Our My Top 5 feature showcases Houstonians who are shaping the culture in the city and impacting people’s lives. In turn, they share their own favorite things to do in Houston when they’re not hard at work. This week, we’re very pleased to feature Chuck Roast, owner and manager of Vinal Edge Records.
My Top 5 Things to Do in Houston
by Chuck Roast
- Vieng Thai – Walking into this small restaurant on Long Point feels a little like you are entering David Lynch set, especially when there is live music. The papaya salad, perfectly spiced, is the best I have ever tasted in Houston.
- Boomtown Coffee – We all have our favorite drug, and mine is black coffee. I stroll across the street from my shop twice a day for a cup, and buy a myriad of roasted beans for home use. It is that good.
- Houston’s Bike Trails – The White Oak Bayou Greenway Trails is right out the back door of my house, and was recently connected to other trails. One of the best improvements to this town since I have lived here.
- Catastrophic Theatre – I love this local play company as they are not afraid to tackle dark and/or odd material. Amid the darkness there is also crazy humor and clever choreography. At their worst they are still interesting and challenging. When firing on all cylinders they are amazing.
- Big Bend National Park – Sometimes even when you live in a great city you just gotta get out of that city. My refresher is to hike a mountain trail where my phone happily receives no signal. No, it’s not Houston, but I feel like this is in my own personal back yard.
About Chuck Roast
Chuck Roast is the owner/manager of Vinal Edge Records, a 30+ year old independent record shop in the Heights. He is also known for his DJ work hosting “Funhouse” on KPFT radio, and “Genetic Memory” on KTRU Rice radio. In addition to his time spent as a DJ and record store owner Roast is also a member of noise band “Turmoil in the Toybox” and with traditional Indonesian band “Space City Gamelan”.
