Editor's note: It was a week of big restaurant news, with the announcement of a favorite Montrose restaurant's closure and the opening of some exciting new eateries. Catch up on the week's hottest Houston headlines here, then check out our weekend event planner for great ways to spend your free time.

1. One of Texas Monthly's favorite Houston restaurants will soon shutter. A vegetable-forward Montrose restaurant will soon serve its final meal. Auden is closing after service on Sunday, April 6.

2. Meet the man pairing chocolates and cocktails at a Houston speakeasy. On this week’s episode of “What’s Eric Eating,” chocolatier Casey McNeil joins CultureMap editor Eric Sandler to discuss CASE Chocolates, his East End business that sells liquor-filled chocolates.

3. 5 new Houston restaurants serving sushi, Vietnamese fusion, Tex-Mex, and more. Despite what seems like a spate of recent closures, Houston’s dining scene continues to grow with a range of new and returning establishments. From scenic patios to intimate sushi spots, read on to see where you can find fare such as “brunch-uterie” boards, truffle tagliatelle, and tamarind lobster.

Consuela founder Conni Reed at her new Houston-area boutique.Courtesy photo

4. Colorful Texas handbag maker opens new flagship store in Katy. With a mix of bright colors and patterns, Consuela bags have become a must-have accessory for women who love a bold pop of color. Now founder Conni Reed is bringing the brand's signature style to the Houston area with its newest store in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch.

5. Houston's 11 best bars of 2025 craft cocktails and community. Let’s toast to the nominees for Bar of the Year in the 2025 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards. These Houston bars, which range from longtime favorites to fresh-to-the-scene bars, caught the attention of our panel of local restaurant industry experts in 2025.