This Year's Hot Headlines

The top 10 stories of 2016: Chita gets crafted, surprising restaurant news, and more

It’s safe to say that 2016 was a crazy year in Houston (and beyond). Through it all, CultureMap remained Houston's go-to source on topics ranging from unexpected restaurant closings to the social scene's best parties and top places to shop.

While we look forward to another year as your source for local lifestyle news, here’s a look back at 10 stories that you, our readers, ranked as the most liked, recommended and shared in 2016.

1. Wedding of the Year: Chita Johnson and Lane Craft reception features killer dance moves, rap spectacular
From the grand nuptials to a surprise performance by Houston hip hop legends Paul Wall, Slim Thug, and Bun B, it was a night to remember as KHOU meteorologist Chita Johnson exchanged vows with her perfect match.

2. Massive Clear Lake restaurant and whiskey bar suddenly shutters
It came as a shock to many when Clear Lake's Cullen’s American Grill and Whisk(e)y Bar suddenly closed its doors in April.

3. Houston restaurant king buys city's best bakery with promise of love and attention
One of the city's most acclaimed restaurateurs, Johnny Carrabba, created a buzz when he purchased popular Montrose cafe and bakery Common Bond after its founding chef departed.

4. Best hiking trails in and around Houston to start 2016 on the right foot
Our guide to the eight best hiking trails in the city proved to be a helpful resource for locals looking to stay in shape and enjoy the great outdoors.

5. Finally! Ronnie Killen announces plans to open a restaurant in Houston
Readers rejoiced when Ronnie Killen (of Killen's Barbecue, Killen's Steakhouse, and Killen’s Burgers) announced plans for his latest concept, Killen's STQ.

6. Prominent Houston restaurant family suddenly closes casual steakhouse
Prominent restaurant group, Pappas Restaurants, closed casual steakhouse Pappas Meat Co. after two years of business.

7. The 44 most exciting Houston-area restaurants opening before Super Bowl LI
Diners are scoring big thanks to 44 noteworthy new restaurants on the Houston culinary scene, all set to open by Super Bowl LI in February.

8. Joe and Jill Biden pick the perfect day for an outdoor brunch in Houston
Patrons at Heights-area restaurant Down House got a little celebrity company when Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill, in town for the Final Four college basketball tournament, stopped by for brunch.

9. Everybody Loved Mickey: Unexpected death of Tootsies owner stuns Houston's fashion world
Houstonians were stunned to learn that longtime local retailer Mickey Rosmarin died unexpectedly of an apparent heart attack.

10. A new AstroWorld? Mayor Turner vows to bring amusement park to Houston
Mayor Sylvester Turner shared his excitement about the idea of bringing a major amusement park to Houston. And so did our readers.

Chita Johnson and Lane Craft take time out for a kiss at their wedding reception.

Houston, Chita Johnson wedding, June 2016, first dance

Photo by Al Torres Photography

Chita Johnson and Lane Craft take time out for a kiss at their wedding reception.

hot-headlines city-news-roundup

This Week's Hot Headlines

Austin restaurant chain bowls over River Oaks and more popular stories

Photo by Becca Wright

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Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Houston news of the week, including restaurant openings and a major acquisition for MFAH. Plus, where to celebrate New Year's Eve in Houston. Catch up on our most popular stories below, then visit this guide to the best Christmas weekend events.

1. Meet the men behind River Oaks' new destination for bowls and broth. On this episode of “What’s Eric Eating,” Honest Mary’s founder Nelson Monteith and COO Andrew Wiseheart joined CultureMap editor Eric Sandler to discuss the Austin-based restaurant that just opened its first Houston location in the River Oaks Shopping Center.

2. Houston's only Michelin-recognized Tex-Mex restaurant now open in Bellaire. It didn’t take Sambrooks Hospitality Group long to turn Mandito’s into Candente. First announced in September, the restaurant’s second location officially opened December 22.

3. 25 Houston restaurants celebrating New Year's Eve with caviar, bubbles, and more. Houston restaurants are ringing in the new year with indulgent menus featuring caviar, lobster, and steak, along with plenty of bubbly.

4. Houston museum acquires historic Masonic lodge property for new greenspace. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston has acquired a prime parcel to expand its campus in the Museum District.

Holland Lodge masonic building The building at 4911 will be torn down for the new greenspace. Holland Lodge No. 1, A.F. & A.M./Facebook

5. Houston's richest residents, best suburbs, and more top city news in 2025. As 2025 comes to a close, we're looking back at the stories that defined Houston this year. These are the City Life stories that captured Houston's attention.