The tagline of Gumbo Jeaux’s, a BYOB restaurant that opened last month, is “a little bit Cajun, a little bit cowboy.” Once you take a look at the menu, you’ll see that this description is apt. Catfish opelousas and gumbo stand alongside hearty burgers with red beans and rice, and it’s all made fresh from scratch every day.

Make no mistake — Gumbo Jeaux’s is no-frills dining. You place your order at the counter, then settle in at a table with the wine or beer that you hopefully remembered to bring. The dining room is nicely appointed, with sunny yellow walls, trendy light fixtures, and flat screen televisions scattered throughout. As for the food, Yelpers who’ve tried it have overwhelmingly awarded it five stars, praising the quality of the dishes, the creativity, and the service. Since it’s just over two miles from your place at Siena at Memorial Heights it would be easy for you to check it to see if you agree!

Gumbo Jeaux’s
2155 Durham Drive
Houston, TX 77007
(832) 203-7270
www.yelp.com/biz/gumbo-jeauxs-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr leighklotz

Once known best for its barbecue and Tex-Mex fare, Texas has been having a real moment lately thanks to the independent breweries popping up all over the state. On June 13 and 14, the Houston Beer Fest will celebrate in-state (and some out-of-state) suds at Hermann Square Park, just about three miles from Siena at Memorial Heights.

Saint Arnold, Texas Beer Refinery, and Karbach are just a few of the Texan breweries slated to appear this year, along with other breweries from around the country. Sampling hours are from noon to 4 p.m., and that's when you can grab small sips from a few different vendors. After that, the tents will pour full-sized pints. Wine and spirits will also be served. While you sip, drink in the tunes from live bands or play a round of air hockey at Love Street, a section of the fest dedicated to the peace and love of the 1960s.

Houston Beer Fest
Hermann Square Park
12 to 8 p.m. June 13 and 14
900 Smith Street
Houston, TX 77002
www.houstonbeerfestival.com

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr bptakoma

Alexander Hamilton. W.E.B. Dubois. Colin Powell. All three have something in common—other than shaping the fate of the United States—they all have roots in the Caribbean. Along with a handful of other U.S. icons, the trio proves that Caribbean-Americans have had a major impact on the course of American history. Caribbean-American Heritage Month celebrates their accomplishments, and in Houston, that includes the Caribbean-American Heritage Month Festival.

Held this Saturday at Jones Plaza, about two miles from Siena at Memorial Heights, the annual festival once again brings Caribbean flair to the city via live music and dance, poetry, and even storytelling and dramatic readings. Traditional Caribbean cuisine augments the performances, from jerk chicken to pelau (a dish of peas and rice) to roti. Even tropical drinks are served, such as Mauby, crafted from the bitter bark of a tree and ample amounts of sugar.

The Caribbean-American Heritage Month Festival
Jones Plaza
2 to 10 p.m. June 6
600 Louisiana Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 836-0273
caribbeanfestival.caribbeanheritagetx.org/index.html

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Lee Edwin Coursey