Cinn-fully vegan and allergy-friendly cinnamon roll shop rises in Uptown

cinn-fully good

Photo courtesy of Cinnaholic

Health-conscious foodies or those with food allergies who’ve longed for the zing of a sweet cinnamon roll are in luck. Cinnaholic, the plant-based cinnamon roll/dessert national chain, will open its newest location in Uptown, the company announced.

Cinnaholic — Uptown will open in the Galleria-area Sage Plaza Center on Friday, July 29. To heat things up, the new Uptown locale will host a grand opening party from 10 am to 2 pm on opening day (July 29). For that day only, each guest can nab a cinnamon roll of their choice for $2 (limit one per customer).

This new Uptown location joins several stores in the Houston area, including, most recently, Spring and Woodlands. A CityCentre store is slated to open later this month, with plans for a Sugar Land location also in the works. The brand, which is based in Atlanta, has been rising in popularity of late, with 70 locations nationwide and Canada, and Canada, more than 30 in development, and 50 more locations anticipated for 2023, per press materials.

For the uninitiated, all Cinnaholic products are 100-percent vegan, dairy and lactose-free, egg-free, cholesterol-free, and are allergen-friendly. Notably, the only guaranteed gluten-free item on the menu is the Dole Whip, the brand’s soft serve that is also dairy-free.

The popular cinnamon rolls are customizable with more than 20 frosting flavors and 20 topping choices. Cinnaholic’s most popular cinnamon roll flavors include:

Old Skool – classic cinnamon roll with vanilla frosting
Cookie Monster – cream cheese frosting, cookie dough, chocolate chips and chocolate sauce
Caramel Apple Pie – caramel frosting, homemade pie crumble, fresh apples, caramel sauce
Campfire S’mores – marshmallow frosting, graham cookies, marshmallows, chocolate sauce

For those looking for party trays and more the Uptown store will offer catering and large-size ordering as well for events, meetings, and more, according to a press release.

Each Cinnaholic franchise is locally owned and operated; Douglas and Maggie Spigolon, a Brazilian couple who both have a background in engineering and have worked at their family’s restaurants, will operate the Uptown store.

“Though native to Brazil, we have been living in Houston for almost two years, and seeing all the amazing changes to the city has been exciting to watch,” said Maggie Spigolon, in a statement. “Opening Cinnaholic helps us to be part of this community as local business owners, and bring the best cinnamon rolls to H-Town!”

Sweet-toothed locals can follow the Uptown location’s developments on the store’s Facebook page, on Instagram (check out @cinnaholic.houstonuptown), or online.

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Cinnaholic – Uptown; 5161 San Felipe Street, Suite 180; Hours are Sunday through Thursday 10 am-9 pm, and Friday and Saturday 10 am to 10 pm. For more information, call (346) 319-5896 or visit Cinnaholic online.

Cinnanholic - Uptown opens July 29.

Photo courtesy of Cinnaholic

Cinnanholic - Uptown opens July 29.

Photo by J. Thomas Ford

Houston's Rooftop Cinema Club heats up with summer scorchers, romances, and scary fun

summer on the rooftop

Three-digit temps are here, no doubt, but that’s not stopping locals from hitting the hottest rooftop in Uptown for seasonal hits. Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown ((1700 Post Oak Blvd. at BLVD Place) has released its new schedule that’s cool for summer.

As always, the club promises theme events centered on our oppressive heat, summer love and zodiac signs, and even bookish fun. Favorites returning are the dog-friendly Wooftop series, the Singalong shows, and more.

Features recent hits such as the Robert Pattinson-led Batman and The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Potter fans can look forward to weekly Harry Potter screenings every Sunday in July and every Saturday in August to toast Harry Potter’s July 31 birthday. Anniversary screenings include a 25th anniversary screening of Con Air and the 40th anniversary of the beloved Lone Star State classic, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

Here’s a look at some of the summer fun:

Crazy for Swayze
Houston’s beloved hometown star gets in a showcase of films in honor of what would’ve been his 70th birthday.

