JUSTIN AND KATE ON H-TOWN
Kate Upton and Justin Verlander disclose their 5 favorite Houston haunts
Jun 28, 2019, 1:38 pm
JUSTIN AND KATE ON H-TOWN
Verlander and Upton share their favorite places to visit in Houston in the New York Times.
This article originally appeared on CultureMap and was written by Holly Beretto.
Houston once again is in the national media spotlight. This time, it's courtesy of Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander and his ultra-glam, supermodel wife, Kate Upton, who dish to the New York Timeson their five places to visit in the Bayou City. While neither was born in Texas, they got here as quickly as they could, as the saying goes, and they say they've become immersed in the energy of their new hometown.
With the addition of their baby, Genevieve, and Verlander inking a deal with the Astros to stick around until 2021, Upton and Verlander definitely consider themselves Houstonians. Having the dynamic duo sing the city's praises should increase that intense local pride and serve as a reminder to all that Houston is totally celeb-worthy.
So, where do Verlander and Upton like to hang out? Here's some of what they share with the Times.
No surprise that Minute Maid Park made the couple's list of favorite places in Houston. It is, after all, a home away from home for them. Verlander touted the enthusiasm of them fans when the team won the 2017 World Series. "Feeling that atmosphere in the ballpark was amazing," he says. Meanwhile, Upton talked about how she and Verlander's brother have a superstition they follow. "We eat popcorn to get hits."
Kate Upton — who needs no introduction as she's often called one of the world's most beautiful women — does a serious name drop of her own when she shares her love of Nancy's Hustle (which won Restaurant of the Year at this year's Tastemaker Awards). "My friend Stella McCartney introduced me to it and it is the best burger I have ever had," she tells the Times. "They use an English muffin instead of a bun and it really just enhances the flavors."
There was a bit of bickering between the couple when Upton told Verlander, a self-professed burger lover, about the dish. When she insisted they stop in after a game, though, his skepticism vanished. "..[It] really is to die for," he said. Upton clarifies. "[He] said the burger was in the top three [that he'd eaten]." Verlander, clearly sold, does have one significant question: "But does it count as a burger if it's on an English muffin?"
Who doesn't like meandering around Montrose, with its funky shops and headlining bars and restaurants? Those who do this routinely might run into the power couple, who told the Times they love the trendy neighborhood. Upton gave shout-outs to home good store Biscuit, Texas honkytonk Goodnight Charlie's, and the Chris Shepherd-led UB Preserve. Verlander offered a pro tip: "[G]oing on a Monday is sometimes better because it's not as crowded."
Continue reading on CultureMap to learn about their favorite spot in River Oaks.
In today’s episode, we dive into the bombshell report that Jeremy Peña has turned down a five-year, $105 million contract extension from the Houston Astros — a move that could have major implications for his future in Houston.
We take you through the reported timeline of the contract talks and explore how Peña’s recent decision to sign with super-agent Scott Boras might shape the next phase of negotiations. What does this all mean for Astros fans hoping to see Peña stay in Houston long-term? Is there still a path forward, or did the front office miss its window?
We also examine what this moment reveals about the Astros’ broader strategy, and whether their approach to homegrown stars is due for a serious rethink.
_____________________________________________
*Looking to get the word out about your business, products, or services? Consider advertising on SportsMap! It's a great way to get in front of Houston sports fans. Click the link below for more information!