On this week’s episode of “What’s Eric Eating,” chefs Aaron Bludorn and Alexandra “Allie” Peña, join CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler to discuss Bar Bludorn. First announced in March, Bar Bludorn will be the hospitality group’s — led by Bludorn, his wife Victoria Pappas Bludorn, and their business partner, director of operations Cherif Mbodji — new restaurant that will occupy Jonathan’s the Rub’s original location in Memorial (9061 Gaylord Dr.).| CultureMap Houston
One of this year’s most eagerly anticipated restaurants will open next week. Navy Blue, the new seafood restaurant from the team behind Bludorn, begins dinner service on Friday, November 18.
Located in the former Politan Row space in Rice Village (2445 Times Blvd.), Navy Blue applies Bludorn’s template of French-influenced, contemporary cuisine to a menu grounded in fish and shellfish. Developed by chef-owner Aaron Bludorn and executive chef Jerrod Zifchak, diners will find an eclectic ar...| CultureMap Houston
The latest on the Houston arts and entertainment scene, including theater, movies, opera, music, television, the performing and visual arts.| CultureMap Houston
Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Houston news of the week, beginning with three restaurant openings. Plus, a billionaire family plans to make unprecedented donations, and a premier shopping destination gets a new owner. Catch up on our most popular stories below, then plan your weekend right here. 1. Veteran Houston chef claims Menil restaurant for new all-day cafe. The Menil Collection has found a new operator for its campus restaurant. Veteran Houston chef and restaurateur C...| CultureMap Houston
Houston’s newest food festival is beginning to take shape. Coming to Discovery Green on Saturday, November 8, the Bites & Beyond Festival will give attendees a full day of food and music at a manageable price. Unlike all-in events such as Southern Smoke or Chefs for Farmers, Bites & Beyond will use an a la carte model that’s similar to LA’s Family Style Festival or the beloved Houston International Festival. Attendees pay $30 for a general admission ticket that comes with access to the ...| CultureMap Houston
The #MeToo movement was at its peak during the late 2010s, with high profile people in the entertainment industry and elsewhere starting to be held accountable for prior sexual assaults and/or sexual harassment. A few movies, like The Assistant and Bombshell, confronted the issue while it was still garnering headlines, making the films themselves feel even more important. The new film After the Hunt seems to have an appropriate title, as it’s a fictional look back at the culture during that...| CultureMap Houston
Movie memorabilia from late Hollywood legend Shelley Duvall’s three-decade career is now up for pre-bid. Texas auction house Vogt has released the catalog for an October 30 sale of the late actresses’ personal collection, including signed posters and other documents from The Shining and Annie Hall. The collection gives an intimate peek into the life of the iconic actress, whose film career led her to working with the most famous auteurs of 20th-century cinema, including Robert Altman, Sta...| CultureMap Houston
A wave of applause, cheers, and even a few joyful catcalls filled The Revaire as champions young and young-in-spirit strutted the runway for Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center’s 14th Annual Salute to Champions Luncheon and Fashion Show, presented by HPE Foundation. Chaired by Scott Basinger, Elsie Eckert, Sidney Faust, and Judi McGee, the annual affair once again brought Houston’s philanthropic empaths together for a cause that tugs at every heartstring. Guests mingled eagerl...| CultureMap Houston
Festivals, food, and cooler temperatures make downtown Houston the perfect place to celebrate the changing seasons. With great restaurants, coffee bars, and pubs, downtown offers some of the city’s best parks to enjoy and explore. Outdoor festivals, fall markets, inspiring public art, unique and scenic spots are accessible at parks located in the heart of the city. Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat, a place to reconnect with nature, or entertaining activities for the family, yo...| CultureMap Houston
Houstonians may be feeling blue about a new ranking of the greenest cities in the U.S. Among the country’s 100 largest cities based on population, Houston ranks 99th across 28 key indicators of “green” living in a new study from personal finance website WalletHub. The only city with a lower ranking is Glendale, Arizona. Last year, Houston landed at No. 98 on the WalletHub list. “‘Green’ living means a choice to engage in cleaner, more sustainable habits in order to preserve the pl...| CultureMap Houston
