Frightfully Fun

Scary-good celebrations rise at 2 hauntingly delicious Houston restaurants

Rumor has it that Texas is one of the most Halloween-obsessed states in the nation, so naturally two of Houston's hottest restaurants have spine-tingling events lined up for All Hallow's Eve.

Following in the bony footsteps of its Cena Negra honoring Dia de los Muertos, Flora Mexican Kitchen is now hosting an all-day celebration of spookiness on Saturday, October 26.

Flora Mexican Kitchen Cena Negra Expect this same level of commitment from guests at Flora Mexican Kitchen this year. Photo by Leah Wilson Photography

It begins with brunch from 10 am-3 pm, accompanied by the enchanting melodies of a live Spanish guitarist to set the mood.

Brunch bites include crunchy chilaquiles, frutas del mar for seafood lovers, and traditional-with-a-twist huevos rancheros. Delectable sunrise sips include a brunch-exclusive hibiscus margarita, a salty oyster shooter, and The Flores: a frozen margarita elevated with fresh-pressed cucumber juice and muddled jalapeños.

The evening brings a special $55 three-course tasting menu featuring the bold, vibrant flavors of the season (alongside the all-day menu). Curated by culinary director Mate Zorrilla, the first course is your choice of huauzontles or lobster quesadilla, beef tenderloin or sea bass pibil, for the main, and pumpkin cheesecake or chocolate semi-freddo for dessert.

Flora Mexican Kitchen Cena Negra A scene from last year's Cena Negra. Photo by Leah Wilson Photography

This is also your chance to try the Big Vibe Group Reserva de la Familia Añejo. Aged in a private Colombian oak cask, it's perfect for sipping.

Once you arrive in costume, grab a complimentary welcome cocktail provided by Maestro Dobel Diamante and get swept away by live mariachi and dancers. Partygoers can also dance the night away in the courtyard until midnight, surrounded by an ofrenda and towering catrinas and enjoying the beats of a DJ, a face painter, a taco cart pop-up, and satellite bars for those looking to sip and mingle under the stars.

Flora Mexican Kitchen taco cart Eat tacos under the stars.Photo by Kirsten Gilliam Photography

If you can't find your preferred time slot online, call 713-360-6477 for reservations.

At Coppa Osteria, step into the eerie elegance of a Haunted Roman Feast on October 26, where you’ll be greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne when you arrive in costume.

Enjoy a spook-filled evening in the webbed-out dining room, and don't miss the specials of the week, featuring short ribs and the beloved persimmon crostata, and new menu offerings like Kaluga Huso Caviar for $50 paired with $5 martinis. Other chilling cuisine offerings include a roasted beet and goat cheese salad, tuna tartare broken arancini, truffle mushroom risotto, and veal milanese picatta.

Coppa Osteria caviar and martinis $50 caviar paired with $5 martinis — it's about balance. Photo by Kirsten Gilliam Photography

If you want to party hop, do so safely with a 15 percent discount on Alto rides to and from Big Vibe Group restaurants for the rest of the year. Just use the code TBVG15 to enjoy a worry-free night.

Keep the celebration going with brunch and live music the next morning at Flora, or head to Graffiti Kitchen and Bar for a more laid-back vibe.

Flora Mexican Kitchen huevos rancheros Huevos rancheros can cure a morning after.Photo by Kirsten Gilliam Photography

From 10 am-4 pm, treat yourself to ultimate hangover healers like The Cure, a golden chicken schnitzel topped with Coppa Osteria’s famous carbonara, or a chilaquiles omelette that captures the best of both worlds.

This evening of unforgettable ghoulish fun, delicious food, and lively entertainment promises two spooktacular Halloween events you won't want to miss. Check out all of The Big Vibe Group's offerings here.

Photo courtesy of Swizzle Media

Meet your dining companion.

halloween restaurants brunch dinner day of the dead halloween party promoted

say hey to Hypsi

Houston chef's hip new Italian restaurant now open in Heights hotel

Photo by Julie Soefer

Hypsi serves pasta and other Itaian-inspired dishes.

A new Italian restaurant is now open in the Heights. Located within the newly opened Hotel Daphne, Hypsi marks chef Terrence Gallivan’s return to professional cooking in Houston.

Known for his time as the co-execuive chef of The Pass and Provisions and owner of ElRo Pizza and Crudo, Gallivan brings strong culinary credentials to Hypsi. Although he isn’t known explicitly for Italian fare, he has significant experience making pizza, pasts, and other Italian-inspired dishes. After closing ElRo last year, the chef says that working for Bunkhouse Hotels, the Austin-based company that operates the Daphne, had a lot of appeal.

“My wife and I always made it a point to stop at their places whenever we’re in Austin. They know how to make cool stuff,” Gallivan says.

Hypsi’s menu includes updated takes on Italian fare begins with starters such as lamb meatballs, black truffle arancini, and Caesar salad. A selection of house-made pastas include squid ink radiatori with rock shrimp, butternut squash tortellini, and lumache with vodka sauce that gets a little heat from nduja. Entree choices include a roast chicken, pork Milanese, and roasted snapper with salsa verde.

The restaurant is also open for breakfast during the week and brunch on the weekends with items such as a panatone waffle, frittata, and breakfast sandwich. Lunch will follow in January.

“We took inspiration from tradition without being traditional,” Gallivan says. Later, he adds, “For me, it’s about balance. You try to please everybody. I want my mom to enjoy herself as much as a 25-year-old foodie. It’s important to hit as many marks as you can.”

One of the restaurant’s signatures will be the mozzarella cart that rolls through its dining room. Gallivan says he’s sourcing a mix of both American and imported Italian cheeses that will rotate every week or two. The cheese is served with a range of pickled fruit and vegetables, olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, focaccia, and more. Of course, seeing a cart immediately grabs diners’ attention, making them want whatever is on offer.

“That’s the beauty of carts,” Gallivan says. “It’s a fun thing to do. I think sometimes we get a little too serious in restaurants. It’s supposed to be fun. People are here to enjoy themselves.”

All that eating and drinking takes place in a dining room that’s inspired by Prohibition-era speakeasies, according to press materials. Details include blueberry lava stone on the bar, vintage velvet chairs, and custom Carimate dining chairs by Vico Magistretti. An outdoor patio features brick pavers, mosaic tables, and sculptures.

Photo by Julie Soefer

Hypsi serves pasta and other Itaian-inspired dishes.

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say hey to Hypsi

Houston chef's hip new Italian restaurant now open in Heights hotel