Plus, Lefty s Cheesesteak continues its rapid Houston expansion.
By
Timothy Malcolm
1/4/2021 at 10:09am
Memorial Trail Ice House is now open on Washington Avenue.
You now have permission to sip cocktails at a large indoor-outdoor bar by Memorial Park.
Memorial Trail Ice House, which has been in the works for about one and a half years, is open at 6202 Washington Ave. With a 20,000-square-foot, dog-friendly backyard and lawn games and rotating food trucks, the icehouse is sure to be a hot spot for folks before and after outdoor activities in the park. This area needed a spacious, outdoor icehouse that brings a different experience than the bars and clubs along Washington Avenue,  said John Shaeffer, CEO and founder of Memorial Trail Ice House. We want to leverage our proximity to the park as a landing spot for people after they ve played a round of golf, run around the exercise trail, or played intermural games.
Photo by Hunter Jones.
Phoenicia Specialty Foods, 1001 Austin Street and 12141 Westheimer: This locally owned and operated grocery store has served Houston for more than 30 years. Both the downtown and original West Houston locations offer a diverse selection of pantry staples, fresh produce, deli and bakery items, plus unique gifts perfect for cooks, many of which are sourced from around the globe. Shop in store or select curbside and delivery. Those latter two services have been particularly welcome options this year.
Ellie Sharp, managing editor, Houston Food Finder
Favorite Local Hand Sanitizer
Gulf Coast Distillers, 5610 Clinton: In the early days of the pandemic, folks in Houston (and across the country) started buying hand sanitizer as if it was the last smoked brisket in Texas. Soon, there was a nationwide shortage, as well as a price-gouging black market. To fill the gap, area distilleries swerved to produce and supply this important commodity. As Houston’s largest
Welcome to the eighth part of a series where we showcase the noteworthy food and drink experiences of a very weird year. In the spirit of the holidays, it s also a very special collaboration between the food writers of the Houston Press and Houston Food Finder, the online publication founded by former Houston Press restaurant critic and food editor Phaedra Cook. This eighth edition covers some of our writers favorite cocktails and spirits. Part nine will cover some of the important organizations that have helped hospitality workers survive this difficult year.
Favorite Distillery
Photo by Gulf Coast Distillers.
For a town with a brewery on seemingly every corner, Houston had, until recently, suffered from a distinct lack of local distilleries. Luckily, that has changed a bit in recent years with a handful of notable spirits producers popping up around town.
The most delicious festival of the year is almost here
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The 10th annual Tamale Festival is this Saturday, Dec. 12, at Gulf Coast Distillers.Courtesy: Daniel Hinojosa
It s not the holidays without Houston s signature and mouthwatering event, the Tamale Festival.
Houston s tastiest fest will take place Saturday, Dec. 12 at Gulf Coast Distillers from noon until 6 p.m.
Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, The East End will come alive with one of the most popular events. Houstonians will surely be flocking to the fest to pick up a dozen or two of the best tamales around.
This year, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, things will be a little different, with the event held at a different location from the traditional Navigation Esplanade, even organizer Daniel Hinojosa told Chron.