<< As a Houston native, I feel an overwhelming sense of pressure to get this right and to not ruffle any feathers of my hometown comrades. Having said that, I feel confident about making my first round draft pick, Giacomo's Cibo e Vino. I found this spot by way of a happy accident. I was in town looking for a low key dinner spot for a birthday, which led me to googling <<Italian restaurant that starts with G…Houston, TX>> While I was actually trying to remember and find <<Grotto>>, Giancomo's popped up and they were able to accommodate a last minute reservation. I was blown away. I could go into extravagant detail about their otherworldly, mouthwateringly-delicious Italian dishes but I think you'll have more fun going in blind. Just trust me on this one.>>
<< My second choice, La Hacienda on Memorial Dr., is based on pure nostalgia. It's the atmosphere that makes it a winner. It's loud, it's chaotic, and there's always top notch mariachi music waltzing around the tables and banging against the pink chipped walls. Feels like home, feels like Houston.>>
<< MFAH (Museum of Fine Arts Houston) is as relevant now as ever. Excellent curation of exhibits and always a good time. I remember going to a party there circa 2006 where Basquiat art was on display while Grandmaster Flash was spinning records…so fuck yeah MFAH.>>