The Heat is On
In a witty nod to our soaring temperatures, the club is bringing the heat with summer classics such as Bad Boys, Mamma Mia!, and Dirty Dancing, and Do the Right Thing, Spike Lee’s seminal look at America on the hottest day of the year.

Rooftop Romance
August offers a lot to love with Romeo + Juliet, the Hollywood classic Casablanca, modern tales such as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Love Jones, Bridesmaids, and more.

Leo Season
Kicking off a new tradition, Rooftop celebrates signs of the Zodiac, starting with Leo on . July 23. Movies will star the club’s favorite cinematic Leos — including namesake Leo DiCaprio.

Virgo Season
Following Leo Season, Rooftop celebrates their favorite Virgos from August 23 through September 22.

Summerween
The club scares up some spooky fun with zany flicks such as Practical Magic, Death Becomes Her, and Hocus Pocus. More fun comes via Tales From the Hood, Friday the 13th, and Scream.

National Book Lovers Day
Bookish film fans can celebrate National Book Lover’s Day (August 9) with two iconic adaptations: Baz Luhrmann’s version of The Great Gatsby and Jonathan Demme’s unforgettable The Silence of the Lambs.

Tickets range from $17.50 to $25.25 depending on the day of the week and choice of the venue’s new double Adirondack Love Seat, a single Adirondack, or Lounge Seat with or without popcorn.

Fans can enjoy favorite concessions and snacks, an extensive menu of beer, wine, and canned cocktails to purchase on-site. Notably fans can bring outside food; no outside drinks are permitted.

Find tickets, showtimes, and the full schedule of Rooftop summer films online.

Rendering courtesy of Ziegler Cooper Architects

New mixed-use tower planned for Uptown aims to elevate scene

going up in uptown

The Uptown/Galleria area is set to add an elevated, mixed-use destination to its skyline. Real estate investment firm DeisoMoss will develop a new, 43-story, mixed-use tower located at 2120 Post Oak Blvd. set to break ground next year.

Commercial Observer was first to report the news.

According to Commercial Observer, DeisoMoss secured $26.1 million of funding from Manhattan-based Northwind Group to secure the 551,905 square-foot development. Plans call for 355 multifamily units, 100,000 square feet of Class A office space, and high-end retail, which should be a fit with the upscale area offerings.

“The pre-development loan with Northwind is instrumental in bringing us through to a foundation excavation to get to the floor-up construction loan,” Andrew Deiso, founder of DeisoMoss, tells Commercial Observer. “It’s probably the most coveted piece of undeveloped dirt in Houston.”

Renderings provided to CultureMap from acclaimed Houston firm Ziegler Cooper, the 2120 Post Oak’s project architect that is also behind some 45 familiar high-rises including The Driscoll, Autry Place, and Granduca Residences, reveal a tree-lined roof replete with a pool overlooking the bustling street.

Notably for foodies, Deiso adds that his firm has already attracted interest from “nationally recognized white-tablecloth” restaurant chains for the retail/dining space.

Touting a “work, play, live” approach to the destination, which is still unnamed, DeisoMoss founder Taylor Moss tells Commercial Observer that this new project will match those in other major markets.

“You see these mixed-use towers in other primary markets like New York, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, but it’s kind of a novel concept for Houston,” he notes. ”We’re taking the model of these other primary markets and other very successful developers that have come before us and taking a page out of their playbook and trying to introduce these luxury high-end, what we call “Class double-A” [assets] to the Houston market.”

Future apartment tenants can expect a considerable price tag for rent. “Uptown rental rates are growing at a rapid pace,” Moss tells Commercial Observer. “We are looking to continue that trend with our product.”

For some perspective, as the Houston Chroniclepoints out, rents at the nearby new luxury Aspire Post Oaks apartment towner range from $2,300 to about $6,000 per month.

