Today, as we continue our celebration of 2022’s superlatives, we’re revisiting the show that made us hungriest. In September, Ope Amosu, the chef and businessman behind ChopNBlok, joined newsletter writer Brooke Lewis and host Lisa Gray — and explained how a former chemical engineer came to run one of Houston’s most celebrated new restaurants. Find out more about ChopNBlok here . Make sure you sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston here . We're on Social media too! Follow us on Twitter a...
Dec 29, 2022•26 min
On today’s celebration of 2022 superlatives, we’ll hear from one of this year’s most entertaining guests — and also the one with the best Texas accent. In May, John Nova Lomax, who writes the newsletter “Ruckus,” joined producer Ferrill Gibbs and host Lisa Gray to talk about Houston accents. John Nova Lomax's newsletter Ruckus. Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter here . Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or tex...
Dec 28, 2022•21 min
As we look back on 2022, we’re doing a week of superlatives! Today we give you the year’s biggest Houston dreamer: Don Hartsell, who we talked with in August. The founder and first commissioner of the World Air League, he aims to start the World Sky Race, a first-of-its-kind competition that would send blimps, Zeppelins, and other airships racing each other around the globe, jockeying to win a $5 million prize Here's more about The World Sky Race Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for o...
Dec 27, 2022•17 min
The City Cast crew looks back on the year’s most Houston moment, the city’s hottest hotspot, and more. The Most Houston Moment: Bun B’s first H-Town Takeover Concert at the Rodeo. Our 2022 Astros squad might be the best in the 21st century. Mo Amir used his Show to give love back to his Hometown, Alief. The unanimous hottest spot in Houston is: Post Houston . Our Most Impactful episodes: Two Texas Teachers Explain Why They Quit . How Montrose Got To Be Gay . What Does a Poet Laureate Actually Do...
Dec 22, 2022•31 min
For lots of Mexican-American families in Texas, Christmas is celebrated with tamales — often homemade ones. Adán Medrano , author of the cookbooks Texas Mexican Cooking and Don’t Count the Tortillas , has spent more than a decade celebrating comida casera , the homemade food that he grew up with. Behind those Christmas tamales, he says, is a history that stretches back hundreds of years. Plus, he tells us about Houston restaurants whose tamales he loves. Sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Ho...
Dec 21, 2022•19 min
Which Houstonians delighted us this year? And which ones deserve coal in their stockings? Texas Monthly staff writer Michael Hardy and host Lisa Gray offer Santa their guidance. Naughty List: Mattress Mack, for his open letter to Lina Hidalgo. Isabel Longoria, for botching the 2022 primary. Vidal Martinez. for falsely accusing Alex Mealer’s grandfather as a Castro supporter. Ted Cruz, because in April, he accused Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson of supporting critical race theory. Hou...
Dec 20, 2022•21 min
In the Houston area, winter is the best season to be outdoors. But if you want to immerse yourself in nature, where do you go? Consider the Big Thicket, a national preserve that’s less than two hours from Houston. Rice University biologist and City Cast contributor Scott Solomon explains. Learn more about the Big Thicket National Preserve. Our morning newsletter Hey Houston brings updates on local news to you daily. Sign up here . Make sure you stay connected to us by following us on Twitter and...
Dec 19, 2022•18 min
Time to recap the week’s Houston news! City Cast cultural contributor Antréchelle Dorsey joins producer Carlignon Jones and host Lisa Gray. Governor Abbott claims non-government agencies are assisting in border crossings. The rising numbers of border crossings. The demotion of the dean of the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. Bun B's Trill Burger is opening its first location in Montrose. Latino Houstonians say they have fallen victim to a Ponzi scheme. Harris County courts ...
Dec 16, 2022•28 min
An out-of-state colleague recently tried Texans’ favorite fast-food chain and says that he can’t understand why it’s so popular. The City Cast crew explains. Find you a Whataburger . Some fun facts about Whataburger . Get deeper into the city by subscribing to our daily newsletter, Hey Houston ! Follow us on Twitter to get updated on what we're doing! Follow us on Instagram to see what we're doing! Leave us a text or voicemail at +1 713-489-6972 and let us know your thoughts!...
Dec 15, 2022•29 min
How do you get to be a Santa? Do you hang out with other Santas? Isn’t that suit hot? Santa Lance Mclean, sleighmaster of Lone Star Santas, gives us the low-ho-ho-ho-down. Want to hire Santa Lance for your next private event? Also, check out Lone Star Santas ! Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston! here . Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston Don’t have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoug...
Dec 14, 2022•22 min
Hot chocolate, snowmen, and a crackling fire in the hearth? Bah, humbug: Here in subtropical Houston, the azaleas are blooming, and linen fits the weather better than cashmere. So how can you get in a Christmas/Hanukkah/Solstice/Kwanzaa kind of mood? Host Lisa Gray trades ideas with contributor Evan “Grinch” Mintz. Winter Lights Marriott . Galaxy Lights at NASA . Zoo Lights . Lightscape at Botanical Garden . Neighborhoods that do a lot of lights . Houston Ebony Opera . Pre-Kwanzaa Market . Hugo’...
