Every week we highlight enterprising, creative and entrepreneurial Houstonians and ask them to share their own favorite things to do away from work. This week in “My Top 5,” we’re very pleased to present Chef Arnaldo Richards, owner of Arnaldo Richards’ Picos – Seven Regions of Mexican Cuisine in Upper Kirby, who told us his own favorite ways to enjoy his downtime in the greater Houston.
My Top 5 Things to Do in Houston
by Arnaldo Richards
- Etoile Cuisine et Bar at Uptown Park – My wife Janice and I know Chef Philippe and his wife Monica and their food is the best. They always treat us like family. If you go, ask for Isidro Neri, I consider him one of the best servers in the City of Houston.
- Houston Parks – I love reading, it helps me get away from it all. Any of the wonderful parks in Houston will do and sometimes just in the comfort of my own backyard.
- Deep Sea Fishing in Galveston – Fishing is one of my passions. I love that I can hop in my car and be on the water in no time at all. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with friends that I haven’t seen in awhile. We go to the old rigs to catch red snapper.
- Houston Texans at NRG Stadium – During football season if I’m not at the restaurant on Sunday, it’s because I’m at the game. Janice loves football and so do I. We have been season ticket holders since the very beginning and the environment is electric… especially when we are winning!
- Edwards Greenway Grand Palace – Going to the movies is one of my favorite past times. I’ll go by myself or head over with my girls… between my wife and three daughters I have plenty of date options! Our neighborhood theatre is Edwards Greenway Grand Palace. We go so often that the manager, David Ganim, knows us by first name and has become a regular at Picos!
About Arnaldo Richards
Chef Arnaldo Richards is the owner of Picos, one of Houston’s premier Mexican restaurants. Since first opening Picos’ doors in 1984, Richards has built a winning reputation for his skillful blend of contemporary culinary concepts and traditional Mexican cooking techniques. His dishes remain faithful to the deeply rooted and authentic flavors of the seven regions of Mexican cuisine. A third-generation restaurateur, he began his culinary career working in his family’s restaurants in Monterrey, Mexico. He was adept in the kitchen by the age of 14 and already armed with his mother’s and grandmother’s authentic Mexican recipes, many of which are still part of his signature dishes today. After 30 years at their original location on Bellaire Boulevard, Richards and his wife Janice re-envisioned their restaurant in a new locale on Upper Kirby, presenting their dishes in a grand new hacienda-style setting. Newly christened as Picos – Seven Regions of Mexican Cuisine, the restaurant’s name and style now further reflect the long-standing authenticity, diversity and cultural influences of Richards’ menu and culinary talent.