Hugo Ortega wants to take Houston to California. When the James Beard Award-winning chef, along with his wife and business partner, Tracy Vaught, opens Zaranda this Saturday, October 18 in downtown Houston’s Norton Rose Fulbright Tower, they’ll reveal their first new project since their street food concept Urbe debuted in 2021. Named for for the wire basket used to cook seafood over an open flame, Zaranda imagines a world in which all of California — both the state of California (or “...| CultureMap Houston
One of Houston’s favorite diners is the setting for a new commercial. Eagle-eyed viewers will recognize the Westheimer location of House of Pies in the clip for Visa Cash App. The commercial stars country star Shaboozey and comedian Caleb Pressley. Over a meal that includes pancakes and a sandwich — no word on whether they also grabbed a slice of Bayou Goo — the two entertainers discuss Pressley’s attempt to adopt Shaboozey’s signature tortoise shell look. In the end, the singer pay...| CultureMap Houston
Actor/writer/director Aziz Ansari is best known for his role on the sitcom Parks & Recreation and for creating and starring in the Emmy-winning Master of None on Netflix. While he had directed multiple episodes of Master of None, he had not been given a chance to test out his filmmaking skills on the big screen until now with the comedy Good Fortune. The film is centered on Gabriel (Keanu Reeves), a guardian angel who’s assigned the task of helping people avoid accidents while texting and d...| CultureMap Houston
Houston billionaires Rich and Nancy Kinder told ABC13's Melanie Lawson they plan to donate an astounding 95% of their multi-billion-dollar wealth to charities. It comes as the Kinder Foundation announced an $18.5 million expansion project for Emancipation Park in the heart of Third Ward. That historic park was founded by slaves in 1872. While you may not know the Kinders, you've certainly seen the Kinder name on buildings and facilities around the city of Houston. They are one of the wealthie...| CultureMap Houston
On Wednesday, October 15, the Houston City Council voted 14-1 to authorize the permanent closure of a section of Polk Street as part of the ongoing expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center. Despite the overwhelming majority of council voting for the measure, a group of local activists condemned the decision over concerns that the loss of Polk Street will isolate residents of East End from Downtown. Edward Pollard was the only dissenting vote. Houston First, the government corporatio...| CultureMap Houston
The Houston Symphony opened its 2025–26 Classical Season with a flourish worthy of its muse, The Firebird, transforming Jones Hall and Corinthian Houston into an homage to Stravinsky’s mythical milieu of Slavic lore. That included a giant bird as guests promenaded into the hall, which, of course, was the backdrop for many stylish poses and selfies. Because why not. More than 300 guests in black tie — and a notable number nodding to the theme in red gowns, feathered details, and fiery fl...| CultureMap Houston
One of Texas's most prominent fashion designers is stepping into a new realm: Western boots. Kendra Scott, known primarily for her relatively affordable, casual jewelry, is launching her first-ever footwear collection under the Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott brand. Yellow Rose, a "lifestyle extension" of the more general Kendra Scott brand, focuses on Western aesthetics and personalization. The company opened a Houston location in the Heights in February. The boot collection will be available th...| CultureMap Houston
Good grief! There’s a bunch of cool stuff happening this weekend! There are not one, but two home tours that’ll be taking place on the same day. A local jazz star returns to salute his hometown. MasterChef veterans will be making mouths water. A couple of art galleries will premiere fascinating exhibits. And Reese Witherspoon’s lifestyle brand will be popping up all weekend long. So, get out there and have some good ol’ Houston fun. As a visiting, gangsta rap icon would say, you know ...| CultureMap Houston
Houston real estate developers Radom Capital and Triten Real Estate Partners have announced the first two restaurants coming to The Swift BLDG, their new mixed-use project in the historic Swift & Company Packing Plant that’s located near the Heights Hike & Bike Trail. They are: Escalante’s: The Houston-based Tex-Mex restaurant Merit Coffee: The San Antonio-based coffee shop and roaster Founded in 1993 by Pat Torres and Kopi Vogiatzis, Escalante’s is known for its upscale Tex-Mex fare su...| CultureMap Houston