Promising a “work, play, live” approach, the new 2120 Post Oak Blvd. high-rise promises a rooftop pool.

Rendering courtesy of Ziegler Cooper Architects

Promising a “work, play, live” approach, the new 2120 Post Oak Blvd. high-rise promises a rooftop pool.

Photo by J. Thomas Ford

Houston's Rooftop Cinema Club showcases sizzling summer favorites, dog-friendly flicks, and more

summer on the rooftop

Houston’s most popular outdoor movie experience is rolling out hot movies for our warmest days. Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown has announced the first half of its upcoming summer lineup, which kicks off May 2 at the buzzy BLVD Place in Uptown.

This new lineup, which runs through July 4 weekend, promises a host of cult classics, new releases, and Rooftop’s signature, themed collections, celebrations, and events — especially of summer favorites, natch.

Tickets for the summer season are on sale now and range from $17.50 to $25.25. Options include the venue’s new double Adirondack loveseat (a fave for couples), a single Adirondack, or deck chair with or without popcorn.

Movies starting before 4:30 pm are open to all ages; those starting after 4:30 pm are strictly 18 and up. As always, the club will serve up its own concessions, food, wine, beer, and canned cocktails for purchase on-site.

Notably, guests can bring outside food to enjoy (perfect for kids’ snacks), but no outside drinks are permitted. Rooftop is also bringing back its popular, dog-friendly Wooftop screenings and the audience-participation-themed People’s Choice showcases, a press release notes.

As for the flicks: Fans can expect summer favorites such as the musical Mamma Mia for Mother’s Day; the 25th anniversary of the Bruce Willis-led sci-fi dazzler, The Fifth Element, Friday the 13th on Friday, May 13; a special “Cruise Control” weekend of Tom Cruise hits; fan favorite The Birdcage, to kick off Pride Month; Straight Out of Comptonfor Black Music Month; celebrations for Prince’s and Tupac’s birthdays; and much more.

Monthly special events include the following, per Rooftop:

May

May 8 – Mother’s Day: Bring Mom and sing along to the toe-tapping smash Mamma Mia at 6:30 pm.
May 12 – People’s Choice: May’s theme is “time travel” and in salute of the summer opening of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Rooftop is asking fans to choose which time-bending cinematic epic to celebrate (vote here). Voting closes May 2 and the winning film will be announced May 3.
May 13 – Friday the 13th: Scream with your friends to the original summer slasher at 10 pm.
May 21–22 – Cruise Control: To toast the upcoming release of the highly anticipated Top Gun: Maverick, Rooftop takes off with a “Cruise Control” weekend, featuring Tom Cruise hits ranging from Jerry Maguire to Risky Business.
May 28-29 – Prom Season: In Rooftop’s first dedication to the cherished (and sometimes terrifying) high school tradition of prom, fans can catch high school classics 10 Things I Hate About You, Back to the Future, Carrie, She’s All That, and 21 Jump Street.

June

June 1 – Kickoff to Pride Month: Throughout the month, guests can expect variety of LGBTQIA+ hits, starting with the hysterical Robin Williams comedy, The Birdcage at 6:30 pm. Other themed screenings include, But I’m a Cheerleader on June 15, Set It Off on June 22, and more.
June 16 – Black Music Month and Tupac’s Birthday: Partnering with Houston Cinema Arts Society, the venue will host a variety of films focused on Black music and culture. Things kick off with Poetic Justice on the late and legendary Tupac Shakur’s birthday.
June 19 – Juneteenth: On the heels of Black Music Month celebrations, Rooftop will showcase Black filmmakers and actors with the films Love & Basketball and the evocative, provoking horror remake, Candyman.

July

To celebrate Fourth of July, Rooftop will screen The Sandlot, Dazed & Confused, and the July 4 action blockbuster Independence Day (and that unforgettable Houston scene!).

For a full list of movies and schedule for May, June, and July, visit the Rooftop Cinema Club website.

