Editor's note:It's time to recap the top stories on CultureMap from this past week. Our top news includes two spendy Houston suburbs that boast big holiday budgets, plus national acclaim for Houston's Afro-Mexican eatery. Looking for the best things to do this weekend? Find our picks here.

1. Affluent Houston suburbs top list of biggest holiday spenders in U.S. Two wealthy Houston suburbs are among the biggest spenders on holiday gifts in the U.S., with budgets well over $3,000.

2. River Oaks restaurant opens in Memorial with expanded menu and bold design. The wait is over for Memorial residents who were looking forward to visiting Relish Restaurant & Bar. Its new location opened December 2.

3. Esquire names Houston's Afro-Mexican eatery to best new restaurants list. Once again Houston is on Esquire's radar, with Chris Williams' Late August being named to the magazine's list of best new restaurants in America.

Late August is one of Esquire's best new restaurants. Photo by Leonid Furmansky

4. Expert panel drafts Houston's best bars and cocktails. On this episode of "What's Eric Eating," CultureMap editor Eric Sandler and six friends take on the Ultimate Houston Bar Draft.

5. Chopped champion's Indian-spiced fried chicken joint opens in Midtown. Pok Pok Po is now open, serving gluten-free fried chicken from chef Jassi Bindra.