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 Negrahonoring 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 Barfor 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.

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Drop it like it's hot

Houston farmers market adds new indoor pickleball court with food and cocktails

Photo by Abante Photography

Drop Shots HTX celebrates its grand opening this Saturday, June 21.

Pickleball isn’t going anywhere — the racquet sport continues to score with Houstonians. The newest player on the city’s crowded court, Drop Shots HTX, stands out for one big reason: it’s entirely indoors.

Photo by Abante Photography

Drop Shots HTX celebrates its grand opening this Saturday, June 21.

Opening June 21, Drop Shots HTX is the brainchild of hospitality veterans Roveen Abante (Conservatory Galleria, Duchess), Chase Lovullo (Conservatory Galleria), and Shawn Outlaw.

“We didn’t just want to open a bar,” co-founder Roveen Abante said in a statement. “We built a space where people connect, whether they’re playing or not. There’s something for everyone here.”

Drop Shots HTX is marking its grand opening on June 21 from 12-11 pm, offering all-day open play for $5 along with $5 food and drink specials. Live DJs and giveaways will add to the experience.

Patrons can soak up the A/C while slapping balls across one of the six professional-grade indoor courts. Off the court, guests can engage in friendly competitions of skee-ball, ping pong, arcade basketball, and cornhole in the second-floor lounge. Nine screens make up one wall in the mezzanine, ideal for catching the latest game, or can be expanded into one 195-inch television.

Clutch City Kitchen will keep the players' appetite at bay with pizzas, sandwiches, and acai bowls. For hydration, an indoor/outdoor full bar will have 10 signature pickleball-themed cocktails, mocktails, and fresh juices crafted from local fruits and veggies.

“Some venues lean into serious competition, we lean into fun,” added co-founder Shawn Outlaw. “We’re the only indoor pickleball facility inside the Loop with a full bar, kitchen, lounge, and patio. But more than that, we’re the only one that feels like your new favorite neighborhood hangout, even if you never touch a paddle.”

Events like Glow-in-the-Dark Fridays, Tacos and Tequila Saturdays, and Pancakes and Pickball mornings add a twist to the typical pickleball match. Bring the kids—the venue is family-friendly until 10pm.

“We created Drop Shots HTX because we fell in love with a game that brings generations together,” Outlaw said. “From our 10-year-olds to our 65-year-old parents, pickleball is for everyone. And so is this space.”

Drop Shots HTX is located at 2520 Airline Drive, Building A, Suite 100. It’s open Monday through Thursday from 12-11pm, Friday from 12 pm-12 am, and Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-11 pm.

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