Marco Torres is a writer and photographer based in Houston, Texas. He has covered Houston's vibrant music, art, and taco cultures since 2009. Torres grew up in Houston's North Side, and later attended Jones Senior High in Houston's South Park district at the height of the DJ Screw era, fueling his love for Houston Rap. He is the principal photographer for the Tacos of Texas book, published in 2016 by the University of Texas Press. His photos and bylines have been published in the Houston Press, Chron.com, Texas Monthly, Billboard Magazine, Rolling Stone, and more.

World Cup Fever

Where to Watch World Cup Matches in Houston

Local bars and pubs are going all out for soccer’s biggest event.

06/02/2026 By Erica Cheng and Meredith Nudo

New tables

The Newest Houston Restaurants Worth Adding to Your List Right Now

Spring has sprung, and so have the new restaurants: new yakitori, a Gulf Coast fisherman’s first restaurant, and a tasting menu from an acclaimed Thai chef.

05/27/2026 By Brittany Britto Garley

The G.O.A.T.

The Case for Scarface as the Greatest Rapper of All Time

Scarface might have been born here, but the city has never defined his music.

04/20/2026 By Elisabeth Carroll Parks

Before FIFA

Houston’s Soccer Superfans Were Here Long Before the World Cup

Inside the Houston Gooners, Chelsea Blues, and FC Bayern Texas—the fan clubs keeping international soccer alive in Space City year-round.

04/10/2026 By Erica Cheng

Full of Grace

A New Painting of Our Lady of La Vang Honors Houston’s Vietnamese Catholics

Holy Rosary Catholic Church is reflecting the faith and history of Houston’s Vietnamese Catholic community with a new artwork.

03/19/2026 By Layne Van Vranken

Sacred Nights

After Sunset, Houston Belongs to Ramadan

Inside the iftar gatherings, suhoor festivals, and late-night traditions that reshape Houston every Ramadan season.

03/17/2026 By Marium Abid

Hou Should Hear This

Los Skarnales Is Still One of Houston’s Best Live Bands

For more than 30 years, Houston ska-punk band Los Skarnales has blended punk, cumbia, rockabilly, and Chicano soul into one of the city’s most electric live shows.

03/13/2026 By Elisabeth Carroll Parks

The Beautiful Game

A Soccer Newbie’s Guide to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Houston

Rules, regulations, and teams to know before FIFA brings the World Cup to Houston.

03/09/2026 By Marco Torres

Feeding the Algorithm

What It Takes to Be a Houston Food Influencer

As food influencers rise, questions of trust, sponsorship, and strategy follow.

03/04/2026 By Brian McManus

Lion's Den

In Houston, Lion Dancing Goes Far Beyond Lunar New Year

Lion dance in Houston isn’t just a New Year spectacle. Meet the troupes training year-round, competing nationally, and preserving a centuries-old tradition.

02/17/2026 By Erica Cheng

Send Noods

Houston’s First Korean Ramen Convenience Store Opens in Asiatown

Ramen Alley brings South Korea’s 24-hour convenience store culture—DIY ramen bowls, K-snacks, and K-pop vibes—to Houston’s dining scene.

10/01/2025 By Erica Cheng

Mmm, delicioso

The Definitive Guide to Houston's Best Mexican Restaurants

Grab a concha at Casaema. Dig into a sizzling plate of fajitas at Ninfa's, and experience the best tasting menu in the city at Tatemó.

09/08/2025 By Emma Balter and Sofia Gonzalez

Welcome Home, #1

The Prodigal Shortstop Returns: Houston Astros Welcomes Back Carlos Correa

After three years away, Houston’s beloved shortstop returns as a third baseman—and the city is ready to believe again.

08/18/2025 By Marco Torres

Game Time

Houston’s Mahjong Boom: Meet the Women Teaching the Game, One Tile at a Time

Mocha Mahj is revamping the centuries-old Chinese game in Houston.

07/23/2025 By Erica Cheng

Croissants, Cubed

Asiatown Trendsetter Debuts Houston's First Viral Korean Cream-Stuffed Pastry Shop Le Kream

Stuffed with cream in flavors like matcha and yuzu, these cube-shaped croissants are selling out fast—and flooding Houston’s feeds.

07/18/2025 By Erica Cheng

Hip-Hop Lore

713 Day Is Houston’s Annual Citywide Holiday. Thank Rapper Lil' Keke.

Houston’s unofficial July 13 holiday is more than just area code pride—it’s a tribute to the city’s hip-hop legacy and one of its most influential voices.

07/11/2025 By Erica Cheng