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Rooftop Cinema Club is located upstairs at BLVD Place in Uptown, 6 BLVD Place, 1700 1, 1800 Post Oak Blvd.

Photo by Brittany Werges/303 Magazine

Magical museum celebrating 'Black girl magic' pops up in Uptown

working magic

A new, interactive experience aimed specifically at Black girls and “Black Girl Magic” is coming to Uptown Park.

Dubbed a “love letter to Black women and our unique experiences,” by founder Charlie Billingsley, The Museum for Black Girls will pop up in Uptown Park (1141 Uptown Park Blvd.) noon, Saturday, October 16. The experience is expected to run through the Thanksgiving holiday.

Organizers chose Houston as the newest exhibition city after a successful museum run in Denver, according to a press release.

Houston’s museum will highlight and promote 10 artists and creative women of color who will use the venue to create their own interactive pieces, including art installations, performances, and events.

The hope is to bring more diversity to the Uptown Houston District and strengthen Black women’s voices in the local community, according to the museum creators.

“‘Black Girl Magic,’ is more than a buzz-phrase or trend — it is the essence of Black girls and women,” said Billingsley in a statement. The Museum for Black Girls was created to celebrate and educate everyone about our journey, from our past to present state of liberation.”

Some of the featured collaborators include Kayla Washington, Aunjanee Niblett, TJ Hudson, Kaylee Bender, Yazmin Atmore, KB Brown, Madd Kyng, Khia Ancalade, Chandrika Metivier, Kanika Blair, Iyesha Williams, and Johnnie Jackson.

Museum hours are noon to 8 pm, Thursdays to Sundays, admission runs $15-$32 for one hour. Packages are available. For more information, visit the official museum site.

Photo collages tell a vibrant, powerful story.

Photo by Brittany Werges/303 Magazine

Photo collages tell a vibrant, powerful story.

Photo by Rooftop Cinema Club Houston

Houston's Rooftop Cinema Club scares up new Halloween lineup with dog-friendly nights and more

october on the rooftop

If the return of pumpkin spice lattes and masses of candy, costumes, and decorations in stores are any indicator, Houston is gearing up for Halloween.

Now, the city’s only rooftop cinema club has released its new lineup perfect for locals to get spooked while enjoying scenic Post Oak skyline views.

Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown’s new schedule kicks off October 4 at the popular BLVD Place locale in Uptown. Guests who show up in their best Halloween costumes at any October showing will be treated to free candy to enjoy while they watch seasonal flicks, another favorite, and even dog-friendly “Wooftop” screenings.

This new schedule runs (appropriately) through October 31 with tickets now on sale; some screenings are already sold out, according to the cinema. As is the case with the club, themed nights abound, including:

Grease Sing-Along: October 4
“Wooftop Cinema Club” (dogs invited and must be cleaned up after and leashed) featuring Ratatouille and Jurassic Park: October 9 and 22
Open-caption screenings (for deaf and hard-of-hearing guests) featuring Coming to America, Beetlejuice, and Hocus Pocus: October 9, 15, and 25
Back to the Future Day (which marks the day of Marty's fateful trip in Doc's DeLorean): October 21
Scream double bill (back-to-back billing of Scream and Scream 2 with discounts available for second screening): October 28
People’s Choice — Stephen King (guests vote online for the King film to feature): October 29

Naturally, all this culminates with Halloween weekend with screenings starting October 30 with favorites including Monsters, Inc., Practical Magic, a late-night screening of The Exorcist, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and, natch, the original Halloween from 1978.

Tickets (find them here) include a single lounge seat with or without popcorn, a new beanbag option with popcorn, or an Adirondack chair that comes with popcorn and a side table to share starting at $17.50 for adults and $13.50 for kids under 12 during matinee screenings, per a release.

