Our My Top 5 series highlights a Houstonian who is shaping the culture of the city and making an out-sized impact on its character. In turn, each shares their own favorite things to do in Houston when not hard at work. This week, with Dining Out for Life happening on Thursday, April 26, we’re very pleased to feature John Reed, who co-owns BCK Kitchen & Cocktail Adventures in the Heights. His restaurant is one of 40 restaurants participating in this annual fundraising event for AIDS Foundation Houston.
In anticipation of this year’s Dining Out For Life, we’re also featuring My Top 5 entries from Chef Domenic Laurenzo of El Tiempo Cantina and Laurenzo’s Restaurant and Sharon Haynes of Tacos A Go Go.
My Top 5 Things to Do in Houston
by John Reed
- Walking at Memorial Park – I am amazed at how active this city is and how much I look forward to my daily walks at Memorial.
- Houston Texans Tailgate Parties – You hear about the legend that they are, but until you experience it, you don’t understand. Rain or shine, win or lose, it’s always an incredible experience.
- The hug you get when you walk into a Chris Shepherd restaurant – It’s like he is only excited to see you, and he gives you this massive hug to welcome you in. The special part is, you’re not the only one he does it to. Seeing it makes me understand why everyone loves Chris, the person. The fact that he’s a great chef is only second to the person he is.
- Marriott Marquis Houston – If you’re a Texan, well, then you have to go sit in the Texas-shaped pool at the Marriott Marquis next to Discovery Green in Downtown. If you’re not from Texas, it will make you understand Texans that much more.
- Carrabba’s – The Original – I’ve eaten at Carrabba’s all over this country and really like their food, but the original here in Houston is literally mind-blowing. My favorite is the chicken parmesan.
About John Reed
John “JT” Reed is co-owner of BCK Kitchen & Cocktail Adventures in the Heights. A native of small-town Trumansburg, New York, Reed moved to Houston from Newport Beach in the summer of 2016 to open Bosscat Kitchen + Libations in the River Oaks area. Standing 6’11” tall, the gentle giant has quickly become a popular figure in the Houston hospitality scene.
