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    Sports + Snacks

    All the game-day snacks + drinks awaiting you at The Tailgate 2024

    CultureMap Staff
    Nov 4, 2024 | 12:29 pm
    Beef tacos 1891 American Eatery

    Chow down on adobo beef tacos from 1891 American Eatery & Bar.

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    Attention, sports fans: The Tailgate is almost here. CultureMap Houston's signature sporty event, presented by Verizon, is happening Monday, November 11, at 8th Wonder Brewery, 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.

    All Tailgate tickets include bites by participating restaurants, complimentary premium beverages, and access to fun activities throughout the event. VIP tickets come with one-hour-early entry, access to a dedicated VIP bar, an exclusive meet-and-greet with two popular Houston Texans alumni (courtesy of Verizon), and more perks for an elevated experience.

    You also get to make your voice heard before the event, as readers are now voting for their favorite local wings restaurant in our Ultimate Wing Showdown. Think of this as sort of like the Sweet 16, where local champs face off in an online tournament and the winner will be revealed at the party. Click here to vote for your favorites.

    Hungry yet? Popular Houston restaurants and chefs will create tailgate-inspired dishes for attendees to sample and vote for their favorite.

    Here's even more of what's on the menu at The Tailgate:

    • Adobo beef tacos from 1891 American Eatery & Bar
    • Wings and loaded french fries from Big City Wings
    • Comfort Foodies' signature empanadas in four flavors: oxtail, beef and cheese, chicken and cheese, and spinach and cheese
    • Shrimp ceviche shooters and brisket on a croissant from The Halal Guys
    • St. Louis ribs with Comeback Sauce from Josephine's Gulf Coast Tradition
    • Spicy and regular Layne's chicken fingers with dipping sauce
    • Smoked salmon handroll from Kokoro
    • Loro's smoked brisket tostadas with shishito salsa
    • Ramen Frito pie from Ramen Tatsu-Ya
    • Lobster rolls, corn and crab bisque, lobster bisque, and whoopie pies from Mainely Sandwiches
    • Smoked pulled pork bahn mi pizza from Pizarro's Pizza
    • Al pastor sausage and challah lobster roll from Saint Arnold Brewing Company
    • Sweet jerk chili wings from Southern Jerks
    • Spicy ranch wings from Taste Kitchen + Bar
    • Laab chicken sandwiches with tortilla chips from Thai Tail
    • The Waffle Bus' Hot Mess Fries: seasoned waffle fries topped with spicy buttermilk fried chicken bites, white cheddar mac and cheese, and Thunder Sauce
    • 72-hour sous vide wagyu short rib from Uchi
    • Wagyu meatballs and edamame fritters from Uchiko Houston
    • A kolache-eating contest sponsored by Shipley Do-Nuts, where the winner will receive free doughnuts for a year.

    To wet your whistle, there will be signature cocktails by Jameson Irish Whiskey and Weber Ranch Vodka (including an espresso martini made with Shipley Do-Nuts cold brew), along with THC seltzers from Howdy and 8th Wonder beers.

    The event will also shine a spotlight on local sports organizations, including the Texans, which will raffle off a CJ Stroud-signed White Panel football. The Astros will show off their Shooting Stars dancers as well as the 2017 and 2022 World Series Trophies, and their Shuttle Crew team will bring prizes. Houston soccer stars the Dynamo and Dash will raffle team-signed jerseys.

    We'll keep you up to date on all things Tailgate-related in a special editorial series of stories leading up to the event.

    Tickets are $75 for VIP and $50 for General Admission. For a limited time, we’re giving you $10 off; use code Tailgate10 at checkout.

    Get your tickets now before they sell out, and we’ll see you on November 11.

    ---

    The Tailgate is sponsored by Verizon, HOWDY, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Houston Powder Coaters, Holey Moley Golf Club, Mizzen + Main, Shipley Do-nuts, East River 9, and more to be announced.

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    where there's smoke

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

    Eric Sandler
    Dec 22, 2025 | 11:59 am
    Candente brisket nachos
    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.

    Candente brisket nachos
    Photo by Duc Hoang
    Don't miss the brisket nachos at Candente.
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