Here is the October movie lineup:

October 4: Grease; Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

October 5: La La Land; A Quiet Place Part II

October 6: Cruella; A Nightmare on Elm Street

October 7: E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial; Urban Cowboy; House Party

October 8: The Goonies; Love Jones; The Great Gatsby

October 9: Ratatouille; Hocus Pocus; Coming to America

October 10: The Sandlot; Black Panther; Once Upon a Time...In Hollywood

October 11: Pretty Woman; Zombieland

October 12: Poetic Justice; Step Brothers

October 13: A Quiet Place Part II; Get Out

October 14: Corpse Bride; Cruella; Donnie Darko

October 15: The Nightmare Before Christmas; Beetlejuice; Blade

October 16: Space Jam; The Princess Bride; Top Gun; The Thing

October 17: Night at the Museum; Hocus Pocus; Death Becomes Her

October 18: The Notebook; The Lost Boys

October 19: Ghost; Texas Chain Saw Massacre

October 20: Clue; Child's Play

October 21: Back to the Future; Hocus Pocus; Candyman

October 22: The Addams Family; Jurassic Park; Friday The 13th

October 23: Paranorman; Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone; Beetlejuice; Poltergeist

October 24: Casper; Labyrinth; The Rocky Horror Picture Show

October 25: Hocus Pocus; It

October 26: Edward Scissorhands; Carrie

October 27: The Craft; Eve's Bayou

October 28: Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets; Scream; Scream 2

October 29: Coraline; T.B.D. (People’s Choice); Tales From The Crypt: Demon Knight

October 30: Monsters, Inc.; Halloweentown; Practical Magic; The Exorcist (theatrical cut)

October 31: The Nightmare Before Christmas; Hocus Pocus; Halloween

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Rock icon Bono's daughter makes her own sweet music in Flora and Son

in bloom

The new Apple TV+ film Flora and Son centers on a single mother and her teenage son, a situation that typically calls for an uplifting story about the mother’s struggles trying to support the two of them, and the bond that develops between them as go through the troubles together. While that element exists somewhat here, it goes down a much different path that’s both saltier and equally as rewarding.

Photo courtesy of Apple TV+

Eve Hewson and Oren Kinlan in Flora and Son.

Set in Dublin, Ireland, the film follows Flora (Eve Hewson), a single mom to Max (Oren Kinlan), who gets in a fair bit of trouble. She shares custody with her ex, Ian (Jack Reynor), and their antagonistic relationship, along with Max being a teenager, likely has an effect on how Flora and Max get along. A typical interchange between mother and son has them calling each other all sorts of bad names, although there rarely seems to be any true animosity behind their arguments.

When a guitar Flora refurbishes for Max goes unappreciated, she instead starts taking online lessons herself with an American named Jeff (Joseph Gordon-Levitt). She’s no less brash with him, but her sincere interest in learning how to play and in finding out more about Jeff’s music opens a new door for Flora. Soon, a discovery that Max is making music of his own on his laptop helps them communicate better than they have in a long time.

Flora & Son is the latest music-focused film from writer/director John Carney (Once, Sing Street), and he once again finds the sweet spot in telling a personal story enhanced by song. Flora has more than a few rough edges, making her a less-than-ideal protagonist, but the heart of the character shines through precisely because she has no filter. Once music is added to the equation, it become that much easier to see the type of person she is and why you should root for her.

Both Hewson and Gordon-Levitt are charming actors, so they establish a connection through a screen well. Fortunately, though, Carney chooses not to leave it at that, adding a slight fantasy element to some of their scenes by having Flora imagine Jeff in the room with her. A romantic element naturally arises, but it’s the unexpected way in which two lonely souls find each other from across the world that makes them the most interesting.

There are a couple of decent songs that come out of the process of all of the music-making, but nothing that you could truly call an earworm. Instead, it’s the feeling you get seeing the characters interact when they’re sharing music with each other that makes the film sing. Only one character could be classified as a professional musician, with the rest of them making music for the pure joy of it, an emotion Carney translates well in his storytelling.

