Lulu’s →

2518 Kirby Drive Houston 77019 713.590.7350 lulustx.com

Affiliated with Armando’s in the same center at Kirby & Westheimer, Lulu’s is a charming little boutique restaurant with a limited and delicious Italian menu right on the edge of River Oaks. Just as Armando’s has a country cousin branch in Round Top (Mandito’s), Lulu’s does as well, right on the Town Square. Back in Houston, an inviting bar and a genial barman offer a meet and greet opportunity to ‘ladies who lunch’ and to the dinner crowd. This hot little spot is off and running, so do make a reservation-on a recent Monday lunch every table was taken. Piccolos * Meatballs over soft polenta, shaved Padano cheese * Calamari frito, glazed with balsamic * Antipasto, three meats, three cheeses, fruit, pickled red onion, fresh bread * Soup of the day * Pizza * Pepperoni * Margherita * Prosciutto & arugula * Pastas * Bucatini w cherry tomatoes, guanchale, aged pecorino * Spaghetti vongole, clams, parsley * Carbonara *Radiatore caccio e pepe, pecorino, toasted black pepper * Lobster ravioli * Insalata * Grilled Caesar, lightly charred * Arugula & pear * Burrata, baby beets, vincotto, basil oil * Secondi * Braised short rib, soft polenta, roasted baby carrots * Grilled branzino, baby spinach, grilled lemon, salsa verde * Chicken Marsala, mushrooms, mashed potato, marsala jus * Black Angus tenderloin, cipollini mushroom agrodolce, pancetta, cheese fonduta * Dolce * Tiramisu * Bomboloni, Italian fried doughnut with side of crème anglaise * House gelato of the day

Gatlin’s BBQ →

3510 Ella Blvd Houston 77018 713.869.4227 gatlinsbbq.com

Gatlin’s stands out from the usual BBQ joint in Houston in that it serves breakfast, pastries, tacos, and a mouth-watering selection of non-bbq sandwiches. In addition, its selection of sides is noticeably more varied than what BBQ aficionados might expect. Gatlin’s is well worth the visit for breakfast or later in the day. Pastries * Lemon-blueberry muffins * Banana nut muffin * Cinnamon roll * Breakfast tacos (made with flour or corn tortillas) * Brisket & egg * Bacon & egg * Chorizo & egg * Ham & egg * Sausage & egg * Potato & egg * Add-inns: Monterey jack cheese, cheddar, pico de gallo, peppers & onions mix, refried beans * Breakfast entrees * Shrimp & grits * Country breakfast, buttermilk pancake, 2 eggs your way, home fries or grits, and choice of bacon, pan or link sausage, ham * Wings & waffles * Huevos rancheros, 2 eggs, 3 bacon slices, refried beans, ranchero sauce, tortillas * Sandwiches * Big Boy, triple decker w 3 fried eggs, smoked ham, bacon, spicy sausage, cheese, & jam * Chicken biscuit, fried breast on house made buttermilk biscuit * Smokehouse breakfast-on-a-bun, choice of ham, bacon, pan or link sausage w fried egg & cheese, all on a toasted bun * Pastrami turkey * Smoked Bologna * Turkey Swiss * Mushroom burger * Grilled chicken breasts * BBQ * Brisket, link sausage, pulled pork, ribs, turkey: by the pound, the sandwich, or on plates with sides * Sides * Collard greens, smoked corn, candied yams, mac & cheese, baked beans, dirty rice, cucumber salad, potato salad, Cole slaw * Texas baked potatoes - Stuffed with any meat on the menu

