What’s New: Houston, Galveston, Beaumont
Foodies Celebrate in Houston
June saw a number of new restaurants open in Houston, and there’s something for every palate.
Chapman & Kirby, an upscale “gastrolounge,” is the latest addition to EaDo’s rapidly growing dining and entertainment scene. Described as “steampunk industrial,” the large 9,000-square-foot space offers a sophisticated yet cool vibe with unique touches like antique mirrors, dark leather, gold accents, brick and Edison light bulbs.
Hawaii has come to Houston with the delicious food at Seaside Poke, also in EaDo. The fish at Seaside is locally sourced from nearby Texas farms to ensure it’s fresh and tasty.
The city’s first neighborhood gas station is now bringing you coffee, crepes and custard. Retrospective Coffee Bar opened earlier this summer after the historic 40-year-old filling station was renovated.
Roka Akor Steak, Seafood & Sushi, a nationally recognized Japanese sushi and steak concept, has opened its first location in Texas in Houston’s River Oaks District.
Finally, Tarka Indian Kitchen is a fast and affordable Indian restaurant. It originally opened in 2009 but expanded this summer to Houston’s historic Heights neighborhood.
Renovation at Galveston’s Moody Gardens Complete
One of Galveston’s most popular attractions just received a massive makeover. The Moody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid is completed a $37 million, multi-phased renovation that was unveiled in May. Visitors can now enjoy new exhibits and surprises, including the addition of jellyfish and tropical penguins. The Moody Gardens aquarium is one of the largest and most diverse aquariums in the U.S., and features marine life from four regions of the world, including the Gulf of Mexico to South Atlantic, the South Pacific, the North Pacific and the Caribbean. The space is also a unique venue for events with capacity for up to 240 and catering available.
Family Fun to The Max in Beaumont
When planning your next event in Beaumont, make sure attendees know to bring the family along. There’s plenty to do for all ages, including a few new options. For example, the movie experience at Cinemark Tinseltown has been taken to the next level. A huge renovation means you can now watch movies just like you are in your own home. There are luxury electric-powered lounger recliners complete with footrests and cup holders. All seating is reserved so you don’t have to stress out about not getting there in time.
Traffic have you fed up? Boss always breathing down your neck? Is your family being annoying? Take out all that aggression (in a healthy way, of course). The new Wreck It Room provides a place where you can let out your frustrations by destroying objects. You can choose between a baseball bat, crowbar or hammer and go to town on old computers, copy machines and just about any other type of device you can think of.
Finally, Kingdom Zoo is a new, exciting wildlife center in Pinehurst (near Orange). This micro zoo houses 100 species of small exotic animals from six continents ranging from rare species of tarantula to rainforest dwellers like the coatimundi and the beautiful and rarely seen aracari toucan. For now, they are open two Saturdays a month and by appointment on Thursday evenings.
Sources: Visit Houston, Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo credit: travelview/Shutterstock.com
