Food + Beverage

If You Eat One Thing

Executive Chef Kirk Thompson of Leo's River Oaks explains one of the restaurant's most popular dishes, Truffle Agnolotti. Article by Gabi De la Rosa Houston's most historic theater debuted its decadent neighbor last year, and reservations at Leo's River Oaks have continued to grow. The New American restaurant, inspired by New York's most stylish eateries, is decorated with modern Art Deco chandeliers, feathered light fixtures, and has a handsome, warm ambiance. Guests can enjoy selections from...

Life + Culture

Roots of Goodness

We are shining a spotlight on the people and organizations making a difference in our community. Article by River Oaks Lifestyle Staff Houston is home to a thriving network of nonprofits that have spent decades addressing the city’s most pressing needs. From supporting children’s education and family well-being to providing health services and community resources, these organizations have built programs that strengthen neighborhoods and create opportunities. Their volunteers, leaders, and...

Shopping

November’s Perfect Gift Picks

Discover November’s perfect gift picks, a curated guide of finds to shop stress-free and early. Article by River Oaks Lifestyle Staff We interrupt your fall revelry with a friendly reminder: holiday shopping season is closer than you think. Starting early comes with perks like full shelves, better chances at sales, more time to browse, and less stress as the holidays get closer. Planning ahead also makes the season more enjoyable for everyone around you. To make things simple, we have curated...

Arts + Culture

Artful Appreciation

Local artists spotlight gratitude while shaping Houston’s cultural landscape. Article by Allyson Straczek As we enter the season of gratitude, there is a lot to be thankful for in the Houston arts and music scene. Richie Kaye is an artist who has performed in the U.S. and Asia and now focuses on singing live music for private parties and corporate events. He is grateful for every opportunity to entertain the audience. Taft McWhorter is an accomplished artist now focused on supporting emerging...

Home + Design

International lifestyle shapes Claudia Barreda’s vision

Architect leans to modern style for design aesthetic. Article by Diane Cowen | Photography by Courtesy of Claudia Barreda Claudia Barreda was born in Lima, Peru, educated in Australia and lived and worked in Mexico and a variety of cities in the U.S. before settling in Houston. All of those places helped shape the creative eye of the architect-designer who now works at the Laura U Design Collective. Claudia is the Houston Design District’s November Leaders In Design honoree. “I always wanted...

Food + Beverage

Where to Eat & Drink Now

Sharing Houston’s top spots to eat, drink, and enjoy. Article by Gabi De la Rosa Houston's dining scene never sits still, with new hot spots popping up at every turn. Right now is the perfect moment to mix things up and explore new dishes and restaurants worth adding to the rotation.   Belly of the Beast  Chef Thomas Bille of Belly of the Beast in Old Town Spring was honored as Best Chef Texas at the 2025 James Beard Awards. He was the only Houston-area winner and shared the achievement...

Travel

Will Travel For Food

Dallas’s Travis Street Hospitality offers Michelin-recommended dining with French-inspired menus and community-focused values. Article by Gabi De la Rosa | Photography by Beckley Houston and Dallas might have an age-old rivalry, but there are a few lauded highlights about the Bayou City’s northern neighbor worth a visit, and one of those is Travis Street Hospitality. Founder Stephan Courseau and his wife, Daniele Garcia, sit at the helm of an award-winning coterie of must-try restaurants.    ...

Shopping

Cooking Essentials Made Easy

Discover six must-have kitchen tools designed to simplify cooking and streamline daily routines. Article by River Oaks Lifestyle Staff With so many kitchen gadgets on the market, it can be tough to separate what is useful from what will gather dust. While some tools are clearly essential, others serve only one purpose and take up valuable space. Instead of filling cabinets with items that rarely get used, it makes sense to focus on multipurpose tools that truly earn their keep. From baking...

Food + Beverage

Tasty Trends & Savory Secrets

Chefs and restaurateurs reveal their top picks for this season in this Houston dining guide. Article by Allyson Straczek MaKiin makiinthai.com MaKiin invites guests on a journey through Thai flavors and traditions, no passport required. Owner, Lukkaew Srasrisuwan, encourages first-time diners to begin with the Appetizer Symphony, a shareable starter and tasty way to start the meal. From there, the Tom Yum soup, with lemongrass, kaffir lime, and roasted Thai chili pepper, is flavorful...

Home + Design

Stylish Hospitality

Gin Braverman's innovative design taps into all of the senses. Article by Diane Cowen | Photography by Leonid Furmansky When upscale Asian steakhouse Haii Keii opened in the Upper Kirby District earlier this year, guests uttered fawned over its interior design before even sampling its luscious food and drinks. Those interiors are the work of hospitality visionary Gin Braverman, founder of Gin Design Group and the October honoree of the Houston Design District’s Leaders In Design program. ...