Amalfi →

6100 Westheimer Houston 77057 713.532.2201 amalfihouston.com

When we reviewed Amalfi six years ago, it was a start-up neighborhood spot next to Briargrove, operated by the chef-owner with his lovely and hospitable wife as door hostess. We predicted a good future, and now this prediction has come true and then some, as the restaurant has moved to the next level and is squarely situated among the finer Italian restaurants in the city. On a recent Tuesday night (lucky we reserved!), Amalfi was packed. A discrete pianist crooned Italian favorites to the busy and contented diners, while they enjoyed their meals. The scene reminded me of Manhattan. Antipasti * Black Angus roast beef carpaccio drizzled w lemon olive oil dressing, arugula salad, wild mushrooms, topped with parmesan shavings * Calamari fritti, lightly fried rings and green beans w marinara sauce * Grilled fresh Maine lobster tail over Belgian endive salad, green asparagus * Deep fried roman style artichoke, arugula salad, white wine vinaigrette, burrata cheese, heirloom tomatoes * Mediterranean octopus roasted w rosemary, garlic, and fine herbs * Bluefin tuna poke tossed w olive oil, sesame seeds, sea salt, & fig infused balsamic vinegar dressing, w roasted red beet salad & basil pesto mousse * Crudo * East coast oysters, raw or roasted in wood burning oven * Combo of yellow fin tuna, Hamachi, & Scottish salmon marinated w lemon olive oil & chives, served over carpaccio tomatoes, truffle cream dressing & black truffle shavings * Scampi alla griglia, langoustine scampi marinated & grilled * Pan roasted branzino w baby zucchini, or Gulf red snapper * Grilled baby lamb chops, chive mashed potatoes * Veal scallopini, sauteed w butter & sage, roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables * Roasted boneless suckling pig, rolled in garlic, topped w caramelized onions * Carne * 16 oz. Hereford NY strip, marinated w rosemary, garlic, & grain mustard * 24 oz. black Angus Porterhouse * Half free-range chicken slowly roasted in wood burning oven w garlic, thyme, & rosemary * Paste & Risotto * Spaghetti w clams & tomato basil lemon sauce * Pappardelle w Texas wild boar ragu * Risotto w porcini mushroom, east coast sea diver scallops, butter & thyme * Traditional Roman pasta tonnarelli tossed w roasted organic pork belly, creamy pecorino cheese & black pepper * Ravioli filled w artichoke, kale, mushroom, vegan mozzarella, w fresh tomato sauce and sauteed shredded zucchini * Insalata * Fresh spring mix * Arugula, goat cheese, candied tomatoes, Belgian endive, olive oil dressing * Amalfitana, octopus, cuttlefish, shrimp, heirloom tomatoes & lemon olive oil dressing * Contorni (vegetables) * Half-shell baked eggplant w oregano & garlic, melted buffalo mozzarella & cherry tomato sauce * Truffle fries * Roasted rosemary potatoes * Sauteed spinach * Green asparagus * Pizza * Gluten-free cauliflower crust w choice of toppings * Margherita * Salame * Funghi * Diavola

Giorgio's Bar and Il Giardino Restaurant →

1080 Uptown Park Blvd Houston 77056 713.418.1000 granducahouston.com
Located in Hotel Granduca Houston in Uptown Park

There are few settings in Houston that can equal the quiet elegance and European charm of the Hotel Granduca’s bar and poolside garden restaurant, especially as Houston is entering its best season for outdoor dining. A glimmering pool…lush gardens…Café Carlyle-style piano music wafting through the bar and out to the terrace courtesy of Michaelangelo at piano…discreet waitstaff hovering nearby waiting for your next wish…it doesn’t get much better than this. If you decide to remain inside, you will be surrounded by the quiet elegance of an intimate bar where you can actually talk -and hear- in a European drawing-room ambiance. A gracious barman will mix any craft cocktail you desire, or will pour you a glass of sparkling Prosecco or any other libation you request. * Share at table * Deviled eggs black truffle * Parmigiano Reggiano chunks * Mediterranean olives * Eggplant & bell pepper caponata * Starters * Charcuterie plate * Crispy calamari * Smoked salmon * Pasta & Risotto * Saffron risotto * Spaghetti Chitarra alle vongole * Potato gnocchi * Sweet corn ravioli * Cavatelli pomodoro * Pizza * Make it your way, full choice of toppings Panini e burger * Wagyu beef burger * Prosciutto panino * Caprese panino * Main * Fish of the day * Garlic shrimp * Roasted salmon * Veal scaloppini * Prime Rib * Sides * Roasted mushrooms * Glazed heirloom baby carrots * Truffle fries * Mashed potatoes * Sauces * Green peppercorn w cognac * Lemon butter * Au jus

Opus Ocean Grille →

3300 Smith St. Houston 77006 713.522.9711 opusoceangrille.com

This delightful hidden-away little seafood restaurant and bar has been a favorite for many years of the yachting crowd, who stop in for drinks and dinner after sailing the Bay. Friendly young staff, large windows looking out on landscaped grounds and large boats rocking in the docks, and the enthusiastic conversation of local sailors all add to an unbeatable ambiance…and all this just 45 minutes away from Houston’s west side. A weekend afternoon or early evening is the ideal time to go, and here you will be away from the noisy and sometimes rowdy atmosphere of Kemah. Soups * Lobster bisque * Crab & corn chowder * Salads * Tropical crab * Old fashion shrimp * Hawaiian * Appetizers * Oysters on the half shell * Mexican shrimp cocktail * Crab stuffed jalapenos * Fried calamari * Cajun shrimp & grits * Tuna tartare * Crab cake * Eggplant bruschetta with shrimp * Baked oysters Rockefeller/Bienville/Garlic/Fitzpatrick * Dinner * Fried seafood * Softshell crab Oscar * Fish & chips * Grilled shrimp * Shrimp scampi * Lobster thermidor * Lobster tail * Shrimp & scallop au poivre * Crab meat au gratin * Bacon-wrapped shrimp * Alaskan king crab legs * New Orleans style BBQ shrimp * Chilean sea bass * Mahi Mahi Ponchatoula * Filet mignon * Grilled chicken breast * Ribeye steak * Desserts * Key lime pie * White chocolate bread pudding * Cherry cheesecake chimichanga * Brunch * Boudin Benedict * Crab cake Benedict * Fried chicken and buttermilk waffles * Fried fish po-boy * Lobster roll * Shrimp etouffee * Steak & eggs

