Lots of choices

Procrastinator's Guide to Father's Day: 10 Houston restaurants where Dad can eatlike a king

Morton's downtown executive chef Frank Lewis is offering a private, interactivecooking demonstration with a few lucky dads. The menu will include filet mignon,bacon-wrapped sea scallops, garlic green beans, key lime pie and more for $110.
Kenny & Ziggy's deli sandwich
Photo by Paula Murphy

You've got a necktie wrapped up, a tee time booked and an iPad 2 waiting to surprise him. The only thing to make this Father's Day even better is the perfect family meal.

So whether you want a brunch with Southern flair, a buffet full of flavor or a dinner at Dad's favorite steakhouse, Houston restaurants are stepping up to give him plenty of ways to feel appreciated. Still need inspiration? Check out CultureMap's short list of Father's Day food experiences.

1. Hugo's

There's never really a bad time to go to Hugo's, but the enormous brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. will satisfy all of Dad's south-of-the-border cravings. Plus live music by Viento will make it fun for the whole family.

2. Hearsay

If your dad knows his Glenlivet from his Glenfiddich, send him (and mom) downtown for a tasting dinner at Hearsay. The three-course meal includes ahi tuna and a pepper-crusted bone in pork chop, and the first whiskey cocktail is included. After that Old Fashioneds and Hearsay Manhattans are only $6.

3. Eddie V's

You know all those studies that show kids spend more on Mom than Dad on their respective holidays? Make up for years of neglect by springing for the Sunday surf and turf specials at Eddie V's that start at $44. As a reward for your munificence, you'll all get 25 percent off of Cellar List wines as well as a $25 gift card for Dad to return the favor.

4. Kenny & Ziggy's

Plenty of Dads around town are disaffected East Coasters who migrated south for warm weather or oil jobs. To give him the taste of home, pick up a huge spread from Kenny & Ziggy's — oversized sandwiches, smoked fish, deli plates, homemade cheese blintzes and of course New York cheesecake. Eat it at home by the pool or cart your haul to Market Square Park, where Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade will be on the big screen starting at 8 p.m.

5. Samba Grille

If your dad still grooves to a Rat Pack vibe, take him to Samba Grille for the three-course special. After his steak, he can choose between a delish tres leches cake and a locally-made Hight cigar. His way, indeed.

6. Américas

For a truly "wow" experience for all the senses, try the brunch buffet at one of the three splendiferous Américas locations. All have over 60 examples of Américas' Latin-infused favorites, a carving station, and plenty of cocktails and desserts for choose from. Plus Dad will walk out with $60 in gift cards.

7. Morton's Cooking Demonstration

Is Dad the king of the grill — or does he aspire to be? Morton's downtown executive chef Frank Lewis is offering a private, interactive cooking demonstration with a few lucky dads. The menu will include filet mignon, bacon-wrapped sea scallops, garlic green beans, key lime pie and more for $110.

8. The Breakfast Klub

Let me guess: Dad loves Southern food but hates standing in line. Let him relax with Sports Illustrated and the a/c on in the car while you brave the wait outside Breakfast Klub. Once you've ordered the chicken and waffles or shrimp and grits, he'll be ready to come in and find his seat at the head of the table.

9. Christian's Tailgate

It might be too hot outside Christian's Tailgate this weekend or too crowded inside to subject those conditions on the man of the hour, but pick up a half dozen classic burgers — plus fries and onion rings, of course — and chow down with Dad at home after you put on his favorite movie. Caddyshack, perhaps?

10. Haven

No special menus here, just the same casual but immaculate fare that chef Randy Evans is known for. Whether Dad's a gourmand or a meat and potatoes kind of guy, he'll like it.

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Thanks, Queen Bey

Pop icon Beyoncé donates $100,000 to University of Houston Law School

Photo by Erza Shaw Getty Images

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Pop megastar Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has donated $100,000 to the University of Houston Law Center Criminal Justice Clinic through her BeyGOOD Foundation. The gift will allow the clinic to hire fill-time faculty to head it, benefiting the students who study there.

“I am delighted that the BeyGOOD Foundation has made this very generous gift to the UH Law Center,” said Leonard Baynes, dean of the UH Law Center. “Not only will this funding help establish a full-time criminal justice clinic that provides pro bono legal services in our community, but it will also supercharge our already excellent criminal law and justice programming.”

The clinic is one of nine at UHLC. It helps students learn to navigate the criminal justice system, especially on behalf of clients that are underserved by skilled attorneys. People of color are affected disproportionately by a lack of good, ethical representation.

Beyoncé, the most decorated artist in Grammy history and easily the biggest musical star native to Houston, has a long history of advocating for criminal justice reform. She was a staunch supporter of the police reform following the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, asking law enforcement to “stop killing us” in a web post. In 2020, she penned an open letter to the Kentucky attorney general asking for justice in the death of Breonna Taylor.

Through her BeyGOOD Foundation, established in 2013, Beyoncé has focused mostly on expanding the prospects of Black-owned business and offering education opportunities to students. Forwarding the cause of legal representation in Texas while also helping out marginalized communities compliments her other philanthropic work.

“At UH Law, we envision a legal profession where ‘everyone has the opportunity to prosper,’ as BeyGOOD envisions, and we will achieve this vision by providing access to strong and effective legal representation in criminal proceedings,” Baynes said. “And together, through this gift, the BeyGOOD Foundation and UHLC will shepherd the next generation of criminal justice attorneys in the city of Houston, the state of Texas and the nation.”