Del Vista Local Bar and Grill →

6565 Del Monte Drive Houston, TX 77057 (713) 750-9259 delvistahtx.com

La Vista is back in the ‘hood, folks, sort of. Greg Gordon’s beloved La Vista, formerly on Fountain View, after a stint in the Garden Oaks area, has come back to the customer base which supported it heartedly for many years. Occupying the space formerly taken by The Del restaurant, “Del Vista” has re-opened for starters with a somewhat abbreviated but palate-pleasing menu, and prices remain reasonable. The space includes a very large covered terrace with heat lamps and fans, depending on the season, and spacing is generous in The Days of Covid. A full bar and a good selection of wine by the glass or bottle upgrades Del Vista from its predecessor. Stuff before you eat: * Calamari, cornflake crusted, pepperoncini, spicy remoulade * Mussels in garlic & white wine * Bruschetta, tomato, onion, basil, parmesan * Truffle fries. Momma says “Eat yo greens” * House, mixed greens, strawberries, pecans, vinaigrette * Caesar, romaine hearts, capers, Parm, croutons * Heirloom tomato, bacon, blu cheese, green goddess More pasta stuff * Wild boar Bolognese, brisket, peas, mushrooms, Parm * Lasagna, smoked brisket, marinara * Diavolo, spaghetti, spicy marinara, shrimp, mussels, olives, green onions * Rigatoni rustica, Italian sausage, crema rosa, peas, chili flake * Fettucine Alfredo, garlic, Parm, cinnamon, nutmeg Stuff from the grill * Tenderloin, port wine, apricot cherry sauce, mashed potatoes * Pork chop, mashed potatoes, chili fried onions, brandy peppercorn, asparagus * Big fat chicken, roasted potatoes, seasonal harvest * Shrimp & grits, sage polenta, prosciutto, sweet potatoes, spicy Grand Marnier * Rainbow trout, sage white bean, roasted veggies, artichokes, capers, roasted pepper lemon beurre blanc * Pizza * Overkill, bell peppers, mushroom, olives, pepperoni, beef, sausage, basil, onions * Carciofo y pollo, spinach, artichokes, chicken, red pepper, basil Pick your poison * Tiramisu * Brownie * Coconut cream pie

Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House →

113 6th Street San Leon, TX 77539 (281) 339-1515 pier6seafood.com

Pier 6 joins Topwater Grill and Gilhooley’s Restaurant and oyster bar in bayside San Leon, and it is quite a high-quality addition indeed. A large and airy restaurant with ample outdoor bay sview patio seating, the restaurant for the moment is open only evenings, and recommends reservations. However, due to its size, patrons turning up unannounced the weekend night I was there were accommodated in short order. A large circular bar near the entrance is super for people watching, and for observing the pert young bartenders busily turning out their fancy drinks. Pier 6 has a “tide to table” mentality, and is owned by a former Gulf coast seafood purveyor who had the urge to open his own restaurant. Oysters are a specialty, and they come baked or on the half-shell. Oysters & crudos * Prestige oysters on the half-shell * Snapper crudo, citrus, capers, & olive oil * Fish dip, hickory smoked red fish, saltines, Crystal hot sauce * Grilled oysters, grated Parmigiana, fresh herb shallot butter * Oysters Rockefeller & Bienville * Crab gratin stuffed oyster * Hot blooded oysters, garlic, Sriracha, & Habanero butter Starters * Tempura fried Gulf shrimp tossed in spicy aioli * Seafood corndog, spicy remoulade * Seafood fondue, Gulf shrimp, blue crab, & spinach Soups & salads * Oyster chowder, leeks, smoked bacon, potatoes, oyster crackers * Lobster bisque * Crab boiled shrimp salad, remoulade, shaved red onions, cucumbers, bibb lettuce, buttermilk dressing Keep it simple * Grilled redfish, chimichurri sauce * 16 oz. ribeye, garlic herb butter Entrée * Pan-seared grouper, veggies * Crispy red snapper, shrimp etouffee, popcorn rice * Pier 6 burger * Crab cakes * Cowboy rib-eye, blue crab au gratin potatoes & grilled asparagus * Tide to fried, seafood platter Dessert * Coconut banana mousse * Strawberry crumble w vanilla ice cream