Brennan’s of Houston →

3300 Smith St. Houston 77006 713.522.9711 brennanshouston.com

Many long-time Houstonians consider Brennan’s to be the queen of Houston’s southern-style restaurants, with its quiet sophistication and faithful New Orleans cuisine. A sister of the original in the Crescent City, Houston’s Brennan’s features a lovely brick patio and bar, perfect for a pre- or post-dinner pause for conversation and conviviality, and chances are you will run into old friends enjoying life alongside. Starter * Snapping turtle soup * Seafood gumbo * Shrimp remoulade * Chili-fried oysters * Buttermilk fried quail beignet * Jumbo lump crabmeat ravigote * Entrees * Eggs Brennan, Benedict & Sardou, poached with Hollandaise sauce * Gulf fish Borgne, crab, oysters, shrimp, parmesan mushroom rice, and creole butter * Simply grilled gulf fish, summer creole ratatouille * Texas shrimp & grits * Truffle chicken Pontalba, Brabant potatoes, bacon lardon, cremini mushrooms, asparagus, Bearnaise sauce * Beef tips Diane * Late summer vegetable enchiladas, roasted tomatillo & lentil salsa, guacamole, jalapeno jack cheese * Grilled filet mignon * Mesquite ribeye Oscar * Boudin stuffed Quail * Redfish on the halfshell * Gulf fish Pontchartrain * Dessert * Creole cream cheesecake * Bananas Foster * Bayou City petit beignets * Lemon meringue pie * Creole bread pudding * Southern pecan pie, dark chocolate & caramel, vanilla ice cream * Brunch is also served-similar menu items

Da Gama →

610 N. Shepherd Suite 520 Houston, TX 77007 281.888.7806 dagamahtx.com

This new casual dining option just in from the owners of Oporto and the former Queen Vic, is situated along a greenbelt and the hiking/jogging/cycling path which runs east-west through The Heights. There is a petanque/bocce court next to the patio. The cuisine is Indian-Portuguese, originating in the Portuguese trading port of Goa on the western coast of India. Small plates are the specialty here, perfect for sharing among your group. Share plates * Yucca croquettes, pimento cheese, tomato neem chutney * Steamed semolina cake, pineapple raita, chutneys, boondi * Chickpea samosa, tomato neem chutney * Three chili paneer, peppers, tomato, crushed cashews, pineapple raita naan * Crispy fried potatoes, roasted cauliflower, canteen curry, aioli, raita * Chickpea-tahini spiced hummus, naan, crudites * Individual plates * Piri piri chicken, grilled, spicy ½ chicken, batatas fritas * Smoked Goanese sausage, roasted peppers, potatoes, greens * Lamb ribs charcoal grilled, canteen curry, green peas * East African style charcoal grilled beef skewer, bullet butter yucca, raita * Grilled lamb kebob, raita, fries * Lamb keema pizza, ground lamb, tomato neem chutney, blue cheese, pickled onions, green peas, mozzarella * East coast oysters-daily selection * Salted cod & potato croquettes, olives, oregano piri piri chutney * Da Gama mussels, canteen curry, white wine, bullet toast & Escabeche do mar, salsa verde marinated octopus, shrimp, crab, fresh fennel * Gulf shrimp, tangy Goan tamarind chili sauce * Banana leaf branzino, whole sea bass wrapped in banana leaves, Goan cafreal, basmati rice * Mun’s chicken curry, braised chicken, tomato coconut milk curry masala * Selection of beers & wines to go with these bold flavors * Desserts * Sponge cake soaked in saffron milk, fresh ricotta, pistachio crumble * Sticky date cake, date, ginger spice, dulce de leche caramel, caramelized banana * Coconut crumble, old monk rum pudding, pineapple marmalade * Mango ice cream, spiced pistachio & parle-g cookie

