Getting Blitzed

Houston hotel will celebrate the season with holiday pop-up bar

Is your order naughty or nice?

Photo courtesy of Omni Hotels & Resorts

Dallas-based Omni Hotels is ringing in the holidays with an over-the-top cocktail experience that will debut at 27 hotels across the U.S., including seven in Texas and one in Houston.

The holiday initiative is an expansion of their successful Blitzen’s Bar, the festive pop-up they debuted at the Omni Dallas hotel in downtown Dallas in 2024. Now the hotel chain will expand the concept, launching bar takeovers at these seven hotels in Texas:

Dallas: Hops & Hens at Omni Dallas Hotel
Fort Worth: Wine Thief at Omni Fort Worth Hotel
Frisco: Lobby Bar at Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star
Frisco: Lounge by Top Golf at Omni PGA Frisco Resort
Irving: LRH at Omni Las Colinas Hotel
Houston: La Reserve at Omni Houston Hotel
San Antonio: El Colegio at Omni La Mansión del Rio

From November 28 to January 9, these hotel bars will transform into a winter wonderland decked out with twinkling lights, festive decor, and a menu of merry-making cocktails crafted by mixologist Julie Reiner, a judge on Netflix’s Drink Masters and the creative force behind New York City favorites Clover Club, Milady’s, and Leyenda.

The cocktail menu will comprise eight drinks including:

The Blitzen with Woodford Reserve Rye, Liquid Alchemist ginger apple spice syrup, and angostura bitters, served in a holiday ornament
Sleigh Ride with Grey Goose Vodka, Italicus, lime, cranberry syrup, and soda water, served with light-up ice cubes
Espress-Ho Ho Martini with Don Julio Reposado Tequila, Mr. Black coffee liqueur, and espresso, garnished with a mini MoonPie

There's also a zero-proof Merry Spritz-mas with Curious Elixir #4, Fluère non-alcoholic bitter, and lemon; and a decadent and trendy Dubai hot chocolate with caramelized kataifi, pistachio whipped cream, and dripped Stroopwafel chocolate bar, served in a gold coffee mug.

Accompanying snacks will include Reindeer Fuel (smoked maple-chili nut and pretzel crunch) and an assorted holiday cookie tray.

"After the incredible response to Blitzen's Bar last year, I'm thrilled to return with Omni Hotels & Resorts to make this holiday season even more memorable," Reiner said in a statement. "Crafting cocktails for Blitzen's is all about pushing the boundaries of tradition, and infusing classic holiday flavors with playful, modern twists - and this year's menu delivers in the most fun and flavorful way."

Each hotel will also host holiday experiences including concerts, photos with Santa, and special holiday stay packages.

On Saturday, November 29, Omni's properties will simultaneously light their Christmas trees at 6 pm local time, marking the official start of the season, which also features the brand's cherished annual hot chocolate ritual.

there's the rub

Restaurant known for 'new Houston cuisine' now open in Cypress

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.

A restaurant known for its eclectic “new Houston cuisine” has opened in Cypress. The fourth location of Jonathan’s the Rub is now open for dinner in Bridgeland (20215 Bridgeland Creek Parkway).

First announced last year, the new Jonathan’s is located in Village Green, a 70-acre mixed-use development within the 925-acre Bridgeland Central district. The 5,500-square-foot restaurant includes two patios totaling 2,600 square feet, giving the restaurant plenty of room for private dining rooms, a bar area, and indoor-outdoor areas with fire pits and greenery.

“We were looking for the next frontier — a community with a booming population and a clear vision for growth that aligns with our brand,” chef-owner Jonathan Levine said in a statement. “When we discovered Bridgeland and learned it was a Howard Hughes development, we were immediately impressed. With their reputation for developing generational communities, we felt confident that Bridgeland was the right place for our family and for Jonathan’s the Rub.”

Like Jonathan’s three other locations, the menu at Bridgeland is built around Levine’s signature “new Houston cuisine,” a kicked-up take on comfort food that includes everything from lobster tacos and blackened shrimp and grits to Italian American classics and steakhouse fare.

Village Green is also home to H-E-B and restaurants such as Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café and Crust Pizza Co. Austin-based burger joint P. Terry’s will open there next year.

“Jonathan’s the Rub’s arrival in Bridgeland Central brings a distinguished addition to the culinary scene in both the community and northwest Houston,” said Jim Carman, president of the Texas region, for Bridgeland developer Howard Hughes Communities. “We’re proud to partner with exceptional restaurateurs like Chef Jonathan Levine to bring elevated dining experiences that enhance the lifestyle offerings for our residents and neighbors.”

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.

Getting Blitzed

Houston hotel will celebrate the season with holiday pop-up bar

there's the rub

Restaurant known for 'new Houston cuisine' now open in Cypress

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