The Broken Obelisk, a steel sculpture dedicated to MLK, Jr. at the Menil

The annual conference my team leads, The Whole Child Model Orientation, brought me to Houston, coincidentally the same week as Afrotech, making for an especially vibrant visit. Between sessions, the city buzzed with energy, filled with innovators and creatives from across the world. I took advantage of the trip to explore two standout museums and dine at four Houston Michelin-starred (or mentioned) restaurants, turning a work trip into a full-on foodie and culture experience. If Houston’s on your list, read on for recommendations that pair exquisite dining with world-class art and a taste of the city’s dynamic spirit.

Where to stay

Stay at the Hotel Za Za if you plan to take advantage of the many incredible museums in Houston and want to be a short walk away from them. The decor is artsy to match the neighborhood, the spa is wonderful, and courtyard pool offers a refreshing respite from the Houston heat.

The Magnolia is our hotel of choice during frequent visits to the Houston downtown area. It’s centrally located, has a small, warm, pool on the rooftop with downtown views, and great service.

The Laura is another chic option, also within the Marriott family.

During Afrotech, hotels were four times their normal price. On a strict budget, we went with the most affordable option that week and were delightfully surprised by the…. downtown Holiday Inn. Rooms were clean and well-serviced, breakfast buffet had decent hot food and fresh fruit, and the location was right on Main Street, adjacent to several cute parks and cafes. This is a budget-friendly option if you are priced out of nicer Houston hotels.

Places to eat

The three top-notch Michelin starred restaurants we ate at - BCN, March, and Le Jardinier - did not disappoint. BCN Taste and Tradition offered a dining experience at the bar with gorgeous drinks (specializing in gin and tonics) and food (the suckling pig was decadent and delicious), as well as outstanding service and wine recommendations from the bartender.

March has a 6 and 9 course tasting menu, but we opted for the a la carte experience in the lounge, which was equally special - incredibly dedicated service and beautiful dishes that tasted as good as they looked.

On the way to March, stop for a drink at Wild, which also had tasty empanadas and friendly service.

While visiting museums, eat at Michelin starred Le Jardinier, where you can get an excellent deal on a two-course fixed price lunch.

Josephine’s was the perfect place for a team group dinner, with a relaxed environment and great gulf coast comfort food.

ChòpnBlọk (we got takeout from the location in the eatery of the Post Houston) has outstanding African food - filling portions with surprisingly nuanced and subtle flavors. The rooftop at the Post is a perfect place to enjoy your meal while taking in the Houston cityscape.

If you are in Houston Heights, have coffee at Next Door on Larkin Street. The coffee is amazing and the outdoor patio setting is lovely.

If you’re flying through Hobby airport, try Killen’s for barbecue. The Houston location has a Michelin Bib Gourmand and the airport outpost offers to go versions of their BBQ staples.

Things to do

Head to the rooftop of Post for skyline Houston views and a lovely green space to enjoy a meal from the extensive eatery with a wide variety of restaurants.

Visit the Menil Collection and, while there, don’t miss the Rothko chapel and the Cy Twombly building.

Around the corner from the Menil is the small but mighty Houston Center for Photography with a vibrant display of photos that augmented reality in surreal and thought provoking ways.