Old Fashioned Fun

Raise a glass — and funds — in September with Garrison Brothers Bourbon

The takeover lasts all September.

Photo courtesy of Garrison Brothers

Forget the drink of the summer — it's finally time for the drink of the fall, and because September is National Bourbon Heritage Month, an OId Fashioned seems exactly the right choice.

To celebrate, Garrison Brothers Bourbon is mounting its Hye Fashioned Takeover, a month-long festivity of flavor, tradition, and innovation where bars and restaurants across the country showcase their mixology mastery with creative Old Fashioned specials.

But the takeover isn't just about creative cocktails. With every Instagram or Facebook post you share about your #hyefashioned experience, Garrison Brothers will make a donation of $2 to Boot Campaign to support their life-changing programs for veterans and military families.

Even better: Every post counts as an entry for a chance to win one of 10 unique Garrison Brothers prize packages, which includes a custom engraved barrel stave, four Garrison Brothers glencairn glasses, an embroidered Garrison Brothers apron, and a $50 gift card from Boot Campaign to to be used on Shop.BootCampaign.org.

To officially enter:

1. Take a picture of your Hye Fashioned cocktail (heck, take a few!).
2. Tag and follow @garrisonbros and @bootcampaign.
3. Make sure to use the hashtag #hyefashioned to showcase your love for this iconic cocktail and help raise money for Boot Campaign.

Ten winners who post the most during September 1-31 will be selected at the conclusion of the program.

Wondering where to go in and around Houston to get your Hye Fashioneds? Here's where to toast and taste America's favorite cocktail during September:

To learn more and see the official rules, visit: hyefashioned.com.

cocktails drinks bartenders fundrasiers contests promoted

here's johnny

New restaurant shakes up Houston with Oaxacan and Tex-Mex classics

Johnny Ritas Cocina y Cantina restaurant exterior

Photo by Hasan Yousef

Johnny Ritas will open this Friday, February 6.

A Houston hospitality veteran is opening a new Mexican restaurant in Lindale Park. Johnny Ritas Cocina y Cantina will open this Friday, February 6.

Located at 5602 Fulton Street, Johnny Ritas is the latest project from Christopher “Chico” Ramirez, whose resume includes The Boot, Field & Tides, and White Elm Brasserie. Ramirez named the restaurant for his grandparents, Johnny Johnson and Rita Ramirez.

“Johnny Ritas is a tribute to my grandparents and the roots of our family,” Ramirez said in a statement. “Our gatherings revolved around family and cooking, and we wanted to create a place where people can come together over great food, drinks, and shared moments.”

Ramirez’s wife, designer Wyndy Ramirez, took inspiration from Oaxaca to create the restaurant’s interior. Details include blue accents, custom tables and chairs by local craftsman Gino Vian, and other handcrafted touches.

Working with chef-partner Jesús Salinas (Liberty Kitchen, White Elm Brasserie), Ramirez has created a menu that blends Tex-Mex classics with Mexican fare inspired by Baja and Oaxaca. Open at 3 pm during the week for dinner with brunch and dinner on the weekends, the menu includes everything from ceviche and tiradito to Molotes Oaxaqueños, al pastor tacos, fajitas, Oaxacan tamales, and snapper a la parrilla.

Naturally, the restaurant’s beverage options start with margaritas, including house rocks, house frozen, and strawberry basil. Other drinks are the Repo Ember (reposado tequila with mango nectar) and the Mi Abuelo (bourbon, prickly pear, and cinnamon).

Photo by Hasan Yousef

Johnny Ritas will open this Friday, February 6.

openings tex-mex news-you-can-eat

Old Fashioned Fun

Raise a glass — and funds — in September with Garrison Brothers Bourbon

here's johnny

New restaurant shakes up Houston with Oaxacan and Tex-Mex classics

Midtown bar with creative cocktails and craft taps will close in February

Essential Houston crawfish joint heads to Beaumont for new location

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