Katz’s Deli in The Heights →

2200 N. Shepherd Drive Houston, TX 77008 (713) 999-4799 katzsneverkloses.com

This third location, following the revered original on Lower Westheimer in Montrose and a location in The Woodlands, also “never kloses”. The fresh new Heights restaurant is enclosed with large windows-all ‘round, and has exclusively booth seating. A cool horse shoe -shaped bar and an outside patio add seating (and drinking!) options, and…if you thought you were intimidated by the huge number of menu choices at your favorite Chinese restaurant-wait ‘till you see Katz’s! We only have space to skim the surface here, so go online to see the full list of time-honored NY deli selections. Breakfast served 24/7 * Waffle sandwich, eggs and bacon, fries and fruit cup * Smoked salmon benedict, English muffin, sauteed spinach, poached eggs, red pepper hollandaise * Chicken & waffles * Buttermilk pancakes * Bagel w lox * Monte Kristo, French toast piled high w turkey-ham, Muenster cheese, fried egg * Seasonal fresh fruit salad Delicatessen breakfast * Fluffy 3-egg omelette w potato pancake and choose from a long list of toppings * Corned beef hash, diced potato pancakes, sauteed onions, 2 eggs any style * David’s spinach frittata, mushrooms, pastrami, Muenster cheese, tomatoes & potato pancake * Texas size breakfast burrito * Breakfast bowls, your choice of protein w scrambled eggs, roasted veggies, potato pancake, red pepper hollandaise * Toasted bagel w butter or cream cheese * English muffin * Katz’s colossal cinnamon roll, served warm w cream cheese icing Appetizers * Texas pecan hummus, lemon whipped feta dip * Scottish smoked salmon * Stuffed cabbage roll, stuffed w seasoned beef & rice, European sauce Salad * Grilled shrimp * Buffalo chicken * Salmon * Cobb * Caesar or chicken Caesar Homemade soup * Matzo ball, chicken & noodle * French onion au gratin * Chicken in the pot * Homemade chili Farm fresh poultry & seafood * Pan seared Australian sea bass, quinoa, rice pilaf, sauteed spinach, roasted red pepper vinaigrette * Roasted half-chicken, dressing & one side * Fried chicken, gravy & side * Turkey & dressing Imported pasta * Spaghetti & meatballs * Eggplant parmesan, rich marinara sauce Beef * Manhattan steak dinner, 8 oz. sirloin, mashed potatoes, au jus, roasted onions, sauteed mushrooms * Yankee pot roast, carrots, potatoes, brown gravy * Mom’s meatloaf, gravy, sauteed onions on mashed potatoes Yankee corner * Kosher style foot-long hot dog, sauerkraut & onions * Chili cheese hot dog * Grilled or fried chicken sandwich Barry’s Burgers * Brooklyn deli patty melt, beef burger on Jewish rye, melted cheese, lettuce, tomato * Reuben burger, Russian dressing, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese * Madison Square Garden veggie burger * Carnegie Hall burger Signature deli sandwiches ( 3 sizes-Skinny, Classic, New York) * Corned beef & Cole slaw on rye * The Three Stooges, corned beef, pastrami, turkey breast, Swiss cheese * Pesto grilled shrimp * Monte Kristo * Philadelphia cheese steak * French dip Katz’s Heroes * Texas brisket & turkey * Grilled salmon or pastrami * Chicken, bacon, & ranch dressing * Chicken salad * BLT * Egg salad * Open-faced tuna melt Desserts * Cheesecake sandwich * Key lime pie * Blintzes * Caramel raisin bread pudding * Brownie boat * World’s tallest 7 layer chocolate cake * Red velvet cheesecake * Chocolate eruption * Carrot cake * Oreo cheesecake * Macaroons * Noodle kugel (lokshen) * Premium milkshakes & malts * Chocolate chunk manifesto cookie * Strawberry jubilee cake

Field & Tides →

705 E 11th St, Houston, TX 77008 (713) 861-6143 fieldandtides.com

Two delightful little houses, side by side, one re-purposed into the restaurant and the other into the restaurant’s lounge, with lots of patio seating. After just a few years, this small chef-owned jewel has a loyal following and reservations are advised. Parking across the street is ample and valet-free. Because of a diverse but limited menu, extra care is given to each plate and the selections are delicious. Starters: * Tuna poke * F&T collars, fried snapper, pickled tomato, roasted garlic, lime * Deviled eggs, crispy Berkshire pork belly, cane vinegar mayo * Pulpo braised, chorizo, fingerling potato, herbs * Sea Island pea spread, puree, tahini, olive oil, cucumber, tomato, lemon, sourdough bread * Cajun country mac & cheese, tasso ham, jumbo lump crab, Cajun spices, green onions, bread crumbs Soup, salad, & Sandwiches: * She crab soup * Chicken & sausage gumbo * Spinach salad * Oyster Caesar, crusted flash fried oysters, parmesan, croutons * Tomato crab stack * Sloppy tides, cornmeal crusted catch of the day, coleslaw, chipotle anchovy aioli, onions, pickles, fried egg, fries * Kentucky colonel sandwich, boneless fried chicken thighs, pimento cheese, onion, spicy pickles, Mississippi comeback sauce, fried, F&T burger, w bacon Entrees: Creamy shrimp & crab risotto, chive, beurre blanc * Redfish, crackling crusted, tasso ham, green onion, farro, okra * Pork chop, double cut, IPA mustard, white cheddar grits, braised collards * Mushroom tostada, crispy corn tortilla, guajillo sauce, black beans, herbed mushrooms, tempura mushrooms, radish, queso fresco * Low country fried chicken piccata, fried chicken thigh, garlic mash, green beans, lemon caper butter Desserts: * Alabama stack cake, layered chocolate sponge, bourbon ganache, doubled cream * Granny’s buttermilk pie, caramel drizzle, homemade pie crust, butter pecan ice cream, powdered sugar * Strawberries & cream, vanilla crème fraiche, basil syrup, shortbread * Momma’s banana pudding, ‘nilla wafers, doubled cream, pudding, salted caramel * Key Lime pie, graham cracker crust, double cream Save room for dessert!

