Road Map

Need direction? Houstonian Mandy Zuniga shares her map of favorite local places& spaces

Mandy Zuniga
Hugo's is a favorite spot to take family and friends.
Photo by Paula Murphy
Memorial Park is a spot that make you feel like you're not in Houston.
Favorite hotel: The Alden
Photo by Jordan Chan
Favorite 2 a.m. food: Whataburger
Courtesy photo

Editors Note: Newcomers to Houston sometimes find it a hard place to navigate. But most people who have lived here a while have a ton of recommendations. In a new series, called Road Map, Allie N. Fields gets Houstonians-in-the-know to reveal their favorite haunts.

In our Road Map feature, we are showcasing a sample of home- grown locals and letting them grab the wheel for a journey across Houston to confess their own personal geography of beloved jaunts and tried-and-true corners… From where to get lost or where to be found, just blast the A/C and enjoy the ride….

Meet Mandy Zungia. Status? Sassy, bright and a raw talent for taming tresses.

Rocking a 100-watt smile and a bevy of colorful tattoos, she spends her days perched above Highland Village as artistic director of the penthouse-style Michael Kemper Salon & Day Spa, servicing a client list that reads like a Who’s Who of Houston.

Having two marathons under her belt and a penchant for all things fashion, hair or music, you can find her off the clock with tattoo artist Mark Anthony of Studio 8 or cheering on her professional fighting girlfriend, Monica “PunisHer” Earghs.

1. Alma Mater? Deer Park High School

2. Favorite Kolaches? Central Market makes fresh ones till 10 a.m.

3. Where you take out-of-towners? Without question Hugo’s is my favorite spot to bring family and friends. The ambiance is fantastic for catching up and the food and wine (or margaritas) are even better.

4. Favorite mid-week dinner spot? I do not really cook during the week so Barnaby's on Shepherd is my home away from home.

5. Where you can guarantee yourself a food coma? Walking away from Hickory Hollow hurts (so good) every time.

6. Guiltiest pleasure? Blue Moon and hot wings at Buffalo Wild Wings on Weslayan

7. Favorite place for take out? Palazzos has the best pizza and quickest delivery

8. Where to check out art? Inside the loop on feeder walls or depressing broken-down warehouses you can find the works of a street stencil artist named Coolidge. My favorite one was Ralphie from A Christmas Story in his bunny suit. If you are not lucky enough to see in person his work the website is Coolidgevandal.com, but its not the same.

9. Best place to find a last minute outfit? My closet

10. Sunday hangover food? The Spanish Flower's menudo

11. Where I feel inspired? I can get really amazing visuals or inspiration during Bikram Hot Yoga. Something about that heat makes you crazy and break through.

12. Favorite hotel? The Alden

13. Favorite Street? Sunset Boulevard

14. Best place to get your groove on? Shadow Bar on Sunday nights

15. Your dry cleaner? The most expensive but the absolute best cleaners in the world is Coronet.

16. Best 2 a.m. food run? Whataburger!

17. A place that makes you feel as if you are not in Houston? Memorial Park

18. Where you work out? 24 Hour Fitness on Richmond

19. Carwash? Mister Carwash

20. Best place to impress clients? ...In my chair at work!

21. Your playground? My friend DJ MAKE SOME NOISE (Holden Allen) is the best host and has the most comfortable pad equipped with hot tub, music, and beverages!

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sustainability news

Airbnb pledges over $1 million to improve Houston before World Cup

Jerry Davis, Julian Ramirez, Laura Spanjian, Chris Canetti, and DaMarcus Beasley at the Airbnb press conference Tuesday., December 2, 2025.

Photo courtesy of Airbnb

From left to right, Jerry Davis, Julian Ramirez, Laura Spanjian, Chris Canetti, and DaMarcus Beasley at the Airbnb press conference Tuesday.

According to a Deloitte study commissioned by short-term rental company Airbnb, roughly 30,000 people are expected to stay in Airbnb properties during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With that in mind, the company has pledged over $1 million to various improvement projects in Houston as part of their Host City Impact Program.

“Hosting a global event like the FIFA World Cup in Houston is a generational opportunity for our city," said Chris Canetti, president, FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host Committee at a press conference on Tuesday, December 2. "It’s so much more than a game — it’s about honoring our city and the people that make it great. In Houston, we’re proud to be working together with Airbnb to ensure these benefits are felt far beyond the games, investing in projects that will leave our city better off for generations to come.”

The $5 million Host City Impact Program is a partnership between Airbnb and FIFA to foster community spaces in places that host events like the World Cup. In Houston, their contribution will go toward two major projects.

First, the Green Corridor, an ambitious 14-mile sustainable transit loop that will connect the FIFA Fan Festival in East Downtown (EaDo) and NRG Stadium where the game will be held, as well as meandering through various neighborhoods. Not to be confused with the Green Loop project, this pedestrian path will feature interactive maps, water refilling stations, and shaded walkways that will hopefully reduce traffic congestion around the World Cup by promoting walking spaces.

The second project is Grow the Game, an initiative to renovate soccer fields and increase access to play across the city, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. It will also fund youth tournaments and clinics.

"Hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 is a historic milestone for Houston, and as leaders from the private and public sectors, we have a unique opportunity to partner and ensure its benefits reach every corner of our city," added Houston City Councilmember At-Large Julian Ramirez. "Projects like the Green Corridor will make Houston more accessible and inviting, connecting neighborhoods and expanding green spaces for all. At the same time, initiatives like Grow the Game will give local kids the chance to get on the field, build skills, and be part of something special. With Airbnb’s investment, we can create a legacy that makes Houston more desirable, equitable, and vibrant for all.”

As the World Cup nears, the Greater Houston Area is undergoing several different transformations. In addition to the Green Corridor, Sugar Land opened a Social District last month to make it easier for visitors to party in the city's Town Square district.

world cup transportation sustainability parks