Hewson (the daughter of U2’s Bono, in case you were unaware) is having a moment after 15 years in the business. She has a boldness that serves her as well in this role as it did in the recent Apple TV+ limited series, Bad Sisters. This is Kinlan’s first major part, and he acquits himself well. Both Gordon-Levitt and Reynor are seasoned actors who know how to make the most of their limited scenes.

The depiction of a mother/child relationship in Flora and Son is atypical, but it still winds up in a great spot thanks to the power of music and some fine performances. Carney’s love for both songs and filmmaking has yielded some memorable movies over the years, this one included.

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Flora and Son opens in select theaters and on Apple TV+ on September 29.

Spectacular SPI sandcastles, F1, ACL, and more Texas travel tidbits in October

where to travel right now

Fall is finally here, and with the (hopefully) cooler temps will come the chance to get outside and enjoy autumn activities all around Texas. Can't decide where to take a quick vacation, road trip, or staycation? Here are 11 events, special celebrations, and hotel happenings to help plan a getaway in October.

Along the Gulf Coast

What better way to celebrate the arrival of spooky season than by seeking out haunted ghost experiences in Corpus Christi? The Heritage Park Museum will showcase four reportedly haunted houses, and phantom chasers will delight in visiting the USS Lexington during the "Haunting on the Blue Ghost" event, October 6-31, to glimpse any ghostly crew members lurking about the vessel. The abandoned Nueces County Courthouse also has some ghouls of its own, with reports of voices, noises, and screams being heard following a hurricane that devastated the area more than a century ago.

Summer might be over, but a trip to the beach is always in the cards on South Padre Island. The annual Sandcastle Days falls on October 5-8, drawing the attention of sandcastle-building experts, food and craft vendors, and free family-friendly entertainment. Then, from October 19-21, classic cars and motorcycles rev up the brand new Chrome in the Sand Festival. The weekend will consist of live performances, car shows, a poker tournament, and more. Tickets for the Chrome in the Sand Festival begin at $20 for general admission, $55 for VIP, and $500 for VIP tables.

Around Austin

It's finally festival season down in the Texas Capital, beginning with the iconic Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Park for two consecutive weekends from October 6-8 and 13-15. Luckily for Texas travelers, CultureMap's got the scoop on all things ACL – from can't-miss acts, to new eats, and more. One-day general admission tickets begin at $170. Weekend One tickets are waitlisted, but there are still one-day general admission tickets available for Weekend Two. Weekend passes for both weekends are waitlisted.

Following ACL, Austin will race to the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas from October 20-22. Red Bull Racing has already won the 2023 Constructors' Championship after its longstanding driver Max Verstappen won the Japanese Grand Prix, and Verstappen is well in the lead to win his third-consecutive World Drivers' Championship title. Three-day general admission wristbands are $475, two-day GA is $425, and three-day parking passes are $275.

F1 racecar Race to Austin for the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix. Photo courtesy of Circuit of The Americas

In the Hill Country

It's never too late for a day by the pool, and the luxurious Lantana Spa at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa has opened reservations for their renovated pool cabanas with a special VIP poolside service and deluxe amenities. The private, two-person Canyons, Preserve, and Oaks Spa Cabanas each include an unlimited mimosa service, shaded seating and chaise lounges, a dedicated server from 11 am-5 pm, and more. Cabana reservations can be made by resort guests or in addition to a spa service, and rates begin at $400.

Nonprofit trade association Texas Hill Country Wineries is bringing back its Texas Wine Month passport this month for a self-guided journey through 45 local wineries with special discounts scattered along the way. With participating estates scattered throughout popular weekend destinations like Fredericksburg, Johnson City, and New Braunfels, it’s a chance to explore the Hill Country and soak in those autumn vibes. Wine passport-holders can visit up to four wineries daily to get the most out of a weekend getaway. Individual passes are $85, and couples' passes are $120.