URBE →

1110 Uptown Park Blvd (former Café Express space) Houston, TX 77056 713.726.8273 urbehouston.com

This wonderful new addition to the Hugo Ortega group of restaurants (Hugo’s, Caracol, Backstreet Café, Xochi, etc.) serves ‘Mexican street food’ in a casual, bright and airy space. A long bar graces one wall and it is my guess this will be a new magnet for the single & mingle crowd. The menu is fun and delicious-no surprise! Platos chicos * Masa pancakes stuffed w pork carnitas, chicharron, refried black beans, salsa verde * Masa cake stuffed with chickpea puree, crema, queso fresco, salsa costena, watercress * Crispy chicken tacos, salsa albanil, crema, queso fresco * Quesadilla * Taco w roasted sweet potato, goat cheese, pumpkin seeds, salso macha, requeson, corn tortillas * Papas bravas, potato wedges, guajillo pepper, chipotle aioli, crema, queso fresco * Guacamole y totopos * Campechana estilo D.F., shrimp, oysters, red fish, octopus, tomato, cucumber, avocado, onion, jalapeno * Ensalada mercado, greens, radish, cucumber, avocado, creamy cilantro dressing, pepita, queso fresco..* Platos Fuertes * Barbacoa, beef cheek and chuck on agave leaf, onion, cilantro, adobo consommé, cactus salad * Huarache, large masa cake shaped like a shoe, carnitas, rajas, refried black beans, salsa verde, crema, queso fresco * Pecho de res, sliced brisket, grilled chambray onions, pickled red jalapeno, refried black beans, salsa costena, flour tortillas, cactus salad * Tacos de pescado, battered fish, refried black beans, chipotle aioli, napa cabbage, corn tortillas * Pollo ahumado, smoked half chicken, salsa albanil, papas bravas * Carnitas, slow-cooked pork, salsa albanil, cilantro, onion, refried black beans, Mexican rice, tortillas

JOEY Uptown →

5045 Westheimer Rd. Suite X-01 (In front of The Galleria in a free-standing building) Houston, TX 77056 346.646.5639 joeyrestaurants.com

This brand new addition to the Galleria dining scene is in a large and bright, open-feeling 10,000 SF space with high windows on all four sides. In addition, there is an outside patio and bar. Owned by a popular Canadian group, the restaurant is one of the first to open in the U.S. Smalls & sharing * Roasted corn guacamole, cilantro, fresh lime, cherry tomatoes, serranos, feta cheese, warm tortilla chips * Hummus, tzatziki, dill, olives, crispy pita * Szechuan tofu lettuce wraps, sweet soy ginger glaze, peanuts, crispy wontons, spicy aioli * Pork dumplings w hot mustard * Korean fried cauliflower, sweet & spicy Korean chili miso paste, toasted sesame seeds * Steak & lobster ravioli, 6 oz top sirloin, lobster, & prawn ravioli, truffle beurre blanc-a decadent share plate for the table * Jumbo crab cake, apple fennel salad, tartar sauce, charred scallion oil Sushi * Sushi cone, tempura prawn, avocado, spicy mayo, tobiko * Seared salmon sushi, umami sauce, shaved serrano peppers * Steak & sushi, tataki-style 6 oz prime top sirloin, ponzu sauce, seared salmon sushi or tuna & avocado roll * Salads * Katsu chicken peanut salad, crispy chicken breast, julienne vegetables, arugula, miso ginger dressing * Farmers market, fresh corn, emerald kale, hass avocado, toasted almonds, aged white cheddar-add chicken or salmon * Sandwiches & burgers * Baja fish tacos * Baja cauliflower tacos * Grilled chicken club * Hand-pressed burger * Mains * Tuna poke bowl, sashimi grade ahi tuna poke, crispy wontons, green papaya slaw, miso dressing, brown rice * Spaghetti pomodoro, Calabrian chili spiked tomato sauce, whipped ricotta, fresh basil, parmesan * Gulf shrimp peanut curry, rice noodles, roasted broccoli * Cajun blackened chicken, full breast, warm potato & bacon salad, creamy coleslaw * Sake glazed Chilean sea bass, wok-fired vegetables, gold potatoes, dashi broth * Steakhouse * JOEY classic steak, 8 oz prime sirloin, fully loaded crispy mashed potatoes, asparagus (or filet mignon, or NY sirloin) * Steak frites, 6 oz top prime sirloin, garlic butter, rocket greens, fries (choice of other steaks) * Bone-in prime ribeye, 22 oz, loaded crispy mashed potatoes, asparagus, peppercorn sauce * Sweets * Individual baked apple pie, hand-folded pastry, toasted almonds, Tahitian vanilla ice cream * Molten chocolate cake, fresh raspberries, Tahitian vanilla ice cream * Warm Italian donuts, vanilla + mascarpone cream, lemon curd

