Marene Gustin

Texas

Writer and Editor at Freelance

Chihuahua lover and freelance writer.

Featured in: Favicon

culturemap.com (+1) Favicon

houstonpress.com Favicon

houstoniamag.com Favicon

outsmartmagazine.com Favicon

intownmag.com Favicon

publishersweekly.com Favicon

3blmedia.com

Articles

Pride Picks: Books, Bakes, Brews, and Bold Flavors

3 weeks ago | outsmartmagazine.com | Marene Gustin

dessertgallery.comEverybody needs a sweet treat once in a while, so why not pop into one of the two Dessert Gallery Bakery & Cafe locations for a well-deserved Pride cookie? CEO and founder Sara Brook has been winning awards and customers with her incredible baked goods since 1995. And a big part of her business is about giving back.
First Christian Church Katy Celebrates Marriage Equality Anniversary

4 weeks ago | outsmartmagazine.com | Houston Press |Marene Gustin

This June marks ten years of marriage equality. In 2015 the Supreme Court ruled on Obergefell v. Hodges, which officially granted same-sex marriage rights nationwide.
Breakfast, Brunch, and Afternoon Tea: Little Hen is the Place to Dine at River Oaks District

Mar 16, 2025 | intownmag.com | Marene Gustin

Looking for the perfect ladies’ brunch, galantines party place, or birthday spot for your best gal? Check out Little Hen, though the name is quaint, the atmosphere is beyond elegant, and food is fancy refined. Step inside this eatery in the glamorous River Oaks District and you’re enveloped in floral beauty, from the live flower arrangements to the rose-covered wallpaper. There’s even a dish on the menu of pancakes with rose water infused syrup. Yes, roses are big here and pinks and pastels abide.
So, Did The Restaurant Business Make a Comeback Last Year?

Jan 11, 2025 | intownmag.com | Marene Gustin

Yes, and No, but there’s plenty to look forward toThe hospitality industry took a hard hit during the COVID pandemic, first forced closings than supply chain stoppages and worker shortages. But things seemed to be doing good last year with more than 70 eatery and bars opening in Houston. “Last year seemed to be one of extremes,” says Jonathon Horowitz, president of Houston Hospitality Alliance.
A Murder in Massachusetts: PW Talks with Kate Winkler Dawson

Nov 22, 2024 | publishersweekly.com | Marene Gustin

In The Sinners All Bow (Putnam, Jan.), historian Kate Winkler Dawson examines the 1832 killing that inspired The Scarlet Letter and America’s first true crime book. How did you first become interested in Sarah Maria Cornell’s murder? One of the listeners of my podcast, Tenfold More Wicked, emailed me about a case that she called “the haystack murder.” I searched for it and discovered the story of Sarah Maria Cornell.
More New and Notable Restaurants

Sep 21, 2024 | intownmag.com | Marene Gustin

Kazzan Ramen & Bar in the Heights brings you volcano-style ramen served up in a 350-degree hot stone bowl. kazzanramenhtx.com119 Heights Boulevard832.925.7919Holey Moley, play mini golf and sing karaoke, while working up an appetite and a mighty thirst for some pizzas, “sandwedges,” or wings and fried pickles washed down with cocktails or mocktails.
Condiments and Change: State of Grace’s Bobby Matos Explains

Sep 21, 2024 | intownmag.com | Marene Gustin

Chef Bobby Matos, culinary director at the River Oaks State of Grace, leaves most of the cooking at home to his wife. “She goes to the farmers market once a week,” he says. “We like simple, farm fresh stuff. We like to keep it light and bright, and healthy.” One thing they are big on is condiments. Matos says she has different hot sauces for different dishes, and you will always find these five things in their refrigerator: butter, lemons, capers, sriracha, and ranch.
15 to 50, and BeyondRestaurants with Staying Power

Jul 13, 2024 | intownmag.com | Marene Gustin

Some favorite eateries never made it through COVID, struggling to switch to take-out only during the lock-down, and then facing supply line shortages and rising inflation. At the beginning of this year almost 20 eateries and coffee shops closed their doors including such popular ones as Harold’s in the Heights, Urban Eats, Alice Blue, and Sushi King. But as many close, and new ones spring up, there are some that seem to have real staying power.
Molly Cook Makes History as the First Openly LGBTQ Texas Senator

Jun 3, 2024 | outsmartmagazine.com | Marene Gustin

Molly Cook, a 32-year-old emergency room nurse and community organizer, has made history as the first openly LGBTQ member of the Texas Senate. A sixth-generation Texan, Cook’s achievement marks a significant milestone for representation in the Texas Legislature. “Today, we get to celebrate our fantastic, well-deserved, historic win,” Sen. Cook said the morning of May 29 after securing her Democratic primary win in Texas State District 15, a seat that has been blue for decades.
Six Quintessential Dishes in Houston

May 25, 2024 | intownmag.com | Marene Gustin

You’ll want to try these for the taste and for a taste of historySome restaurants are known for certain dishes, and some of those dishes are famous in Houston and beyond. Here, we’ve rounded up six dishes that are mainstays of H-town meals, everything from top-of-the-line streaks to Tex-Mex. We’re not saying they are the best, but they are right up there in both Houston’s heart and history.