Houstonist doesn't need an excuse for a party, but last night we had one: our second birthday. We got together with our readers and friends at Monsoon Wok downtown for a few drinks, a bit to nibble on and some amazing cake from The Acadian Bakers. Thanks to everyone who helped put the party together, and especially to everyone who showed up. By the way, we noticed a few of you taking photos. If......

Good morning, Houston. Hey, guess who's having a birthday today? Well, OK, it's technically not Houstonist — our second birthday was back on Nov. 20, but we figured that if the queen can have two birthdays, so can we. And so we're throwing ourselves a little birthday party tonight, and you're all invited. It starts at 6 p.m. at Monsoon Wok, Lamar at San Jacinto (yes, street parking is free downtown after 6). Six......

"Houstonist. What do you want?" ... "Oh, hey. What up?" ... "Hell, yeah. Our birthday party is tomorrow night!" ... "Tomorrow night at 6. Downtown." ... "AT MONSOON WOK. Thought you said you read the first post?" ... "You'd better show up or we'll beat your ass." ... "Love you, too." Houstonist Birthday Party 6 PM on Thursday, December 6th Monsoon Wok (McKinney @ San Jacinto) --- Photo: flickr user princessrica.......

Here you go Houston, more food and wine events for you to peruse. We are going to work to get you more than one Culinary Events posting per week, as the holidays can increase the number of events, dinners, fund-raising food and beverage activities and festivals. Also, we strive to give you some advance notice - as you can't always get your reservations or tickets, which ever the case may be, on the day......

Houstonist is two years old. We have made great strides during our second year. We are proud to have showcased the city and the work of many talented photographers during 600 sq mi. And, we are also proud and very relieved to have safely hosted over 60 folks on the Light Rail Pub Crawl. Thanks to our 11 veteran readers and our one new recruit. We love you. You're the jam in our jelly......

Feel like it's time to give back? Someone did someone nice for you and you haven't paid it forward? You screwed someone over and now you've gotta get your good karma back? We've got the answer - treat yourself to a gourmet 3-course dinner! It's not often that eating out can be considered charity work. This week in Houston, your dining escapades can actually do some good for the world. Houston's annual Restaurant Week......

Thanks to those of you who have submitted photos to our Flickr Photo Group of our opening. If you have photos, please upload them to our group so we can use them on Houstonist. Here's our First Look post that we posted in the wee hours of Sunday morning. Look for a full recap of this event tomorrow. Here's a video clip of the event. Here are some more photos! and even more photos can......