There's a new show coming to Meow Wolf, the artsy immersive exhibit in Houston: Called Phenomenomaly, it's a full-scale performance in which spectators interact to become part of the story. It will be embedded inside Radio Tave, the already-existing exhibit at Meow Wolf. Meow Wolf is the Santa Fe-based arts and entertainment company known for creating immersive experiences in collaboration with local artists. Its Houston location opened on Halloween 2024. Phenomenomaly will be centered around...| CultureMap Houston
The AIA Houston Home Tour is back! The annual tour raises funds that support various AIA Houston initiatives throughout the year. Held this Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19, the self-guided tour features eight magnificent homes throughout the Houston area. "The AIA Houston Home Tour is an incredible opportunity to showcase the diverse architectural talent within our city," says Shawn Gottschalk, AIA, principal at studioMET Architects and 2025 Home Tour event chair. "I'm really excited a...| CultureMap Houston
"Whoever said orange is the new pink was seriously disturbed," Elle Woods (as played by Reese Witherspoon) declared in the classic hit Legally Blonde. No one will be disturbed, however, by the fashion icon's "The Decade Tour" stopping in Houston. Draper James, Witherspoon's beloved lifestyle brand, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a 10-city Southern tour, and Houston is one of only two Texas stops. The tour kicked off in Charleston earlier this year and will arrive at the Hotel Grandu...| CultureMap Houston
An award-winning documentary detailing the life and legacy of Tejano music icon Selena Quintanilla has finally received a launch date for its Netflix debut. Selena y Los Dinos will be begin streaming on Monday, November 17, the streaming service confirmed in a press release. The documentary, directed by Isabel Castro, gives an intimate (yet not invasive) look into the singer's life and delves deeper into the close-knit connections she created with her bandmates, including siblings A.B. III an...| CultureMap Houston
One of Houston’s most reliable kolache bakeries has opened its new location. The Kolache Shoppe is now open near Memorial City Mall. Located in the same shopping center as the second location of The Pit Room and the newly-opened Katz’s (10321 Katy Fwy), the new Kolache Shoppe occupies 1,400 square feet, giving the mostly grab-and-go concept a limited amount of indoor and outdoor seating. Like its sister locations in Greenway Plaza, the Heights, and Pearland, it serves a mixture of more th...| CultureMap Houston
Texas’ two U.S. senators, Republicans John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, have called for the Space Shuttle Discovery to be relocated from the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington, D.C., to the visitors center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. They say Houston is Discovery’s “rightful home” and note that provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act call for the shuttle to be moved to Houston. Moving the shuttle to Houston would reverse a decis...| CultureMap Houston
Rice University is maintaining its reputation as one of the top colleges in the U.S., according to a new batch of rankings from WalletHub. Rice topped WalletHub's 2026 lists comparing the best colleges and universities in Texas and the best universities in the South. The private institution also ranked as the 9th best university in the country, three spots lower than its 2024 ranking. The personal finance website's experts analyzed nearly 800 colleges and universities in the U.S. using 30 key...| CultureMap Houston
One of Houston’s premier shopping and dining destinations has a new owner. Houston-based real estate developer MetroNational has acquired the retail portions of CityCentre from Midway, which is also a Houston-based real estate developer. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Notably, the deal includes an over 300,000-square-foot property that’s home to more than 20 restaurants — ranging from casual concepts such as Hopdoddy, Grimaldi’s, and Bellagreen to more upscale options such as D...| CultureMap Houston
