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.