Bayou City Seafood & Pasta →

4712 Richmond Avenue, Houston, TX 77027 713.621.6602 bayoucityseafood.net

We reviewed this wonderful Louisiana-leaning restaurant thirteen years ago, but it warrants an update, having moved into its large contemporary new space a few doors down from the much-revered original location.  A favorite among the oil & gas community (they were the eager market that ‘brought’ Louisiana cooking to Houston in the mid ‘70s by eagerly patronizing the legendary Don’s on Post Oak), Bayou City specializes in a broad variety of seafood on its menu, generous portions, and very prompt delivery of your selection to your table.  And the prices are right.  Power Lunch Specials daily-$14.99: Select one: Crawfish * Catfish * Oysters *  Shrimp *  Snapper * Scallops * Chicken breast * Shrimp salad * Grilled chicken salad * Seafood Caesar salad * Shrimp creole * Chicken creole * Shrimp or crawfish etouffee * Crab cake Dijon & veggies * Blackened catfish w Jambalaya * Red beans & rice, w catfish pieces. Po Boys: ½ w bowl of gumbo * Alligator * Crawfish * Shrimp * Oyster * Catfish * Blackened Catfish * Blackened chicken. Burgers & Sandwiches: Chicken sandwich * Crab cake burger * ½ lb. Hamburger * Turkey burger  Appetizers: Boudin  * Alligator  * Fried pickles  * Fried calamari * Fried mushrooms * Spicy Cajun chicken fingers * Crabmeat stuffed mushrooms * Stuffed jalapenos w crabmeat  Gumbo & bisque: Seafood gumbo * Chicken & sausage * Crab bisque * Crawfish bisque  Salads: Various, adorned w your choice of seafood or chicken * Greek   Fresh fish specialties:  Catfish * Snapper * Stuffed snapper * Salmon * Ahi tuna * Flounder * Stuffed flounder  Cajun toppings:  REM * Etouffee * Pamela * Courtbouillon  House specialties: Frog legs * Chicken breast * Crawfish fettucine * Seafood courtbouillon * Seafood platter * Snapper Courtney  Pasta Specialties: 14 dishes featuring multiple pasta types garnished w your favorite seafood & tantalizing combinations of spinach, asparagus, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, broccoli, basil, garlic, Alfredo or marinera sauce

Fountain View Fish Market →

2912 Fountain View, Houston, TX 77057 713.977.1436 Website

This is actually a family owned fish market that also serves fresh fried fish and shrimp and oyster platters and stuffed crab with eggroll, onion rings, Cole slaw or fries.  Platters from $6-11.  It has been open for 35 years or more.  The fish and shrimp are literally right off the boat.  Very limited seating, and very popular for many years.

Texas Tamale Comany →

3340 Fountain View, Houston, TX 77057 713.953.1181 texastamale.com

Don’t be deceived by the tiny and somewhat shabby location-there is a full-blown tamale factory in the back which supplies the likes of Bering’s and many of Houston’s supermarkets and restaurants with delicious tamales, sold frozen in little cotton bags with drawstrings.  Luckily for customers in the know, they also serve breakfast tacos (potato & egg, chorizo & egg, sausage & egg, bacon & egg, shredded beef, shredded chicken, ham & egg, barbacoa, chicharron, beans & cheese, beans), fresh or frozen gourmet tamales, tamale plates specials ($4.75-6.50), nachos, seafood tacos, sizzling tacos, tortas, gorditas, shredded chicken flautas, all available in various combinations.  Nothing on the menu is over $7.25.  AND, you can pick up Hot Tamale Pepper Sauce (!), Cilantro Sauce, Chipotle, Pepper Sauce, Chili, of Chili Con Queso in jars for your home fridge or pantry.  This little jewel has also been in business for decades.

