On Mondays we check in with a Houstonian who offers his take on the best things to do in Houston. This week we hear from Osman Ikanovic, an ambassador to Houston and one-time refugee from Bosnia who serves as chef concierge for the recently renovated Royal Sonesta Hotel and as the local liaison for the esteemed international Les Clefs d’Or organization. 

My Top 5 Things to Do in Houston

by Osman Ikanovic

1. Rothko Chapel – When I worked downtown, I would regularly stop by and visit Rothko Chapel. Regardless how busy your day is, the tranquility of the Chapel is incredibly calming.
2. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center – Having more than a five miles of trails, ponds and habitats in the heart of Houston is a wonderful asset. My children, who are in college now, still fondly remember their visits and the gardens filled with hummingbirds.
3. Karbach Brewing Co. – Sympathy for the Lager; what a catchy name. As a beer connoisseur, I think Karbach’s brews, tours and tastings are top notch.
4. Beer Can House – While the Beer Can House is considered by many as one of the city’s more bizarre attractions, none should forget John Milkovisch and how hard he had worked to transform his home into this amazing landmark. It is eccentric, but you will not find finer piece of folk art in the region.
5. Masraff’s – Houston is a melting pot of different cultures and cuisines, and with thousands of restaurants, there is something for every taste. Masraff’s in Uptown stands out not only for its excellent food and service, but also because of the owner’s commitment to the community and local non-profits.

About Osman Ikanovic

Chef Concierge at the newly renovated Royal Sonesta Hotel just steps from The Galleria, Osman Ikanovic proudly serves as an ambassador to Houston, a city he adopted 15 years ago as a refugee from Bosnia. Ikanovic is one of the city’s only Les Clefs d’Or-affiliated concierges and currently serves as the Houston liaison for the esteemed organization. Since becoming a concierge a year after his arrival, he has not only helped visitors with hard-to-get reservations and event tickets, but coordinated after-hours shopping excursions and even a 2am horseback ride. Fluent in three languages, he’s part of a multi-lingual team that regularly welcomes visitors from around the globe.

Photo courtesy of Royal Sonesta Hotel