Monument Inn →

14406 Independence Parkway S (formerly Battleground Road), La Porte, TX 77571 (281) 479.1521 monumentinn.com

In the tradition of the long-gone and much-beloved San Jacinto Inn, the Monument Inn carries on the tradition of local bay and gulf seafood in grand style, AND lots more as well, as you will see below! Not a fancy restaurant, but a large and very busy Texas Gulf Coast seafood house, the establishment serves about 80,000 pounds of shrimp and about 25,000 pounds of catfish, crawfish, and other fresh fish a year. A meal at the Monument Inn ties in perfectly with a visit to the Battleship Texas and the San Jacinto battleground and monument, where Sam Houston led a small group of Texans to defeat the Mexican Army under General Santa Anna, and win independence for Texas. You can reach the restaurant via I-10 and the Lynchburg Ferry across the Ship Channel, or you can go via State Highway 225 through Pasadena, and arrive at the battleground from the South. Very casual, very reasonable prices, large portions, and if you see a waiting line don’t panic-it is a huge place and the wait should not be long. Menu * Peel & eat shrimp * Stuffed jalapenos * Fried green tomatoes * Oysters on the half shell * Shrimp or jumbo lump crab cocktail * Fried calamari * Shrimp & oyster en brochette * Fried alligator * Shrimp, chicken, & sausage gumbo * Baked potato soup * Crawfish bisque * Caesar salad * Shrimp, chicken, or club salad * Fish, broiled, fried, or grilled: catfish * Salmon * Mahi mahi * Tilapia * Tuna * Redfish (Add Ponchartrain, Orleans, Monumental, or Creole sauces) * Fried fish: shrimp, catfish, oysters * Stuffed crabs (3) * Combination platter * Shrimp jamboree, shrimp 3 ways * Crab cakes * Chicken tenders * Fried scallops * Popcorn shrimp * Crawfish etouffee * Fisherman’s platter * Shrimp creole * Stuffed whole flounder * Chicken tender basket * Monumental burger * Fish sandwich * Peaux boys * Fish & chips basket * Chicken fried chicken * Pan roasted chicken breast * Chicken parmesan ( all chicken orders include dinner salad, French fries, vegetables, or Coleslaw, & cinnamon rolls) * Ribeye * Chicken fried steak * Beef kabob * Filet mignon * Seafood fettucini * Shrimp scampi * Linguini Baton Rouge * Chicken Alfredeaux

Oporto Midtown →

125 W. Gray, Houston, TX 77019 (713) 528.0115 oportomidtown.us

Having moved to this larger location from its original one on Richmond Avenue near Weslayan, Oporto specializes in “small plates” featuring the wonderful cuisine of Portugal. Oporto is special, and the flavors and variety of dishes is unsurpassed. Prices are reasonable, and so are the wines from the same region which complement so well the dishes. An evening here is best if everyone orders two or three plates and everyone shares, which makes for a fun party. Valet or garage parking, or some street parking nearby. Bar bites * House baked sourdough w herbed oil * Wood grilled bread w tomato pulp & sea salt * Serrano ham * Potato bread topped w chopped Spanish chorizo & paprika butter * Paprika spiced toasted almonds w marinated Cerignola olives * Wood grilled Portuguese sardines w salsa verde, grilled bread, paprika butter * Baked marinated Portobello mushroom w spinach artichoke gratin * Crispy potatoes w spicy tomato piri piri & garlic aioli * Crispy salt cod & whipped potato fritter, piri piri aioli * Crab & avocado crostini, lump crabmeat & sliced baguette * Baked walnut wrapped goat cheese, garlic toast * Marinated hanger steak sandwich, garlic butter, fries * Petiscos plate, serrano ham, salchichon sausage, 2 cheeses, marinated olives, almonds, pickled veggies, olive oil cracker * Baked gigante beans & fideo pasta,kale,oregano, feta * Roasted brussels sprouts, candied walnuts, piri piri, mozzarella & baked * Rigatoni Barcelona w prosciutto, green peas, asparagus, goat cheese, white wine cream * Cataplana mussels, vinho verde wine, garlic butter * Scallop w risotto, cauliflower, caraway seeds * Wood grilled octopus * Portuguese squid fried rice, sausage, jamon, eggplant, chili * Gulf shrimp w whiskey piri piri * Lamb ribs Mediterraneo * Chorizo & clams * Chicken curry empanadas * Lamb-beef meatballs * Seafood curry * London chicken tikka masala * BBQ chicken * Shrimp & crab pizza * Various salads * Caldeirada, rich Portuguese bouillabaisse w snapper, clams, mussels, veggies, Moorish spices * Caldo verde, potato & kale soup * Larger plates * Fork & knife Porto hanger steak sandwich,jamon, chorizo sausage, gruyere cheese, tomato beer sauce, fried * Grilled beef tenderloin, bay leaves, sea salt, veggies, served tableside * Portuguese paella * Oporto is one of Houston’s true culinary pleasures….