Southwell's Hamburger Grill →

5860 San Felipe, Houston, TX 77057 713.789.4972 southwells.com

Yet another small specialty restaurant with a limited menu and a long history in this (one of four) location, Southwell’s specializes in hamburgers.  Menu includes: Old fashioned hamburger and cheeseburger * Bleu cheeseburger * Swiss cheeseburger * Monterey Jack cheeseburger * Double cheeseburger * Fried egg burger * Ham cheeseburger * Jalapeno burger * Hickory burger * Onion ring burger * Avocado burger * Grilled onion burger * Mushroom burger * Chili burger  Hot sandwiches: BLT on Texas toast * Chili cheese dog * Grilled ham & cheese * All beef jumbo hot dogs * Chicken supreme

Merchant Logo Maceo Spice & Import Company →

2706 Market St, Galveston, TX 77550 409.763.3331 maceospice.com

Yes, this is ‘the’ fabled Sicilian immigrant Maceo Family which brought world class entertainment and gambling to the Island in the early 20thcentury, with the Balinese Room out over the Gulf, and several other upscale restaurants with gaming in the back. Ron and daughter Connie (Concetta) Maceo run this cozy, well-worn little place, and while you are enjoying lunch, a who’s who of Galveston may well pass through, casually dressed.  In addition to the menu below, there are often delicious other specials such as Italian meatballs or seafood gumbo-ask what is ‘off the menu’.  The Maceo family blends and packages their own label spices ranging from their special seafood seasoning to herbes de Provence.  In addition, while waiting for your sandwich, you may shop for many other gourmet Italian items from sauces to tapenade to escargots to a wide variety of pastas, olives, olive oils, and many other things rarely available in regular markets.  On the checkout counter are fascinating books for sale on the history of the family, and on the history of Galveston Island.  Lunch menu: Muffaletta, Italian loaf bread w olive salad, ham, salami, & provolone  * Spaisano, Italian loaf with olive salad, ham, capocollo, sopressatta, & provolone*  Hot roast beef, sautéed onions & melted Swiss on French bread w a side of au jus * Po boy, ham, salami, & provolone w special dressing on French bread * Italian, mortadella, sopresatta, salami, & provolone on French bread w tomato gravy * Katbird, spicy ham, turkey, & provolone on French bread * BOI (Born on the Island) Pesto, roasted red pepper, capocollo, sopressata, Swiss & provolone on ciabatta  * Caprese salad

Christie's Seafood & Steaks →

6029 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77057 713.978.6563 christies-restaurant.com

I called Monday ten days ago and ordered a fish sandwich to go.  “Hi, this is Maria.  We are closed Monday and Tuesday but if you can come by in half and hour, I will make you one.”  Wow!  I declined out of respect, but Maria set a new standard in customer service and I told her so this week when I picked up my sandwich, on a day they were open.  Christies started as a seafood stand on the beach in Galveston over 100 years ago (!) and maintains a thriving business on busy Westheimer to this day.  The reduced to go menu changes daily, but here are some samples:  * Large Greek Salad  * Shrimp gumbo  * Catfish po-boy  * Bacon cheeseburger  * 1917 famous fish sandwich (an entire fish)  * Fried shrimp or catfish  * Spicy blackened shrimp Alfredo  * Chicken meal for 4  * Wine and beer by the bottle

BB’s Tex-Orleans →

 6154 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77057 713.339.2566 bbstexorleans.com

With several locations around town, BB’s will definitely satisfy your Cajun cravings.  A convenient drive-up tent in front of the restaurant serves as an ordering or pick-up point for your to-go order.  Factoid: BB’s occupies the former location of the first Houston Ninfa’s after the original small restaurant on Navigation.  Limited to go menu:  * Loaded pollo bullets, chicken stuffed w cream cheese, jalapenos, wrapped in bacon, Cajun cream sauce  * Boudin balls  * Fried pickle chips  * Fried catfish, shrimp, chicken tenders, and combos of same  * Maw Maw’s gumbo, chicken and andouille sausage  * Miller’s red beans & rice  * Mama B’s shrimp & grits  * Pecan crusted chicken  * Rockdale redfish, blackened with andouille cream sauce and veggie  * Backyard boils of crawfish, Dungeness crab, snow crab, peel & eat shrimp, hot-n-spicy boiled shrimp, w corn, mushrooms, red potato, smoked chicken, apple sausage, spicy alligator, sweet & sour pineapple sausage  * Butter cake w rum sauce  * Brook’s brownie sundae

The Brisket House →

 5775 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77057 281.888.0331 thebriskethouse.com

With several locations around town, The Brisket House brings back memories of long-gone Otto’s Barbecue.  A small place with some sidewalk seating at the Woodway location, the BBQ is melt-in-your-mouth good.  Order your favorite smoked meat by the pound, in a sandwich, on a plate, or in a dinner combo, with choice of sides such as baked potato salad, cream corn, baked or green beans, homemade cornbread, mashed sweet potato, or mac & cheese.  Smoked meats include brisket, St. Louis ribs, turkey breast, pulled pork, country style sausage, jalapeno sausage, ½ chicken, beef ribs, and baby back ribs.    Desserts include homemade banana pudding, pecan pie, apple pie, chocolate chip brownie, and tres leches cake.

