Editor’s note: Another week has passed by, but we’ve got your back with a recap of the most popular stories on CultureMap from this past week:
1. Closing of Montrose cafe offers new beginning for two popular food truck vendors. Eatsie Boys partners Ryan Soroka and Alex Vassilakidis announced that their brick-and-mortar restaurant on Montrose will be closing April 30, soon to be converted into the permanent home of food cart Melange Creperie.
2. Houston's swankiest new party palace is quickly becoming the go-to place for celebrations of all kinds. Recently opened in the Heights, The Astorian is on track to become the venue for the city's hottest parties. The incredibly designed 14,000-square-foot space has barely been open a month and has already attracted fashion shows, galas and trunk shows.
3. Houston billionaire couple pledges $10 million for Bayou Greenways project adding more park space and trails. Philanthropic billionaires Mindy and Jeff Hildebrand are supporting the Houston Parks Board's exciting Bayou Greenways 2020 project with a $10 million donation. The project will add 1,500 acres of park space and 80 miles of trails to the city's park system.
4. Steve Harvey drives Houston philanthropist to tears on national TV — and gives her the surprise of her life. Kristi Schiller, founder of the K9s4COPS program, was asked to appear on the Steve Harvey Show to honor her efforts supporting the program which provides law enforcement agencies with K9 partners. While on the show, Schiller received a surprise that left her "crying like Miss America."
5. Inside the new El Tiempo: Laurenzos put their stamp on massive Montrose location with a lot of history. Although the future of the restaurant's current Montrose location is uncertain, El Tiempo's 1308 Annex on Westheimer has opened its doors, offering the same delicious Tex-Mex cuisine as the locally based chain's other six locations.
Mindy and Jeff Hildebrand recently pledged $10 million to the Houston Parks Board to support the Bayou Greenways 2020 project.
This hefty book highlights the historical connections that make Texas Barbecue so interconnected. Photo by Brianna Caleri 