Braised Pulpo

She Crab Soup

Woodshed Smokehouse Houston →

3728 Wakeforest Ave., Houston, TX 77098 (346) 718-6110 woodshedhouston.com

There is no more relaxing place in Houston to be on a lazy afternoon than sitting at one of the outside tables and watching the kids, families, and dogs play in the park…and munching on some delicious BBQ, accompanied by a frosty draft beer. Levy Park is privately owned and maintained, and is lovely, with a community garden, a little fast food kiosk, a moderate office building, and lots of little park-y amenities. Snacks: * Smoked Texas peanuts, chili salt * Crispy potatoes, smoked garlic aioli, ancho puree * Smoked whitefish dip, camp bread, tortilla chips * Smoked pork empanadas, tomatillo crema * Kick ass nachos, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo Salads: * 2-kale salad, celery greens, guanciale, smoked pepita, manchego * Brisket grain bowl, ancient grains, pickled cherry, smoked pecans, cotija, mixed herbs, red wine vinaigrette * Shaved Brussels sprouts, currants, parmesan, pine nuts, olive oil, citrus Traditional Q: * Pork ribs * Lamb brisket * Brisket New Q: * Bowl of ramen noodles, bone broth, pork rib meat, chiles, quail egg, lime * Whole beef rib, ancho demi, house pickles, camp bread Tacos: Bourbon & coke pork ‘bahn mi’, pickled chiles, cotija, lime * Ranch style smoked game hen, cheddar, crispy skin, lime * Simple plates: Brisket stuffed piquillo peppers, bone broth & cotija * Today’s sausage * Chicken fried steak, smoked jalapeno gravy, pickled chiles Sandwiches: * BBQ pulled pork * Chopped brisket * Woodshed burger, chopped brisket, today’s sausage, smoked cheddar * Butcher’s sandwich-brisket, pork, sausage with garnish Sides: * Borracho beans * Mexican corn * Smoked mustard potato salad * Grilled broccolini * Smoked loaded baked potato Beer, wine, and craft cocktails: * Lots of great choices

Woodshed Burger

Sonoma in the Heights →

801 Studewood St, Houston, TX 77007 (713) 864-9463 sonomahouston.com

This pleasant and accessible alternate to the original Sonoma Wine Bar & Shop on Richmond Avenue is a peaceful haven for the sophisticated young professional, and older folk as well. Park right next to the door, and you have two seating alternatives for your wine and meal: upstairs on the loge/gallery/verandah, or on ground level at the bar, or in the intimate dining area. Bright young staff and attractive servers will ensure you are happy during your visit. A quality selection of wines by the glass or by the bottle-at reasonable prices-is available to accompany your appetizers or light meal. Cheese & charcuterie: Artisan cheese & charcuterie board, 3 cheeses, 3 charcuterie choices, served with local honey, Oregon hazelnuts, pickles, olives, grapes, crackers, & baguette * Farmstead cheese board, three cheeses with accoutrements * Build your own board, cheese, charcuterie, accoutrement Sonoma favorites: * Deviled eggs * Truffle fries * Crab cake * Empanadas * Baked artichoke dip * Meatballs * Grilled salmon entrée, horseradish mashed potato, glazed carrot, haricots verts, lemon caper aioli * Short rib, red wine braised, herb whipped potato, heirloom carrot, au jus Soup/Salad * Tomato bisque * Bruschetta salad, heirloom tomato, ciabatta croutons, Greek olives, capers, red onion, shaved pecorino * Crab salad, tomato, grilled avocado, cilantro oil Pasta: * Cacio e pepe, bucatini, parmesan, cracked black pepper, salt cured egg yolk * Pancetta & spring pea, bucatini, pancetta, spring peas, parmesan cream sauce Pizza: * Seven varieties of pizza Dessert: * Salted caramel cheesecake mousse * Lemon icebox, graham cracker crust, lemon zest, crème fraiche * Chocolate cake, ganache icing, fresh berries Sonoma Wine Shop, Bar, & Restaurant is also a good starting point for a glass of wine to start off the evening, before joining friends elsewhere.