Roma →

2347 University Blvd, Houston, TX 77005 713.664.7581 romahouston.com

This cozy little spot, with an attentive owner, sells delicious recipes from the immediate Rome area.  The to-go prix fixe dinner ($29) includes a choice from each of the following three categories:  Starter:  * Meatballs w mozzarella  * Rice balls w green peas & tomato sauce *  Spring mix greens, English cucumbers, light vinaigrette *  Romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, parmesan cheese, croutons  Main:  * Fettucine pasta w meat & tomato sauce  * Bucatini pasta w veggies, light tomato sauce  * Homemade layered pasta sheets w meat & marinara  * Smoked gnocchi w shrimp, saffron sauce  * Breaded chicken breast w roasted potatoes, mushrooms, side mixed green salad  * Filet of salmon on bed or citrus braised red cabbage  Dessert:  * Homemade limoncello-infused tarts  * Traditional marsala & coffee tiramisu  * Handmade chocolate truffles

Bellville Meat Market →

36 S Front St, Bellville, TX 77418 979.865.5782 bellvillemeatmarket.com

And, if you are suffering from stay-at-home cabin fever….Why not take a little one hour drive up to Bellville, and stop in at the Bellville Meat Market. There you can not only have a delicious BBQ sandwich but you can stock up on a large selection from locally sourced & butchered meats for your home freezer, ranging from fresh pork, beef, ground beef, poultry, country sausage, bacon, tamales, turkey, and much more.  They will pack a box for you, mixed to your order.  You can go there direct via I-10 and turn at Sealy, but why not venture off the freeway say at Waller and wind your way to Bellville by the back roads, and see a little of the Texas countryside?

Kiran’s →

2925 Richmond  (Upper Kirby/Greenway)    Houston, TX    77098     713.960.8472 kiranshouston.com

A Houston favorite for many years, Kiran’s is now in an elegant new space opposite Levy Park, with expansive seating and a large welcoming bar area.  Easy garage parking.  Kiran’s menu covers a very wide range of flavors, and the Indian dishes are guaranteed to wake up your palate to a variety of superb new flavors! To start:   Goat cheese & beet salad  * Medley of wild mushrooms  *  Lobster bisque  * Foie gras  * Shrimp & grits *  Scallops  * Crab Malabar  * Tandoori Texas quail  Street foods of India:  Chili Tikka  * Gobi Manchurian, crispy cauliflower  * Sev batata poori, lentil dumplings, yogurt, pomegranate mint, tamarind chutney, papdi  * Pakoras, eggplant, cauliflower, mirchi, onion  Tandoor:  Chilean sea bass  * Gulf snapper  * Chicken on the sizzler, grilled onions, green chili, lemon  *  Rack of lamb, onion marmalade, blackberry demi glaze  * Rack of venison, fried duck egg, garlic asparagus  * Duck two ways, hot tamarind chutney, wild mushrooms biryani  * Maine lobster tail  Biryani:  Lamb leg  * Chicken thigh  * Gulf shrimp  * Vegetables & paneer  * Wild mushrooms  Classics:  Chicken tikka masala  *  Butter chicken  * Lamb shank  * Keema, chicken or lamb  * Korma, chicken or lamb  * Vindaloo, chicken or lamb  * Madras, chicken or lamb, coconut, curry leaves  Traditional vegetarian:  Paneer makhni, cheese, tomato cream sauce  *  Malai kofta, paneer dumplings, almond & cashew nut sauce  * Bhindi masala, okra, fresh coconut  * Rajma, slow cooked red kidney beans  *  Bagare bengan, baby eggplant, sesame seeds, peanuts * Karela achari, bitter melon, pickling spices

