Welcome to DiningOut’s Plate Full of News, your weekly serving of Houston restaurant, bar and culinary news. From buzzy openings and chef moves to can’t-miss events, menu debuts and industry updates, here’s everything happening in Houston’s dining scene this week.
The 411
Emilia’s Havana is leaning into island vibes with Rum Diaries, a limited-time experience inside the intimate speakeasy hidden within the walls of the Annie Café & Bar. The special menu showcases handcrafted rum cocktails alongside light bites, offering guests a tropical escape in one of Houston’s most atmospheric drinking destinations.
Goode Co. Barbeque has tapped Drew Lindsey as its new multi-unit pitmaster, bringing experience from some of Texas’ most notable barbecue operations. Lindsey began his professional career at Terry Black’s BBQ and has since worked with pit crews at Hurtado Barbecue, Dayne’s Craft BBQ, and Loro Asian Smokehouse. In his new role, he’ll oversee pit operations, menu research and development, and training across Goode Co. Barbeque locations. Lindsey will make his competition debut with the Goode Company team at the Houston BBQ Showdown on September 20 at Saint Arnold Brewing Company.
Southern Smoke Foundation is partnering with the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival to expand assistance for food and beverage workers across the Texas Hill Country. The partnership connects workers in Gillespie, Mason, Llano, and Blanco counties with emergency financial assistance and Southern Smoke’s no-cost mental health counseling resources, an effort that comes as hospitality workers continue to feel the financial effects of this past July’s flooding. Eligible workers can seek help for everything from medical and transportation emergencies to unforeseen personal crises, while donations can also be made directly to the festival’s Hill Country Hospitality Worker Emergency Relief Fund.
Happenings
Houston TX Hot Chicken is turning five on Friday, August 21, and marking the milestone with an all-day deal for heat seekers. Guests can score unlimited chicken sandwiches for $5, choosing from signature options including the Classic Chicken, Original Hot, and Cheesy Hot Chicken. The one-day anniversary special is available in-store, for takeout, and through the HHC Loyalty App.
Tacodeli is kicking off the school year with a two-day Back to School Bash at its new Katy location on Friday, August 21, and Saturday, August 22. The taqueria will donate 50 percent of sales from both days to Katy Taylor and Cinco Ranch high schools, while families can take advantage of kids-eat-free dining, $5 margaritas, live music, giveaways, and other specials. The celebration kicks off with live music on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., while Saturday’s festivities run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a dunk tank, face painting, cornhole, and more family-friendly fun. 19302 Katy Fwy., Ste. 2, Katy, tacodeli.com
Best Regards is teaming up with Houston-founded social club Crush Club for a singles mixer on Sunday, August 23. Designed for singles ages 25 to 35, the event aims to take dating off the apps and into real life with an evening of mingling at the Heights bar and lounge. To help break the ice, Best Regards will offer a “Shoot Your Shot” special: Purchase a shot and receive a second one complimentary to give to a crush. The mixer runs from 6 to 10 p.m. with tickets starting at $15. 222 W. 11th St., Houston, bestregardshtx.com
Slowpokes is adding a little four-legged fun to the weekend with the launch of goat yoga at its Sawyer Yards location on Saturday, August 29. Presented in partnership with 3rd Coast Goat Yoga, the class combines gentle stretches with plenty of adorable goats roaming among participants. Tickets are available in advance through Eventbrite.
Lyric Market is sending summer off with a free ¡Adiós Summer Fiesta on Saturday, August 29, from 2 to 6 p.m. The Hornitos Tequila-sponsored celebration will feature complimentary tequila tastings, live mariachi music, Lotería, giveaways, and drink specials, including $8 margaritas, Palomas, and Ranch Waters. Guests can also explore the food hall’s lineup of vendors, with Mexology offering free chips and guacamole with the purchase of any meal during the event.
On the Menu
Pochitos Mariscos y Más is teaming up with acclaimed Mexican chef and former Top Chef México judge Aquiles Chávez for a major culinary overhaul beginning Thursday, September 3. Chávez is reimagining the Gulf Freeway restaurant’s menu around five seafood-focused pillars: Gulf Coast fried seafood, live-fire grill and asado dishes, Cajun-influenced seafood boils, Sinaloa- and Pacific-inspired ceviches and aguachiles, and Mexican-style sushi. The three-year partnership will include ongoing menu updates and seasonal cocktail changes, while Pochitos is also refreshing its dining room and adding a kids’ menu and private-event options. New hours will also go in effect September 3, with the restaurant open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m., and weekend brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Brennan’s is celebrating peach season with a decadent spin on French toast. The $24 brunch special features cornflake-crusted French toast layered with Grand Marnier cream cheese and glazed peaches, then finished with honey-oat granola syrup for a sweet taste of summer.
