Gingerbread House Competition; Budget Lunches

GALLERIA— Tomorrow (December 2), the Royal Sonesta Hotel will host the Lucky Dog gingerbread doghouse competition. Locals will compete to see who can design the best house for pups, and chefs will showcase their own houses in a silent auction to benefit the dog rescue agency. It all starts at 6 p.m.; it's free to the public but a $25 donation at the door is suggested. [Eaterwire]

DOWNTOWN— While you may have been hearing plenty about downtown's recent resurgence, there are still great budget spots in that part of town. Here, the Houston Press counts the five cheap spots to find a good lunch downtown. At No. 1 is Hubcap Grill. "The combination of juicy hand-formed burgers, innovative toppings, and Houston's best fries makes this quirky burger shack take the cake. We can't get enough of the messy-as-hell Frito Pie Burger, loaded with caramelized onions, chili, cheese, jalapeños, and, you guessed it, Fritos; or the aptly-named Sticky Burger, topped with bacon and crunchy peanut butter that oozes with each bite. Both massive sandwiches are just $6.99. Pair your burger with a side of Hubcap's fresh-cut, double-fried potatoes and spicy-mayo...then thank us later. Remember, this lunch-only spot is also cash only, so bring enough dough with your healthy appetite." [Houston Press]

MIDTOWN— Zagat reports that the Worhals closing was only a temporary shutter. The beer bar that opened mere months ago only shut down so that the owners could restructure. "While all signs pointed to a shocking and permanent closure, owner Bob Tatum responded to Zagat via email with the following statement: 'We have restructured and are planning a relaunch! We plan to reopen in a week or so.'" [Zagat]