La Lucha →

 1801 N. Shepherd  (The Heights)     Houston , TX    77008     713.955.4765 laluchatx.com (Temporarily closed)

Channeling the owner’s memories as a child of the venerable San Jacinto Inn, long since closed, La Lucha’s menu has revived the spirit of the old Inn’s menu.  As a young boy, I remember a vast dining room overlooking the Ship Channel and Battleship Texas, and white-jacketed waiters everywhere. There was no printed menu; once seated, the food simply started coming.  Raw oysters in season; fried chicken; hot biscuits, butter, and honey; cold boiled peel and eat shrimp; fried Gulf trout.  All you could eat. At La Lucha the format is more like that of today’s normal restaurant, but menu offerings invoke memories from the distant past.  Clever cocktails with intriguing names: Gentlemen’s bet *  Third date  * First things first  * Eleventh hour  * All night  * You’re Welcome  Sea food:   Peel & eat shrimp, cocktail & remoulade  * Wood roasted oysters, smoked jalapeno or parmesan garlic  * Shrimp & pork belly dumplings  * Ceviche  * Pollo especiale, fried chicken, whole or half bird, biscuits, pickles, and choice of dipping sauces  Etcetera:  Deviled eggs w popcorn shrimp  * Chowder fries, bacon, blue crab chowder  * Shrimp remoulade, shaved iceberg lettuce  * Fried oyster loaf, Duke’s mayo, dill pickles  *  Blackened catfish *  Crawfish bread (po boy)  * Redfish on the half shell, red posole, radish, cabbage, lime  *  Crispy shrimp tacos, American cheese, spicy arbol chile  * Crispy crab fingers  Sides:  Yeast rolls, honey butter  * Fries, smoked oyster mayo  * Collard greens w kimchi  * Corn fritters, jalapeno ranch  * Green salad

Café Benedicte →

15455 Memorial Drive (Energy Corridor Area)      Houston, TX   77079      281.741.0853 cafebenedicte.com

This area favorite, which survived and rebuilt after flooding during Harvey, continues to serve during the C-19 period with to-go/takeout.  The restaurant is famous for its brunches, and its menu features Mediterranean dishes in and Old World setting. Breakfast anytime: Corned beef skillet, potato, mixed peppers, mushrooms, baby spinach, onions, Swiss, cheddar, scrambled eggs  * Chicken & waffle *  Avocado toast, whole wheat, avocado & poached egg over baby greens & fresh berries, truffle vinaigrette  * Garden omelet, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, cheddar, & Swiss  Sandwiches & Burgers: Lamb burger w merguez, fresh mozzarella, and basil pesto *  Buffalo burger, roasted jalapeno toreado, caramelized onions, Swiss cheese *  Vegetarian burger, mung ,garbanzo beans, black beans, corn patty w goat cheese on the side *  Herb roasted lamb gyro, w romaine, tomatoes, Tzatziki sauce in Greek pita *  Caesar chicken ciabatta, w melted Swiss & chopped Caesar*  Classic Reuben  Appetizers, Soups, & Salads:  Hummus & naan, w lamb & pine nuts  * Ahi tuna crudo, lemon juice, berries, pickled onions, fennel, pear, cilantro oil  * Lentil, cauliflower & blue cheese, lobster bisque, & French onion soups  Entrees:  Lobster risotto  * Farfalle Luigi, shrimp w bowtie pasta, crimini mushrooms, scallions in roasted red pepper, leeks, white wine cream sauce  * Grilled Atlantic salmon  * Seared diver scallops w saffron cream sauce  * Blackened redfish Ponchartrain, w shrimp, crabmeat in garlic white wine New Orleans sauce *  Pan seared Chilean sea bass, lobster cream sauce * North African couscous, merguez, grilled chicken, beef kebab, semolina, saffron, leeks, chickpeas, turnips, zucchini, carrots, grilled vegetables  * Filet mignon  * Pork chop au poivre, brandy & green peppercorn cream sauce  Sides to share:   Yukon mashed potatoes  * Mac & smoked Gouda cheese  * Broccoli  * Asparagus

