feel the buzz

Houston celebs Washington Ho and Tony Buzbee pop open new THC seltzer

Two men who are very good at getting the attention of their fellow Houstonians have teamed up on a new line of canned drinks. Washington Ho and Tony Buzbee have launched the HoBuzz line of THC-infused seltzers.

Both men are locals who have publicly eschewed drinking alcohol. Ho rose to national prominence as one of the stars of House of Ho, a reality series that airs on the Max streaming platform. Buzbee is a successful trial attorney, a former Marine, and a current candidate for Houston City Council, District G.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Tony Buzbee and Washington Ho have teamed up on HoBuzz.

Developed in partnership with Bayou City Hemp and 8th Wonder Brewery, HoBuzz sells two flavors of seltzers infused with 10 milligrams of Delta-8 THC. The Washington is a black cherry-flavored drink — a nod to the story about George Washington, Ho’s namesake, and the cherry tree. Buzbee’s flavor is a hibiscus-infused seltzer called The Patriot that can be sipped on its own or as a mixer. More flavors may be released in time.

They’re touting HoBuzz as part of a “Texas sober” lifestyle for people who no longer consume alcohol but want to relax with a little THC. In keeping with the brand’s healthy image, The Washington has 29 calories per can while The Patriot has zero calories and zero sugar.

“I am passionate about living a fun, healthy lifestyle, and through researching and developing this product, I found that I could still be myself without the negative side effects of alcohol,” Ho said in a statement. “I’ve realized I don’t need alcohol or medication to be me, and with HoBuzz, I can be my best self while still having fun. I can’t wait to share this with the world.”

The seltzers will go on sale the week of September 4. Look for them at 8th Wonder, Wild Concepts, Wakefield Crowbar, and other cannabis-friendly places. It’s also available for shipping nationwide via hobuzzco.com.

“More people are looking for an alternative to alcohol, and we are excited to introduce HoBuzz to anyone looking to try something different,” Buzbee said. “We’re very grateful to our partners and look forward to helping eliminate the stigma around Delta-8 products in the Lone Star State. We’re proud to be an American, Texas-based company.”

celebrities cocktails

build your own

Ohio-based Mediterranean restaurant now baking fresh pita in Memorial

Courtesy of Brassica

An Ohio-based Mediterranean restaurant has arrived in Houston. Brassica Sandwiches + Salads has quietly opened in the Briargrove/Memorial area (1413 S Voss Rd.) and will celebrate its grand opening next Tuesday, March 31.

Courtesy of Brassica

Build your own pita at Brassica.

Founded by brothers Kevin and Darren Malhame, Brassica is named for the family of vegetables that include broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and more. The menu features build-your-own Mediterranean-inspired pitas, salads, or hummus bowls.

Proteins include falafel, braised chicken shawarma, and brisket. Diners can add toppings such as pickled cabbage, pickled beets, cucumbers and radishes, roasted carrots, cauliflower, feta, and more. Notably, the restaurant bakes pita throughout the day.

While the food is casual and affordable, Brassica has invested into details that will make diners choose to dine-in rather than order to-go — and order a drink from its beer and wine list. They include custom walnut trays, leather booths, and solid marble tabletops.

“Opening our first restaurant outside of Ohio is a huge milestone for us,” founder and CEO Kevin Malhame said in a statement. “We’ve been working towards opening out of state for some time now, and are thrilled to be in Houston.”

The restaurant has earned considerable acclaim, including being named a “Hot Concept” by Nation’s Restaurant News. It also earned an investment from Chipotle’s Cultivate Next fund in 2024.

“Growth for us will always be deliberate,” Malhame added. “We believe restaurants should last. That means investing in our food, our people, and our spaces — never cutting corners to expand faster.”

Brassica is open daily from 11 am-10 pm.

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