2023 road closures and headaches |
Mark Mulligan / Houston Chronicle |
If you read one thing: Despite "no more highway construction" being at the top of many of our Christmas wish lists, the new year means more of the same old highway projects and ensuing closures. Here are some of the expected freeway changes drivers may notice this year. Loop 610 interchange: Don't expect the stop-and-go traffic near The Galleria to go anywhere this year, as much of the interchange rebuild moves to the main lanes of southbound Loop 610. Starting today, the entrance ramp south of Westheimer to southbound Loop 610 will close for most, if not all, of 2023. Meanwhile the ramp from southbound I-69 to southbound Loop 610 will remain out of service until at least mid-2024. Remember when this project was scheduled for completion in late 2021? I-45 to Galveston: Work will continue marching toward the coast as the freeway is widened south through League City. Work on the FM 518 intersection is expected to be completed by the end of this month. All told, the work from NASA 1 to FM 1764 in Texas City is expected to cost at least $340 million, and continue what's been more than a decade of widening work south of Houston along I-45. Brookshire widening: Work to widen I-10 between Brookshire and the Brazos River is expected to move forward this year, although construction will carry into 2024. Eventually, the work will meet with already completed projects through Sealy, making I-10 at least three lanes from Houston to Columbus.
Read Dug Begley's full rundown on 2023's changes here.
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The most Wikipedia'd Texas university alumni |
Ryan Serpico / San Antonio Express-News |
According to Wikipedia page traffic data, the Texas university alum that people are most curious about is adult film star and University of Texas at El Paso graduate Mia Khalifa. She averages 16,068 daily page visits on Wikipedia, 5,250 more than the runner-up and University of Texas at Austin graduate Matthew McConaughey. Houston-area colleges and universities have multiple alumni that rank in the top 10, including Patrick Swayze, The Undertaker, Howard Hughes and Megan Thee Stallion.
Explore the data and analysis from Ryan Serpico here.
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Not so fast, gambling lobbyists |
Bob Levey / Houston Chronicle |
If you read one thing: Although casino giants and sports betting groups are making a big push in Texas, Dan Patrick, the head of the state Senate, said he isn't seeing much progress on the issue going into 2023. Why doesn't Patrick think there's much progress? Patrick said there is "a lot of talk out there" about gambling but that he hasn't seen any Republican in the Senate file a bill on the issue yet, although that doesn't mean things can't change during the session that begins Jan. 10. Who is pushing for gambling in Texas? More than 300 lobbyists are now registered in Texas to work on gambling issues, according to state records, led by Las Vegas Sands, which now has 74 — the most lobbyists in Texas for any single group or business. The push for expanded gaming also found new momentum when Gov. Greg Abbott announced he'd be willing to consider the idea last fall. What would need to happen for any change to occur? The Texas Constitution has prohibitions on expanded gambling, meaning that to even consider a plan for casinos or sports betting, the Legislature would have to put the issue to a referendum and let voters decide. First, however, a bill would have to pass both the Texas Senate and Texas House by two-thirds of the members in each chamber.
Read Jeremy Wallace's full story on gambling's prospects this legislative session here.
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Susan Barber / Houston Chronicle |
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From the Chronicle: Alison Cook reminisced about the ten most memorable meals she had in 2022. Her judging criteria considered not just the food, but the hospitality, place and overall experience. Coming in at the top of the list is Alrawshe Mediterranean Grill and the plate of kochari, a traditional Egyptian dish, she ate there. From her review: "I've thought about that lunch often. It was a prime example of the way she who is willing to comb the far-flung corners of our metropolis can travel without ever leaving home." Barbecue columnist J.C. Reid has a roundup of the best Texas barbecue he ate this past year. He starts the list with Khói Barbecue's beef rib curry — "an instant comfort-food classic," as he describes it. Dishes from Gatlin's Fins & Feathers, Burnt Bean Co. and Interstellar BBQ all made the list as well. Check out the full rankings here. From you: KT recommends Sal y Pimienta Kitchen, a family-owned Uruguayan restaurant that focuses on using organic ingredients, grass-fed meats and wood grills. She writes: "We start with the empanadas, stuffed with cheese, beef, paella, ham, etc. For the main course we focus on the beef, specifically the grass-fed beef from Texas and Uruguay. We especially enjoy the picanha, entraña, and cowboy steaks. The wine selection is stunning as they offer you the chance to try wines from small, family-owned vineyards in Uruguay, where the main grape is Tanat. Can't get enough of that place!" My mouth is watering and I can't wait to go check it out. Cat's Pick:
I started my week with a delectable meal at Sushi by Hidden, and I'm still dreaming about it nearly a week later.
Helpful tip: don't be confused if the address takes you to what appears to be a tiny art gallery. The sushi speakeasy, a new project from the owners of Hidden t, is hidden behind the art and seats only ten people for 30-minute timed omakase dinners. You'll have 12 pieces served to you in rapid-fire with the option to order a la carte pieces at the end. There's no lingering, but the quick pace of the meal did nothing to take away from my enjoyment of the bursts of flavor that each piece delivered. At $60 per person, it's a more affordable alternative for anyone not quite ready to fork over $175 to dine at Hidden Omakase. |
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Have you had a meal in Houston recently that you can't stop thinking about? Hit reply and tell me all about it. I'll feature your responses in a future 713 email. |
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Hope you all enjoyed the holidays and hopefully some time with friends and family. What are you most excited about in the new year? Cat DeLaura Cat.delaura@chron.com |
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