Bistro Le Cep →

11112 Westheimer at Wilcrest     Houston 77042    713.783.3985 bistro-le-cep.com

Evolved many years ago from the Rotisserie For Beef and Bird, Bistro Le Cep is a Houston institution, serving straightforward and deeply flavored French and Bavarian/Austrian cooking, w generous servings.  The décor is warm, rustic, and cozy and brings back memories for anyone who has traveled and dined ‘countryside’ in Europe.  It is on my personal list of favorites, and has been for twenty years plus.  Hors d’oeuvres *  Fresh mussels in wine & garlic broth  * Smoked salmon, watercress, vinaigrette, & Calvados-marinated apples  * Duck pate  * Ripe avocado stuffed w crabmeat & shrimp  * Burgundy snails in homemade seven herb garlic butter au gratin  * Pan seared sea scallop over tossed baby spinach  Seasonal salads & sandwiches  * Sliced vine ripe tomatoes, sweet onion & blue cheese, house dressing  * Reuben sandwich, rye bread, pastrami, Gruyere cheese, sauerkraut & 1000 Island dressing, baked & served w creamy Cole slaw & homemade French fries  * Breast of chicken w spiced Barlett pear on field greens & peanut dressing  * Fresh shrimp, crabmeat, crab claws, smoked salmon, tuna, and mussels on crisp greens  * Quiche Florentine, ham, cheese, onions, cream & eggs baked in crusty pie shell, served w tomatoes & greens  *  Assorted five European cheeses w fresh fruit & crusty bread  Daily Soups  * Soup of the day  * Traditional French onion soup w Gruyere  * Vichyssoise, chilled potato & leek soup  Specialties of the House  Pan roasted calf’s liver w apples, crisp bacon, and homemade fries  * Grilled black Angus entrecote, green peppercorn sauce, fries  * Tender filet steak wrapped w bacon, pinot noir reduction, creamed potatoes, vegetables  * Pan roasted wild boar, plum sauce, wild rice, toasted pistachios, vegetables  Specialties of the Day  * Milk fed veal sautéed in olive oil w mushroom sauce, carrots, fresh green beans, spatzle  * Grilled pork chop, charcutiere sauce, creamed potatoes, red cabbage  * Pot roasted rabbit, light mustard sauce, fresh green beans, buttered spatzle  Poultry  * Traditional coq au vin, carrots, mushrooms, onions  * Canard a l’orange, half roasted duck in bigarde sauce, lentils, red cabbage  * Supreme de volaille aux champignons du bois, sautéed chicken breast topped w goat cheese, tomato concasse, spatzle, fresh green beans  Seafood  * Crab cakes, light pimento sauce, angel hair pasta, veggies  * Bouillabaisse a la Marseillaise, fresh fish & shellfish simmered w onions, tomatoes, fennel, leeks, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs  * Sauteed shrimp w roasted garlic, grilled beefsteak tomato, white beans, fried onions  *  Roasted catch of the day in lemon butter sauce w capers, fresh grilled vegetables…and, if you still have room, you will have a delightful list ofdesserts to chose from, including Tarte tatin, Poire belle Helene, Gateau au fromage blanc, Cerises au kirsch, Fruits a la Romanov, Gateau au chocolat, & Fromages assortis de la ferme.  If your French is rusty, you server will translate w pleasure!

Rosie Cannonball →

 1620 Westheimer  Houston 77006 rosiecannonball.com

Lots of recommendations attracted me to this little jewel of a restaurant, with a limited menu centered on wood fire grilling, and a well-respected wine list…”European comfort food in a lively atmosphere”.  As for the origin of the name: forgot to ask, but you can when you visit-and let me know!  Starters and shares: Foccacia de recco, warm flatbread, stuffed w mortadella & robiola cheese  * Carta de musica, cracker, spiced eggplant yogurt, seasonal veggies  * Andalusian clams in broth, fino sherry, marinated white beans, chorizo  Papas & mojo rojo, salted potatoes, roasted piquillo dipping sauce  * Lambrusco meatballs, cheese Barton Springs Mill polenta  Vegetables  * Blistered green bean salad, pea shoots, shallots, sweet peppers, olives, candied almonds  * Grilled mushrooms, hen of the woods, preserved lemon & egg yolk emulsion, chilies  * Roasted eggplant caponata, capers, tomatoes, candied almonds  Pizza  * Pepperoni, Lira rossa three cheese, Speck & chili oil, Cacio e pepe, Fennel sausage  From the fire  * Chicken Basquaise, braised tomatoes, chorizo, shallots, sweet peppers  * Basque style bream, charred pil-pil sauce, marinated citrus salad, pennyroyal  * Levain pork chop, sourdough-cured pork parsley potato puree, lemon farro  * Steak Fiorentina, wood grilled bone-in steak, roasted sweet peppers, sherry vinegar, oregano  Dessert  * Tarta de queso, warm caramelized crustless Basque cheesecake, bitter orange marmalade  * Sicilian pistachio gelato, pomegranate, candied orange  * Warm chocolate tart, candied black walnut, persimmon, black walnut gelato  * Montrose cheese & wine plate