Xin Chào →

2310 Decatur Street at Sawyer St. off Washington Ave (in original Beaver’s Restaurant location), Houston, TX 77007 (832) 740.4888 xinchaohtx.com

This sassy brand new little Vietnamese-fusion restaurant is vibrant with its young Washington Ave clientele, and features some very tasty dishes served by attentive staff. Full bar and patio seating. The happy hour food and drink menu is a good bargain if you are an early eater. Starters * Grilled oysters, scallion oil, pork cracklins, roasted peanuts * Viet-Cajun oysters, garlic butter, fried onion, toasted baguette slices * Pork belly bao, fried bun stuffed w braised pork belly, caramelized fish sauce, pickled cucumber * Grilled beef skewers, ribeye steak, lemongrass, palm sugar * Mains for sharing * Braised pork & crispy rice, pickled greens, soft boiled egg * Smoked beef rib flat rice noodles, mushrooms, carrot, Chinese broccoli * Fried whole fish, vinaigrette & sweet tamarind sauce * Flat iron steak, American wagyu, grilled Chinese broccoli * Smoked beef cheek dumplings, spicy sauce, Vietnamese herbs * Soft shell crab, fresh herbs * Smoked duck salad, arugula, purple cabbage, walnuts, ginger fish sauce vinaigrette * Not our Ma’s eggrolls, hand-rolled w pork, shrimp, crab, & fish sauce vinaigrette for dipping * Sweets * Coconut bread pudding * Rubbish apple pie a la mode

Piper’s BBQ & Beer →

2323 N. Shepherd, Houston, TX 77008 (713) 485-5512 pipersbarbecue.com

Located on busy N. Shepherd, Piper’s is a typical Texas BBQ joint…but one with some of the most delicious “cue” in town. Indoor and outdoor seating, with a serving line where you pay at the end. Typical. And the menu is pretty standard. Specialties * Pork sausage * Loaded smashed potatoes * Big Tex, a half-pound each of five meats & fours sides * Beef ribs * Prime brisket * Pork ribs * Pulled pork * Chicken * Sandwiches * Sliced beef * Chopped beef * Pulled pork * Sausage * Turkey * Sides * Baked beans * Cole slaw * Cold or hot potato salad * Mac & cheese * Cream corn * Cucumber salad * Watermelon salad * Desserts * Banana or chocolate pudding * Smoked apple fritter * Selection of beers

NoPo Café Market & Bar →

1244 N. Post Oak, Houston, TX 77055 (713) 804-1244 nopocafe.com

Short for North Post Oak, NOPO Café is a recent offering of the Berg Group, operators of B&B Butchers, The Annie, BB Lemon, etc. It is a fresh new building and it serves a nice and somewhat out of the way neighborhood, with The Awty School being one of its close neighbors. The interior is bright and cheery and patio seating is available. Starters * Foccacio, whipped ricotta w truffle * Italian spinach & cheese dip * Shellfish * Shrimp cocktail * Oysters on the half shell * Crab cocktail * Baked oysters * Fritto misto * Soup & salad * Tomato basil soup * Burrata * Beet salad * Arugula salad * Caesar salad * Pizza * Butcher’s, bacon lardons, pepperoni, chorizo, sausage * Margherita * Prosciutto * Antipasto * Pepperoni * Mushroom * Lump crab * Mains * R.H. Clay salad, shrimp, blue crab, lettuces, hearts of palm, cucumber, jicama, w lemon vinaigrette * Beef ravioli * Red snapper, butternut squash, spinach, salsa verde * Chicken paillard * Pork ribs, potato salad, & coleslaw * Shrimp tagliatelle, tomatoes, spinach, asparagus, EVOO, garlic * Fried chicken sandwich * Steak frites, flatiron steak w green peppercorn sauce & fries * Seared salmon, braised lentils, dill beurre blanc sauce * NoPo burger * Ricotto tortellini * Asian steak salad

Azuma Sushi and Robata Bar →

5600 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77005 (Rice Village area) (713) 432-9649 azumasushikirby.com

Part of the group which operates Kata Robata and Somo, Azuma has enjoyed a successful run of twenty years, and is still going strong.  A large variety of Japanese specialties provides a nice dining experience in a comfortable setting.  Due to the vast number of selections on the menu, we only have space here to “scratch the surface!”  Soup & Salad  * Marinated seaweed salad  * Seared peppercorn tuna salad  * Shrimp, octopus, cucumber, & crabstick salad  * Appetizers  * Spring roll  *  Yellowtail, spicy ponzu, diced chili, microgreens  * Kanpachi & foie gras appetizer  * Seabass in ponzu & cilantro  * Seafood ceviche, 7 thinly sliced pieces of seafood w wonton chips & citrus yuzu  * Tuna tartare, mango, avocado, chili sauce  * Chilean sea bass, lightly fried, mushroom variety, snow peas, carrot, green onion  * Crispy duck roll  * Grilled mackerel  * Whole squid, grilled w spicy miso & ginger sauce  * Fried soft shell crab  * Ebi tempura  * Robata tradition  * Beef tongue  * Pork belly  * Grilled yellowtail  * Norwegian fatty mackerel  *  Chicken  * Salmon  * Squid  * Eggplant w sweet miso glaze  * King mushroom  * Combo 10 kinds robata  * Specialties  * Azuma beef  * Hot rock Kobe beef  *  Wasabi braised Kobe  * Chilean seabass entrée  * Pan seared chicken  * Duck ramen  * Donburi & Udon  * Shrimp & vegetable tempura, rice  * Breaded Berkshire pork  * Vegetable tempura entrée * Udon noodle soup, mushroom, fish cake, shrimp tempura  * Specialty rolls  * Crazy Irishman roll  * Hamachili roll  * Lobster roll  *  Naruto roll, king crab, shrimp tempura, mango, cucumber skin  * Samurai, fried oyster, jalapeno, smoked salmon, mayo sriracha  * Diver, soft shell crab, cucumber  * Tokyo, spicy yellowtail, green bean tempura, peppercorn tuna, serrano pepper  * Rolls  * Boston, tuna, avocado  * California  * Caterpillar  * Phoenix  *  Spider  * Shrimp & Avocado  * Spicy salmon  *  Unagi  *  Asparagus  *  Spicy chopped scallop  * Peppercorn salmon  *  New Zealand salmon  * Octopus  * Sashimi  * Flounder  * Egg omelet  * Flying fish egg  * Japanese snapper  * Mackerel  * Whole scallop  * Tuna  * Sweet shrimp  *  Sushi & sashimi combinations  * Many  * Dessert  * Tempura fried ice cream * Crème brulee cheesecake  * Mochi ice cream, chewy rice dough filled w flavored ice cream  * Banana tempura w ice cream, fried banana w fresh berries & ice cream

