Yum Yum

All the mouthwatering food and drinks you'll find at The Tailgate

Dig into wings from Sticky's Chicken.

Sticky's Chicken/Facebook

Attention, sports fans: The Tailgate is almost here. CultureMap Houston's newest signature event is happening October 27 at Silver Street Studios, and you'll want to be there.

Why? Because even if you aren't a football fanatic, hockey hound, soccer supporter, or basketball and baseball buff, you're probably a big fan of fantastic local food and drinks.

Here's what's on the menu:

2021 Tastemaker Awards Restaurant of the Year winner Street to Kitchen will be serving sai oua, a spicy northern Thai sausage.
d'Alba Craft Kitchen & Cocktails, the 2022 Tastemaker Awards Best New Restaurant winner, is presenting its Falcon Lakes Bolognese.
Tastemaker Awards 2020 Best Pizza winner Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletana is bringing Truffalo Wing Pizza Bites.

Also expect:

chicken wings from Sticky's Chicken
pulled pork tostadas from Chef Jake Gober of Silver Whisk Elite (who also happens to be JJ Watt's former personal chef)
hummus, pita chips, and veggie sticks with Labneh ranch from Craft Pita
queso arancini, elotes, and mini hotdogs from Heights & Co.
brisket sliders from Daily Gather
pretzels and queso from Dish Society
smoked pork yakisoba from Ramen Tatsu-Ya
cochinita pibil sausage wraps from J-Bar-M
chicken barbacoa tacos and drunken pulled pork BBQ sliders from Bayou & Bottle at the Four Seasons
drunken pineapple-glazed brisket from Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar
assorted kolaches from Kolache Shoppe

Whole Foods Market will have a game-day catering spread and a variety of 365 favorites for tailgating — learn all about their delicious options here.

Cast your vote on-site to choose the best tailgate dish, and we’ll announce the winner at the end of the event.

To wet your whistle, there will be signature cocktails by 1800 Tequila and Dripping Springs Vodka — just wait until you taste the Sideline Rita and QB Crusher — plus Austin Cocktails and beer from 11 Below Brewing. You'll also get to vote for your favorite drink in the cocktail competition hosted by Dripping Springs Vodka.

Aside from the concessions, expect game-day activities and fun yard games, the chance to snap pics with the Houston Texans cheerleaders, and there just might be appearances from your favorite athletes, who will be shining a spotlight on the sports-related nonprofits they support and giving you the chance to pitch in and make a difference for the causes they champion.

Get your tickets now, and use promo code FOOD15 to get $15 off tickets. We’ll see you on October 27.

sports promoted

forme fitting

Beard-recognized Houston chef serves up fresh concept in Midtown high-rise

Courtesy of Lucille's Hospitality Group

Lucille's Hospitality Group is now operating The Branch.

One of Houston’s most acclaimed hospitality groups has opened a new wellness-focused concept in a Midtown high-rise. The Branch is the latest concept from Lucille’s Hospitality Group.

Located on the 12th floor of the Forme, a luxury high-rise at 5501 La Branch, The Branch will serve a seasonal menu that includes a raw bar, daily crudo specials, oysters, caviar, and charcuterie. Those dishes can be paired with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails.

Currently, the restaurant is open to both residents and members of the general public for dinner Thursday-Saturday and during the day on Sunday. Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner service will be added over time.

Founded by James Beard Award finalist Chris Williams, Lucille’s Hospitality Group is known for its Southern-inspired Museum District restaurant Lucille’s and Late August, its Midtown establishment that earned both a Recommended designation in the Michelin Guide and a Best New Restaurant award from Esquire for its blend of Afro-Caribbean and Mexican flavors. Lucille’s 1913, the group’s nonprofit, operates farms that provide access to fresh food in underserved areas.

"We're incredibly excited to partner with The Forme, because this is about much more than opening a new hospitality venue, it's about helping build a community," Williams said in a statement. "The Branch allows us to bring together thoughtful food, wellness-inspired hospitality, art and community in one space. Launching the partnership through a fundraiser that leaves a lasting impact on Houston makes this collaboration even more meaningful."

The Forme is a 33-story high-rise that’s focused on wellness, productivity, and community. In addition to The Branch, its amenities include a 20,000-square-foot fitness and recovery area, a 9,000-square-foot outdoor pool deck with pool and expansive hot tub, and 20,000 square feet of flexible coworking space.

The Branch will celebrate its opening on July 4 with Liberty and Lux, a fundraiser that will support efforts to paint murals on the Forme’s parking garage honoring America’s 250th anniversary. Tickets, $150, includes an open bar, passed hors d'oeuvres, and an expansive view of area fireworks displays from the building’s 12th floor pool deck.

high-rises news-you-can-eat openings