This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

🌱 Secret Speakeasies + Art and Cars + Taqueria Trophy

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Houston.

Chris Stomberg, Neighbor
|
(Patch Media)

Wake up, Space City! It's me, Chris, your humble servant of the Houston Daily — coming right back at you with the plug on what's happening.

First, today's weather:

Very warm with clouds and sun. High: 96 Low: 79.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Houston who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our Houston Daily readers to local businesses they need to know about. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top stories today in Houston:

  1. Taking a page from the playbooks of popular bars in Los Angeles, these Houston speakeasies are books that you'll regret judging by their covers. Some of the best watering holes and restaurants in H-town lie behind deceptive facades. Kanpai Club is a secret club that can only be accessed by a shared door inside its sister restaurant Hando, Sugar Room hides a swanky lounge behind a bright pastry shop, and the high-end Juliet restaurant and bar is tucked away past a fake movie theater lobby. There's also the aptly named Hidden Omakase sushi bar which looks like nothing more than a simple comic bookstore from the outside and the Four Seasons Hotel hidden cocktail bar, Bandista that is found through a swinging door shaped like a bookcase. So, who's picking up the tab? (Houstonia Magazine)
  2. Do you know an artist looking for tantalizing opportunities? There are a number of Houston art institutions interested in funding talented creatives with drive. These grants and funds are available to artists of varying skill levels and provide an ideal environment for an artist to make a name for themselves. To learn more, follow the attached link. (Houstonia Magazine)
  3. Harris County Precinct 4 will host a festival celebrating Houston's internationality on Aug. 2. The event will include food from around the world, dance performances, and cultural artifact displays. All told, this party at the Steve Radack Community Center looks to unite Houstonians by sharing and honoring their differences. No doubt, one of the best reasons to live in Houston is the abundant access to people and traditions from across the globe. In order to register ahead of time, visit hcp4.net (Subscription/Houston Chronicle)
  4. Are you an automotive addict? The Car Asylum is a new Houston storage space for rides too precious to keep outside. This 60,000-square-foot facility has enough space to store hundreds of hoopties. Additionally, the Car Asylum is open to scheduling private events for whatever entertainment needs you might have. Though it will normally be a private space, the Car Asylum is hosting an event this coming Sunday for public attendance. To register, visit westhoustonmuscle. (FOX 26 Houston)
  5. Texas Historical Commission wants help finding historic Houston taquerias that deserve recognition. Qualified taquerias will be put in the running for the Texas Treasure Business Award. The award is periodically given out to businesses that have a storied history in the local community. Previous winners include Three Brothers Bakery, Hamilton Shirts, and HEB. Qualification requires that the taqueria has been in operation for at least 50 years. If you've got a favorite taco stop that you believe deserves some recognition, go to thc.texas.gov. (Chron)

Headlines you need to see:

  • Local artist collaborates with lululemon for Houston-inspired collection. (KPRC Click2Houston)
  • Bus shuttles will replace METRORail service during July 23-24 repairs. (Community Impact Newspaper)
  • Houston doctors warn Texas heat creates dangerous situation for those taking blood pressure medicine. (Houston Chronicle )
  • Harris County will spend $25 million to transfer inmates hours away. Many are awaiting trial. (Houston Public Media)
  • Two Houston landmarks awarded national grants to preserve Black history. (Houston Chronicle )
  • Longtime Houston anchor Ron Trevino gets burger named after him. (Laredo Morning Times)

Today in Houston:

  • Houston World Series of Dog Shows at NRG Center. (8 a.m.)
  • Houston Horror Film Festival at Houston Marriott Westchase. (4 p.m. - 1:35 a.m.)
  • Summer Concert Series at Cypress Trail Hideout. (7-11 p.m.)
  • Kendrick Lamar & Baby Keem — The Big Steppers Tour at Houston Toyota Center. (7:30 p.m.)
  • Houston Symphony — Distant Worlds: FINAL FANTASY music at Hobby Center. (7:30 p.m.)

This weekend in Houston:

Featured Kitty:

Inosuke is a black cat available for adoption at the SPCA.

If you're curious, Inosuke is a Japanese name that signifies importance to society.

Considering his name, this black cat might just bring good luck.

From my notebook:

  • Some rural Texas schools are moving to four-day school weeks to entice new hires. If you ask me, the rest of the world should join them. (KHOU 11 News via Facebook)
  • The Astros defeated the Yankees 3 - 2 in the first game of the series. (ESPN Houston via Facebook)
  • JJ Watt saw a local tweet from a Houstonian woman looking to sell JJ Watt gear in order to pay for a relative's funeral. In typical standup guy fashion, Watt told the woman to keep the gear as he would lend a personal hand to help with the procession costs. (KHOU 11 News via Facebook)
  • Federal officials are considering developing a Wind Energy Area off the coast of Galveston that's larger than the size of Houston. Turbine up! Yea, I'll see myself out. (Houston Chronicle via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

Events:

Announcements:

Now you're armed with current events and ready to throw down in H-town! I'll be back in your inbox on Monday with your weekend in review. Peace ✌

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Houston