Sugarland

This Week In Food Blogs: Maggie Rita's Meets Its Maker

Houston Business Journal: In the first of this week's big news items, the HBJ reports that Maggie Rita's has closed its Galleria and Shepherd locations. No surprise, considering the overall quality of the food and the fact that the Kirby location was closed not too long ago. Maybe we'll finally get ... More >>

Ten Gifts for the Houston Sports Fan They are Bound to Love

When you have a sports fan in your life, I mean a serious, hard core fan, it can be tough to buy for them. Some of them seem to spend entire paychecks on sports gear and stuff related to their teams. Most have tickets games and probably have a lot of memorabilia that will sell great on Ebay someday. ... More >>

Half-off Thai at Anothai, Living Social Take-out Deals, and More

This week's Houston Press Voice Daily Deal will get you half off ($10 for $20) at any of the three Anothai Cuisine locations around Houston: FM 1960, Louetta Road in Spring, and their new Northwest Freeway location in Cypress. All dishes at Anothai Cuisine are made with fresh, high-quality herbs an ... More >>

The 10 Funniest & Weirdest Country Song Titles

Country music has come a long way as far as popularity goes over the years, from the likes of such bygone greats as Ernest Tubb and Eddy Arnold to current favorites Sugarland and Dierks Bentley. But it has always had some rather... interesting-sounding song titles to grace listeners' ears. Shall we ... More >>

BBVA Compass Stadium Has To Wait A Little Longer For Music

The brand-new BBVA Compass Stadium, the home of the Houston Dynamo and TSU football Tigers, will have to wait a little longer for its first concert. Pop-country duo Sugarland has canceled its scheduled August 26 show at BBVA due to the ever-ambiguous "scheduling conflict," the stadium announced late ... More >>

The Bold and the Blu in Sugarland

After reading Mai Pham's Chef Chat series with Executive Chef Junnajet "Jett" Hurapan of Blu Restaurant in Sugarland, I knew a trip of my own to Towne Square was in store. I was lucky enough to attend a media tasting at Blu, where I tried delicious and innovative food and fancy cocktails in a trendy ... More >>

Kenny Chesney & Tim McGraw Playing Reliant Stadium August 4

Rocks Off is used to seeing these kinds of announcements only around the Rodeo or at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. But two of country music's top alpha males, Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw, will bring their "Brothers of the Sun" tour to Reliant Stadium Saturday, August 4, promoter AEG announced today ... More >>

15 Things Rocks Off Learned Watching The ACM Awards

Sunday nights, I usually like to watch The Amazing Race after 60 Minutes. I don't usually watch much reality television at all, but something about the combination of total incompetence, vicious backstabbing and exotic locales as several, two-person teams race around the globe is completely intoxica ... More >>

A Very Special Message: The 10 Best Rock-Star Public Service Announcements

Ever since the Ad Council introduced the "Rosie the Riveter" poster, public service announcements have either warned us of the dangers of such risky behaviors as having unsafe sex, as well as reasons you should vote, or even to spay and neuter your pets. As rock and roll became more popular, artists ... More >>

Sugarland Says It Will Play New BBVA Compass Stadium

Updated with comments from BBVA Compass Stadium Director of Marketing, PR & Booking Gina Rotolo -- 12:24 p.m. Pop-country duo Sugarland will be playing the Houston Dynamo's new stadium, BBVA Compass Stadium, the band announced in a set of tour dates on its Web site. The show, scheduled for Aug. 26, ... More >>

Bartender Chat: David of Kata Robata

My chiropractor told me I'm constantly pinching nerves in my neck because I sleep on my stomach, and in order to break that habit, I need a "special" pillow. Makes sense, I guess, so off to Bed, Bath & Beyond I went to check out the awkward, way overpriced and super-ugly therapeutic pillows. After ... More >>

The 10 Most Iconic John Williams Scores Ever

Today John Williams turns 80 years old, and the prolific composer has packed in a lot of work in the past five decades as one of the most iconic movie music makers to lead an orchestra. No doubt you have been enthralled, enraptured and enfrightened (not a word) by his collaborations with George Luca ... More >>

Nine Bands From the '90s Underground That Should Consider Reuniting

Photo via officialrefused.com​Everyone was all abuzz about the reunion announcements of Refused and At the Drive-In this week. I was less abuzz. I never much cared for Refused (nor International Noise Conspiracy) and I was one of those people that liked ATDI "before" (and I certainly had no ne ... More >>

With a Rebel Yell: 10 Rockers Gone Country

Photo by Matthew KeeverAaron Lewis at the Verizon Wireless Theater in 2010.​When Staind singer Aaron Lewis rolls into Verizon Wireless Theater tomorrow night, odds are he'll leave his mudshuvel back at the hotel. As modern rock radio turns to the next generation of angst, the former Fred Durs ... More >>

Tuesday December 27, 2011 Deals of the Day

Today's VOICE Daily Deal from the Houston Press is good for 50 percent off ($9 for $18) brick-oven pizza and more at Essie's Pizzeria. Grab an authentic pie from Essie's, where they make the dough from scratch and a host of awesome toppings so you can build your own perfect pizza pie; you can also c ... More >>

