Houston’s culinary scene continues to shine on the national stage, as 13 of the region’s restaurants and chefs have secured semifinalist nominations for the prestigious 2025 James Beard Awards.   From beloved local favorites to emerging talents, this year’s semifinalists showcase the dynamic spirit and global flair that make Houston a culinary destination like no other.  Here’s who made the list:   National Categories:  Outstanding Restaurateur: Itai Ben Eli and Itamar Levy, Sof Hospitality Group (Hamsa, Badolina Bakery, Doris Metropolitan and Októ)  Outstanding Restaurateur: Sara Stayer and Martin Stayer, Nobie's, Toasted Coconut and Nonno's Emerging Chef: Suu Khin, Burmalicious  Best New Restaurant: Ema  Outstanding Bakery: Koffeteria  Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: March  Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service: Andres Blanco, Le Jardinier  Best Chef: Texas Nominees:  Ope Amosu, ChòpnBlọk  Thomas Bille, Belly of the Beast (Spring)  Emmanuel Chavez, Tatemó  Evelyn Garcia, Jūn  Beatriz Martines, Xalisko (The Woodlands)  David Skinner, Ishtia (Kemah)  Finalists will be announced on April 2, and the winners will be revealed at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.  Learn more about Houston’s award-winning culinary scene. 

Houston is a city that thrives on transformation, and 2025 promises to be no exception. From groundbreaking developments redefining sustainability to multi-use destinations enhancing urban walkability, Houston’s skyline and neighborhoods are set for exciting changes. Here’s a closer look at some of the most anticipated developments shaping the city in the years to come.   Tony Marron Park  The revitalization of Tony Marron Park is at the heart of the $310 million Buffalo Bayou East project that will extend the park into Houston’s East End and Fifth Ward neighborhoods. The plans for Tony Marron Park include nearly doubling the park’s size, growing it from 19 acres to 40. As a central hub for Buffalo Bayou East, the redesigned park will feature sprawling lawns, civic spaces with soccer fields, vibrant public art, a multi-age play area, an interactive water playscape, a barbecue pavilion with a picnic grove and more. Construction is set to begin as the park closes this month.  Click to expand One Bridgeland Green  One Bridgeland Green is a key feature of Bridgeland’s Village Green at Bridgeland Central, a mixed-use development located within the 925-acre master-planned community in Cypress. This innovative project will be the region’s first mass timber office building, designed to significantly reduce environmental impact by cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent and lowering annual water consumption by 80 percent. The development is on track for completion this summer.     Click to expand GreenStreet  GreenStreet, the four-block mixed-use district in downtown managed by Texas-based real estate firm Rebees, is slated for a multimillion-dollar makeover. Planned updates include converting the former Forever 21 building into a pedestrian-friendly alleyway filled with dining, retail and nightlife attractions. Additional enhancements feature the installation of rooftop solar panels, improved landscaping with lush gardens and upgraded office spaces with multi-level amenities. Phase one of construction is expected to commence in Q1 2025 and be completed by Q3.  Click to expand Swift Building  The former Swift and Co. building, located in Houston’s Heights neighborhood, is set to be transformed into a 4.47-acre mixed-use development. The new Swift Building will encompass over 60,000 square feet dedicated to retail, office and restaurant space, all overlooking the popular Heights Hike-and-Bike Trail nearby. The project is set to be completed this year.   Park Eight Place  The former Halliburton campus in the Westchase District is set to be transformed into Park Eight Place, a walkable, 70-acre mixed-use destination. The $1 billion project will feature a mix of residential, retail, hotel and office space with access to nature and recreational amenities in the adjacent 200-acre Arthur Storey Park. Construction on roads and utilities is scheduled to begin this year.  Click to expand More Space: Main Street 2.0  The More Space: Main Street 2.0 project aims to increase Houston’s walkability by transforming seven blocks in downtown into a pedestrian-friendly destination. The project will extend Main Street from Commerce to Rusk and add four additional blocks from Rusk to Allen’s Landing, bringing the area to span a total of 11 blocks. This expansion will permanently block off traffic to the area, creating a promenade where people can safely eat, shop and gather. Construction is scheduled to start this year and expected to finish ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches.  Click to expand San Jacinto Marketplace  The former San Jacinto Mall in Baytown is getting a makeover. The 105-acre project, dubbed San Jacinto Marketplace, will include 500,000 square feet of retail and dining space, and a public green space. Pedestrian walkways will also be constructed to connect key areas throughout the marketplace, enhancing accessibility and walkability. Phase one of the project is expected to be completed next year.   Ritz-Carlton Residences  The Ritz-Carlton Residences, the first stand-alone of its kind in Texas, began construction in The Woodlands last year. Nestled along Lake Woodlands, the luxury condominium offers 39 floor plans and an array of upscale amenities, including a wine cellar, library, fitness center, pickleball and bocce courts, sauna, multi-sport simulator, dog park and more. Completion of the project is anticipated in 2027.  Learn more about why businesses are choosing Houston and what it means to live, work and play in the Bayou City.