Jose Solis
Birthplace
Houston!
Occupation
Associate at an international architecture firm/community activist
Tex-Mex or BBQ?
Tex-Mex since it was basically invented here. Fajitas, anyone? The best BBQ is found in the countryside anyway.
Inner Looper or Outer Looper?
Inner Loop. The only time I've lived outside of the Loop has been when I've lived out of the city, state, or country.
Favorite Annual Event?
The annual blooming of bluebonnets in the area in and around Houston. Those carpets of dense, almost unnatural blue pull at the heartstrings of every Texan.
Houston in one word is:
Limitless
What's a Houston must-see?
Definitely The Menil Collection. One of the most spectacularly serene buildings in the world that comfortably sits in the middle of a great neighborhood.
A must-have?
A cold Shiner Bock at the either the W. Alabama Ice House or Alice's Tall Texan.
What's the one activity that you haven't experienced, but would like to?
I've never canoed on Buffalo Bayou. Running along it is so peaceful, I imagine canoeing must be even better.
What would you say is Houston's best hidden gem? Why?
The multitude of exciting arts spaces/groups like DiverseWorks, Blaffer Gallery, Rice Gallery, Project Row Houses, Aurora Picture Show, and Box 13. They are extremely accessible and let you meet the most interesting people while experiencing great art.
When I'm not designing buildings and volunteering in the community, I'm exploring different parts of the city that I've never seen before -- which could last a lifetime. It's a big city.
Houstonian that you admire most?
Bill White, because he can get things done.
Favorite place to grab a bite?
These days, it's definitely Beaver's cause it's close to where I live, though I'm finding I make the trek to Phoenicia Specialty Foods out on Westheimer more and more often.
Best brunch in town?
I'm actually partial to Shade in the Heights, but Goode Co. Taqueria makes a mean breakfast. (They make killer homemade corn tortillas.)
Favorite Happy Hour?
Hands down it's 13 Celsius (or any hour for that matter.) Rockin' wine list, an unusually knowledgeable and helpful staff, interesting and sexy clientele, AND you can actually have a conversation there.
