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    On the Move

    Houston's busiest chef adds new Midtown barbecue joint, vows to take paleo hotspot to next level

    Eric Sandler
    Mar 4, 2016 | 10:01 am

    Eric Aldis is about to be Houston's busiest chef. Already executive chef of The Marque, the private club in CityCentre, Aldis tells CultureMap that he's working to open a barbecue joint in Midtown and has recently become the executive chef at River Oaks restaurant Corner Table.

    Aldis has partnered with former Louie Mueller Barbecue pitmaster Brett Jackson to take over the space formerly occupied by Bourbon on Bagby for a restaurant called Midtown Barbecue. Until recently, Jackson has been operating a small smoker at neighborhood bar EaDo's, but that space lacks a proper kitchen.

    Set to open in mid-April, Midtown Barbecue will be a more fully realized concept that blends Jackson's skills as a pitmaster with Aldis's culinary training.

    "We’ve been working on it for awhile. As soon as Bourbon on Bagby moved out, the owner of the building called me and partnered with us," Aldis explains. "He said, 'I’m tired of these bars coming in and out. Let’s get something that will stay here.' I think we’ve got a good spot."

    Jackson will contribute the techniques he learned at one of Texas's most acclaimed barbecue joints to items like brisket, beef ribs, homemade sausage, and chicken. Aldis is developing recipes for sides and homemade pickles. Mark Cox, who already works with Aldis on The Marque's menu, may contribute ideas as well. "He's kind of venturing off from anything he’s ever done. It’s going to be fun," Aldis says.

    In addition to the traditional proteins, Aldis hopes to experiment with locally-sourced items like whole fish and lamb that have become his signature items at The Marque. That devotion to fresh fish extends to his Instagram account, where he frequently poses with the catch of the day.

    As for Corner Table, Aldis recently took over for Brandon Lampert, who replaced reality TV star Ja'Nel Witt. Fans of the restaurant, fear not! Aldis promises to keep the restaurant squarely focused on the popular paleo diet.

    Aldis met owners Darla Lexington and her daughter Michelle Coopwood at an event at The Marque. For now, he'll be introducing new menu items slowly, with the goal of having the entire menu transformed by April.

    "Yeah, I’m gonna rock the paleo," Aldis says. "Just been elbows deep in it here in the kitchen, understanding the paleo. Going to take it to the next level."

    He plans to get to that next level in a variety of ways. First of all, by introducing a paleo special of the day that will cater to regulars who eat at Corner Table multiple times per week. In addition, Aldis plans to expand the paleo taco and enchilada selection.

    In terms of his time, Aldis will be at The Marque during the week, especially at lunch when the club's members frequent the dining room. He'll spend Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night at Corner Table. Once Midtown Barbecue opens, he'll adjust again to help get that going.

    "Very exciting times over here. My wife’s not too happy. I said, 'babe, these opportunities don’t come often. I’ll make it work,'" Aldis says. "She said, 'you better do the best job of creating systems for everybody that you’ve ever done.'"

    If Aldis is going to succeed as Houston's busiest chef, he won't have any other choice.

    Aldis will be introducing a new menu at Corner Table throughout March.

    corner table exterior
      
    Photo by Dillon Sorensen
    Aldis will be introducing a new menu at Corner Table throughout March.
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    Where to Eat on July 4th

    These Houston restaurants are serving food and drink specials on July 4th

    Holly Beretto
    Jun 30, 2025 | 12:45 pm
    A Dance of Fire and Ice red, white, and blue cocktail at Duck N Bao
    Photo by Jenn Duncan
    Duck N Bao's festive A Dance of Fire and Ice cocktail.

    Restaurants across the Houston area are celebrating Independence Day with a variety of food and drink specials. From hot dogs and margaritas to a special menu prepared by one of Houston's best sushi chefs, we've rounded up more than a dozen options. Celebrate Independence Day with the freedom to eat from Houston’s incredible melting pot of flavors. Restaurants and bars across the city have an array of options for the holiday.

    Aya Sushi
    The sushi standout will serve a special $74 Independence Day omakase menu from 5-10 pm. The a la carte menu is available as well.

    Brennan’s of Houston
    The Midtown classic will offers its signature Jazz Brunch from Friday, July 4 to Sunday, July 7, with popular dishes such as Texas shrimp and grits, turtle soup, and Bananas Foster. Diners can also select from an array of French 75 cocktails. Brunch is available on Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm. Reservations recommended.

    Chardon
    The French restaurant at the Thompson Hotel opens at 3 pm serving an all-day happy hour menu in the bar, lounge, and patio, which includes all canned beer for $4, plus a new Watermelon-Tarragon & Tequila cocktail for $8. Pair it with the new Merquez sandwich of roasted eggplant, harissa yogurt, and watercress on a French baguette and served with duck fat fries for $8.

    Chez Nous
    The cosy Humble French favorite has a take-and-bake package for those wishing to celebrate at home. Get braised Wagyu short ribs, house slaw with Champagne vinaigrette, and garlic-and-herb-roasted fingerling potatoes for two for $95 or for four for $190. Orders must be placed by July 2 and can be picked up on July 3 from noon to 2 pm. Order online.

    Duck N Bao
    Celebrate the Fourth with A Dance of Fire and Ice for just $5 at the Memorial and Rice Village locations. This half-red, half-blue cocktail is layers of vodka, Blue Curacao, Cointreau, grenadine, and soda water, providing a patriotic accompaniment to a dim sum feast.

    Fielding’s River Oaks
    Enjoy the restaurant’s signature weekend brunch on Friday, July 4 from 11 am to 3 pm. Guests can also opt for patriotic specials and festive drinks throughout the holiday weekend. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made online.

