Think Pink

Get ready to rosé all day with these Houston-area drink specials

Not like you needed an official excuse to raise a glass to rosé, but you might be interested to know that the second Saturday in June has been designated National Rosé Day.

If the pink wine isn't normally your go-to beverage, consider Austin Eastciders Rosé dry cider. The well-rounded cider is made using hibiscus and real rose for a uniquely light, dry take on rosé. It has notes of crisp apple and black currant and an aroma of florals and sweet cherry — rosé done the Texas way.

Plan your day with these Houston-area specials, available on June 8 and beyond:

Cedar Creek Cafe is mixing Austin Eastciders Rosé in its Bayou City Blush frozen cocktail (which you can enjoy throughout the summer). In addition to the cider, it has strawberry purée, lemonade, and Smirnoff strawberry vodka and is served with a floater of rosé and a strawberry garnish. While you're there, take advantage of Cedar Creek's new brunch menu.

Bungalow Heights is serving rosé three different ways, including its Bungalow Heights Frosé made with Deep Eddy lemonade and Austin Eastciders Rosé then topped with fresh rosé draft to make a slush. On National Rosé Day itself, you can order it plus two other cocktails when Bungalow Heights hosts a night market from 7-10 pm.

Order Conservatory's Makin' Me Blush Rosé cocktail on Saturday, made with Eastciders Rosé, gin, lemon, hibiscus syrup, and a lemon twist, then take advantage of happy hour all day on Sundays and Mondays.

The Hibiscus Skies at Henderson Heights is a mixture of gin, hibiscus, fresh basil, and Eastciders Rosé. Come back for Texas Tuesdays, when there are specials on all Texas crafts, or Mondays for all-day happy hour. Henderson Heights is also hosting a Brew and Succulent Night on June 26, when you can purchase a canned beer or cider and then craft the can into a succulent planter.

In Galveston, Hotel Galvez & Spa is celebrating National Rosé Day at the onsite Galvez Bar and Grill, the Pool Grill, and the Swim-Up Bar. Wade in the water with cocktail in hand or lounge on the deck as you savor Texas-style bites under the warm Gulf sun. Be sure to stay for Sunday brunch, Galveston-style — it was named one of the Texas' best brunches by Southern Living magazine. Reservations are suggested.

Visit Float Pool Bar's Facebook page for a complete listing of upcoming events, such as Euro Nights on Sundays and happy hour specials from 4-7 pm, Monday through Friday.

Enjoy 33 craft beers on tap at Beerfoot Brewery, including Austin Eastciders Rosé, a selection of daily drink specials, Gulf views, sports on seven TVs, and island vibes. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 4-7 pm. Visit its website for a list of upcoming events.

SideYard has happy hour specials from 3-7 pm, Monday through Friday. In addition to the Austin Eastciders Rosé, you'll find unique specialty drinks, exceptional service, and a fun atmosphere that includes live music, sports, and entertainment.

Bask in the sun, poolside, on Galveston's only white-sand beach, relax in a Texas-sized spa, or float on the Interactive River as you celebrate rosé all day at Palm Beach at Moody Gardens. Join Palm Beach for Bands on the Sand with live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights from 6-10 pm, then the evening wraps up with a fireworks finale at 9:30 pm. It's the perfect way to kick-off your weekend, island-style!

No matter where you choose to be, you can rosé all day.

Conservatory wants you make you blush this National Rosé Day.

Makin' Me Blush cocktail at Conservatory Houston

Photo courtesy of Austin Eastciders

Conservatory wants you make you blush this National Rosé Day.

holidays drinks happy-hours promoted cocktails

say hey to Hypsi

Houston chef's hip new Italian restaurant now open in Heights hotel

Photo by Julie Soefer

Hypsi serves pasta and other Itaian-inspired dishes.

A new Italian restaurant is now open in the Heights. Located within the newly opened Hotel Daphne, Hypsi marks chef Terrence Gallivan’s return to professional cooking in Houston.

Known for his time as the co-execuive chef of The Pass and Provisions and owner of ElRo Pizza and Crudo, Gallivan brings strong culinary credentials to Hypsi. Although he isn’t known explicitly for Italian fare, he has significant experience making pizza, pasts, and other Italian-inspired dishes. After closing ElRo last year, the chef says that working for Bunkhouse Hotels, the Austin-based company that operates the Daphne, had a lot of appeal.

“My wife and I always made it a point to stop at their places whenever we’re in Austin. They know how to make cool stuff,” Gallivan says.

Hypsi’s menu includes updated takes on Italian fare begins with starters such as lamb meatballs, black truffle arancini, and Caesar salad. A selection of house-made pastas include squid ink radiatori with rock shrimp, butternut squash tortellini, and lumache with vodka sauce that gets a little heat from nduja. Entree choices include a roast chicken, pork Milanese, and roasted snapper with salsa verde.

The restaurant is also open for breakfast during the week and brunch on the weekends with items such as a panatone waffle, frittata, and breakfast sandwich. Lunch will follow in January.

“We took inspiration from tradition without being traditional,” Gallivan says. Later, he adds, “For me, it’s about balance. You try to please everybody. I want my mom to enjoy herself as much as a 25-year-old foodie. It’s important to hit as many marks as you can.”

One of the restaurant’s signatures will be the mozzarella cart that rolls through its dining room. Gallivan says he’s sourcing a mix of both American and imported Italian cheeses that will rotate every week or two. The cheese is served with a range of pickled fruit and vegetables, olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, focaccia, and more. Of course, seeing a cart immediately grabs diners’ attention, making them want whatever is on offer.

“That’s the beauty of carts,” Gallivan says. “It’s a fun thing to do. I think sometimes we get a little too serious in restaurants. It’s supposed to be fun. People are here to enjoy themselves.”

All that eating and drinking takes place in a dining room that’s inspired by Prohibition-era speakeasies, according to press materials. Details include blueberry lava stone on the bar, vintage velvet chairs, and custom Carimate dining chairs by Vico Magistretti. An outdoor patio features brick pavers, mosaic tables, and sculptures.

Photo by Julie Soefer

Hypsi serves pasta and other Itaian-inspired dishes.

news-you-can-eat openings the-heights hotels