Dec 13, 2022•14 min
In May inmate Gonzalo Lopez, a former member of the Mexican mafia, hijacked a Texas prison bus on its way to Huntsville. Weeks later, police shot and killed him in a standoff. But by then it was already too late: Lopez had killed a Tomball resident and the man’s four grandsons. What went wrong? And could it happen again? Our guest is Marshall Project corrections reporter Keri Blakinger, author of Corrections in Ink . Keri's reporting on this story and the inspiration for this episode. KHOU's rep...
Dec 12, 2022•25 min
What happened this week in Houston? Lisa Gray, AK AL-Moumen, and Olivia Flores Alvarez process the week’s biggest stories. The Chron's reporting on Justin Verlander's exit from Houston. CNN's Live updates of Brittney Griner's release. Rolling Stone reporting on the arrest of the suspect in Migos member Takeoff's murder. Texas Tribune's reporting on Texas' $27 Billion surplus. Texas Monthly's piece on Guns N' Roses Lawsuit against Texas Guns and Roses (the names matter!) Houston Theater's site fo...
Dec 09, 2022•21 min
The City Cast crew checks out Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and other worthy competitors. H-E-B . Central Market Houston locations . Trader Joe's Houston Locations . Whole Foods Houston locations . Hong Kong Market . Phoenicia Specialty Foods . La Michoacana . Wanna know what's happening around H-Town during the Holidays? Subscribe to our daily newsletter, Hey Houston to keep up to date! Follow our Twitter to find out what we're doing next! Follow our Instagram to see what we got! And if you got a ...
Dec 08, 2022•27 min
Usually we think of coral reefs — the oceans’ most thrilling displays of life — near exotic vacation destinations, such as Australia or the Caribbean islands. But not only are the Flower Garden Banks right here, off Texas’ Gulf Coast, they’re also among the healthiest reefs left. “The Flower Garden Banks are Astros-level,” says Rice University coral researcher Adrienne Correa . “They’re the world champion of reefs in the United States! They deserve a parade.” Correa Lab's website. More about the...
Dec 07, 2022•16 min
What do the latest COVID numbers show? What’s the situation at Houston children’s hospitals? Houston Chronicle medical reporter Julian Gill tells us what’s going on, and what to expect. Julian Gill's article on the recent development on the "Tripledemic" issue. Keep up with swamp city by subscribing to our daily newsletter, Hey Houston ! Follow us on Twitter for updates on us, show us you care! Follow us on Instagram to see what we're up to! And if you want to tell us what's up, leave us a text ...
Dec 06, 2022•14 min
The real-estate firm Concept Neighborhood aims to make The Plant/Second Ward, an area just east of downtown Houston, far more walkable, and to add lots of fizzy, interesting shops and places to hang out. Most shocking of all, they want to keep the neighborhood affordable for working-class Houstonians. Is that even possible? And how will they make money? Developers Jeffrey Kaplan and Monte Large explain. Concept Neighborhood's website . Get to know your city by subscribing to our daily newsletter...
Dec 05, 2022•18 min
What happened this week in Houston? Host Lisa Gray and University of Houston historian Raúl Ramos hash out the news. Conflict between Houstonians and state regulators over boil water notice . Issues continue after boil water notice is lifted . The statement by Governor Greg Abbott on "Defending Texas Against Invasion" . The Texas Tribune reporting on the statement by Governor Abbott . New York Times summary of the events surrounding Vanessa Guillen's death . New York Times reporting on the guilt...
Dec 02, 2022•28 min
Could you, in a pinch, buy your holiday gifts at Texas’ biggest, beaver-iest roadtrip stop? The City Cast crew gives it a go, considering everything from $400 bluebonnet “paintings” to two-for-a-buck chocolates. Curious about what else Buc-ees may have to offer? Stop by and tell us what you found for the Holiday season. Sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston here , for more news from around the city! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @CityCastHouston to stay connected with us! You can a...
Dec 01, 2022•28 min
Montrose — Houston’s most walkable neighborhood, full of interesting places to eat, drink, and hang out — remains the center of LGBTQ life in Houston. Rice professor Brian Reidel talks about Montrose’s past and its gentrified present. Want to explore the beauty of Montrose? Check out some of these places below! The Menil Rudyards Katz Deli Want to know more about the area and it's history? Check out these articles! Disco Kroger Closing Demolition of Grocery Store Pride Parade Moving Out of Montr...
