Houston

Houston Alerts

Alert

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Houston with Jay R. Jordan and Shafaq Patel.

Axios Houston

Standard

Axios Houston Partners

Axios Houston Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Houston Members

Membership

Dutch fans are about to paint Houston orange

The sea of orange will gather at Rice Stadium before marching to the match at NRG Stadium.

Sports

Netherlands fans will create a sea of orange in Houston on June 20 as they continue their tradition of marching to see their team play, this time ahead of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Netherlands&#x27; World Cup game against Sweden at NRG Stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/12/06/fifa-2026-world-cup-houston-schedule-matches" data-vars-content-id="f6ff2143-2558-427c-a90f-af27320b092f" data-vars-headline="Dutch fans are about to paint Houston orange" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/12/06/fifa-2026-world-cup-houston-schedule-matches" target="_self">Netherlands&#x27; World Cup game against Sweden at NRG Stadium</a>.Why it matters: The Oranje Fanwalk — a longtime tradition in which Dutch soccer supporters decked in orange parade together to the game — is making its way to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/25/houston-world-cup-2026-preparations-readiness-50-days" data-vars-content-id="f6ff2143-2558-427c-a90f-af27320b092f" data-vars-headline="Dutch fans are about to paint Houston orange" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/25/houston-world-cup-2026-preparations-readiness-50-days" target="_self">Houston</a>, giving the city a chance to be part of the iconic spectacle.

Ebola restrictions may complicate Congo's arrival in Houston for World Cup

Congo's national team is scheduled to arrive in Houston, the team's base camp, in June.

News

New Ebola-related travel restrictions could complicate the Democratic Republic of Congo team&#x27;s arrival in Houston for the 2026 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/19/houston-gulfton-youth-soccer-park-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="6dfce6e3-620b-4ed2-adc5-cc66b46a6063" data-vars-headline="Ebola restrictions may complicate Congo&#x27;s arrival in Houston for World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/19/houston-gulfton-youth-soccer-park-world-cup" target="_self">World Cup</a>.Why it matters: Congo&#x27;s national team is scheduled to arrive in Houston, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the team&#x27;s base camp" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/22/dr-congo-houston-world-cup-2026-base-camp" data-vars-content-id="6dfce6e3-620b-4ed2-adc5-cc66b46a6063" data-vars-headline="Ebola restrictions may complicate Congo&#x27;s arrival in Houston for World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/04/22/dr-congo-houston-world-cup-2026-base-camp" target="_self">the team&#x27;s base camp</a>, ahead of its June 17 World Cup opener against Portugal.

Fulshear leads America's great exurban surge

Fulshear added nearly 11,200 residents, just behind Houston.

The demographic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="landscape of the U.S." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/19/exurbs-urban-cities-growth-census" data-vars-content-id="770a2aa5-57a9-4c80-9a66-5f4c560998f0" data-vars-headline="Fulshear leads America&#x27;s great exurban surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/19/exurbs-urban-cities-growth-census" target="_self">landscape of the U.S.</a> is shifting dramatically as growth shifts from cities to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="exurban communities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/16/fastest-growing-cities-growth-america-population" data-vars-content-id="770a2aa5-57a9-4c80-9a66-5f4c560998f0" data-vars-headline="Fulshear leads America&#x27;s great exurban surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/16/fastest-growing-cities-growth-america-population" target="_self">exurban communities</a>, per new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Census Bureau estimates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026/vintage-2025-city-town-pop-estimates.html" data-vars-content-id="770a2aa5-57a9-4c80-9a66-5f4c560998f0" data-vars-headline="Fulshear leads America&#x27;s great exurban surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026/vintage-2025-city-town-pop-estimates.html" target="_blank">U.S. Census Bureau estimates</a>.Why it matters: The shift will affect congressional apportionment, federal funding formulas, school districts and political power for years to come.

Flash flood risk looms over Houston's Memorial Day weekend

The flood risk is highest on Saturday for Houston, forecasters said.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="aab00326-ca29-4d5e-b083-816fad28deb3" data-vars-headline="Flash flood risk looms over Houston&#x27;s Memorial Day weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" target="_self">Houston</a> could experience flash flooding through Memorial Day, forecasters say. Why it matters: Your long weekend plans might be a wash.