Smoking & BBQ Ban Lifted For Most City Parks

Just in time for a freeze​Just in time for the freezing weather, the city of Houston has voted to lift the drought-induced ban on smoking and barbecuing in all but a dozen municipal parks. The bans will remain in effect, though, in two of the city's main parks, Memorial and Hermann. So grab ... More >>

Grammys Wrap Nominations, Performances Into Live Show Tonight

In this week's edition of "no one cares so do whatever you want," the Grammy's will be announcing nominations tonight for their annual awards presented in February. Normally, a simple press conference would suffice, but NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences) thinks it would be a goo ... More >>

Tuesday November 1, 2011 Deals of the Day

​Today's VOICE Daily Deal from the Houston Press is good for 50 percent off ($25 for $50) gourmet steaks and more at Prime Time Steakhouse. The menu features aged prime beef that you can pair with a variety of succulent sides; order up a flaming dessert and impress your date. With their select ... More >>

Holiday Events This Week at Whole Foods Markets

Photo by Whole Foods MarketI'll take any excuse to try a good Malbec.​Whole Foods Market's Houston and Sugar Land stores are gearing up for the holidays with two in-store events this week: One to get you drunk (a holiday wine tasting) and one to keep you shrunk (a holiday healthy tips event) ... More >>

Tuesday October 18, 2011 Deals of the Day

​Today's VOICE Daily Deal from the Houston Press is good for 50 percent off ($25 for $50) at Sapori Ristorante Italiano. Their Northern Italian menu serves up dishes by Chef Alberto Baffoni; fresh ingredients showcase classic Italian cooking for lunch, brunch, and dinner. Enjoy the cooler temp ... More >>

Tuesday October 4, 2011 Deals of the Day

​Today's VOICE Daily Deal from the Houston Press is good for 50 percent off ($10 for $20) of five small gelato cups at Gelato Blu. The smooth, creamy gelato at Gelato Blu comes in 75 varieties, like chocolate chip, hazelnut and amaretto; try fun flavors like Almond Joy, Bailey's, or tiramisu. ... More >>

Tuesday September 6, 2011 Deals of the Day

​Today's VOICE Daily Deal from the Houston Press is good for 50 percent off ($7 for $14) at The Brisket House, where their "no-frills" menu features everything that's good about Texas, thrown into a smoker and infused with the flavors of pecan and oak. Brisket not your thing? Try The Brisket H ... More >>

Tuesday July 5, 2011 Deals of the Day

​We hope everyone had a great July 4th weekend! Keep the party rolling with a huge selection of great deals today. First up: today's VOICE Daily Deal from the Houston Press! Our Voice Daily Deal is good for 50 percent off ($15 for $30) "light bites" at Fox Hollow Gastro Lounge. Enjoy a seasona ... More >>

Live Lobster Sashimi and New Menu Items Wow at Azuma Kirby

Photos by Mai PhamYou get lobster claw soup at the end of your meal if you order the Live Lobster Sashimi at Azuma Kirby​It's been at least ten years since I've been to Azuma Kirby for anything, let alone sushi. Located in the upscale strip mall that also houses Crave Cupcakes, Azuma Kirby ha ... More >>

Tuesday June 14, 2011 Deals of the Day

​Today's VOICE Daily Deal from the Houston Press gets you half off ($6 for $12) at Las Tortas El Angel. Choose from 13 different sandwiches, piled high with fresh veggies and your choice of meat, and served on fresh telera bread; toppings include chipotle mayo, refried beans, avocado slices, a ... More >>

Tuesday April 19, 2011 Deals of the Day

​Hey Houston! Here's where you can save on food and drink today: VOICE deal of the day at Houstonpress.com: 50 percent off at Auntie Chang's Dumpling House: ($10 for $20). Steamed or fried, meaty or veggie, Auntie Chang's Dumpling House has a dumpling for you. Don't feel like dining in? Thi ... More >>

Today's Deals

striatic​Groupon: How does a three-course meal, cooked for you in your home, from Cooking For You! sound? Get 53 percent off ($175 for $375) a three-course meal, cooked by a professional chef, in your own home with today's Groupon deal. Limit two coupons per person (you may purchase two ... More >>

Idol Beat: Mass Hysteria!

​Shock! Outrage! Shenanigans! Casey Abrams voted off! Last night, American Idol had all the signs of the Apocalypse rolled into one (all the Ghostbusters ones, anyway). Dogs and cats living together? Well, James Durbin is like a big puppy dog, and Pia has a certain cattiness about her. Check. ... More >>

Last Night: Sugarland At RodeoHouston

Courtesy of Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo​Sugarland Reliant Stadium March 3, 2011 The shenanigans have begun, folks. The Rodeo is back in Houston, and if you haven't already, it's time to stop by Reliant Stadium, pet some adorable farm animals, gain a few pounds eating fried everything - may ... More >>

KISS, Kid Rock, Janet Jackson Head 2011 Rodeo Lineup

​KISS, Janet Jackson and Kid Rock head the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo's 2011 concert schedule, which the rodeo announced earlier Monday morning. Among the other 13 entertainers rounding out this year's lineup are recent rodeo stalwarts Alan Jackson, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw and Lady Antebe ... More >>