SAVOIR →

1344 Yale (The Heights)    Houston   77008      346.802.2842 savoirhouston.com

We review three fine dining restaurants this month.  “Savoir” is the French verb “to know”, and this ultra-chic restaurant looks and feels like it would be right at home in Beverly Hills, and the hip clientele could have come from the same stylish Los Angeles suburb. A large adjacent (buzzing!) circular bar sets the mood for the evening-the crowd there was standing three deep when we approached the hostess stand.  Garden & Guilt * Ribeye cruda, forest mushrooms, sorrel * Herbed chicken bundles, rosemary chicken, lemon herb beurre blanc, seared mustard greens, watermelon radishes  * Tex Mex Brussels, chorizo, house vinaigrette  * Artichoke & sunchoke, artichoke hummus, fried artichokes, roasted sunchokes, black garlic glaze  * Carrot away, cardamom carrot curry, masala glazed carrots, pickled carrots, honey roasted carrots, carrot powder, carrot air  * Jasmine tea smoked yellowtail, jamon serrano, frozen grape slices, basil oil, lemon zest, almond ajo blanco, wheat grass  * Curly fry trio, truffle & parmesan, herb medley, salt & pepper, classic aioli, truffle aioli  Dough  * Lemongrass cappelini, sauce vierge, citrus zest, green olives, crispy garlic, capers  * Bolognese, pappardelle, braised brisket, bacon, house marinara  * Gnocchi, cauliflower gnocchi, jumbo lump crab, cauliflower “mole”  * Spaniard pizza  *  Chicken & chimichurri pizza  Hearth  * Grilled shrimp, pea & mint risotto, Meyer lemon foam, wasabi pea crunch  * Scallops, house cornbread, squash succotash, corn fondue  *  Filet, port wine jus, coal roasted sweet potatoes, foraged mushrooms  *( Tandoori fajita, lamb, tandoori yoghurt, green tomato pico de gallo, house made roti  * Ribeye, roasted & charred onions, braised leeks, baby onion rings  * Duck, balsamic cured duck breast, vanilla coriander parsnips

Flower Child →

1101 Uptown Park Blvd     Houston    77056 Flower Child

This trendy restaurant catering to a fashionable clientele is part of an expanding chain, and frequently has a line out the door-but it moves quickly.  Essentially catering to vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free, and organic diners, the restaurant allows all items may be upgraded with ‘protein’: shrimp, steak, tofu, & salmon.  To start:   * Tomato toast * Simple hummus  * Avocado hummus  Salads: * Organic kale  * Chopped vegetable  * Vietnamese crunch  * Mediterranean quinoa  * Brussels & squash  Bowls: *  Glow bowl, spicy sweet potato noodle, bok choy, zucchini, onion, jalapeno, shitake mushooms, coconut milk, sunflower butter  * Mother earth, ancient grains, sweet potato, portobello mushroom, avocado, cucumber, pistachio pesto, charred onion, leafy greens, red pepper miso vinaigrette, hemp seed  * Teriyaki shrimp & avocado  * Turkey Bolognese & zucchini lasagna  * Massaman curry beef pot roast  Entrée-sides:  Yuzu Brussels sprouts  * Sugar snaps & spicy Japanese eggplant  * Indian spiced cauliflower  * Gluten-free mac & cheese  * Red chile glazed sweet potato  * Sweet corn & quinoa * Flying avocado  * Thai dye-tofu  * Bird is the word, grilled chicken & broccoli, charred onion, peppadew, melted pepper jack cheese  Drinks:  * Iced tea or hot tea   * Seasonal lemonade  * Daily fresh juice  * Kombucha on tap

