Sometimes, you need to ball out on a bit of luxury. Opened in April 2025, Ichijiku (Japanese for “fig”) comes from the minds behind Jethro’s in Midtown, offering affordable sushi, robata, and omakase. But the real winner here is the small selection of donburi, or rice bowls. Of the three options, I chose the Hokkai bowl, which comes with salmon sashimi, scallops, ikura (fish eggs), and uni (sea urchin) for $45. (I know, I know, this is a splurge. But look at it!) The entire bowl is well balanced—fatty salmon pairs well with the salty, ocean-y flavor of the sea urchin and ikura, and the pickled lotus roots cut through the sweetness of the scallops with some acidity and crunch for added texture. Pro tip: Make a handroll! —Erica Cheng, news and city life editor

9393 Bellaire Blvd

If you’re hosting for the holidays, you probably don’t want to even think about cooking right now. Fortunately, there are several Houston restaurants ready to serve you. And I know that as we enter the months of cold weather, all I want is to be met with a big plate of my go-to comfort cuisine: Chinese food. Whether it's the numbing spice of Sichuan cuisine at Mala Sichuan Bistro, a dim sum feast at Ocean Palace, or Chinese American favorites like General Tso’s chicken at Cooking Girl, there’s a spot for every appetite. —Sofia Gonzalez, food and travel editor

My winter comfort these days is Taste of Mulan’s taro and egg custard buns, alongside a pot of its Citrus Medley tea. I’m a sucker for teas served inside of dried and hollowed-out citrus rinds—Friday Afternoon Tea in Seattle sells an incredible xiao qing gan (tea orange) that can last for up to 30 infusions—so it’s admittedly a struggle to decide between if I want the Citrus Medley again or one of Taste of Mulan’s other loose-leaf offerings on my next drive over. It’s a bold, bright, and slightly earthy choice for the cold season, promising summer citrus in the coming year. —Meredith Nudo, senior culture editor 

510 Gray St, Ste D

This is your last weekend to catch the family-friendly performance of A Charlie Brown Christmas, presented by Queensbury Theatre. Regardless of whether you’re familiar with the beloved Peanuts crew or can quote the movie and/or musical by heart, this is a charming way to segue into Christmas week.—MN

12777 Queensbury Ln

Big Little Company and Stages team up for an original interactive musical show, Winter of the Snow Queen. Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s seasonal tale, the play asks the audience to participate in the story of a young girl’s search for her best friend, who's been kidnapped by the eponymous monarch. Catch the play on Saturday or Sunday to enjoy additional free activities, such as a hot cocoa station, holiday-themed crafts, and temporary tattoos. —MN

800 Rosine St

Stealing Christmas may have caused the Grinch’s heart to grow three sizes, but little Cindy Lou Who had a different experience. Who’s Holiday, the one-woman show written by Matthew Lombardo, directed by Sloane Teagle, and starring Cheney Moore, checks back in on the sweet, precocious girl from Whoville now that she’s an adult. Regardless of the source material, you will want to leave the littles at home. —MN

3400 Main St

Technically, this is an eating event, but we do love a two-for-one experience. This Saturday, the Heights diner is hosting a bombastic drag brunch, complete with a live DJ, drink specials, and shows from the city’s top drag performers, including Queen Persephone, Queen Rene B*tchface, and Queen Mari Jane. In addition to a good time, the restaurant will donate 100 percent of proceeds from a signature drink to the Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT). —EC

250 W 19th St, Ste A

Gather some friends for a relaxing evening at The Woodlands Resort’s Back Table Kitchen & Bar for its Sip & Paint series. The guided sessions are perfect for anyone who is looking to unleash their creativity and channel their inner child. Group rates (10 or 20 people) start at $25 per person and include one glass of house wine and all painting materials. (Cocktails and appetizers are sold separately.) —SG 

2301 N Millbend Dr

Even if you missed this week’s candle lighting events, you can still catch the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center’s annual Hanukkah celebration, Latkes on the Lawn. Along with delicious sufganiyot and latkes (hence the name), there will also be a photo booth, a DJ, dancing, games, and other activities. —MN 

5601 S Braeswood Blvd