ready. set. throw.

Lavish London gaming club darts into Houston with games, cocktails, and choice eats, and open date

"Getting better at darts" seems like an improbable new year's resolution, but, just in case, a new-to-Houston entertainment venue will be able to help fulfill that goal. Flight Club will open its first Houston location on January 14, 2022.

Founded in London in 2015, Flight Club offers a dart-based version of the social gaming concepts that are opening across the city. Dubbed "Social Darts," Flight Club upgrades the classic darts experience with technology, a posh interior, and a focus on serving higher quality food and cocktails.

Different game styles facilitate group play. The company touts that more than 160 million darts have been thrown by more than 2 million people since 2015.

Details of the retro-inspired design include plush booths, semi-private game areas, and the ability to host groups from six to 400 people. Executive chef Sean Brown's menu will feature shareable items such as ahi tuna tacos and al pastor skewers.

Joining outposts in Chicago and Boston, Houston's location will occupy 8,500 square feet at Regent Square, the mixed-use development currently under construction near Montrose at the corner of Dunlavy and West Dallas. It will join two restaurants from chef Chris Shepherd: a reimagined version of his Georgia James steakhouse and a second concept that has yet to be announced.

To prepare for its Houston opening, the company invited influencers such as Samantha Huang, Julia Wang, and Houston Hot Spots' bloggers Matt Fiala and Marissa Ha to the Chicago location.

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“We’ve built our concept on creating a one-of-a-kind experience that brings people together over laughs, delicious food, refreshing cocktails and yes, a bit of friendly competition,” says Alan Cichon, U.S. president of Flight Club owner State of Play. “We recognize Houston as one of the country’s greatest and most diverse culinary cities, and we’re excited to settle ourselves within its vibrant food and drink landscape.”

Flight Club opens in January.

Courtesy of Flight Club

Flight Club opens in January.

openings cocktails

where there's smoke

Houston's only Michelin-recognized Tex-Mex restaurant now open in Bellaire

Photo by Duc Hoang

Don't miss the brisket nachos at Candente.

It didn’t take Sambrook Hospitality Group long to turn Mandito’s into Candente. First announced in September, the restaurant’s second location officially opens today, Monday, December 22, at 5101 Bellaire Blvd.

Speaking on a November episode of CultureMap’s “What’s Eric Eating” podcast, Sambrooks Hospitality founder Michael Sambrooks explained that, as a Bellaire resident, he saw an opportunity to open a restaurant close to home.

“It was a combination of, this location became available, and we liked the market. I think Bellaire is underserved. As far as Tex-Mex options, I think it’s limited,” he says. “We always struggle with where’s somewhere we can grab a bite that’s five minutes away as opposed to driving to another part of town. I think Candente is that solution. I think it’s going to be pretty well received.”

In terms of design, the restaurant replicates many of the same elements as the original Montrose location that opened in 2019, such as its copper-topped tables and yellow, orange, and maroon accents. Diners will note a mural by local artist Franky Cardona along one wall. Overall, the restaurant seats 125 in its dining room, 10 at its bar, and 24 on an outdoor patio.

While the location is new, the menu is the same. That means the same wood-fired fajitas, brisket enchiladas, nachos, birria tacos, and other fare that helped it achieve a “Recommended” designation in the Michelin Guide for Texas — the only Tex-Mex restaurant in Houston to make the prestigious guide. Pair them with margaritas (both shaken and frozen), as well as agave-based cocktails such as the paloma and ranch water, beers, and non-alcoholic options.

Sambrooks Hospitality also operates The Pit Room, the barbecue joint with locations in Montrose and Memorial City that earned a Bib Gourmand designation.

“It’s a privilege to open in Bellaire and get to know and serve a new clientele,” Sambrooks said in a statement. “We’re excited to introduce our style of authentic, handcrafted Tex-Mex that has made us a Houston dining staple.”

Candente will be open for lunch and dinner during the week beginning at 11 am. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday beginning at 10 am.

Don't miss the brisket nachos at Candente.

Photo by Duc Hoang

Don't miss the brisket nachos at Candente.

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