The third annual Leaders and Legends for Mission of Yahweh once again proved that Houston’s heart beats loudest when community calls. On September 26, more than 430 supporters filled the Post Oak Hotel ballroom for an evening that raised a record-breaking $650,000 to support women and children in need. Chairs Leila Perrin, Beth Wolff, and Cynthia Wolff led the charge, joined by emcees Frank Billingsley and Ernie Manouse, who kept the evening flowing with warmth and wit. Honorary chairs Jody...| CultureMap Houston
One of the most beloved bakery chains in Houston is heading to San Antonio. El Bolillo Bakery, a Space City institution since 1998, will open at 9440 W Interstate 10 in late 2026, bringing more than 150 varieties of pan dulce baked fresh each day. The business began as a small neighborhood bakery, but has since blossomed to five locations in the Houston area. Recently called the "Buc-ee's of panaderías" by Texas Highways magazine, it is known for its gobsmacking selection of treats and color...| CultureMap Houston
Houston’s ever-adventurous chamber orchestra, ROCO, kicked off its 21st season — aptly dubbed The Season of the Senses — with a soirée that hit all the right notes. On September 27, hundreds of guests gathered at Artechouse, Houston’s high-tech temple of digital and experiential art, to celebrate the orchestra’s boundary-pushing ethos. Leading the charge were co-chairs Wendy Burks and Jane Johnson, who brought both flair and purpose to the night, raising vital funds to support ROCO...| CultureMap Houston
It seems like the 20th century phenomenon of tiki bars would have emerged organically, with no sole progenitor, but a quick online search always turns up the late, supposedly Texas-born bar owner Donn Beach. A new documentary called The Donn of Tiki follows the history of "tiki culture" from this influential origin, aiming to "separate fact from fiction," according to a press release. The James Beard Media Award-nominated film will screen in Houston at the River Oaks Theatre on Tuesday, Octob...| CultureMap Houston
The Menil Collection has found a new operator for its campus restaurant. Veteran Houston chef and restaurateur Claire Smith will open a new concept called Chrôma in early 2026. Located in the former Bistro Menil space (1512 Sul Ross), Chrôma (styled as the all-lowercase “chrôma” in press materials) will serve the global comfort fare that Smith prepared at her Houston restaurants Shade, Canopy, and Alice Blue. Smith will serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch at Chrôma, whi...| CultureMap Houston
Start your engines, Texas: the Formula 1 MSC Cruises United States Grand Prix is returning to Austin's Circuit of The Americas (COTA) October 17–19, and this year’s lineup proves why it’s the biggest weekend of the year for racing fans, music lovers, and anyone looking for a Texas-sized spectacle.| CultureMap Houston
Houston restaurant group Goode Company is bringing back its Goode Bird fried chicken concept. Now a food truck, the restaurant will make its debut on Thursday, October 16 at Goode Co. Armadillo Palace.| CultureMap Houston
Hope springs eternal, especially in the world of Houston restaurants. Despite a recent string of high-profile closures, entrepreneurs continue to see opportunities to open a diner’s new favorite restaurant.| CultureMap Houston
An innovative take on the co-working space is coming to Houston. Switchyards will open its first location in the Bayou City on Monday, September 29.| CultureMap Houston
Fall is right on the doorstep, which means it's time to break out all the jewel tones and autumnal decor kept hidden away until the first cool breeze hits. Houston homeowners who need a little design inspiration this year should embrace their individuality and take some chances on bold colors, patterns, and textures, according to Houzz's 2025 fall design trends report.| CultureMap Houston
How can you combine the thrill of physical activity with the joy of video gaming away from the glare of Houston’s angry sun? The answer is Activate, an immersive live-action group gaming experience that will get the blood pumping.| CultureMap Houston
Houston is leveling up its gaming scene with the debut of a new high-tech immersive experience. Called Activate, the indoor venue combines technology and physical activity in 75-minute gaming sessions, which can be played in teams up to five people.| CultureMap Houston
Virtual reality gaming company Sandbox VR will be opening its first Houston location in 2026, combining the community and physical aspects of laser tag with the immersive environment of modern virtual reality video gaming. The location will open at 797 Sorella Court in CityCentre early next year.| CultureMap Houston
