July’s Local Edit: Handroll Social in Katy, Summer Outings & Strawberry Shortcake
Adapted from Bryan’s July 2026 newsletter. The Independence Day listings are an archive of that edition, not an upcoming-events calendar.
Summer around Houston
July in our house means pool days, backyard barbecues and keeping the kids entertained while school is out. Houston has plenty to explore, and I enjoy sharing the local discoveries and recipes that become part of our own family’s routine.
July 2026 celebration archive
Our Independence Day roundup featured Freedom Over Texas at Eleanor Tinsley Park, Red, White & Boom! in Sugar Land, Katy Freedom Celebration, fireworks at Kemah Boardwalk and The Woodlands’ Fourth of July celebration. The newsletter also reminded readers to check with their neighborhood HOA for community celebrations. These events were shared for July 2026; future editions and dates may differ.
Staycation ideas and a grilling tip
For a weekend away, the July edition revisited Margaritaville Lake Resort on Lake Conroe, Moody Gardens Hotel, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort, Hyatt Lost Pines and Camp Margaritaville in Crystal Beach.
My summer grilling tip: try fresh peaches on the grill for a few minutes, then serve with vanilla ice cream or alongside chicken or pork.
From Bryan’s Table: strawberry shortcake
Our younger daughter loves strawberries, so this is an easy excuse to put them at the center of dessert. The biscuits, berries and freshly whipped cream make a classic summer combination.
Ingredients
Biscuits: 2¾ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for shaping; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 4 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; ¾ cup cold cubed unsalted butter; 1 cup cold buttermilk; 2 tablespoons heavy cream or buttermilk for brushing; and coarse sugar for sprinkling.
Whipped cream: 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar to taste and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. For the strawberries: sliced strawberries mixed with ¼ cup granulated sugar. The original family recipe did not specify the quantity of berries; use enough for your servings.
Method
Chill the sliced berries with the sugar. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Combine the dry biscuit ingredients and cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Fold in the buttermilk just until the dough starts coming together.
Turn onto a floured surface and gently flatten to a ¾-inch rectangle. Fold the sides toward the center, rotate and repeat the gentle folding process three times. Cut 2¾- to 3-inch rounds, gathering scraps as needed for about 10–12 biscuits.
Arrange the biscuits touching in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or on a lined baking sheet. Brush with cream or buttermilk, sprinkle with coarse sugar and bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden. Cool for at least 10 minutes. Whip the cream, powdered sugar and vanilla to soft-medium peaks, then assemble with the berries.
Local spotlight: Handroll Social in Katy
23144 Cinco Ranch Boulevard, Suite C, Katy, TX 77494, as featured in July.
Chelsea and I stopped in after I had seen the restaurant on TikTok. I loved the intimate counter setting and watching the sushi chefs make everything in front of us. My lunch started with spicy tuna, spicy yellowtail and salmon hand rolls plus seaweed salad, and we kept ordering.
The Wagyu-stuffed shishito peppers were a surprise favorite. We also enjoyed tuna crudo, A5 Wagyu nigiri and the lobster roll. Chelsea enjoyed the tempura vegetables and tried several bites of the seafood, too. This was a standout visit for us.
My order: hand rolls, A5 Wagyu nigiri, Wagyu shishito peppers and the lobster roll. Menu availability can change; these were the favorites from our visit.
By Bryan Lillis, LUXE Realty Team | RE/MAX Grand. A personal perspective on life around Katy and greater Houston.
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