Porta’Vino →

7800 Washington Avenue, Houston, TX 77007 (713) 360-7480 portavinohouston.com

The building buzz about Porta’Vino required an immediate visit, and not only was I pleased, I was super-impressed.  On a recent weekend night, every table inside and on the outside verandah was full.  Servers were genial and professional, and on top of the delicious food, diners are welcome to bring their own wine, with a standard corkage fee applied.  Very limited wine by the glass is available, but there are a good selection of full bottles for sale, if you forget your own.  Shareables:  *Cornflake calamari-pepperoncini, calabrese remoulade  * Roasted garlic plate-focaccia, house mix triple cream cheese, whole roasted garlic, spiced pecans, greens  * Calabrese crispy shrimp, andouille sausage, Calabrian chili aioli  * Polpette, house-made meatballs, marinara, pecorino  Green Stuff:  * Ella’s Caesar  * Iceberg “The Slice” lettuce  *  Summer Panzanella salad, heirloom tomato, cucumber, red onion, avocado, charred corn, Kalamata olives, lime vinaigrette  Pizza:  * Basilico tomato  * Il Tutto (the works)  * Spinach-artichoke, roasted red pepper, feta  * Hot chick, spicy Calabrian peppers, grilled chicken  *  Cauliflower crust: available on all pizza  Pasta:  * Diavolo spaghetti, spicy marinara, shrimp, olives, scallions  * Spaghetti & meatballs  * Lasagna-Ricotta, Wagyu beef & marinara sauce  * Hunter wild boar, Bolognese, pappardelle, Parmigiano, mushrooms  Mains:  Jackson St. smoked pork chop, seasonal harvest, black peppercorn mashers  * Shrimp & grits-Grand Marnier sauce, sage polenta  * Grilled salmon, avocado, cucumber relish, spinach polenta, lemon drizzle  * Veal & risotto, roasted asparagus & artichoke risotto  * Seared diver scallops, golden beet risotto w Dijon  *  Baramundi sea bass, seasonal harvest  Sweets:  Medium rare brownie  * Coconut cream pie  * Milkshake “no minors”, adult shake w fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies

India's Restaurant →

5704 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77057 (713) 266-0131 indiasrestauranthouston.com

If being in business for 39 years doesn’t tell you all you need to know about a restaurant, nothing will.  This institution features all male servers, and formerly featured a lavish buffet, current closed during Covid.  But menu items for in-house dining or to-go are extensive, and represent the wide variety of cuisines from the sub-continent.  Appetizers:  * Shredded chicken w chopped onions & fresh coriander tossed w herbs & tamarind chutney  * Vegetable samosa  * Succulent nuggets of chicken, marinated in spices, battered, & fried  * Lamb patties, ginger & mint, yellow split peas, mild spices  Soups:  Lentil, w mild Indian spices  * Tomato, herbs & garnished w fresh mind & cream  Vegan appetizers:  Assorted fresh vegetables, fried  * Assorted onion fritters  Tandoori Specialities:  *Large juicy prawns  * Boneless fish cubes  * Filet of chicken  * Kandahari lamb chops  * Tandoori chicken  *  Mildly spice lamb rolls  Indian breads: 

 * Naan  * Whole wheat  *  Whole wheat stuffed w potatoes, peas, & herbs  * Fine flour bread, stuffed w onions & herbs  * Fine floured stuffed w minced lamb, ginger, cilantro  Seafood specialties:  * Large prawns sauteed w onions, ginger, tomatoes, ground herbs & spices  * Prawn curry, coconut milk, mild spices  * Goan fish curry w tomatoes  Chicken specialties:  Barbecued morsels, zesty sauce  * Tandoori cooked in creamy tomato sauce  * Curried  cooked with fresh chopped spinach  * Chicken Ceylon  Fresh lamb specialties:  Curried w chopped fresh spinach  * Tender cubes stewed w spices & apricots  

