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.

The Audrey's premiere

Hollywood-inspired Houston restaurant sets Uptown opening date

Photo by Ben Brown

The Audrey serves decadent seafood towers.

A restaurant inspired by a glamorous Hollywood icon is ready to make its debut. The Audrey Restaurant & Bar will open on Wednesday, August 5 at Aspire Post Oak, a 40-story luxury high-rise at 1616 Post Oak Blvd.

Part of Culinary Khancepts, the hospitality group behind Liberty Kitchen, State Fare, the River Oaks Theatre, and others, the Audrey occupies almost 5,500 square feet on the building’s first floor. The restaurant seats about 160 people, dividend between a bar and lounge, main dining room, outdoor patio, and private dining areas.

Owners Denise and Omar Khan worked with Laura Loreman Interior Design Studio to bring elements of Audrey Hepburn’s signature style to the restaurant’s interior. Details include Tiffany blue interiors, crystal chandeliers, gold accents, floor-to-ceiling windows. An Audrey Hepburn-inspired mural and floral installations greet diners as they enter.

On the culinary side, the restaurant will serve the same menu of contemporary American fare that’s served the original location well since it opened in The Woodlands three years ago. That includes pastas, sandwiches, steaks, and seafood towers. Signature items include: citrus scallops with fennel-orange salad, truffle mushroom ravioli, and beef Wellington. The popular “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” brunch will also be served at the new location.

Mayahuel chef Luis Robledo Richards designed the Audry’s dessert menu. Winner of Latin America’s Best Pastry Chef in 2019 and a judge on Netflix’s baking competition show Sugar Rush, the chef’s menu includes chocolate cake, mascarpone cheesecake, and coconut panna cotta.

"Opening in Houston has always been part of our vision for The Audrey," Omar Khan said in a statement. "The response to our Woodlands location confirmed what we hoped — that guests were looking for a restaurant where exceptional food, genuine hospitality and timeless design come together naturally. Audrey Hepburn represented elegance, warmth and kindness, and those values continue to inspire every detail of the guest experience.”

Photo by Ben Brown

The Audrey serves decadent seafood towers.

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The Audrey's premiere

Hollywood-inspired Houston restaurant sets Uptown opening date