JUSTIN AND KATE ON H-TOWN

Kate Upton and Justin Verlander disclose their 5 favorite Houston haunts

Kate Upton and Justin Verlander disclose their 5 favorite Houston haunts
Photo by Daniel Ortiz

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.

Downtown

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."

EaDo

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?"

Montrose

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.




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The Coogs square off with Southern Illinois this Thursday. Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.

For the third year in a row, the Houston Cougars men’s basketball team will enter the NCAA Tournament as a number one seed and will face off against another Cougar school in Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville.

As it currently stands, Houston is a -28.5 favorite to win this game and should handle this team easily, so long as they can continue their defensive dominance and find ways to create consistent offense.

Trust the offense that got you here

In addition to having one of the best defenses in the nation, the Cougars are showcasing they have an elite offense as well thanks to multiple players who can take over a game with ease.

Senior guard LJ Cryer has been one of the most consistent scorers for Houston, averaging a team-high 15.2 points per game, but had some help recently carrying the offensive load from two of his fellow starters.

Forward Emanuel Sharp had two of his best games of the season during the Big 12 Tournament, and guard Milos Uzan scored a career-high 25 points in the conference championship game against Arizona.

Even if Cryer has an inefficient offensive game like he did against Arizona, Houston has either Sharp or Uzan to help maintain this offense when needed.

In addition to their offense, Houston has been successful this season thanks to their depth. They will also be getting a starter back just in time for the start of the NCAA Tournament.

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During Houston’s first-round game against Colorado, senior forward J’Wan Roberts suffered an ankle injury and missed the remainder of the Big 12 Tournament.

X-rays on Roberts' ankle were negative, but Houston still wisely sat out their star forward for their final two games.
All signs indicate the 23-year-old will be ready to play once the NCAA Tournament starts on Thursday, even if it is on a limited basis.

Roberts returning to this rotation will only further bolster Houston’s offense and defense, as he is averaging 10.8 points per game and is the team's leading rebounder.

Defense wins championships

Houston boasts one of the best defenses in the nation and holds their opponents to a measly 58.5 points per game.

Head coach Kelvin Sampson instills a defensive-first mentality into his team year after year, and this season is no different.

This may be one of the best teams Houston has ever had, and when fully healthy, the Cougars can make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

Houston’s game against SIU Edwardsville will be Thursday at 1 pm, and the winner will play either Georgia or Gonzaga in the next round.

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