Fiori →

4315 Montrose, Houston, TX 77006 (832) 729-5594 fiorihtx.com

Yes, “Fiori” means “flowers” in Italian, and that is just what will greet you at the entrance to the restaurant, behind the hostess stand: an explosion of colorful flowers, including tall stems of orchids and many other blooms. Like the delicious items on the menu, the small but vivid arrangements are available for purchase. Fiori’s owner, who stopped by our table on a recent visit, is a genial former banker (over 20 years) from Milano, who followed his dream, assembled an Italian culinary team, and came to Houston to open this little gem of a restaurant. It is located in the strip center owned by La Colombe d’Or owner Steve Zimmerman, and the hotel’s celeb general manager Sergio Ortiz suggested we try Fiori and its authentic dishes from northern Italy, and we were very happy we did. Antipasti * Mussels, lemon, black pepper * Mixed salad w caramelized walnuts, poached pear, blue cheese * Burrata frita, tomato, basil * Cacio e pepe, pecorino romano, fresh pepper * Spaghetti carbonara, guanciale, egg yolk, pecorino romana, black pepper * Artichoke, olive oil, parsley * Prawns, garlic, olive oil, chili flakes * Selection of cheeses & cured meats * Vegetable risotto, scallops * Caprese salad * Secondi * Costolette d’agnello fritte, fried lamb, mixed greens * Saltimbocca / Veal prosciutto, sage * Cotoletta alla Milanese con rucola * Scallops, insalata mista * Branzino alla griglia * Filete di angus * Red snapper w insalata, lemon, pepper, olive oil * Verdura * Patate arrosto * Braised Brussels sprouts * Carote Arrosta * Dolce * Torta chioccolato con gelato * Torta limone con gelato * Crema di marscapone e marsala * Practice your Italian * Park next door at Chase Bank

Bistro Menil →

1513 W. Alabama, Houston, TX 77006 (713) 904-3537 bistromenil.com

Located on the shady, quiet, and relaxing campus of the Menil Museum, the Bistro offers European-inspired American fare, paired with craft beer and wines by the cask, bottle or glass. Lunch, brunch, dinner, and afternoon tea service menus are offered, so we will just take a sampling here-it will be up to you to discover and experience for yourself this delightful oasis of sophistication and casual dining! Starters * Goat cheese provencal * Calamari, crisp, topped w Parmesan * Eggplant fries, anchovy aioli, spicy brava sauce * Truffle potatoes * Cold roasted beet salad * Duck salad * Veggie bowl * Bistro Caesar * Hamburgers * Beef or turkey patty: Manchego cheese; Porcini-rub burger/Goat cheese/Roasted beech mushroom * Pizza * Bianca; Amalfi; La Spezia; San Marino; Umbria; Granada * Entrees * Roasted salmon * Seared lemon-thyme chicken * Crab cakes * Chicken & artichoke crepes * Crisp duck confit * 12 hour beef short rib * Crab & mushroom crepes * Dessert * Lemon tart * Buttermilk blackberry cake * Tuscan lemon almond torte * Basque cheesecake * Caramelized banana & Nutella crepe * Convenient shady parking next to the restaurant

Napoli’s Wine Café →

4601 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007 (713) 434-6305 napoliswinecafe.com

