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    2 years without beards

    'Oscars of the food world' elects not to name winners of 2020 awards, including Best Chef: Texas

    Eric Sandler
    Aug 20, 2020 | 11:35 am
    James Beard Foundation dinner Justin Yu Chris Shepherd Robert Del Grande Hugo Ortega
    Houston's four Best Chef winners: Justin Yu, Chris Shepherd, Robert Del Grande, and Hugo Ortega.
    Photo by Quy Tran

    The James Beard Foundation has announced major changes to its annual restaurant and chef awards. In light of the challenges the restaurant industry is facing during the coronavirus pandemic, the Foundation will not name winners in 22 categories, ranging from Outstanding Restaurant to the first-ever Best Chef: Texas.

    The awards, considered the Oscars of the food world, recognize the best culinary talent across the country in a wide variety of chef, restaurant, and media categories. Winning a Beard Award not only cements a recipient's status as having achieved excellence in their field but it also typically comes with a boost in celebrity and revenue.

    “We did not come to this decision lightly,” James Beard Foundation CEO Clare Reichenbach said in a statement. “The uncertainty of this time for our industry is already a hard reality and considering anyone to have won or lost within the current tumultuous hospitality ecosystem does not in fact feel like the right thing to do. In short, an honor which we know is held in high regard, at the moment, feels minor when compared to the dire situation we are in."

    The Foundation's announcements comes after it received criticism for its intention to name winners during the coronavirus pandemic. David Kinch, chef-owner of three-star Michelin restaurant Manresa in Los Gatos, California, publicly withdrew his name from consideration for Outstanding Chef, which is among the top honors the organization bestows. In a message posted to Instagram, the chef called for sweeping changes to the restaurant industry, including an end to tipping.

    In Houston, today's announcement means that Beard Award finalists Trong Nguyen (Crawfish & Noodles) and Anita Jaisinghani (Pondicheri) will not win Best Chef: Texas and Anvil Bar & Refuge will not win Outstanding Bar Program. Other nominees for Best Chef: Texas include Kevin Fink (Emmer & Rye in Austin), Michael Fojtasek (Olamaie in Austin), and Steve McHugh (Cured in San Antonio).

    Instead, the Foundation's award ceremony on September 25 will recognize the already-announced winners in the following categories: America’s Classics, Lifetime Achievement, Humanitarian of the Year, Design Icon, and Leadership Awards. Those recipients include Vera's Backyard Bar-B-Que, the Brownsville restaurant known for its traditional barbacoa, which earned recognition in the America's Classics category.

    Going forward, the Foundation will not present awards in 2021. Instead, it will work with "an outside social justice agency to overhaul the policies and procedures for the Awards." The process intends to generate a more diverse group of nominees, remove systemic bias from the process, and maintain relevance, among other goals. After the review is complete and new processes are put in place, the traditional awards will return in 2022.

    Rather than hold a normal awards ceremony, the Beard Foundation will use its 2021 program to "host an industry celebration shining a light on the members of the independent restaurant community who have shown leadership during this crisis and honoring those who have made a significant impact on the industry and in their communities when it was needed most," according to a press release.

    "As we strive to provide an Awards program with the highest ethical standards, one that is fair, equitable, and reflective of the industry which we serve, we know that the right move is to step back and take stock of the nominees and honorees achievements," Reichenbach added. "We hope to focus our collective energy on helping our community get through this crisis and on addressing the inequities in the industry going forward. We look forward to bringing the Awards back when the industry is once again ready for them.”

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    Drop it like it's hot

    Houston farmers market adds new indoor pickleball court with food and cocktails

    Brianna Griff
    Jun 18, 2025 | 1:00 pm
    Drop Shots HTX indoor pickleball courts
    Photo by Abante Photography
    Drop Shots HTX celebrates its grand opening this Saturday, June 21.

    Pickleball isn’t going anywhere — the racquet sport continues to score with Houstonians. The newest player on the city’s crowded court, Drop Shots HTX, stands out for one big reason: it’s entirely indoors.

    Drop Shots HTX indoor pickleball courts
      

    Photo by Abante Photography

    Drop Shots HTX celebrates its grand opening this Saturday, June 21.

    Opening June 21, Drop Shots HTX is the brainchild of hospitality veterans Roveen Abante (Conservatory Galleria, Duchess), Chase Lovullo (Conservatory Galleria), and Shawn Outlaw.

    “We didn’t just want to open a bar,” co-founder Roveen Abante said in a statement. “We built a space where people connect, whether they’re playing or not. There’s something for everyone here.”

    Drop Shots HTX is marking its grand opening on June 21 from 12-11 pm, offering all-day open play for $5 along with $5 food and drink specials. Live DJs and giveaways will add to the experience.

    Patrons can soak up the A/C while slapping balls across one of the six professional-grade indoor courts. Off the court, guests can engage in friendly competitions of skee-ball, ping pong, arcade basketball, and cornhole in the second-floor lounge. Nine screens make up one wall in the mezzanine, ideal for catching the latest game, or can be expanded into one 195-inch television.

    Clutch City Kitchen will keep the players' appetite at bay with pizzas, sandwiches, and acai bowls. For hydration, an indoor/outdoor full bar will have 10 signature pickleball-themed cocktails, mocktails, and fresh juices crafted from local fruits and veggies.

    “Some venues lean into serious competition, we lean into fun,” added co-founder Shawn Outlaw. “We’re the only indoor pickleball facility inside the Loop with a full bar, kitchen, lounge, and patio. But more than that, we’re the only one that feels like your new favorite neighborhood hangout, even if you never touch a paddle.”

    Events like Glow-in-the-Dark Fridays, Tacos and Tequila Saturdays, and Pancakes and Pickball mornings add a twist to the typical pickleball match. Bring the kids—the venue is family-friendly until 10pm.

    “We created Drop Shots HTX because we fell in love with a game that brings generations together,” Outlaw said. “From our 10-year-olds to our 65-year-old parents, pickleball is for everyone. And so is this space.”

    Drop Shots HTX is located at 2520 Airline Drive, Building A, Suite 100. It’s open Monday through Thursday from 12-11pm, Friday from 12 pm-12 am, and Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-11 pm.

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