Good morning, SETX. We made it through the deep freeze! While we’re finally seeing some sun, don’t ditch the coat just yet. We’ve still got some chilly nights ahead. ☕
- The What’s Up SETX Team
🚨 THE BIG NEWS
Here's what's up in Southeast Texas...
After a brutal weekend of freezing rain and sleet, temperatures are finally climbing back above freezing. While the ice is melting, the work is just beginning for many homeowners. Local plumbers are bracing for a surge in calls as frozen pipes begin to thaw and reveal hidden cracks.
Pro-tip: Check your outdoor faucets and crawl spaces today. If you see water spraying or pooling, turn off your main water valve immediately.
The Damage: High winds and ice-heavy branches caused hundreds of trees to snap in Newton and Jasper Counties, blocking rural roads and knocking out power for thousands.
📋 THE RUNDOWN
👩🏾 Texas Icon Opal Lee Gets Her Own Barbie – Mattel honored the 99-year-old "Grandmother of Juneteenth" with an Inspiring Women doll. Lee led the fight to make Juneteenth a federal holiday.
❄️ Road Report: Beaumont city officials report major thoroughfares are clear of ice as of Sunday night, though some neighborhood side streets may still have slick spots in the shade.
🏀 Mavs Grounded: The winter storm didn't just affect local commuters it also wrecked travel plans for the Dallas Mavericks, who faced delays and logistical nightmares trying to navigate the icy Texas weather.
🌲 Newton/Jasper Recovery: Utility crews are working overtime in the northern counties where ice-covered trees are still falling onto power lines. Avoid travel in heavily wooded areas today.
🌫️ Foggy Transition: Expect dense morning fog to replace the ice as warmer air moves over the cold ground. Visibility may be low during your morning commute.
⚡ Power Grid Update: Despite the freezing rain and high demand, the ERCOT grid held steady throughout the storm, avoiding the widespread outages seen in years past.
THE SETX TO-DO LIST
Post-Freeze Edition
Photo courtesy of Beaumont Enterprise
☑️ The Inspection: Walk your perimeter. Look for wet spots on your foundation.
☑️ The Drip: You can finally stop the faucet drip once we stay above freezing tonight!
☑️ Check In: Call your elderly neighbors to make sure their heat is still kicking.
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🍽️ FOOD CORNER
Where to Eat This Week: Beaumont Edition
Figuring out your next dinner date / family dinner?
If you’re looking to warm up after the freeze, Beaumont’s culinary scene is the place to be. From upscale patios to neighborhood staples, here are 12 spots you have to hit in Beaumont:
J. Wilson’s: The ultimate neighborhood hangout. You’re here for the "Man Candy" (pork belly in sweet habanero jelly) and the oyster nachos. Whether it's brunch or dinner, it feels like home.
The Grill at Calder: A Beaumont classic. It’s the perfect spot for a sophisticated evening or a relaxed meal on the patio as the weather settles.
Riverside Grille: Great views and even better vibes. It’s a staple for those looking for solid American fare with a scenic backdrop.
Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp: The absolute king of "Mexi-Cajun" fusion. You can’t go wrong with the seafood enchiladas, a bowl of gumbo, or one of their legendary frozen cocktails.
Rao’s Bakery: Southeast Texas’s oldest bakery (since 1941!). Grab a strawberry cream muffin for breakfast or a King Cake to celebrate the season.
1701 Barbeque: Brisket, pulled pork, and house-stuffed sausages. There’s a reason the line wraps around the building—it's Texas BBQ at its finest.
Tacos La Bamba: Authentic Mexican culture on every plate. The hand-painted murals make for the perfect atmosphere to dive into their famous al pastor or carnitas.
Crazy Cajun: Authentic as it gets. They get daily fresh shipments of alligator, crabs, and shrimp. The fried duck and seafood platters are "mouthwatering" defined.
Carmela’s: This is the home of one of the top 10 quesos in Texas. Their sizzling beef fajitas are a local rite of passage.
La Real Michoachana: The go-to for Mexican sweet treats. Grab a Diablillo (sorbet with chile and chamoy) for a sweet and savory kick.
Logon Café: A quirky neighborhood favorite in an old computer repair shop. Come for the affordable eats and stay for the longest-running open mic in the Golden Triangle.
Toasted Yolk: Your brunch destination. Two words: Churro Donuts. Served with warm caramel sauce, they are the perfect appetizer for an omelet or skillet.
📅 COMMUNITY EVENTS
The Weekly Lineup & Save the Date’s
Jan 27: Wicked Trivia Night | Little Woodrow's, Beaumont. Test your knowledge on the beloved Broadway musical.
Jan 30: The Imaginaries | 700 North St, Beaumont. Catch some live Americana music to kick off the weekend.
Jan 30: Classic Movie Night: Groundhog Day | Jefferson Theatre. Doors open at 6 PM.
Jan 30: Sammy Kershaw | Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino, Lake Charles.
Jan 31: Port Aransas Garden Club Home Tour | Island Retreat Condos. The 36th annual tour of beautiful Mustang Island homes.
Upcoming this February…
Feb 6 to 9: Paranormal Cirque Inferno | Central Mall, Port Arthur. A dark, theatrical circus experience.
Feb 7: Mardi Gras on the Sabine | Riverfront Boardwalk. The BIG FUN Brass Band kicks off the Krewe de Kids Parade at 3 PM. Free handkerchiefs and umbrellas (while they last) for the Second Line March, plus a performance by Wayne Toups!
Feb 13 & 14: LaMardi Gras | Lamar Fire Dept. Food, live music, and a parade on the Lamar Peninsula to benefit the Volunteer Fire Dept.
Feb 14 & 28: Riverfront Farmers Market | Get your local goods and fresh finds at the boardwalk.
🏪 LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Rao’s Bakery: Serving SETX since 1941. It’s peak King Cake season. Don't wait until they sell out!
1701 Barbeque: Recently opened and already a legend. If you need a post-freeze protein fix, their brisket is the answer.
🌳 OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Jan 31: Last Saturday Volunteer Workday | Cattail Marsh. Help clear debris from the trails after the winter storm.
Jan 31: Yoga at the Marsh | 9:30 AM. The perfect way to stretch out after huddling indoors all weekend.
Where are you heading this weekend?
That’s all for today. Thank you for reading today’s edition of ‘What’s up SETX’.
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See you in a few days,
The What's Up Southeast Texas Team
What’s up SETX
Your weekly guide to Southeast Texas
📍 The Golden Triangle
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