Teppay Japanese Restaurant →

6516 Westheimer   Houston  77057   713.789.4506 @teppaysushi

This tiny little restaurant has been serving authentic Japanese cuisine for over 30 years.  It has a devoted following, with many Japanese clients returning for the ‘real deal’: truly authentic dishes minus the frills and flourishes found elsewhere in town on Japanese menus.  Various menu offerings:  *  Selection of rolls, fresh sushi & sashimi, and deliciously varied Bento boxes  * Spicy scallop  * Fresh water eel  * Sweet shrimp  * Miso clams and cod  * Gundara  * Tempura  * Wafu Ramen  * Cold shabu shabu beef  * Hawaiian Maguro poke  * Mille feuille cutlet  * Braised pork belly  * Pumpkin croquette  * Fresh vegetables soaked in seasoned soy  * Tofu pot w grated radish & vegetables  *Noodle dishes *  Beef udon  * Tempura udon  * Ten-don, deep fried shrimps  * Various Special dinners featuring pork, beef, & tempura  * Selection of wine, beer, and sake

b.b.italia →

14795 Memorial Drive     Houston     77079     281.531.0696 bbitaliakitchen.com

In the former Carmelo’s space in the heart of The Energy Corridor, this Italian restaurant hits just the right note.  Owned by the same group that operates B&B Butchers, bb lemon, and the ‘new’ Café Annie,  b.b.italia is a white tablecloth restaurant with affordable prices and a casual feel. For the Table:  * Prosciutta du Parma * Beef carpaccio  * Shrimp scampi  * Fried zucchini  * Meatballs  * Fried calamari  * Jumbo lump crab cake  Soups & Salads:  * Minestrone  * Lobster bisque  * Caesar Salad  * Roasted beets  * Antipasto salad  Pasta:  * Sunday ragu  * Frutti di mare  * Carbonara  * Vodka sauce  * Alfredo  * Grandma’s ravioli  * Basil pesto  * Clam sauce  * The butcher shop  Chicken, Meat, & Fish:  * Scarpiello, chicken on the bone, hot Italian sausage, peppers, garlic  * Chicken paillard, thinly pounded, grilled w lemon  * Blackened redfish  *  Veal scallopini  * Veal chop parmigiana  * Italian short ribs  *  Osso bucco  * Grilled salmon  * Veal scallopini  * Filet mignon  * Eggplant parmigiana  *Chicken parmigiana  * 20 layer lasagna  * Spaghetti & meatballs  Sides:  Whipped potatoes  * Fried Brussels sprouts  * Sauteed spinach  * Broccoli florets  * Garlic bread  * Italian grits  Pizza:  Wide variety

Katie’s Seafood House →

2000 Wharf Road (overlooking the port near the Tall Ship Elissa) Galveston 77550   409.763.5688  katiesseafoodhouse.com

What could be nicer on one of our pleasantly mild winter days than to take a drive down to the port of Galveston and enjoy absolutely fresh Gulf seafood while looking at the water, AND at the very boats which brought in your catch that morning?!  Katie’s has several shrimp and fishing boats in its fleet and the waitstaff can even match your meal with the individual boat that caught it, if you wish.  *  Texas shrimp boil  * Pecan-crusted fish cakes  * Crab cakes  * Oysters on the half shell  * Mexican shrimp cocktail  * Seafood campechana  * Coconut shrimp  * Snapper ceviche  * Cobb salad  * Savory shrimp Louie  * Greek Fisherman salad  * Seafood gumbo  * Seafood quesadillas  * Shrimp burgers  * Fisherman’s Po-boy  * Fish sandwich  * Shrimp burger slider  * Fish tacos  *  Seafood nachos  *  Pizza campechana  * Snapper throats & fried oyster basket  * Fried fish & shrimp basket  * Broiled fish  * Shrimp & fish fettuccine * Katie’s seafood market basket  * Chicken fried chicken  * Grilled chicken & noodle bowl * Southern pork chop & mash   Beverages: A bar with high stools for those Old Salts who want to sample the libations and listen to and watch the seagulls soar, as well as table service for your favorite cocktails, beer, and wine