Emma Balter became Houstonia’s editor in chief in May 2023. She was previously the food editor of Chron, a features reporter for the Houston Chronicle, and an associate editor at Wine Spectator. She has also contributed to Condé Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, Eater, PureWow, Chowhound, and VinePair, among others. She graduated from Poynter’s prestigious Leadership Academy for Women in Media in March 2024 and has served on the James Beard Restaurant & Chef committee since 2022.

Emma has been a proud Houstonian since 2020 and loves to drive around to discover new pockets of the city—excursions that are mostly food-motivated. She currently lives in southwest Houston with too many cats and will one day learn how to take care of her raised beds properly.

Houstonia Approved

This New Restaurant Is Defying Houston’s Bad Pizza Reputation

Nonno’s in Montrose is another slam dunk from the owners of Nobie’s and the Toasted Coconut.

09/28/2023 By Emma Balter

Fall 2023 Issue

The Arts Unveiled

Pulling the curtain back on Houston’s underground art world.

09/26/2023 Edited by Emma Balter and Daniel Renfrow Illustrations by Sarah Welch

Public Art

Houston’s Latest Murals Tell the Story of the City

In the past five years, new public artworks have beautified neighborhoods and inspired us to stop and look.

09/13/2023 Photography by Anthony Rathbun By Emma Balter

Behind the Scenes

Meet the Museum Workers Who Make Houston’s Arts Scene What It Is

From docents to the social media team, it takes a village to keep the city’s cultural institutions thriving.

09/06/2023 By Geneva Diaz and Emma Balter

Oldie But Goodie

Find Your Next Vintage Item at These Houston-Area Antique Shops

Hunting for second-hand gems never gets old.

08/24/2023 By Geneva Diaz and Emma Balter

Houstonia Approved

We Need This New Sandwich Spot in Every Neighborhood in Houston

Christine Ha’s Stuffed Belly is a winner, we just wish it was closer.

07/31/2023 By Emma Balter

Plan My Weekend

Our Guide to the Best Weekend Ever in Houston: July 7–9

This week, we’re catching a blues concert and trying new ice cream flavors.

07/07/2023 By Emma Balter

Food Culture

Jewish Deli Exhibit Tells Story of Hope at Houston Holocaust Museum

With the help of local deli man Ziggy Gruber, I’ll Have What She’s Having shows how food forged the Jewish American community.

07/03/2023 By Emma Balter