Pix of the Day

The real dog days of summer: Prize-winning pooch chills out at hotel pool, gets VIP treatment

AKC award winning black Russian terrier, Varias, chills at the pool with his trainer, Dave Scheiris.

Photo by Tom Weigand

For Varias, a 130-pound black Russian terrier, there is no such thing as the "dog days of summer." Check out the 130-pound AKC award winner chilling on a chaise lounge poolside at Hotel Granduca.

Fresh from taking Best of Show at a recent Canadian Kennel Club competition, Varias made his first plane trip to Houston to be with his owners, Charlene Madison Cassidy and Dr. John Cassidy. They live next door to the Granduca at the Montebello.

Obviously, this is not your ordinary hotel guest. But GM Mary Grace Gray is a fan of canines and reports that Varias was one of the most well-behaved guests — animal or human — that the hotel has hosted. The three-year-old pooch, sure to grow some more, was accompanied by his trainer, Dave Scheiris.

Gray reports that when Varias arrived in the lobby, he "brought the Happy Hour crowd to a speechless halt."

Got a great photo of a Houston happening or everyday occurrence? Send it to clifford@culturemap.com, along with details (who, what, where and why it's special). It might make our Pix of the Day.

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this week's hot headlines

Houston's nostalgic new Italian restaurant leads top 5 stories

Photo by Julie Soefer

Milton's opened this week in Rice Village.

Editor's note: It's time to recap the top stories on CultureMap from this past week.

1. Fresh pastas and chicken parm await at new Houston Italian restaurant. The restaurant serves handmade pastas and meats cooked in a wood-burning Josper oven.

2. Houston soul food cafe makes New York Times favorite restaurants list. It's one of only three Texas establishments to make the list.

3. Luxurious Houston steakhouse reboots as 'relaxed' neighborhood eatery. The owner of The Pit Room is switching things up at his steakhouse.

4. River Oaks mansion by famed architect hits market for $18.9 million. Designed in 1938, the home sits on more than 1.6 acres.

5. Celebrated Houston West African restaurant sets Montrose opening date. After earning national acclaim as a stand at Post Houston, the restaurant will open on Nigerian Independence Day.

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