Better Than Ezra Succeeding On Their Own Terms

Rick Olivier​It's been a hot minute since we've heard from '90s hitmakers Better Than Ezra, but they've reconvened over the last year, releasing their seventh album Paper Empire and embarking on a "Road to Mardi Gras" tour which winds down New Years Eve in the band's hometown of New Orleans. ... More >>

Miranda Lambert Added To Rodeo's 2011 Lineup

Trace Adkins, Martina McBride, Hideout schedule also announced ​Miranda Lambert, the Lindale native currently nominated for five Grammys, including four for her album Revolution, will return to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo March 16 at Reliant Stadium, the rodeo announced this morning. ... More >>

Fired Up

Self-proclaimed dad-rockers Bright Men of Learning urge Houstonians to look in their own backyard.

Rodeo 2011: Sugarland, Zac Brown Band, Selena Gomez...

​The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announced the first four entertainers for its 2011 season, scheduled for March 1-20, 2011 in Reliant Stadium: Sugarland (March 3); Selena Gomez (March 6); Zac Brown Band (March 17); and Brad Paisley (March 19) You were expecting Arcade Fire, perhaps? Onc ... More >>

Ten Country Covers That Top The Pop Originals

​Our copy must still be in the mail, but Rocks Off figures we have heard enough songs from Jamey Johnson's new album The Guitar Song on Sirius/XM's Outlaw Country to know that we like it a whole lot. But none that we've heard so far are our favorite new Johnson song. It's close. No flies on G ... More >>

The Shameless Chef: Ranch Hand Pie

When it's time to hearty, we will hearty hard. *Andrew WK riff*​Ever since my overwhelmingly popular and unanimously beloved invention of the DIY Shepherd's Pie, which was my debut as the Shameless Chef, I've been trying to think of something along similar lines that would horrify the people w ... More >>

Sugarland Express real

Here, via Fox 26, is your entertaining police-chase video of the day.The station reports that HPD is investigating why it took forty patrol cars to apprehend this fiend. It was our town's own little remake of The Sugarland Express.Check it out. This truck cruises not too quickly on I-45, followed ... More >>

Thirty-Five Years Later, A Real-Life Sugarland Express

Here, via Fox 26, is your entertaining police-chase video of the day.The station reports that HPD is investigating why it took forty patrol cars to apprehend this fiend. It was our town's own little remake of The Sugarland Express.Check it out. This truck cruises not too quickly on I-45, followed ... More >>

This Week In Beyonce: Who Dares Cover the Queen?

Not strictly a cover, just one of those things we never get tired of posting... As if Queen B weren't (Sasha) fierce enough on her own, it seems her majesty's minions - let's face it, we're all her royal peons; there isn't anyone left on Earth who hasn't heard one of her songs, or doesn't tap their ... More >>

Creep Show

O Pioneers!!! turns growing up into unrelenting punk rock.

Distant Early Warning: Asher Roth, Dax Riggs, Franz Ferdinand, Peter Frampton and More

Ace Enders, Person L, The Gay Blades, The Dangerous Summer: Wed., July 15. The Java Jazz. Asher Roth, Kid Cudi: Fri., July 31. House of Blues. "The Battle Of Sam: Battle Of The Bands": Sat., June 6. The Showgrounds @ Sam Houston Race Park. Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp: Sun., Aug. 2. Cy ... More >>

Before We Go: Odds and Ends on Mechanical Boy, Katy Perry, George Strait, Future Blondes and More

"SWING LOW AND CARRY ME HOME" By Mechanical Boy from Michael Fodera on Vimeo. It's about time for Rocks Off to head off to the bunkhouse for some much-needed R&R, but first here's a few final tidbits that have recently come to our attention. Mechanical Boy just released its first video, "Swing L ... More >>

Some Thoughts On The Chronicle Cuts: So Long, Suburbs

(Note: For a while, this item was posted with the wrong byline -- it's by Steve Olafson, not Richard Connelly, and always has been. Thanks, and sorry.)The layoffs at the Houston Chronicle cut much deeper into the editorial side of the newspaper than the announced company-wide 12 percent reduction ... More >>

Lonesome Onry and Mean: Ben Mallott at McGonigel's Mucky Duck

www.benmallott.comWith its outrageous cowboy boots and fringed pant legs, the cover of Sugar Land native Ben Mallott's Look Good, Feel Good had just enough of the bells and whistles to make me think this could be another Texas music wannabe floating along on his Undecided/General Studies degr ... More >>

Grimaldi's Pizzeria Now Open in Sugarland

The long awaited Grimaldi's coal oven pizza location in Sugarland's First Colony mall has finally opened. Grimaldi's original location in Brooklyn's trendy DUMBO (down under the Manhattan Bridge overpass) neighborhood is legendary for its coal oven crust and fresh mozzarella cheese topping. The Br ... More >>

Miss Leslie: Between the Whiskey and the Wine

Giddyup!: Full RodeoHouston Lineup Announced

The Hollisters Sweet Inspiration

High Tone Records

Innocent on the Lam