6 Houston chefs and restaurants named 2026 James Beard finalists

Maximo, Agnes and Sherman and ChòpnBlọk are among the finalists.

Food and Drink

Six Houston-area restaurants and chefs on Tuesday were named <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="finalists for this year&#x27;s James Beard Awards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/21/2026-james-beard-semifinalists" data-vars-content-id="1010e1d1-b0aa-46a2-9659-5cdc25a8cc78" data-vars-headline="6 Houston chefs and restaurants named 2026 James Beard finalists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/21/2026-james-beard-semifinalists" target="_self">finalists for this year&#x27;s James Beard Awards</a>.Why it matters: Being nominated is one of the dining industry&#x27;s highest honors.

Budget Bites: Dukes Venezuelan Food

Katy is a hub of the Houston-area Venezuelan community.

These are anxious times for Houston&#x27;s Venezuelan community — the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="largest in the U.S. outside Florida" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2026/01/09/facts-about-venezuelans-in-the-us/#:~:text=Venezuelans%20in%20the%20U.S.%20most,and%20Atlanta%20(49%2C000)%20areas." data-vars-content-id="e98d5612-320f-4af0-be2b-45ec750421ba" data-vars-headline="Budget Bites: Dukes Venezuelan Food" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2026/01/09/facts-about-venezuelans-in-the-us/#:~:text=Venezuelans%20in%20the%20U.S.%20most,and%20Atlanta%20(49%2C000)%20areas." target="_blank">largest in the U.S. outside Florida</a>. Why it matters: For those seeking the comfort of familiar flavors from home, the simple arepa isn&#x27;t far away. And you don&#x27;t have to be Venezuelan to enjoy this hearty, savory street food.

Houston's premiere barbecue cook-off is happening now

It's the ultimate pregame to rodeo season.

The World&#x27;s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest is happening now ahead of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rodeo Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/09/houston-rodeo-concert-2026-lineup" data-vars-content-id="4860b792-b94b-4280-a447-b2055ebdc3ec" data-vars-headline="Houston&#x27;s premiere barbecue cook-off is happening now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/09/houston-rodeo-concert-2026-lineup" target="_self">Rodeo Houston</a>. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the ultimate pregame to rodeo season.

Houston's Molly Tea delivers on its promise

Molly Tea is a fast-growing Chinese fresh tea chain known for aroma-forward drinks.

Molly Tea in Dun Huang Plaza in Asiatown just opened this week, and I braved the lines to give it a try.Dig in: Molly Tea is a fast-growing Chinese fresh tea chain founded in 2021. It&#x27;s built a following for aroma-forward drinks — particularly jasmine tea.

Meet the Houston chef on Season 23 of "Top Chef"

Known for modern Indian cooking that plays with global classics, he's already a "Chopped" winner.

Things to Do

Acclaimed Houston chef and restaurateur Jaspratap &quot;Jassi&quot; Bindra will be on the newest season of &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Top Chef" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/29/top-chef-north-carolina-chefs" data-vars-content-id="54d2e7a8-e87f-4ce5-a441-b4510f6ffe53" data-vars-headline="Meet the Houston chef on Season 23 of &quot;Top Chef&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/29/top-chef-north-carolina-chefs" target="_self">Top Chef</a>,&quot; premiering March 9.How it works: 15 chefs compete for a grand prize of $250,000, plus other perks like the opportunity to host a dinner at the historic James Beard House and present at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="awards ceremony" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/21/2026-james-beard-semifinalists" data-vars-content-id="54d2e7a8-e87f-4ce5-a441-b4510f6ffe53" data-vars-headline="Meet the Houston chef on Season 23 of &quot;Top Chef&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/21/2026-james-beard-semifinalists" target="_self">awards ceremony</a> in Chicago.

These are Houston's 2026 James Beard semifinalists

A James Beard semifinalist spot signals prestige in a closely watched industry race.