* Marinated in yogurt, lightly spiced cream sauce  * Keema curry, w onion, garlic, ginger, herbs, spices  Rice specialties:  Shrimp Biryani  * Chicken Moghlai Biryani, saffron, lightly spiced chicken pieces  * Lamb & vegetable Biryani  Vegetarian specialties:  Saag paneer, cottage cheese in chopped creamed spinach  * Eggplant Bharta, grilled, mashed, cooed w fresh tomatoes, onions, spices  * Croquettes of mixed vegetables, cottage cheese, light creamy sauce  * Florets of cauliflower, diced potatoes, masala in steamed pot  *  Garbanzo beans, onions, tomatoes, spices, tamarind sauce  * Creamed lentils  * Slice fresh mushrooms  * Fresh okra lightly sauteed w onions, tomatoes, spices  * Cumin potatoes  India’s recommendations: *  Tandoori snapper  * Viceroy of India’s dinner for two  * India’s sizzling grill: Tandoori prawns & chicken, Chicken Tikka, Boti Kabab, Sheekh Kaban, Navarattan Korma, Peas Pulao, Garlic naan…and this is only a fraction of the menu, folks.  Your tastebuds will be especially delighted as you sample your way through this menu!

Hurricane Tita’s Bar & Grill →

222 W. Bayshore Drive, Oak Island, TX 77514  (South of Anahuac and near Double Bayou) (409) 252-3288 oakislandresort.net

For me, discovering without any referral a new and fun dining experience is pure entertainment.  Sometimes you strike out, but that is ok.  During this summer’s weekends, exploring the entire west and then east sides of Galveston Bay has been a lot of fun, and some unique discoveries have been made…not all meriting being reported here.  Hankamer recently discovered this hideaway spot, located on Double Bayou, with ample help from GPS.  Hurricane Tita’s is part of a little ‘resort’ including a small motel and a dock, where boaters can tie up for a drink or a meal.  The Bayou flows into Trinity Bay, on the far northeast side of Galveston Bay.  On the north side of  Anahuac south of I-10, you can stop at a nature preserve and walk through the ecosystem, and then, passing into the town, you can drive through a bayside park and see the site of Fort Anahuac, which was a customs post during the time Texas belonged to Mexico, and some claim a violent altercation here was actually the first skirmish of the Texas War of Independence.  After your meal, you can continue south to High Island and visit the amazing Bird Sanctuary (nationally famous) and then continue south to the Bolivar Peninsula, and take the ferry to Galveston, returning to Houston via I-45.  Reaching Tita’s, we took a table on the water, where signs indicated alligators can be spotted swimming lazily about.  Appetizers:  * Battered and fried strips of jalapeno  * Crisp breaded whole mushrooms  * Boudain balls  * Shrimp cocktail  * Samplers featuring all the above  Sides:  * Hush puppies  * Fried pickles  * Onion rings  * Tater tots  * Fries  * Garden salad  * Shrimp avocado salad  * Grilled chicken salad  Pizza:  * Numerous varieties  Burgers & Sandwiches:  Tropical storm burger  * Jalapeno burger  * Chicken fried steak sandwich  * Catfish or shrimp sandwich  * Philly cheesesteak sandwich  Down home cooking:  Hamburger steak  * Grilled chicken breast  * Chicken fried chicken  * Chicken fried steak  Seafood:  Hurricane platter, shrimp, catfish, stuffed crab, stuffed shrimp, breaded mushrooms, hush puppies, stuffed jalapeno, fried onion & jalapeno strips, fries or tater tots  * Shrimp dinner  * Catfish dinner *  Stuffed crab dinner  * Seafood combo  * Fish/shrimp tacos

Kin Dee Thai Cuisine →

1533 N Shepherd Drive, Suite 160, Houston, TX 77008 (281) 826-2655 kindeethaicuisine.com

This lovely new jewel of a Thai restaurant in a brand new center is in the busy N. Shepherd/Durham corridor.  Ample valet-free parking-AND restaurant entrance in back.  Bold fresh interior in white, red, and gold. Lovely artistic presentation of dishes.  High-ceiling light and airy room.  Salads & Appetizers: *  Thai papaya salad  * Mini salad wrap  * Spicy salmon  * Thai flower dumpling  * Money bags  * Golden cups  *  Chicken satay  * Thai crispy shrimp in a blanket  * All-in-one appetizer plate  * Grilled pork skewers  * Grilled Thai meatballs  Main dishes:  * Southern style green curry chicken  * Thai boat noodle soup  * Pad Thai  * Tom yum soup w/shrimp  * Casseroled shrimps w/ glass noodles  * Kin Dee fried rice  * Thai basil chicken  * Slow cooked duck breast noodle soup  * Spicy pork sauce noodle soup  * Kin Dee dumpling soup  * Red BBQ pork dry noodles  For your sweet tooth:  * Mango sticky rice  * Coconut ice cream w Thai style topping  * Thai toasted w/ Pandan cream  PS: “Kin Dee” means “eat well” in Thai-I asked!

