Restaurant Game Changer

The high-end steakhouse craze hits Galveston: New restaurant is an island changer

Galveston visitors who are looking for an upscale atmosphere but want a change from the typical destinations of Rudy and Paco's or Gaido's have a new dining option. Number 13 Prime Steak and Seafood opened this month with a promise to serve high-end steak, top-notch seafood and hand-crafted cocktails.

Located in a two-story building in the Pelican Rest Marina, Number 13 features waterfront views from both inside the dining room. The Terrace provides a more casual setting for diners who are arriving fresh off the beach or boat.

"At Number 13, we believe in creating an atmosphere that is both elegant and relaxed,” Eric Nelson, vice president of culinary operations, said in a statement. “We’ve thought about every detail that will make dining with us an unforgettable experience."

Hanin is utilizing local/regional ingredients and purchasing from local purveyors.

Turning to the menu, chef Jason Hanin blends steakhouse classics like shrimp cocktail and a wedge salad with seasonal items like a crudo of the day and a rotating selection of housemade charcuterie. Hanin is utilizing local/regional ingredients and purchasing from local purveyors.

"Using fresh, local ingredients is important to us and it won’t be uncommon to see some dishes change with the season based on what’s available," Hanin said.

The steakhouse revival that's seen The Palm perform a ground-up, $5 million renovation and Tony Vallone re-launch Vallone's has come to the island. But even with the arrival of a fine dining restaurant, fear not, Shrimp N Stuff isn't going anywhere.

Number 13 is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Brunch will follow on Sundays in a few weeks.

Number 13 Prime Steak and Seafood opened December 10 in the Pelican Rest Marina

13 Steakhouse in Galveston December 2013 view from water day

Photo courtesy of 13 Steakhouse

Number 13 Prime Steak and Seafood opened December 10 in the Pelican Rest Marina

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only the best in HOU

Houston's IAH soars as 4th best airport for holiday travel in 2024

George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston

George Bush Intercontinental Airport/Facebook

Houstonians are in safe hands at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Houston's punctual and award-winning George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) has just been rated the fourth best airport in the country for the upcoming holiday travel season, so says a new report by travel experts Locals Insider.

The study examined the percentage of on-time departure flights at 50 of the biggest airports in America to discover the 10 best and worst airports for traveling during the holidays. Departure statistics and reasons for delays were analyzed from November 17, 2023 to January 3, 2024.

According to the report's findings, IAH had an on-time departure rate of 85.8 percent during the 2023 holiday period. That means out of the 13,921 total scheduled flights departing from the airport, only 1,976 flights were delayed. That's a pretty good track record.

IAH has been working hard to deliver the best travel experiences for its passengers, including opening its new Terminal D, investing in much-needed bathroom upgrades, showing off its award-winning art and entertainment program, and providing top notch dining experiences.

Though IAH appeared on Locals Insider's top 10 best list, Houston's William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) descended onto the travel guide's 10 worst U.S. airports for holiday travel this year.

Appearing at No. 8, HOU isn't the worst offender on the list, but its holiday season delay and cancellation rate in 2023 was 22 percent.

"Although Houston’s William P Hobby experiences fewer departing flights compared to other airports on our top 10 list, it’s still prone to disruptions," the report's author wrote. "Overall, more than one in five (22 percent) of departing flights are either delayed or canceled during the holidays."

The study's data found 1,178 holiday flights at HOU were cancelled in 2023, and only 19 were delayed.

Ranking as the No. 1 best airport for holiday travel is Washington Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C., which had an 88.6 percent on-time departure rate.

For Houstonians that will be traveling this holiday season, Locals Insider recommended five best-practice tips for a smooth travel experience: Book an early morning flight as those are less prone to delays (additionally, book a direct flight), apply for TSA PreCheck to avoid long screening processes, and budget more time to arrive early to the airport.

The report also suggests packing light and shipping gifts to their intended destination ahead of time.

"Even the TSA recommends shipping your wrapped gifts rather than packing them in your luggage or carry-on," the report said.

The top 10 best U.S. airports for holiday travel in 2024 are:

No. 1 – Washington Dulles International
No. 2 – Minneapolis-St. Paul International
No. 3 – Salt Lake City International
No. 4 – George Bush Intercontinental
No. 5 – Ronald Reagan Washington National
No. 6 – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
No. 7 – Newark Liberty International
No. 8 – Detroit Metro Wayne County
No. 9 – Chicago O'Hare International
No. 10 – Charlotte Douglas International

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics defines the Thanksgiving travel period from November 17-28, and the winter holiday travel period from December 14 through January 3, 2024. The study included data from both holiday travel periods, sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Airline Service Quality Performance System (ASQP).