The night we stopped in for a family birthday party, there was a tango class in progress with two tango singers and professional and amateur dancers-quite a night…and the food was amazing as well. Large and varied menu, with reasonable prices. Antipasti * Scampi w sundried tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, topped w crab meat * Fried calamari * Chicken marsala meatballs * Spinach & artichoke dip * Crab cakes * Tuna tartare * Lobster risotto * Fried mozzarella * Brochette board-choose 4 out of large selection * Boards * Vegetarian * Meats, imported & domestic * Cheeses * Zuppa * Del mare * Di Zucchini * Lobster bisque * Insalata * Organic quinoa * Grilled vegetable * Grilled chicken Caesar * Grilled calamari, shrimp, salmon, or tuna * Signature steaks * Grilled veal chop * New Zealand lamb chop * Filet mignon-8 oz. * Premium Rib-eye-12 oz. * Seafood Grill * Shrimp scampi * Salmon piccata * Red snapper * Carbonara d’Mar * Shrimp fettucini Alfredo * Linguini pescatori * Entrees * Boneless short rib * Eggplant pomodoro * Chicken rollantini a la vodka * Veal marsala * Eggplant, chicken, or veal parmigiana * Veal piccata * Chicken fettucine Alfredo * Chicken pasta Napoli * Lasagna * Spaghetti * Tortellini * Ravioli * Panini & pizza: various * Desserts * Cannoli * Italian cream cake * Carrot cake * Chocolate mousse cake * Convenient parking in the garage behind the restaurant

Segari’s Restaurant & Bar →

1503 Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77007 (713) 880-2470 segarisrestaurant.com

This little jewel of a restaurant has served the highest quality seafoods, steaks, and chops for over twenty years. The menu does not have prices-one of the few in Houston. But don’t be afraid-the value is there, and then some. The late founder, Sam Segari, operated outstanding restaurants in Houston – including this one- for about 50 years altogether. Sam has gone to ‘the big restaurant in the sky’, but this operation continues in his same tradition. Evening reservations are a must, as there are only about nine tables! * Appetizers * Seafood & sausage gumbo * Shrimp cocktail * Crabmeat cocktail * Sam’s ceviche, shrimp, salmon, & redfish * Crab claws * Green salad w crabmeat and/or shrimp * Grilled Meat Entrees * Rack of lamb * Filet mignon * Ribeye steak * Pork chop * Chicken breast * Seafood platter * Fried shrimp, oysters, jalapeno fried shrimp, shrimp cocktail, crabmeat cocktail, onion rings-made for two or more * Seafood entrees * Jumbo shrimp-fried, cold, or grilled * Johnny’s crab stuffed shrimp wrapped in bacon * Fried shrimp stuffed w jalapeno & cheese * Angela’s crab cakes w wasabi & tartar sauce * Laura’s sauteed shrimp & crabmeat * Crab claws-fried, cold, sauteed * Fried oysters * Grilled fish entrees * Rainbow trout * Salmon * Redfish (All can be topped w sauteed shrimp and/or jumbo lump crabmeat) * Sides * Mixed sauteed vegetable medley * Rosemary new potatoes * Onion rings * French fries * Desserts * Bread pudding w whiskey sauce * Coconut meringue pie * Key Lime pie * Chocolate mousse * Brownie a la mode

Mandito’s Restaurant & Cantina →

On the Square Round Top, TX 78954 (979) 249-5181 manditos.com

“Little Armando’s” has selected the best from the Tex-Mex food and drink menu at its River Oaks location and is a very popular place in this very popular center of German-Texas, between La Grange and Brenham-about an hour and fifteen minutes drive from West Houston. Round Top is a super-interesting place for a little weekend get-away excursion, for the day or overnight in a charming B&B. There is almost always something going on in this tiny town, population 102: the rollicking 4th of July parade, coming up soon; the several gigantic antique fairs, which draw dealers and customers from all over the U.S.; the music festival; and for me the best of all: Henkel Square www.henkelsquareroundtop.com , the historic village which contains completely restored homes and other buildings from the mid- and late-1800’s… some of them housing smart clothing boutiques, antique stores, and even a pie shop * Appetizers * Chili con queso * Queso flameado * Guacamole * Nachos * Soup & salad bowl * Mandito’s world famous burrito bowl-chicken, ground beef, steak, lettuce, pico de gallo, shredded cheese, avocado, white rice, black beans, & your choice of meat * Tortilla soup * Enchiladas * Cheese, beef, chicken * Suizas, topped w mozzarella cheese, salsa verde, sour cream * Tres hombres, cheese, chicken, & ground beef, topped w chili con queso * Tex-Mex Classics * Burrito * Crispy tacos * Chalupa * Flautas * El Palacio-chalupa, taco, enchilada topped w salsa ranchera * Tacos al carbon * Fajitas * Carne asada, on sizzling skillet * Seafood * Baja tacos, fried fish w red cabbage, chipotle mayo, queso fresco, pico de gallo * Ceviche * Blackened tilapia, white rice & black beans * Breakfast * Chilaquiles * Huevos rancheros * Breakfast taco * Migas * Closed Monday, open Sunday 11-3 *