Merus Grill →

1180-1 Uptown Park Blvd (former Arturo’s site), Houston, TX 77056 (346) 299-5775 merusgrill.com

Wow! Impressive first impression-a “Houston’s feel” with at least half the seating in high-backed, very private booths.  Large room. Subdued architectural lighting, one small spot on each table.  Dim lights. Wood.  Contemporary corporate dining feel. Cheerful well-trained hostesses and servers.  Great food, artistically plated.  Reasonable prices.  Ample valet-free parking in front.  Starters:  * Featured soup of the day  * Deviled eggs  * Spinach con queso  * Fire-grilled artichokes  Salads:  * Rotisserie chicken  * Shrimp Louie  * Original Caesar  *  Kale  * Thai Kai  * Asian ahi tuna  Burgers & Sandwiches: * Steak burger  * Old fashioned cheeseburger  * French dip  * Nashville hot chicken sandwich  Steaks & prime rib:  * Steak & fries  * Filet Mignon  * Slow roasted prime rib  House favorites:  * Ahi tuna filet  * Merus crab cakes  * Pan-roasted Norwegian salmon  * Barbecue baby back ribs  * Rotisserie chicken  Sides:  * Lemon & Reggiano broccoli  * Pommes puree  * Southern Cole slaw  * Orzo & wild rice  * Not your ordinary mac ‘n’ cheese

Seahorse Bar & Grill →

 310 Ocean Avenue, Surfside Beach, TX  77541  (979) 239-2233 oceanvillagehotel.net/seahorse-bar-grill/

Sit on a high wooden balcony looking straight down on the sand, with a Gulf wind blowing gently across your table.  Watch the families and kids play in the surf on this lovely long beach.  Sip your favorite cocktail.  The big city seems far away (only one hour right north on Hwy. 288).  Dig in to this typical Texas beachfront seafood menu (you passed over the shrimp boats when you came on the high bridge over the Intercoastal Canal).  Appetizers:  * Beach bites, jalapeños stuffed w seasoned crabmeat  * Bottomless chips & salsa  * Full loaded nachos  * Shrimp boil  * Santa Fe eggrolls  * Fried calamari w/ warm marinara  Salads:  Southwest salad  * Chicken avocado salad  * Caesar w/ upgrades of chicken, beef fajita, or shrimp  From the Grill:  * Gulf snapper  * Texas redfish  * Blackened catfish  * Grilled chicken  * Grilled pork chop  * Snapper New Orleans  * Wild gulf shrimp  * Gulf shrimp etouffee  * Cajun catfish etouffee  * NY strip steak  * Grilled Mahi  Fried Seafood:  * Fried gulf shrimp basket  * Yankee fish & chips  * Fried oyster basket * Coconut shrimp  * Southern fried catfish  * Treasure chest-shrimp, oysters, & catfish filets w/Cole slaw  Burgers & chicken: *  Island burger  * Texas patty melt  * Fiesta burger  * Heatwave burger  * Bluewater burger  * Mushroom Swiss burger  * Big Kahuna  * Kickin’ chicken  * Chicken fried steak  * Island chicken  * Chicken tenders Sandwiches:  * Grilled or fried shrimp po boy  * Beach BLT  * Fried oyster po boy  * Chicken salad po boy  Tacos:  * Shrimp, Grilled chicken, Fish, Beef fajita, Veggie, Ground beef  Desserts:  * Chocolate eruption  * Key lime pie  * NY cheese cake  Kids menu:  * Chicken tenders  * Corn dog  * Fish ‘n’ chips  * Grilled cheese  * Fried shrimp

The Rustic →

1121 Uptown Park Blvd STE 4, Houston, TX 77056 (832) 321-7775 therustic.com

It has taken a long time to gut out the old Champs space in Uptown Park, and to expand it considerably (seems double in size), but the wait has been worth it. What we have now is the 'Cadillac' of ice houses, with indoor/outdoor seating, a large stage  with live  entertainment  several days (brunches)  and nights per week, excellent food, and an expansive high-ceilinged SAFE feel in these days of the Covid. A large bar area is in back, where you can enjoy a cool bev while gazing through the glass into the gleaming exhibition kitchen, and forward from the bar towards the stage are acres of  individual tables, cabaret style, below the stage. Appetizers: * Double queso * Chorizo empanada * Tamales 3 ways * Cracklin' deviled eggs * Wood grilled artichokes Soups & Salads: *Thai chicken salad * Chicken tortilla soup * Shrimp & avocado salad * Wood grilled salmon Caesar * Cheap house salad Entrees: * Quesadillas * The drunk chick * Center cut ribeye * Cedar plank salmon Sandwiches: The Rustic burger * Hot chicken & cheese * Texas cheese steak Joe Lee Tacos * Carnitas * Brisket * Chicken tinga * Daily tacos * Lunch tacos Sides: Jalapeno spoon bread * Spicy tamale * Elote & black bean salad * New potato salad Dessert: * 8 Layer banana pudding * Peanut butter pie

Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café →

6 Houston area locations sweetparis.com

This is a great place for a delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner, whether alone, with family, or for a meeting. As you will see from the menu, not all crepes are sweet. And Sweet Paris has an impressive list of other menu items as well. Order at the counter and they bring your meal to your table. Breakfast crepes: * Croque Madame * Allison's parfait * The Feast * The Canadienne * Le Mexican * Alaskan  *  The Houstonian  Savory crepes:  *  Chicken carbonara  *  Chicken enchilada  *  Ham & Gruyere * Turkey, grapes, & Brie * Truffled Caprese * Chicken Alfredo * Philly cheesesteak * Nordic * The Vegan * Le California * Chicken Florentine Sweet Crepes: * Berry agave * Nutella * Dulce de leche *  S'Mores  *  Apple cinnamon creme brulee  *  Lemon & sugar  * Oreo cookies 'n'  cream  Soups & Salads: * Seasonal soup * Salad de chevre * Cobb salad Paninis : * Jambon -from age * Caprese Eggs: * French breakfast * Les omelettes Kids crepes: * Ham & mozzarella * Pizza crepe * PB & J * Nutella * Dulce de leche Milkshakes : * Tiramisu * Reese's * Nutella graham * Very berry * Oreo

A variety of hot drinks, beer, wine, and mimosas are available, as are mimosas

Beck's Prime →

9 Houston locations becksprime.com

Although the specialty is certified Angus beef hamburgers, the menu at Beck's is far more extensive than is widely assumed. All items are fresh and made with the highest quality ingredients, drive-thru or in­ house dining. I'll bet you will be surprised. Burgers: * Hamburger * Cheeseburger * Bacon cheeseburger * Shroomburger * Hickory cheeseburger * Blue cheese burger * California burger * Old fashioned hot dog * Chili cheese dog Sandwiches: * Chicken * California chicken * Ahi tuna * Spicy tuna * Veggie burger * B.P.B.L.T. * Ribeye Fresh salads: * Southwestern salads * Cobb salad * Mediterranean salad * Queen of hearts salad * Caesar salad Plated classics: Robert's chicken & veggies * Julie's ahi tuna & veggies * Becks' fajitas * Fowl ball * Bowl of chili * Baked potato * Chicken stuffed potato  Kids prime meals: * Build me a burger * Groovy, grilled chicken strips * Cool, a hot dog Prime time dinners: * Choose your entree: 14 oz. NY sirloin strip; 16 oz. Texas ribeye; 8 oz. center cut filet; Grilled double chicken breast; 8 oz. ahi tuna; Choose your side; Choose your salad. Drinks: Shakes and drinks include beer, shakes & malts, lemonade, fountain drinks, tea, milk, & wine.

Pokeworks →

1609 South Post Oak Lane, Houston, TX 77056 (832) 831-6169 pokeworks.com

This location next to Total Wine is one of several around town. Build your own poke bowl! Lots of fun and healthy too. Affordable. Quick. Exploding with the flavors you chose! Moving down a line somewhat like Subway, you choose what you want in your bowl. Let's go: Choose a base-Sushi rice or fresh romaine/spring mix * Pick your protein: Ahi tuna * Organic tofu * Salmon * Shrimp * Chicken Add mix-ins: * Blanched kale * Cilantro * Cucumber * Edamame * Hijiki seaweed * Orange slice * Sweet onion Choose a flavor : Pokeworks classic sauce * Umami shoyu * Ponzu fresh * Sriracha aioli * Spicy ginger * Sweet chili bochujang * Classic salt Add toppings: * Avocado * Surimi salad  * Green onion * Masago * Pickled ginger & wasabi * Seaweed salad * Sesame seeds * Spicy furikake * Thai chili Choose crunch: * Garlic crisps * Lotus chips * Onion crisps * Shredded nori * Toasted rice puffs * Wonton crisps THERE! You have your poke bowl Soup: * Miso Signature Works, pre-set ingredients in each of five bowls: * Hawaiian ahi classic * Umami ahi classic * Spicy ahi * Sweet ginger chicken * Sweet chili tofu avocado Desserts: * Coco mango haupia * Pineapple Dole whip Drinks: Organic teas and refreshers * Hawaiian Sun

Mezza Grille →

6100 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77057 713.334.2000 mezzagrillehouston.com

