Fusion Taco to open at Market Square Park

Fusion Taco to open at Market Square Park

Fusion Taco’s David Grossman isn’t particularly fond of “fusion” which has become one of those overworked foodie terms. But fusion is probably the best description for his culinary merger of the familiar taco and global flavors he’s tucking into a corn tortilla.

“I guess we could call them multicultural tacos,” he said, “but it doesn’t have the same ring.”

Customers can call them whatever they want beginning Friday when Fusion Taco, a business born as a Houston food truck, opens its bricks and mortar store at 801 Congress hard on downtown’s Market Square Park. The hip, cheery space – in the home of the former Les Givral restaurant – is the work of Grossman (former chef/owner of Branch Water Tavern) and his fiancee Julia Sharaby, owner/operator of Fushion Taco food truck that she launched in May 2010.

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Houston chef Ja’nel Witt conquers ‘Hell’s Kitchen’

Houstonian Ja’nel Witt bested 26-year-old butcher Mary Poehnelt to win Season 11 of Hell’s Kitchen, the Fox reality cooking competition.
The cooking show pitted 20 professional chefs vying for the head chef position at Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas with a salary of $250,000.
“I feel on top of the world,” she told television viewers as the champagne flowed. “My life will never be the same.”
In all my years in Hell’s Kitchen, I’ve never seen a more composed individual than Ja’nel,” Ramsay said in a voiceover, “and that is why I’m so happy to have this ambitious, creative and talented as my head chef.”
The 31-year-old Witt was formerly the executive chef of Tintos tapas bar in River Oaks and recently she’s been toiling in the kitchen at Kiran’s.

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The Woodlands Mall gets a new denim store

You may not have heard of Silver Jeans Co., but if you like denim, you've probably worn their products. The brand was launched in 1991 by Canadian company Western Glove Works, a 90-year veteran of the denim industry that has produced jeans for brands including Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Anna Sui, Gap and Nordstrom.
"Making jeans and making great clothing is something that came naturally to us," said Silver Jeans Co. founder and CEO Michael Silver. "When I launched the brand 22 years ago, I really focused on just making great products and having one girl tell another girl, or having one guy tell another guy and having this little club going."
After two decades of selling jeans through third-party stores, Silver Jeans is building more of a brand identity by creating its own dedicated stores, dubbed "lofts," the first of which opened its doors last week in The Woodlands Mall.

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Galveston Dining Spots

New restaurants add to Galveston dining landscape

I can think of no better summer adventure than being stranded on Galveston Island for a few days.

With its pirate lore and tragic tales of loss, there's so much history to explore. With its boat tours, water park and ride-filled Pleasure Pier, there are days of fun diversions.

And then there's the dining.

I'm a sucker for the barbecue oysters at Gumbo bar, the fried blue crab at Benno's and the Shrimp Salad at Mosquito Cafe. But this summer, I'm too busy exploring the island's new eateries. The old will have to wait.

The island is enjoying a culinary renaissance, and much of the credit goes to Galveston's Own Farmers Market. While the market opened in the fall, it's really beginning to hit its stride. On any given Sunday, you're likely to find a dozen vendors offering produce and fruit, handmade pasta, grass-fed beef, pastured chicken and fresh baked goods.

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Texas BBQ Week (July 15-19

Five day ‘cue salute

Some folks have Restaurant Week. We have Barbecue Week. This July, TMBBQ will host the first ever state-wide Texas Barbecue Week. During this week-long celebration of our culinary heritage, Texans everywhere can visit participating barbecue joints to enjoy a featured “Texas Barbecue Week plate.” It’s a way to support the folks who are working hard to preserve the barbecue tradition—and to eat some of the state’s best smoked meat.

Texas BBQ Week Details

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Chevron to build downtown tower

Chevron U.S.A. is planning to build a new downtown skyscraper for its growing Houston workforce

The energy giant said this morning it will build a 50-story tower with 1.7 million square feet at 1600 Louisiana St. at Pease.

The building will add to Chevron’s existing downtown footprint, which includes 1500 Louisiana and 1400 Smith, the former Enron buildings.

The company said the buildings will comprise an “urban campus with indoor and outdoor common areas, enhanced dining facilities, a fitness center, training and conference facilities, and additional parking.”

“This announcement underscores Chevron’s long-term commitment to Houston and its role as the epicenter of the global energy industry,” Bereket Haregot, president of Chevron’s business and real estate services division said in a statement. “Houston plays a vital and growing role in Chevron’s global business. The new building and expanded urban campus will provide a first-rate work environment for our employees and help us remain the employer of choice.”

The headquarters of Chevron Corp., the parent company of Chevron U.S.A., will remain in California, where it has been located for more than 130 years.

The tower was designed by HOK. Groundbreaking is expected after the second quarter of next year, and occupancy is anticipated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Chevron employs about 9,000 employees and contractors in Houston, where nine of its businesses are headquartered. In addition to its downtown buildings, the company has locations in Bellaire and the Westchase District.

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Where to find fireworks in the Houston-area

Freedom Over Texas 

When: 4-10 p.m. Thursday 

 Where: Eleanor Tinsley Park, 500 Allen Parkway Admission: $8 (5 and younger free) 

 Details: Don't bring pets, coolers, outside food, alcohol or big umbrellas. freedomovertexas.org But that's not the only game around town. Plenty of other patriotic parties are planned - and there's probably one near you. Here are your best options for free fireworks and fun:

freedomovertexas.org

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