    Good God Nadine’s
    This new Heights neighborhood bar and restaurant has comfort food with a patriotic twist. Enjoy house-made sausages served in Bread Man Baking Co buns with all the fixings for $7. Toast the USA with happy hour pricing on food and drinks all day long, with selections like the smash burger for $7. The restaurant opens at 4 pm on July 4, and the kitchen is open until 11 pm.

    Haywire
    A Hill Country-inspired brunch is available on July 4 from 11 am to 3 pm at this Texas-inspired Memorial restaurant, with selections like Wagyu pastrami hash, cinnamon-orange pancakes, and barbacoa chilaquiles. Make reservations online.

    The Heights Grocer
    Brasserie 19 chef Michael Hoffman will be popping up at the Heights-area wine and gifts shop from 12-3 pm. He'll be grilling wagyu hotdogs from Regalis Foods wrapped in buns from Houston favorite Magnol French Baking. Chef will have all the usual toppings, including his homemade chili. Hot dogs are free with purchase at the store and available while supplies last.

    La Calle Tacos
    The downtown and Bagby Park locations of this popular taqueria have Fourth of July specials that will have diners raising a glass. Get domestic beer for $4.99, tequila shots for $5.99, frozen margaritas for $5.99, Caguamas for $6.99, and a bucket of 5 Beers for $15.99.

    Mexican Sugar
    The Montrose eatery makes July 4 a fiesta with an extended weekend brunch. Diners can festive cocktails and some brand new dishes, making this the perfect way to kick off the weekend.

    Molina's Cantina
    Get a festive fajita combo dinner of skirt steak and chicken breast for two for $35.95 all day on July 4 (dine-in only). Those looking for to-go options can grab discounted Molina’s margaritas by the gallon for $90 or a half gallon for $45. Premium margaritas are $70 by the gallon and $35 for a half gallon. Get to-go fajitas packs with chicken for $22.95 per person, beef for $29.95 or combo for $25.95. All locations will close at 5 pm on July 4.

    Peachez HTX
    The Third Ward Southern food restaurant will host a Fourth of July celebration from noon to 2 am. Specials include $1 Bud Light, $25 Margarita Towers, and $15 BBQ plates. Those wanting bottle service can get $100 Crown Royal and Tito’s Vodka, and $150 Don Julio Reposado and Hennessy to add to their festivities.

    Pier 6
    San Leon's waterfront seafood destination hosts family-friendly party on July 4 with live music⁠, carnival games and stilt walkers⁠, a fire dancing show⁠, face painting for the kiddos, and drink specials all night⁠. The evening is capped with a stunning fireworks show. The fun kicks off at 5 pm.

    The Sunrise House
    From July 1 to 5, the Midtown spot has USA-shaped waffles and red, white, and blue festive cocktails. Selections include the Fifty Stars made with vodka, elderflower, citrus and prosecco; the Berry Independence, a combination of tequila, cranberry, Chambord, and citrus; Red, White & Boozy a blend of bourbon, peach, tea, and fresh mint; and the Stars & Stripes made with cognac, espresso, Baileys, and vanilla.

    Taste Kitchen + Bar
    The downtown hotspot opens at 8 am on July 4, to help diners kick off the day with breakfast. There’s also a selection of frozen red, white, and blue specialty cocktails and a bourbon flight.

    Thompson Hotel
    Be part of the hotel’s adults-only “Stars, Stripes and Sips” firework viewing party on Friday, July 4 from 8 pm-11 pm. Hotel guests will enjoy the 7th floor VIP experience from 7 pm-10 pm as part of their stay, including an open bar, bites, lounge seating, and great views. Tickets for non-hotel guests are $250, and include an open bar, bites, a DJ, dance floor, and lounge seating on the hotel’s 5th floor indoor/outdoor space.

    For an even more exclusive experience, book the $25,000 ultra-luxury The Ultimate 4th of July Celebration Package, available exclusively over Friday, July 4. Guests will enjoy a two-night stay in the hotel’s lavish penthouse suite and a private dinner for two on the 36th-story rooftop helipad, the perfect spot to get 360-degree views of the Fourth of July fireworks and Houston’s skyline.

    Tony’s
    There are plenty of to-go options available to help craft DIY celebrations. Among them is the Ultimate 6 Pack, which includes six all-beef hotdogs, six buns, a quart of Tony’s chili, and a quart of cheddar cheese for $30. A version with a dozen dogs and buns and two quarters of chili is $60. Tony’s fried chicken includes 10 pieces of chicken, six buttermilk biscuits, honey, and jam for $62. See the full menu and order online by Tuesday, July 1 at 11 am for pick up on Thursday, July 3 between 11 am and 2 pm.

    Traveler’s Cart
    From Friday, July 4 through Sunday, July 6, sample the special, dine-in, 4th of July themed menu with selections like a Texas Chili Dog made with a all-beef frank, Texas-style chili, shredded cheddar, red onions, and mustard on a toasted bun, and a choice of side for $13; the Philly Cheesesteak of sliced ribeye, caramelized onions, seared bell peppers, and cheddar cheese sauce on a hoagie bun with a choice of side for $19; and draft Michelob Ultra, Karbach Love Street, Pacifico, or Spindletap Hop Gusher IPA for $4 per glass or $12 per pitcher.

    Willie’s Grill & Icehouse
    Get a Bomb Pop Rita, made with a swirl of lime and strawberry margarita flavors plus a blue curaçao floater, and topped with a red, white, and blue Bomb Pop popsicle for $3from Friday, July 4 through Sunday, June 6.

    A Dance of Fire and Ice red, white, and blue cocktail at Duck N Bao
      

    Photo by Jenn Duncan

    Duck N Bao's festive A Dance of Fire and Ice cocktail.

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