1515

STREET TO KITCHEN thai

Chef-owner Benchawan Painter finally has a permanent home for her Street to Kitchen pop-up concept. The East End restaurant spotlights self-proclaimed “unapologetically, authentically Thai” food, elevating items that are traditional street foods in Painter’s native Thailand to chefdriven dishes made with local and organic ingredients. 6501 Harrisburg Blvd., 713.428.1975

THEODORE REX american

Justin Yu’s modern American bistro is housed in the same location as his late, lauded resto Oxheart. He presents farm-fresh a options like the uncomplicated tomato toast or Gulf snapper in broth and a short but sweet wine list. 1302 Nance St., unit A, 832.830.8592, trexhouston.com

TOUT SUITE bakery/coffee

Stop by this all-day-bakery for a macaron or cupcake, or post up for a while at one of the community tables and enjoy brunch bites like avocado toast and fresh-squeezed juice. There are also CBD-infused pastries, chocolates and more! 2001 Commerce St., 713.227.8688

WEIGHTS + MEASURES

bakery/american

Glass walls at this industrialchic bakery and restaurant allow guests to witness the pastrymaking magic up close. Partake in the lively Sunday brunch with plates like cake donuts and fried chicken (which comes with a side of spinach, making this a very healthy choice). 2808 Caroline St., 713.654.1970

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DINING DISTRICT 4

BELLAIRE, WEST UNIVERSITY, MUSEUM DISTRICT, MED CENTER

COPPA OSTERIA italian

All of the Neapolitan-style pizzas and handmade pastas are popular at this Rice Village winner. While the restaurant and wrap-around patio are bustling with activity, it

is the walk-up pizza window that is truly a hit in the largely pedestrian-friendly area. 5210 Morningside Dr., 713.522.3535

NEW! GINGER KALE american

This fast-casual, healthconscious café is a fab addition to Hermann Park. Watch the train roll by and be entertained by the ducks and geese on the lake, all while enjoying plates like beet-and-goat-cheese toast, or a crisp salad. Smoothies and popsicles, too! 6104 Hermann Park Dr., 713.429.5238

LOCAL FOODS american

This fast-casual diner has a guilt-free menu of sandwiches, salads, soups and sides, all made fresh using locally sourced ingredients. A cocktail and wine list at the Upper Kirby, Downtown and new Heights and Tanglewood locations make it a hip hangout. Plus: Find essentials like eggs, milk, bread and produce — plus grab-and-go gourmet items — at the new Local Foods Market in Rice Village. 2424 Dunstan Rd., 713.521.7800

multiple locations visit restaurant website for details

LUCILLE’S southern

Named after his greatgrandmother, Chris Williams brings the comforts of down home Southern cooking to the table at Lucille’s. Go for the crab cake beignets or oxtails and grits, and adding on the piping-hot pan of corn bread is a must. Williams’ nonprofit, Lucille’s 1913, which combats food insecurity, is worth supporting, too! 5512 La Branch St., 713.568.2505, lucilleshouston.com

UPDATE! TINY BOXWOOD’S

american

Expect a line at this very popular garden-set getaway, where the chocolate-chip cookies have earned as much of a reputation as the restaurant itself. Snag some, along with housemade ice cream, at the next-door Milk & Cookies booth. Milk & Cookies is also now open in River Oaks, with a third coming to Memorial soon! 3636 Rice Blvd., 713.664.0141; tinyboxwoods.com

multiple locations visit restaurant website for details 

'COME AND MAKE IT' CONTINUED FROM PAGE 44 especially in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields. Houston, incidentally, has the youngest population of any major city; nearly three-quarters of the population is under 45.

The Ion will provide resources, educational programs, corporate partnership opportunities and physical workspaces for emerging startup businesses. It was announced recently a major tenant will be Microsoft. The Ion will be connected directly by rail to the Amegy building in Downtown, home to two tech “incubators”— The Cannon and Launch Pad, operated by the Downtown Development Authority.

But it’s not just in technology that Houston can lead. We are also the nation’s energy capital. With the world focused on clean energy, Houston can and should lead in its development. In an interview in Houston Business Insider: The Metro Region’s Official Economic Development Guide, produced by the Greater Houston Partnership in conjunction with CityBook, Bobby Tudor, president of the Partnership, spoke about why Houston is in the best position to lead this transition. “We have people who understand energy systems, who understand the dynamics of energy and power,” says Tudor. “It’s an area where Houston has a lot of the talent.” The business community is quickly becoming partners. Kinder Morgan, a major traditional oil and gas company headquartered in Downtown, announced recently it has formed a new Energy Transition Ventures group to pursue commercial opportunities emerging from the low-carbon energy transition.

