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Top Story
Las Pinatas Kitchen serves family-style Mexican cuisine in Tomball

In 2023, Sergio Aguilera’s dream of opening a successful restaurant was dismantled by several business partners that he said let him down. Despite several challenges with partners and permit requirements, the first-generation Mexican-American business owner prevailed with the help of his brother, Jose Aguilera, and opened his second restaurant, Las Pinatas Kitchen, in August 2024.

The backstory: Although Aguilera began with minimal experience in the restaurant business, he said he dedicated his soul into creating a restaurant with quality Mexican-style dishes that his community could enjoy. Along with his brother Jose Aguilera as manager, daughters Vianey Aguilera and Ariana Aguilera and chef Alfredo Pineda, Sergio Aguilera was able to convert his restaurant into the colorful family-oriented business it is today.

On the menu: Photographed on the cover of its menu, designed by Vianey Aguilera, the Taco Diablo includes Spanish rice, a beef taco smothered in cheese and three shrimp wrapped in bacon and paired with pico de gallo and guacamole.  

 
Now Open
Akashi Sushi & Asian Bistro now open in Magnolia

Akashi Sushi has opened in the Magnolia Village Shopping Center, bringing sushi rolls and hibachi to the FM 1488 corridor.

What you need to know: The restaurant held its opening Dec. 6, host Ben Williamson confirmed. The restaurant offers an array of sushi and hibachi dishes. 

  • 13371 FM 1488, Magnolia

 
top 2025 coverage
29 places to volunteer at around the Tomball, Magnolia area

In and around the Tomball and Magnolia area, there are several options for where residents can volunteer at to help with the community, children, animals, food insecurity programs and other nonprofit groups. Here are a few organizations accepting volunteers or donations. This list is not comprehensive.

Resale with a Purpose
The nonprofit resale shop donates all proceeds to local ministries in the Greater Tomball area. Items accepted for donation include clothing, furniture, home decor and other goods.
Sample activities: straightening item displays, organizing store merchandise, and carrying donated items in and out of the shop
Donations accepted: clothing, furniture, home decor and other goods
  • 28583 Business 249, Tomball

JoyRide Center
JoyRide Center’s mission is to help people with different abilities find joy through equine-assisted services, and it also features a day program called PREP for clients who have aged out of high school. Volunteers are encouraged to commit to a semester of service.
Sample activities: horse handlers, who groom, tack and lead the horses during classes; and side-walkers, who walk alongside the horse and rider for safety
Donations accepted: tack, monetary donations
  • 29550 Tudor Way, Magnolia

Original publish date: Nov. 21

 
News Near You
Harris County Precinct 4 to refurbish crosswalks near local public schools

More than 20 crosswalk zones near local Harris County public schools will soon receive a makeover while students are away for the winter break.

In a nutshell: Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones on Dec. 22 launched Crosswalks 4 Precinct 4, a plan to improve visibility and safety at pedestrian crossings near school campuses. Precinct 4’s road and bridge crew will oversee the improvements, Briones said.

The details: The scope of work includes repainting crosswalks, curbs and stop sign road markings near schools in the Cy-Fair, Katy, Tomball, Alief and Waller independent school districts, per the announcement. The project will cost approximately $570,000 to complete, a Precinct 4 staff member confirmed with Community Impact.

Looking forward: Precinct 4 officials said a majority of the crosswalk improvements will wrap up before students return to school in January, with all projects expected to be complete by the end of the month.

 

FOODIE FRIDAY
Check out these new restaurants and bars opening across the Houston area.

Candente opened a location in Bellarie on Dec. 22. Owner Michael Sambrooks said in a Dec. 22 news release that the new location represents a commitment to the expansion of his two brands—Candente and The Pit Room—at the top of the culinary game in the Houston restaurant scene.

According to the release, the restaurant's menu is identical to Montrose's, with customer favorites such as the house nachos, chile con queso, tortilla soup, Frito pie and ceviche, as well as birria tacos, chile gravy enchiladas and carne guisada.

Read here.

 

🌮 Lupita's Mexican Kitchen coming soon to Cypress
(Read more)

🍕 Singas Famous Pizza opens 1st Houston location in Katy
(Read more)

😋 Suzie's Fusion Cuisine now offering Caribbean dishes in Humble
(Read more)

☕️ New coffee shop serving drinks, pastries in Magnolia
(Read more)

 

Golden Roastery officials said the roastery opened a second location in the Spring-Klein area on Nov. 15. The roastery has an additional location in the south Houston area.

The cafe offers Arab and Turkish sweets including roasted nuts, halal gummies, chocolates, coffee and Palestinian delights. The Middle Eastern roastery offers both in-store services and a dining area available to enjoy its Palestinian delights.

Read more.

What You Need To Know
Where to drop off used Christmas trees in Houston

As the holidays come to an end, there are several entities offering Christmas tree recycling and disposal drop-offs around the Greater Houston area. This list is not comprehensive.

The details
City of BellaireBellaire will accept Christmas tree drop-offs Dec. 26-Jan. 12 at 4401 Edith St.

City of HoustonHouston residents can recycle trees at one of the city's 20 drop-off locations Dec. 26-Jan. 23.

City of Pearland: Residents in Pearland can drop their live Christmas trees off between Dec. 26 and Jan. 17 at the Stella Roberts Recycling Center.

San Jacinto River Authority: The San Jacinto River Authority will collect undecorated, live Christmas trees through Jan. 31.

City of West University Place: In West University Place, live trees will be collected Dec. 26-Jan. 9.

The Woodlands Township: Green Christmas trees will be collected curbside on regular service days.

City of Sugar Land: Live Christmas trees without ornaments and lights can be set out curbside for green waste pickup in Sugar Land.

 
Mark Your Calendar
Check out these 8 events to stay festive after Christmas

Not ready to give up the holiday spirit just yet? Here are eight events to attend the weekend after Christmas in the Houston area. This list is not comprehensive, and events are subject to change.

Galaxy Lights: The space-themed holiday light show at Space Center Houston features live demonstrations, Apollo-themed lanterns, astronaut selfies and s’mores.

  • Through Jan. 4, times vary
  • $19.95-$27.95 (per ticket)
  • 1601 E. NASA Parkway, Houston


A Christmas Carol
: Encounter the true meaning of Christmas with Ebenezer Scrooge as he visits the past, present and future at Alley Theatre this holiday season.

  • Through Dec. 28, times vary
  • $36-$138 (per ticket)
  • Hubbard Theatre, 615 Texas Ave., Houston

 

Your local team

Lizzy Spangler
Editor

Chrissy Leggett
General Manager

Email [email protected] for story ideas, tips or questions.

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