they've got a lot of toys

Palatial bowling-focused entertainment destination rolls out big Houston opening

Houston's newest entertainment destination has arrived. Palace Social officially opens for evening service on Monday, July 12 (4191 Bellaire Blvd.).

First announced last year, the 27,000-square-foot venue offers a retro-styled refresh to the classic Palace Bowling Lanes. Eight bowling lanes offer a starting point of the fun to be had, but this destination has been optimized for 21st century digital boys and girls of all ages.

Play more than 50 arcade games that range from classics like skee-ball and pop-a-shot to brightly colored shooters with 4K screens. Experience virtual reality or try the 16-seat XD Dark Ride Theater that offers 3D graphics and interactive gameplay, according to a release. A 22-seat esports lounge provides an in-person venue for online combat, while two simulator bays allow patrons to test their skills swinging a golf club, baseball bat, or other sports scenario.

Feeling festive? Palace Social offers three karaoke-ready private rooms for groups of different sizes.

“After months of inspired planning and preparation, the day has finally arrived for us to welcome a brand-new generation of gamers, foodies, friends, family and fun-seekers to Palace Social,” CEO Billy Forney said in a statement. “This couldn’t have been made possible without the collaborative spirit of some of the best minds in the hospitality, design, and food and beverage industries as well as our community investors that wholeheartedly believed in filling the void in A-list entertainment options in the area. We couldn’t be more thrilled to share our exciting new vision.”

For the dining portion, those best minds consisted of chef Ryan Hildebrand (Triniti, FM Kitchen) and consultant Jonathan Horowitz (Ninfa's, Treebeards). Palace Social's 159-seat restaurant and lounge features a Southern-inspired menu that's executed by chef Efrain Villareal (Tony’s Mexican Kitchen). Pair them with wine, beer, or cocktails from beverage director Jennifer Caldwell (Goodnight Charlie's).

“Palace Social is definitely not yesterday’s bowling alley canteen experience,” Hildebrand said in May. “Our menu is loaded with elevated comfort food and gourmet shareables, a mix of southern regional classics and all-American fare that draws on the history of Palace Lanes while attracting a new generation of diners looking for a great meal in addition to the fun attractions.”

Palace Social joins Dish Society in the Southside Commons mixed-use development. Hours are Monday-Thursday 3-10 pm and 3 pm-midnight Friday and Saturday. Lunch and brunch service will follow in the coming weeks.

Experience virtual reality.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Experience virtual reality.

news-you-can-eat openings

a beautiful mind

Houston Health Museum's new exhibit shines a light on dyslexia

Sarah Sudhoff created "The Reading Brain" in honor of her son.

Photo by Rose Tylinski

"The Reading Brain" replicates neuron activity in a dyslexic brian while reading

No, "The Reading Brain" isn't the title of a B-horror film from the 1960s. It's a brand new installation at the Houston Health Museum that explores dyslexia.

The piece was created by Houston-based artist Sarah Sudhoff, in partnership with Dr. Guinevere Eden, Director of the Center for the Study of Learning at Georgetown University. Hanging from the ceiling of the Health Museum, it uses light-up colored circles to represent the frontal lobe activity of a dyslexic person while reading. MRI scans of dyslexic brains formed the foundation of the light activity. Sudhoff's own son has dyslexia, and she had to adapt her homeschooling of him to account for his neurodivergence. As much as 20 percent of the American population is dyslexic.

"The Reading Brain" grew out of a similar exhibit at the DoSeum in San Antonio. "Beautiful Minds: Dyslexia and the Creative Advantage" challenged visitors to see dyslexia not as a learning disability but as simply a different way some human brains work. The exhibit featured videos, stories, and art work by dyslexic individuals that show how they succeed and create, as well as a selection of brain puzzles used to teach dyslexic people.

“Even though your brain works differently, it still lights up and is beautiful to watch, a wonderful machine you have. It just means you have to navigate and pivot a little differently,” Sudhoff said.

Sudhoff's innovative bridge between science and art is a permanent part of the Health Museum's MindWorks exhibit. Like "The Reading Brain," MindWorks maps out thinking processes through light and hands-on activities. The exhibit will close on January 5, meaning visitors have a very short time to see Sudhoff's piece.

The Health Museum is a hidden gem in Museum District located a block away from the Children's Museum. It houses a variety of exhibits about the human body, such as a giant plastic colon that kids love to run through. Since opening in 1969, the museum has helped Houstonians and visitors from around the world learn about the way the body works as well well as public health protocols. As the only Smithsonian Affiliate Museum in the Houston Museum District, it has a high educational pedigree despite it's colorful and often whimsical offerings.

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