Big spacious restaurant.  Tantalizingly fresh, scratch-made delicious menu suggestions, heavy on vegetables, seafood, & chicken.  The Mezza Grille has long been one of my favorites when I want good healthy Mediterranean food. Same center as The Palm and Sun ‘n’ Ski Sports  Starters:  * Crab cake  * Fried calamari  * Falafel platter  * Seafood campechana  * Eggplant, hummus, red pepper dip w pita  Salads (add chicken or shrimp):  * Tabbouleh  * Fatoosh  * Caesar  * Sesame chicken  * Pecan crusted salmon  * Grilled vegetable  Sandwiches & More:  * Spicy crispy chicken  * Mediterranean cheese  Tacos & burgers:  *Chicken, shrimp, beef, fish  * Mezza prime burger  Wraps:  * Falafel  * Chicken Shawarma  * Beef kufta  * Grilled veggie  Pasta:  *Spicy curry chicken  * Lemon butter chicken  * Spicy chipotle seafood  * Chipotle beef tenderloin  (marinara or Alfredo sauce)  Mains:  * Mixed grill  * Shish tawook  * Lamb shank  * Shish kabob  * Mango stuffed chicken  * Lemon butter shrimp & fish  * Spicy chipotle seafood risotto  * Blackened fish  Desserts:  * OMG! Bread pudding ice cream  * Tres chic, tres leches ice cream  * Coconut tres leches  * Chocolate mousse  * White chocolate bread pudding

La Hacienda Escondida →

1431 West 26th Street, Houston, TX 77008  713.880.0100 lahaciendaescondida.com

The ‘hidden hacienda’ earns its name.  A large building with a lovely and spacious interior with warm Mexican atmosphere, the hacienda is not on a major street and you may not even know it was there, although it has been there a very long time.  One of the waiters, Jose, is the one who invented ‘Jose’s dip’-chili meat mixed with warm queso-which is served now at most Houston Mexican restaurants.  Appetizers:  * Shrimp cocktail  * Quesadillas  * Queso flameado  * Queso del mar  * Queso a la parilla  * Nachos  Combination dinners:  *A variety of combinations of your favorite items  Tacos al carbon:  * A variety of combinations  Especialidades de chef:  * Snapper  * Steak a la Mexicana  * Vegetable fajita  * Quail  *  Shrimp Vallarta * Shrimp inferno  * Charcoal broiled shrimp  * Shrimp Mazatlan  * Chiles rellenos  * Chimichanga plate  Salads:  * Taco salad  * Chalupa salad  * Tostoda Sonora  Heart healthy:  * Spinach enchiladas  * Spinach quesadillas  Enchiladas:  * A la parilla  * Suizas  * Beef, chicken, cheese, verdes, seafood  Tacos: * Crispy  * Taquitos chiquitos  * Flautas de pollo  Miscellaneous:  * Mexican omelette  * Tamales  * Queso puffs  * Burritos  * Chili con carne

Saint Arnold Brewing Company Beer Garden →

2000 Lyons Ave., Houston, TX 77020  713.686.9494 saintarnold.com

Envision a large, open-air pavilion with picnic benches and tables, with a large central ever-flowing fountain.  Look out and you have a sweeping view of the Houston downtown skyline (I say ‘downtown’ since we have so many skylines!)  Friendly casual service, limited menu, handy parking, and big selection of…local craft beer.  A perfect place to wait out the C-19 threat.  Pizza:  *Pepperoni  * Major mushroom  * Mucho meato  *The Flanders  Salads:  * The big Greek  * Classic Caesar  Sandwiches:  * Fire emoji chicken  * Fire emoji shrimp  * Crawfish roll  * Bishop’s burger  * Amber ale bratwurst  * Cuban sandwich  * Grilled chicken  * The Reuben   All menu items come with suggested pairing of one of Saint Arnold’s special brews.  Note:  there is a large indoor dining room as well, but it is closed pending improvement in the C-19 situation.

Kirby Ice House (new location) →

1015 Gessner at I-10, Houston, TX 77055 713.524.2750 kirbyicehouse.com

*For information only, since just as we write this, bars have just been closed again*  This new location, across I-10 from Memorial City Mall and Medical Center, has ample surface parking, and is a bright and fresh new iteration of the original Kirby Ice House on Eastside St.  The new location has more inside seating than the first location, and includes a large dog-friendly outside beer garden space as well.  A very long and straight bar dominates the indoor section, and food is provided by ever-changing food trucks.  When the new Kirby Ice House opens, this will be an appealing and popular hang-out for Memorial and Spring Branch residents, and a super place to watch your favorite sports, since large screens abound.  Ceilings are high and there is lots of air circulating, since the large door separating the inside from the outside stays up and open.