A dozen Houston-area chefs and restaurants are among this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard Foundation semifinalists" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/01/22/james-beard-award-2025-semifinalists-houston" data-vars-content-id="d16ee08b-e94b-44aa-b1d5-d0306de61015" data-vars-headline="These are Houston&#x27;s 2026 James Beard semifinalists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/01/22/james-beard-award-2025-semifinalists-houston" target="_self">James Beard Foundation semifinalists</a>.Why it matters: A James Beard semifinalist spot signals prestige in a closely watched industry race.

No new Michelin stars in Houston

All six Houston restaurants keep their Michelin stars in Texas' 2025 guide.

All six Houston-area restaurants honored last year with a Michelin star retained their stars in the international dining guide&#x27;s second Texas edition. There were no new local stars.Why it matters: A Michelin endorsement, particularly a star, brings international recognition and shines a spotlight on Houston&#x27;s wide-ranging dining scene.

Michelin names Houston 2025 Bib Gourmand restaurant winners

Five Houston restaurants are new to the Bib Gourmand list.

The second <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas Michelin Guide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/08/12/texas-michelin-guide-ceremony-houston" data-vars-content-id="28e74839-b78e-4db5-9ce0-c381baf9ed1a" data-vars-headline="Michelin names Houston 2025 Bib Gourmand restaurant winners" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/08/12/texas-michelin-guide-ceremony-houston" target="_self">Texas Michelin Guide</a> is out, featuring a list of Bib Gourmands — restaurants offering standout food at semi-reasonable prices.Why it matters: While these restaurants didn&#x27;t go home with a coveted star, serving good food at decent prices is perhaps even more prized <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/09/30/texas-michelin-guide-houston-host-ceremony" data-vars-content-id="28e74839-b78e-4db5-9ce0-c381baf9ed1a" data-vars-headline="Michelin names Houston 2025 Bib Gourmand restaurant winners" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/09/30/texas-michelin-guide-houston-host-ceremony" target="_self">in Houston</a>.

The Michelin Guide is coming back to Texas

The new awards will be announced in Houston on Oct. 28.

Michelin is set to update its Texas guide, revealing which restaurants earned stars and other honors across the state.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a moment of recognition, honor and prestige for both the restaurants and the cities where they are located.

I tried the winning Houston Trader Joe's ice cream sandwich recipe

Out of roughly 400 submissions nationwide, a Houston Trader Joe's location won a recipe contest.

Trader Joe&#x27;s announced the winner of its national store competition for best recipe, and the Alabama Theater location on Shepherd Drive won with its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Honey Gochujang Corn Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.traderjoes.com/home/discover/stories/store-recipe-contest-winner-2025" data-vars-content-id="42a1ec11-1673-4424-bf07-d385b249a79c" data-vars-headline="I tried the winning Houston Trader Joe&#x27;s ice cream sandwich recipe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.traderjoes.com/home/discover/stories/store-recipe-contest-winner-2025" target="_blank">Honey Gochujang Corn Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches</a>.It&#x27;s a mouthful and a seemingly odd combo. And of course, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="my love of trying" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/03/11/rodeo-houston-texas-food" data-vars-content-id="42a1ec11-1673-4424-bf07-d385b249a79c" data-vars-headline="I tried the winning Houston Trader Joe&#x27;s ice cream sandwich recipe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/03/11/rodeo-houston-texas-food" target="_self">my love of trying</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="interesting food mashups" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/06/24/budget-bites-trendy-dumplings" data-vars-content-id="42a1ec11-1673-4424-bf07-d385b249a79c" data-vars-headline="I tried the winning Houston Trader Joe&#x27;s ice cream sandwich recipe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/06/24/budget-bites-trendy-dumplings" target="_self">interesting food mashups</a>, I had to test out this local winner.

Food and Drink 🍽

Budget-ish Bites: Elite Restaurant

Sweet Times: Pavon Coffee Den

Budget Bites: Bao Bao Banh Mi

Stop at this desert deli during your next trip to Marfa

6 Houston chefs and restaurants named 2026 James Beard finalists