French restaurants have been very kind to Houstonist. They reside in quaint little locales, offer crusty bread and real butter, and cook up delectable and delicate fares. We were delighted to learn that a new french restaurant opened on Colquitt just two weeks ago. The owners and chefs of Au Petit Paris, Eric Legros & Dominique Bocquier, have created a 'casual' neighborhood restaurant with a distinct Parisian feel. Though the restaurant lacks the pretentiousness of......

There's nothing quite like a story about a bizarre, vaguely stupid crime to round out the week. So, in that spirit, we bring you the tale of the guy who wanted to sell a $15,000 Rolex watch, met the seller, let him try the watch on — and now has no watch and no $15,000. Life can be harsh like that sometimes. According to police, the man advertised the Rolex in some undisclosed place and......

The shot from flickr user and Houstonist photo contributor The Bald Heretic. As the title suggests, this is DJ Amanda Robinson throwing down on the ones and twos at the Meridian last saturday for Rent 42. The shot is crisp despite the low light, something we have trouble with when shooting in clubs. The Merdian is particularly hard to shoot in thanks to all of the support beams everywhere. If you want to see......

Mosaic Grand Opening So, admit it. You have nothing to do tonight. Tivo-ing your favorite shows during the week and watching them on the weekend doesn't count as "plans." Get your -ist off the couch, throw on your tightest European cut shirt, and head downtown to see how the other half lives. Tonight officially opens Houston's newest rock lounge, Mosaic. (And, yes, we have more than one). Located in Downtown's Bayou Place, Mosaic sits next......

Sunday. Usually, a quiet, contemplative day in the Blogosphere. But not here in the Ist-a-Verse. Nonono! Just look below and see all of the wild and crazy stuff our staffs are up to. In Austin, bands are beginning to confirm for SXSW and the rumor mill is up and running. Good thing, too, because we all know how much Austinites love live performances. Austin also found itself in the national spotlight, with Longhorn Legend......

Well, you Houstonians were really disappointing this New Years. A quick browse of this week's Missed Connections proves you aren't following our advice and speaking up to potential lovers. A whole slew of posts were from New Year's Eve parties, and most of you blamed too much alcohol for your passivity. What's the worst that could come from your candor? Your love interest could slur a messy, "Nooo," and drunkenly stumble away. You'll never......

No Murder Mystery? No Bach? It's New Year's Eve - like you are going to sit at home, swilling egg nog and watching Dick Clark? The Main Street Theater-Chelsea Market presents Urinetown!, the musical, on New Year's Eve - beginning at 8:30 p.m. and the fun includes champagne, dancing and gourmet desserts from the Dessert Gallery. For your enjoyment, silly hats and noisemakers will be provided to assist you as you ring in 2007! Houstonist......

Murder Myster dinner not your style? You can still celebrate the end of the Gregorian year in grand style. Get your party on (don't forget the party attire - bling your way to midnight) to the works of the serious-looking guy on the left - the serious ones are the real party animals! Ars Lyrica is hosting "Biber, Bach & Bubbly" at Zilkha Hall in the Hobby Center, beginning at 9 p.m., New Year's Eve.......

Looking for something different to do on New Year's Eve? Houstonist will bring you some ideas over the next couple of days - starting with Keith & Margo's Murder Mystery - New Year's Eve Celebration - at the Doubletree Hotel Downtown. There are two packages available for the evening - the Basic and the Deluxe. The Basic Package - priced at $279/couple includes an Hors D'Oeuvres Reception, one glas of wine, two glasses of champagne......

Houston Texans Wide Receiver Andre Johnson is heading to the Pro Bowl for the second time in his four year career. This time around he has earned a starting spot with his stellar performance. Amazingly, #80 has shown brilliance on the field as the offense continues to struggle as a unit. Johnson currently leads the league with 97 receptions - a personal best. He's also in sixth place overall in receiving yards and is on......

That building going up next to Bayou Place — Phase II — is that going to be more Bayou Place-like things (restaurants, clubs, destinations)? For some reason, I get a non-fun vibe off that building. You're right about the non-fun vibe: Bayou Place II, which was actually built out in the part of the former Albert Thomas Convention Center west of Bagby Street, will house "loft office space" (which, we assume, means large windows, exposed......

In case you haven't heard, 2005 is going to last one second longer than usual — that's because the world's timekeepers (they're the ones who run the atomic clock) are adding a "leap second" to make up for the Earth's deceleration. Houstonist had a pretty good year, so we're glad we'll get to enjoy it one second longer. We were especially excited when we thought it would mean one second more of partying at midnight......

One of the good things about living in the Central Time Zone is that, on New Year's Eve, we can watch the ball drop in Times Square at 11 p.m. and still have time to watch Houston's — how do we put it nicely? — typically less-than-spectacular midnight celebration downtown. But this year might be a turning point for our local NYE party: Houston finally has something to drop at midnight. Except it will rise,......

We're shutting things down a little early at Houstonist today so we can pack things up and get to spending the holiday weekend with friends and family. All you who are still at work: Leave now! Tell your bosses we said it was OK. We'll resume regular posting Tuesday and, excepting a possible slight break while we recover from New Year's Eve, will hit 2006 sweeping through the South like a big wheel through a......