Apartment construction has been booming in Houston the last 40 years, fueling a surge in the number of self-storage facilities across the city, too.| CultureMap Houston
Industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails will embark on their first world tour in three years, the Peel It Back Tour 2025, which will include a stop at the Toyota Center in Houston on Friday, September 12.| CultureMap Houston
Nearly 40 years down the spiral, Rock And Roll Hall of Fame inductees Nine Inch Nails returned to Houston and the Toyota Center on Friday, September 12. NIN was last in Houston in December 2017, where they played a rainy, abbreviated set at the final Day For Night festival at the future POST Houston complex on a stage festooned with strands of VHS tape and stinging coastal rain. The Bayou City had been due for a catharsis.| CultureMap Houston
Tucked away in an adorable collective of jewel box boutique spaces for local independent businesses sits Hunt & Bloom. This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shop is a fantastical emporium of all things kitsch. In just under three years, proprietor Will Hunt Lewis, with his encyclopedic knowledge of all things interiors, has made himself indispensable to Houston’s top designers — the designer’s designer, if you will.| CultureMap Houston
September is the perfect time to hit the reset button. Summer sun, travel, and long days can leave both the body and mind in need of a bit of recovery. Houston's wellness spots are stepping up with fresh ways to recharge.| CultureMap Houston
Few things are more frustrating for Houston drivers than sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic. You're late, you're stuck, and you're wasting time and gas — every single day. It's no surprise that the Bayou City has ranked inside the top 10 in a new list of cities with the worst traffic.| CultureMap Houston
Texas, WalletHub thinks we have a major equality problem. The Lone Star State has ranked at the bottom of the personal finance website's new nationwide analysis of gender equality.| CultureMap Houston
The world’s richest people are wealthier now than they've ever been, and more billionaires have made it onto the 2025 World's Billionaires List than ever before, according to Forbes. This year, 18 Houston-based billionaires are among the richest people in the world, with hospitality honcho Tilman Fertitta leading as the richest Houstonian.| CultureMap Houston
Sure, plenty of Houston millionaires own swanky homes in neighborhoods like River Oaks and Tanglewood. But in recent years, Houston has seen a huge spike in the number of millionaires opting to rent rather than own a place to live.| CultureMap Houston
Despite growing sentiments that the U.S. is on a path towards a recession, Texas is pulling a lot of weight as one of the best state economies in the nation, according to a new annual report from WalletHub.| CultureMap Houston
Inflation has certainly rattled the national economy, but some cities are feeling that sting harder than others — especially Houston.| CultureMap Houston
By any measure, the Bludorn team has gotten off to a strong start in Houston, and they’re not planning to slow down any time soon. Chef Aaron Bludorn, his wife Victoria Pappas Bludorn, and partner/general manager Cherif Mbodji have claimed the former Jonathan’s the Rub space (9061 Gaylord Dr.) for their third restaurant.| CultureMap Houston
If you’re a workday commuter in the Houston metro area, you may be among the many motorists who’ve cursed the snarled traffic on I-610/West Loop Freeway. This route routinely takes the crown as the most clogged roadway in Texas.| CultureMap Houston
In a surprising turn of events, it's not Houston proper that's earning recognition for its job market, but The Woodlands. The north Houston suburb boasts the No. 24 best job market in the nation, according to a new report by SmartAsset.| CultureMap Houston
Texas is being ruled out as one of the top states to live in the country, according to a new livability study by WalletHub. The Lone Star State ranked No. 36 out of all 50 states.| CultureMap Houston
On this week’s episode of “What’s Eric Eating,” Andrew Smith joins CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler to discuss Savory Fund. The venture capital firm has big plans for Houston.| CultureMap Houston
By any measure, Aaron Bludorn, his wife Victoria Pappas Bludorn, and their business partner Cherif Mbodji have taken Houston by storm with their lively fine dining restaurant Bludorn and Navy Blue, its seafood-oriented sister concept in Rice Village. After a year of planning, the trio are ready to do it again.| CultureMap Houston
