they're catching on
Houston heralded by acclaimed national magazines as the place to be in 2019
H-Town residents who’re still glowing from GQ’s christening of Houston as the Southern capital of cool should feel even more validated by two new lists. In the span of little more than a week, Houston has been named to Food and Wine’s 32 Places to Go (and Eat) in 2019 and to Travel + Leisure’s 50 Best Places to Travel in 2019.
The city ranked No. 2 on Food and Wine’s list, second only to Los Angeles. But the magazine acknowledged the SoCal darling better watch out, with H-Town nipping at its heels. Food and Wine cited H-Town’s global cuisine, giving shout-outs to Hugo Ortega, Pondicheri, Huynh, UB Preserv, Better Luck Tomorrow, and a host of others. “In Houston, the whole world is next door,” the magazine raved, enforcing what Houstonians have known — and celebrated — for years.
Meanwhile, Travel + Leisure crowed that the city has “cemented its reputation as a lively, diverse city with a restaurant landscape that can hold its own against any coastal capital.” (Again, what Houstonians have been saying all along). Theodore Rex, Mala Sichuan, Pho Binh, and Crawfish & Noodles were just a few of many spots named in the story, which also gave a nod to Finn Hall and the Post Oak Hotel. T+L also mentioned the massive renovations to both the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and the Menil Collection as worthy spots for sightseers.
In-state rival, Dallas, didn’t make the cut on either list, and Houston finished above San Antonio on Food and Wine’s. Austin didn’t show up on its own on either list, but the San Antonio mention noted its proximity to the Alamo City.
With these mentions, it looks like Houstonians will have plenty of opportunities to show off their welcoming spirit and Texas-sized hospitality. (Read: Now that the word is out, expect even more visitors.)
