Daniel Renfrow is Houstonia’s Arts & Culture editor. He joined the magazine in June 2022. Daniel was previously the senior writer of CityBook, the editorial manager of Houston Grand Opera, and the editor in chief of Free Press Houston. During his days as a freelance journalist, he worked at more Houston coffee shops and restaurants than he can count.

Raised in Louisiana, Singapore, and Houston, Daniel got here as fast as he could. In his free time, he enjoys walking his two rescue pups, exploring the city by bicycle, and tending to his flower garden. He is also a collector of international folk art.

Awards and Accolades

A Houston Chef and 2 Restaurants Are Finalists in the 2023 James Beard Awards

This year's nominees are chef Benchawan Jabthong Painter of Street to Kitchen, Tatemó, and Nancy's Hustle.

03/29/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

BISTRONOMY

Local Foods Owner to Open New French Bistro in Rice Village

Benjy Levit’s Eau Tour features a wood-burning oven, a relaxing retro-inspired atmosphere, and chef-driven, sharable feasts.

03/17/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

HAI TIMES

Uchi Team to Open Omakase Concept Next to its Montrose Outpost

An intimate, 15-Course experience with seating for 12 guests at a time, features a new guest chef each month.

03/14/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

GOING GREEN

26 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Houston in 2023

Green beer-fueled parties at local breweries, parades, and bar and restaurant specials are just some of the many ways to celebrate Ireland’s biggest holiday in H-Town this year.

03/12/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

TEA TIME

Our 6 Favorite Tea Services in Houston

From afternoon tea at Kiran’s to high tea at Hotel Granduca, here are our favorite spots for sipping tea—and spilling it—in Houston.

03/03/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

FRIDAY Q&A

Lynn Wyatt Spills (Only a Few of) Her Secrets

The beloved socialite, dedicated philanthropist, and champagne and popcorn connoisseur turns 88 this year.

03/03/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Bar Fight

Humans vs. Machines: The Battle for Cocktail Mastery Is On!

Axelrad hosts month-long competition to see if AI can best human bartenders.

03/01/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES

MFAH’s New Immersive Installation Makes All of Your Worries Vanish

Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist’s installations “Pixel Forest” and “Worry Will Vanish” take over Cullinan Hall this March.

02/21/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

BAR SCENE

The Margaritas at La Diabla Retro Bar Are Sinfully Good

This new downtown tequila bar is an ode to Mexico City pop culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.

02/15/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

THE OSCARS OF FOOD

Houston Gets Lots of Love on the 2023 James Beard Award Semifinalists List

Nominees include chefs Greg Gatlin, Benchawan Jabthong Painter, and Victoria Elizondo.

01/25/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

H-TOWN NEIGHBORHOODS

Our Favorite Houston Neighborhoods (Right Now)

Home to quirky art venues, delicious culinary adventures, and an abundance of world-class entertainment options, check out our list of hot Houston hoods.

01/19/2023 By Meredith Nudo, Phoebe Gibson, and Reyes Ramirez Edited by Daniel Renfrow

COMING SOON

Kata Robata Team to Open New Sushi-Forward Restaurant in Montrose

Katami will introduce Houstonians to chef Manabu “Hori” Horiuchi’s take on the future of Japanese cuisine in America.

01/12/2023 By Daniel Renfrow

Hot Tips

How to Roast the Perfect Chicken

Ostia’s Travis McShane reveals his hot tips.

12/29/2022 By Daniel Renfrow

Eat This Now

Wild in Montrose: Inside Houston's First CBD Restaurant

Hopes are high for for Houston’s first full-service CBD- and THC-infused restaurant.

12/22/2022 By Daniel Renfrow Photography by Jenn Duncan

COMING SOON

22 Restaurants Opening in Houston in 2023

Restaurants opening in the Houston area in 2023 include Mediterranean concept Albi, upscale Thai restaurant MaKiin, and vegetable-forward restaurant Auden.

12/21/2022 By Daniel Renfrow

GOING SOLO

The Lymbar, Chef David Cordúa’s Solo Restaurant, Is Finally Open

The highly anticipated all-day Latin-Mediterranean concept is an homage to the chef’s famous family. 

12/19/2022 By Daniel Renfrow

PAR-TEE TIME!

Tiger Woods’s PopStroke Putting Empire Expands into Katy

The entertainment center features 36 holes, a playground and gaming area for the kiddos, a full-service restaurant, an ice cream parlor, and multiple bars.

12/07/2022 By Daniel Renfrow

O-FISH-CIAL

Aaron Bludorn’s Navy Blue Is Finally Here, and It Was Worth the Wait

The Rice Village-located modern American seafood restaurant won us over through a dinner full of high notes like mussel bisque, swordfish au poivre, and spaghetti vongole.

12/06/2022 By Daniel Renfrow

Czech Mate!

Kolache Shoppe Expands into Kingwood with New Location

The new outpost of the beloved Texas-Czech bakery, famous for introducing Houstonians to kolaches in 1970, will be its first outside of the 610 Loop.

12/01/2022 By Daniel Renfrow

Deja Brew

Our 13 Favorite Coffee Cocktails in Houston

Coffee cocktails are cool again, and we’re totally here for It.

12/01/2022 By Daniel Renfrow