Nov 30, 2022•22 min
Why buy your holiday gifts from Amazon or big-box stores? You’ll find cooler stuff at locally owned businesses — and patronizing them helps keep Houston interesting. M-K-T in the Heights. Anvil Cards. Murder By The Book. Brazos Bookstore. Blue Willow Bookshop. Celebration Company. Cacao & Cardamom. Crumbville, TX. Erica DelGardo Jewelry Designs. Rocambolesc. Goode Company. JED's Finest. Clark's Jerky Instagram. Kuhl-Linscomb. Subscribe to our daily newsletter, Hey Houston for more Holiday id...
Nov 29, 2022•14 min
Houston has one of the fastest-growing Black populations in the U.S., and it’s among the leading cities for Black businesses. Influencer Keandré Jordan, of My Southern Brands, tells us why some now call Houston “America’s best-kept Black secret.” mysouthernbrands' Instagram page. mysouthernbrands' series on Houston Black businesses. Black neighborhoods lead the surge in population growth in HTX. A breakdown of Black populations in Metro Areas. Want more Houston news? Then make sure to sign up fo...
Nov 28, 2022•21 min
Anita Jaisinghani, the owner/chef behind Pondicheri, one of Houston’s favorite restaurants, has just published a cookbook: “Masala: Recipes from India, the Land of Spices.” In it, she describes an Indian cooking technique that can change the way you cook everything — as well as her approach to life in a multi-cultural world. “Food should unite us,” she says, “not divide us.” Want to spice up your life and try some of Anita's cuisine? Check out Pondicheri Want more Houston news? Then make sure to...
Nov 23, 2022•16 min
From 1960s “brown-eyed soul” to present-day cumbia, Houston’s Chicano music reflects our Gulf Coast multicultural meltdown. Guests Nick Gaitan, Isaac Rodriguez, and Pat Jasper are trying to make sure that H-town’s greats get their due. You can get your tickets for Tejas Got Soul right here: https://www.discoverygreen.com/signature-experiences/tejas-got-soul/ Subscribe to our newsletter Hey houston to get the latest updates on what's popping at https://houston.citycast.fm/newsletter/ Follow us on...
Nov 22, 2022•19 min
For decades we’ve heard that shopping malls are withering away. So why is the Galleria packed? In this rebroadcast of a favorite show from summer, Alexandra Lange, author of “Meet Me at the Fountain,” joins City Cast architecture contributor Allyn West and host Lisa Gray. Alexandra Lange's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Meet-Me-Fountain-Inside-History-ebook/dp/B09JXK1KBL Subscribe to our newsletter Hey houston to get the latest updates on what's popping at https://houston.citycast.fm/newsletter/ F...
Nov 21, 2022•19 min
Time to wrap up the week’s Houston news! Host Lisa Gray hashes it out with producer Carlignon Jones and cultural contributor Antréchelle Dorsey. Houston Chronicle on Governor Greg Abbott's call to investigate Harris County allegations of election irregularities: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/Gov-Abbott-calls-for-investigation-into-Harris-17583824.php The Houston Chronicle reported that Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg has started an investigation of the allegatio...
Nov 18, 2022•29 min
The City Cast crew has your back. Plus, producer AK AL-Mouman asks what so many of Houston’s immigrants wonder: What’s with this strange American holiday? What is the U.S. president doing with that turkey every year? Do families really get together to eat and fight. Luby's website: https://www.lubys.com/ Fadi's Cuisine website: https://www.fadiscuisine.com/ Turkey Leg Hut's website: https://www.theturkeyleghut.com/ State Fair Kitchen & Bar website: https://www.statefaretx.com/ House of Pies ...
Nov 17, 2022•27 min
Got overdue Houston speeding tickets? Through Saturday, you can pay them off at a discount, and without getting arrested. But the municipal courts’ amnesty program raises a deeper question: Why do so many Houstonians speed? And how can we make our roads safer? Joe Cutrufo, of Bike Houston, says that our biggest problem isn’t a lack of police enforcement. It’s that Houston’s roads are designed badly — in ways that lead us to drive faster than the the legal limit. Want more information? Check out ...
Nov 16, 2022•16 min
Ever thought about getting a tattoo, but the “permanent” part held you back? Ephemeral, a small chain that recently opened an outpost on Westheimer, is all about removing that barrier. Ephemeral CEO Jeff Liu explains why his company especially wanted to be in Houston, and newsletter writer Brooke Lewis semi-commits herself to ink. Ephemeral Tattoo's Houston studio website. The Houston Chronicle's announcement of Ephemeral opening in H-Town. Fast Company reporting on the complaints from the San F...
Nov 15, 2022•18 min
The Alley Theatre — Houston’s oldest and biggest theater — turned 75 this year. For several of those decades, the Alley was led by artistic director Gregory Boyd, who in 2018 went down in Houston’s biggest #MeToo scandal. But now, says City Cast arts contributor Olivia Flores-Alvarez , the theater’s future is bright. The Alley Theater website : ite where you can find where you can check out when TORERA will premier and other shows . The Houston Chronicle's expose of Gregory Boyd from 2018. OutSm...
Nov 14, 2022•18 min
