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.

BIGGER, BETTER, SMOKIER

Houston’s Biggest Food Festival Returns This October

Chris Shepherd’s Southern Smoke Festival features an all-star lineup this year.

08/29/2022 By Daniel Renfrow

EAST OF EADO

Popular Heights Bar Opens New Location in Second Ward

For its new location, Eight Row Flint has taken over Night Shift’s former digs along Harrisburg.

08/24/2022 By Daniel Renfrow

DIVINE SNACKS

Popular Tasting-Menu Restaurant Will Relaunch at Montrose Coffee Shop

Thomas Stacy’s ReikiNa returns on Sept 1 with a fixed, five-course menu available three nights a week at Montrose’s Native Coffee.

08/18/2022 By Daniel Renfrow

“LITTLE ARMANDO”

Armandos Owners to Bring Cantina-Style Tex-Mex to Bellaire

Mandito’s, which will feature a menu stacked with Tex-Mex classics, will open in early 2023.

08/16/2022 By Daniel Renfrow

UNIQUE EATS

Houston's First Nikkei Concept Restaurant Is Now Open

Chef Masaru Fukuda’s Pacha Nikkei celebrates the unique combination of Japanese and Peruvian food culture.

08/12/2022 By Daniel Renfrow

TACO-TASTIC

Houston Chef Publishes New Book on Tacos

Victoria Elizondo’s debut book, which contains more than 60 taco recipes, will turn your Taco Tuesday into a weeklong affair.

08/02/2022 By Daniel Renfrow

FROZEN TREATS

H-Town’s Favorite Popsicle Company Opens New Shop in Second Ward

POPSTON has gained widespread popularity through its Houston-inspired flavors and grassroot efforts

07/25/2022 By Daniel Renfrow

FOODQUAKE!

Celebrated Chef Chris Shepherd Is Out at Underbelly Hospitality

The James Beard Award winner has parted ways with the restaurant group he founded

07/20/2022 By Daniel Renfrow

THE FOODIE EVENT OF THE YEAR

Houston Restaurant Weeks Returns Next Month

The popular fundraiser for the Houston Food Bank just revealed a partial list of its participating restaurants and their menus

07/20/2022 By Daniel Renfrow

JUST DANCE

A Reimagined South Beach Reopens After a Four-Year Break

Houston’s premier LBGTQ+ dance club returns this week with a new look, new sound and lighting technology, and its famous cooling ice jets.

07/14/2022 By Daniel Renfrow

COMFORT FOOD

Gatlin’s BBQ’s New Restaurant Is Dedicated to Texas Comfort Food

Gaitlin's new sister restaurant, Fins & Feathers, will showcase the best of both fish and fowl through a menu stacked with Texas comfort food and Gulf Coast seafood.

07/12/2022 By Daniel Renfrow

ANCIENT FUN

A New Babylon-Themed Nightclub Opens in Midtown This Weekend

The nightclub, fittingly called Babylon, is kicking things off this weekend with lots of house music and, controversially, exotic animals.

07/06/2022 By Daniel Renfrow

SOUTHERN FRIED

Where to Celebrate National Fried Chicken Day in Houston

From whole chicken specials at Loch Bar to chicken sandwiches at Rosalie Italian Soul, here are our picks for where to celebrate National Fried Chicken Day this year.

07/05/2022 By Daniel Renfrow

STARS & STRIPES

Houston’s Best Fourth of July Food & Drink Deals

Celebrate America's independence with food and drink specials around town.

07/04/2022 By Daniel Renfrow

FOOD CITY

What’s New in Food This Week

This week, we're dishing on Chris Shepherd’s Georgia James new location; the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America culinary series; plus more.

06/29/2022 By Daniel Renfrow

Pride Parade

RECAP: Houston Pride Parade 2022

After taking a break for the past two years, the nation’s third-largest Pride celebration came back with a roar and without a hitch.

06/27/2022 By Daniel Renfrow and Amarie Gipson Photography by Anthony Rathbun

HELLO BREW-TIFUL

14 Coffee Shops Made for Getting Your Work Done

Tired of working from home? Need a good study spot? We got you.

06/24/2022 By Courtney Klashman and Daniel Renfrow

FOOD CITY

What’s New in Food This Week

Agricole Hospitality to open a new Heights dive bar; upscale pop-ups at Bludorn and Golfstrømmen; and Phat Eatery is expanding into The Woodlands.

06/22/2022 By Daniel Renfrow

FATHER’S DAY

Where to Celebrate Father’s Day This Year

From whole hog specials at Feges BBQ to an ultra-exclusive tasting experience at Hidden Omakase, there are plenty of ways for you to become your dad’s favorite this weekend.

06/16/2022 By Daniel Renfrow

FOOD CITY

What’s New in Food This Week

Julep lands a national James Beard Award; popular wine bar Postino launches its own cult; a famous South African restaurant expands into Houston; plus more local foodie news.

06/15/2022 By Daniel Renfrow