Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Houston news of the week. We begin with a Houston neighborhood nabbing the No. 1 ranking among Texas' best places to live. Plus, a Houston Tex-Mex favorite heads to the Hill Country and a chef switch-up is coming to one of the city's most prominent restaurants. Get the details on our most popular stories of the week below, and then check out our guide to the best things to do this weekend.

1. Cozy Houston neighborhood ranked No. 1 best place to live in Texas. A master-planned community on the outskirts of Houston has been ranked the No. 1 best place to live in Texas. Cinco Ranch climbed into the top spot in Niche's annual rankings for 2025.

2. Favorite Houston Tex-Mex joint debuts first location in Hill Country. One of Houston's most iconic Tex-Mex restaurants, Los Tios, has officially opened its first Fredericksburg location. It began serving customers on April 1, bringing its signature puffy tacos and frozen margaritas to the Texas Hill Country for the first time.

Los Tios is now serving Tex-Mex in Fredericksburg. Photo courtesy of Adair Concepts

3. Aaron Bludorn's rising star protégé moving from Memorial to Montrose. Diners will soon notice a change in the kitchen at one of Houston’s most prominent fine dining restaurants. Beginning in late May, Bar Bludorn executive chef Alexandra “Allie” Peña will become the executive chef at Bludorn, chef-owner Aaron Bludorn’s namesake, Montrose-area restaurant. She replaces Bludorn’s current executive chef, Chase Voelz, who’s leaving Houston to be closer to family.

4. Houston foodies help crown big winners at 2025 Tastemaker Awards. More than 1,000 Houston foodies packed Silver Street Studios on April 3 for the 2025 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, our annual celebration of the city's best food and drink. Trophies were presented, toasts were made, and many (many) chef-prepared bites were enjoyed.

5. Meet the Houston chef serving an affordable tasting menu in the Heights. In the most recent episode of “What’s Eric Eating,” chef Shawn Gawle joined CultureMap editor Eric Sandler to discuss Camaraderie, his new restaurant in the Heights. It’s the first solo project for the chef, who’s best known locally for his time as the executive pastry chef for Goodnight Hospitality.