Speaking of wineries, one Marble Falls-based winery is hosting regular events throughout October, which is perfect for those holding a Texas Wine Month passport. Every Saturday and Sunday, folks can venture out to Flat Creek Estates & Vineyard for their effervescent Bubbles and Brunch from 11 am to 3 pm. And if the trip transforms from a brunch outing into an all-day affair, guests catch live music from local Texas bands during the winery's weekend music series from 2-6 pm. Ernie Vasquez and Evan Grubbs are scheduled the weekend of October 7-8, and Stephen Daly and Andrew Lopez will play on the weekend of October 14-15.

Throughout Texas

If searching for beautiful fall foliage around Texas is at the top of the priority list, cabin rental agency Smoky Mountains' prediction map is the perfect guide to help estimate when the leaves will begin changing throughout the state and the U.S. The map predicts most of Texas will have minimal-to-patchy changing leaves by the end of October, and most of the state's trees will be at their color-changing peak in November.

Dallas-based luxury bus operator Vonlane added 60 new weekly departures to meet anticipated high demand for the fall travel season. There are now more than 430 trips per week departing Vonlane hubs in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Travelers can book their trips online for both one-way or round-trips, with fares beginning at $119.

Two unmistakable cutesy pink trucks are going on tour throughout Texas this month, with stops in several major cities. That's right – the cult craze Hello Kitty Cafe Truck and Barbie Truck are bringing a horde of new branded clothing and accessories to adoring fans in Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Houstonians can head to First Colony Mall to say hi to Hello Kitty on October 7, then head to Baybrook Mall in Friendswood to catch the Barbie Truck on October 21. Barbie will stick around to visit The Woodlands Mall on October 28.

In Waco

The annual Magnolia Silobration at The Silos will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Chip and Joanna Gaines' Waco-based home design and lifestyle empire from October 19-21. Fixer Upper fans can visit the Silos to enjoy a three-day adventure of local artisan and food vendors, live music performances, shopping, and more. The festival is free, but note that certain ticketed experiences like the 20th anniversary tour, weekend rooftop passes, and Evenings with Chip and Jo are sold out.

Houston’s oldest craft brewery taps new chef for its buzzy beer garden and restaurant

Saint Arnold's new chef

Houston’s oldest craft brewery has found a new chef to lead its popular restaurant. Chase Reid is now the executive chef at Saint Arnold Brewing Company’s beer garden and restaurant.

Hired a couple of months ago, Reid replaces chef Ryan Savoie, who had been with the brewery since 2013. A French-trained chef, Reid came to Saint Arnold’s attention after well-regarded stints at Hop Scholar Ale House in Spring and the Historic Hill House and Farm in Willis.

“I’m thrilled to join the talented team at Saint Arnold and build on the legacy they’ve created in Texas,” Reid said in a statement. “I love the creativity that comes with cooking and have always been passionate about craft beer. I’m very much looking forward to combining the two.”

Recent visitors to Saint Arnold have gotten a first taste of the chef’s work with pizza specials and new additions such as a house made bratwurst burger. He’s also the culinary mind behind Saint Arnold’s recent Doughnut Sunday offerings that pair freshly fried treats with different beers from the company’s portfolio on the firs Sunday of every month. Overall, he’s focused on maintaining the quality and consistency that has been the restaurant’s hallmark since it opened in 2018.

Reid will more formally introduce himself to the brewery’s fans at the upcoming Great Pumpkin Beer Dinner. Held on Halloween night, the meal will feature a five-course menu paired with seasonal and limited release beers, including 2013 Pumpkinator, 2023 Pumpkinator, and 2020 bourbon barrel-aged Pumpkinator with cocoa nibs. See the full menu and purchase tickets ($125) on the Saint Arnold website.

“Chase’s enthusiasm for both food and beer got all of us excited to have him joining our team,” Saint Arnold founder Brock Wagner added. “Our Beer Garden & Restaurant is a welcoming place to enjoy our world class beers. We have the same standards for our food as we do for our beer and are always working to elevate and create an experience that will keep our guests coming back again and again.”

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