According to a report by the Greater Houston Partnership, venture capital investment has nearly tripled in Houston over the last five years. Of that investment money, Houston is above average in clean energy deals, which overtook oil and gas in 2019 to become Houston’s third most funded tech vertical.

A third axis of innovation is Houston’s medical, oncology and life science research. The Med Center, the largest in the world, is already home to 300-plus startups, and next year TMC3 will open in the Medical Center. A 37-acre life science complex with research centers, multi-disciplinary laboratories and healthcare institutions, TMC3 will enable innovators from healthcare, science, academia, government, industry, manufacturing and the not-for-profit sector to collaborate on new medicines, medical devices, diagnostic and digital health platforms, and treatment solutions. The new center will be connected by light rail to the Downtown and the Midtown innovation districts.

Houston has the industry diversity, infrastructure, talent and the culture to be America’s innovation capital. So while I’ll miss driving through downtown San Jose and feeling like I’m stuck in some figurative cyber web — and as Austin continues to rack up celebs — Houston will be pushing the limits of innovation. 

'ON THE MEND' CONTINUED FROM PAGE 48

them that it’s not as difficult as they might think it is.”

Those who come to the Mend Center, which is also a training facility for PhD students, suffer from schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. For these patients, little things — “Why did you pick that up and move it?!” — can cause disorganization, which can also be described as a mental unraveling. The building serves as a safe place for all. The fourth floor has a writing nook, games, arts and crafts, and remotecontrolled screens that cover floor-toceiling windows. “It’s meant for them to use, to exist in the space without having to do something therapy-related,” explains Garcia. Other facilities are primarily for stabilization, “and then they’re out,” he says. “There isn’t another place with this treatment approach in the country.”

Garcia says a small but “enthralling and encouraging” degree of change takes place for most patients on a weekly basis. “We get to know every part of their life, and we celebrate with them every little change that they or their family or clinicians never thought was possible.”

Garcia’s soothing, soft-spoken voice and bright eyes exude a level of both empathy and intelligence that aren’t often observed, even among mentalhealth advocates. During his time at Southwest Houston’s Menninger Clinic, Garcia gravitated toward the people “others didn’t want to work with.” “My critique was always, ‘He humors them too much,” says the dad of two young girls, whom he shares with his schoolteacher wife. “But I wanted to know and learn that there’s a logic that sutures it all. It’s just not the same logic we all have. And it wasn’t enough to understand this logic; these folks still have to learn how to live in a world that doesn’t share their logic.”

Garcia wishes for Mend Center patients to retain agency over their lives, and strives every hour of every day to walk alongside them and inch closer to their goals. Among his own goals is continuing to destigmatize mental illness. “I bring my daughters to work,” he says. “They’ve never been mistreated or in harms way. My girls have grown up around these people I work with. That’s two more people who will grow up and say, ‘What’s the big deal?’’ 

Second Guess

Special Exhibit

After a slow year, the spring season has so far delivered a delightful spread of dining news — and CityBook’s pages can only hold so much! The MFAH’s stunning new Nancy and Rich Kinder Building first opened in November, a trapezoidal concrete-and-glass building designed by Steven Holl Architects and, as of this spring, featuring Café Leonelli on its ground floor. Helmed by Michelin-starred chefs, the restaurant serves Italian fare amid artful environs that include Spencer Finch’s celestial light installation called “Moon Dust (Apollo 17)” and views of the sculpture garden. We highlighted this news on our CityBook At Large page with a photo of picture-perfect pastries. But would this architectural shot by Claudia Casbarian have been more delicious?

SOLD

River Oaks

3702 Olympia

SOLD

Boulevard Oaks

1620 South Blvd

SOLD

West University

2646 Tangley

SOLD

Glendower Court

2401 Kingston SOLD

River Oaks

2122 Del Monte

SOLD

Boulevard Oaks

2003 Milford

SOLD

Heights

1903 W 15th

SOLD

River Oaks

2007 F Brun

Who you work with matters.

Let me guide you home in Houston.

Andrew McCain

30 Years • Houston Realtor® 29 Years • Top Sales Producer 713.526.4847 · andrewmccain@compass.com

All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate, but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Compass is a licensed real estate broker. Equal Housing Opportunity.