Texas Turf: Dining & Culture in Houston

Named by EDGE as one of 2015's "Seven Gay Wonders of the World," Houston is making its mark as a go-to destination for those seeking culture, outdoor adventure, sophisticated (and down and dirty) dining, as well as an inclusive LGBT scene.

Houston boasts 20 museums all within walking distance of one another, but that only scratches the surface of its cultural impact. The city is also home to the Alley Theatre, Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera, Houston Symphony and a number of other performance companies and venues. The Menil Collection, housed in a 30,000-square-foot Renzo Piano-designed gallery flooded with natural light, is an absolute must-see.

Here's what is hot when the sun sets in Houston this summer and fall:

Culture Collision

"What I find most captivating about Houston is this egalitarian sense of cultural wealth," says Houston Arts Alliance's Advancement and Digital Marketing Manager Kenneth Franco. "Creative expression is valued. Access to the arts is viewed as essential. Our public spaces are viewed as vital. As a result of this, our cultural capital is well supported, visible and of immense importance to Houstonians! It's in our city's identity to value public art, public spaces, diversity and cultural expression. In tandem with a bit of business-savvy, we believe in investing (and promoting sustainability) in our arts and cultural organizations. Houston's elected officials, foundations and citizens champion the arts as essential to not only Houston's quality of life, but also Houston's future as an international city."

Miller Outdoor Theatre
Head to Hermann Park for free (that's right, free) entertainment all summer long, where this season's lineup includes Mozart's "The Magic Flute," outdoor movie screenings, "Smokey Joe's Caf�," and Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice," plus much more.

Houston Fine Art Fair (September 9-12); Texas Contemporary (October 1-4)
Everything's bigger in Texas, including the art. Houston hosts not one but two art fairs, where collectors and enthusiasts gather from around the world to view the latest in contemporary art and craft.

"The University of Tamarie" (July 17-August 29)
For a true Houstonian experience, don't miss the 18th installment of Tamarie Cooper's musical comedy extravaganza, which promises to poke fun at schoolyard bullies, John Hughes movies, and standardized testing.

Big Bites

Forget Copenhagen -- no more talk about Noma! Houston has skewered itself a position as a major food hub. But don't just listen to us. Food & Wine named Houston the "newest capital of great food" in 2013, the same year that Tasting Table named it the most exciting food city in the United States.

We couldn't agree more. While you'll find plenty of innovative dishes from both established as well as up-and-coming chefs, barbecue still reigns supreme. Be sure to make a pit stop at Goode Co. Barbeque, which has been mesquite-smoking ribs, sausages and brisket since 1977. Cap off the night with wine or whiskey at Public Services, a soaring bar steeped in history that has set up shop in downtown's Old Cotton Exchange Building.

Houston is blessed with two culinary powerhouses that also happen to be part of the LGBT landscape. Consider adding their restaurants to your dining itinerary, along with their insider recommendations.

He Said
"There is one word to describe not just Houston's culinary scene but the community -- diverse. Other cities tout their multiculturalism, but Houston embodies it," says Bistro Menil's chef proprietor Greg Martin. "Houston is a global city, home to Mexican, Salvadorian, Argentinean Peruvian and every Asian culture, and that's reflected in the availability of nearly any cuisine one could think of."

Nestled in the shadow of the Menil Collection, Martin's European-inspired menu draws from his global travels with heavy nods toward French and Mediterranean influences. Eggplant "fries" have become a quick favorite with regulars, while an assortment of pizzas make way for such hearty entrees as porchetta and cassoulet. He's implemented a cask wine program after experiencing the eco-friendly system in Rome.

Martin's personal picks are eclectic and represent the diverse ethnic cuisines available around town. For scorching Sichuan, head to Mala Sichuan Bistro. If you're craving authentic Lebanese, Aladdin delivers a magic carpet of kibbie, lahmugen and other Mediterranean delicacies. And Martin stands behind The Original Ninfa's on Navigation for authentic Mexican fare that has been satisfying Houstonians since 1973.

She Said
"I think the H-Town culinary scene has really come along in the last few years," says Monica Pope, Sparrow Bar + Cookshop and Beaver's Chef/Restaurateur. "I love to support local chefs doing local food. I love to run into them at the farmers market!"

Pope has been an integral part of Houston's restaurant scene since opening her first establishment in 1992. For casual fare and "friendly" and "frisky" cocktails, head to Beaver's, which retains its original name from when the building was used as the neighborhood icehouse. For global cuisine in a loft-like, industrial setting, Sparrow Bar + Cookshop delivers a range of small dishes, such as salmon sashimi tempura and curried seafood stew, alongside heartier fare like Thai-styled mushroom stroganoff and crispy flattened chicken. If you're addicted to craft cocktails, the revolving "12-step" list runs the gamut from a garden gin and tonic to a Sazerac slushie.

Pope tips her hat to other local chefs that are embracing the local food movement, including Kevin Naderi, whose Asian-inspired Lillo & Ella offers one of the best brunches in town. For salumi and charcuterie, she suggests Revival Market, and in the spirit of Houstonian entrepreneurship, Weights + Measures combines a restaurant, bakeshop and bar in a massive 5,000-square-foot industrial setting and features locally roasted Amaya coffee.

Get Your Gay On

Houston's gay nightlife scene thrives in the Montrose neighborhood, where you'll find more than a dozen bars and nightclubs featuring go-go boys, dancing, outdoor patios, beer blasts and get this -- gays, lesbians and straight people all hanging out together. The inclusive, friendly vibe is due in large part to the recent efforts of Lambda NextGen, Houston's first LGBTA young professionals network.

Who better to rely on for nightlife recommendations than Lambda Next Gen Board Member and Social Director Kim Cook? Her tips for tapping into Houston's nightlife include Pearl Lounge, where Texas beers and house-made sangria make perfect bedfellows with the large outdoor space; South Beach for high energy and late-night dancing; and Little Woodrow's to catch the latest Astros game (or George County Sports Bar to draft your own pitcher or catcher).