Armandos →

Graffiti Raw 1001 California St. (Behind Uchi) Houston 77006 713.750.9550 www.grafittiraw.com

This new restaurant is brought to us by the owners of Flora, Coppa Ristorante, and Gratify. Tucked away on a leafy little street corner in Montrose, it is withing walking distance of dozens of other popular dining spots. Parking choices are the street, valet, or a garage across the street. The interior is airy, well-lighted with floor-to-ceiling glass to bring the neighborhood inside, and the feeling is casual. You will be greeted and served by friendly young personnel. Outdoor seating is available. The music inside was too loud to talk at lunch, but they cheerfully amped it down. Our server greeted us by telling us “we have a CALIFORNIA menu”. I could not help bouncing back with MY question: “does California have restaurants with TEXAS menus?” Gotcha! * To share * Guacamole & chips * Cod croquettes (California?) * Charred octopus, chorizo, chili crunch, boiled lemon Yukon potato, paprika, crème fraiche * Shrimp al mojo * Seared scallops * Roasted oysters * Crab claws * Fried calamari * Soups & salads * Miso Caesar * Stuffed avocado, crème fraiche, jumbo lump crabmeat, roasted corn, cilantro, ricotta salata, chili piquin, taro chips * Cioppino, shrimp, clams, mussels, red snapper, Calabrian chili, lobster stock * Mighty green soup, spinach, chard, broccoli, kale, vegetable broth, Cannellini beans, pork sausage on request * Tuna salad * Gazpacho * Crudo * Nori tostada, nori rice flour batter, smashed avocado, yellowfin tuna, chili sauce, frenso chili, chives * Ceviche * Campechana * Ceviche combo, red snapper, shrimp, octopus, red onion, serrano, radish, cucumber, sal de capulin, mango habanero lime * Main * Angus cheeseburger * Forbidden bowl, salmon forbidden rice, red curry, butternut squash, broccoli, bok choy, watermelon radish, cilantro * Crab & shrimp fried rice * Spaghetti rustichella * Linguine alla vongole, white clams, white wine, lemon, butter, Thai chili, Calabrian chili * Pork ribs * Roasted chicken * Pan roasted salmon * Whole roasted branzino, olive oil, garlic * Steak frites * Paella Negra * Steak N Eggs * Dessert * Chocolate tart w toasted pistachio crust & berry compote * Beet cake, red beets, pecans, cinnamon, purpleflour, cream cheese * Tres leches *

Images courtesy of Armandos.

Toro Toro →

1300 Lamar(In the Four Seasons Hotel) Houston, TX 77010 713.650.1300 torotorohouston.com

Friendly valet parking and a grand staircase (or lift) up to the third floor (past a jamming first floor lobby bar) leads you to the large open area occupied by a circular bar surrounded by tables…or the diner can choose to dine in the more enclosed restaurant itself. The bar dining area projects energy and fun, and the feeling is that there are more local diners of all ages enjoying the evening than hotel guests, although there is without a doubt a healthy mixture. The restaurant is Spanish/Peruvian-themed and the chef-prepared menu is compact and delicious. It is easy to make a meal on the appetizer and ‘small’ items, which are by no means small, and which are richly satisfying. People-watching provides the entertainment, and a uniquely interesting selection of craft cocktails provides a good interlude to your evening before you make your dinner selections. For the table * Smoked guacamole * Swordfish dip * Jamon iberico * Short rib tacos, chili-arbol peanut sauce, yuzu-avocado, crispy potato * Sweet corn empanadas * Antelope anticuchos, Peruvian aji adobo, chimichurri, charred corn salad * Octopus anticucho, aji mirasol adobo, marble potato, chimichurri * Suviche bar * Amarillo ceviche, ahi tuna, mango, leche de tigre, cucumber, red onion * Shrimp cocktail, aguachile rojo, horseradish, cilantro oil, avocado * Peruvian ceviche, Hamachi, leche de tigre, sweet potato, red onion, chanchas * Wagyu beef tiradito, fresh chile citrus sauce, charred black habanero, pickled pepper, ponzu * From the grill * Toro toro churrasco, rib eye, Brazilian style steak, chicken cusco, lamb chops-serves three * 52 oz prime tomahawk, serves three * 8 oz center cut filet mignon * Grilled Spanish octopus * Specialties * Salmon w achi9ote marinade, braised bok choy, ponzu broth, bacon morita chile jam * Cusco half chicken, achiote marinated, criolla salsa, mashed potato, broccolini * Chilean sea bass, spincach miso, panca, coriander, dashi * Sides * Lobster mac & cheese * Trumpet mushrooms * Grilled avocado w corn pico de gallo * Potato three ways * Heirloom carrots * Truffle fries

Goode Company Seafood →

2621 Westpark Houston, TX 77098 713.523.7154 goodecompanyseafood.com

One of eight locations in the Goode family restaurant group, this location is partially located in a ‘streamliner’ railroad car. Abundant self-parking and a friendly staff await your visit. I recently had some of the best campechana I have ever had, and they will serve it in an open soup bowl if you find the standard upright glass dish a little confining for your hungry spoon. And yes, for dessert you can order year ‘round a serving of the famous Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie. The week before Thanksgiving, after lunch, I drove across Kirby to the Goode ‘complex’ and got in line with the other cars waiting to buy a whole pie. I asked the young lady around 3 PM how many pies they had sold that day and she said “about 800 so far, and this is just one of four locations selling them”. At $20 per pie, you do the math…and the pies are shipped out all year. Maybe the company founded by Jim Goode and now operated and expanded by his son Levi is really a pie company which also sells BBQ and seafood? Snacks * Campechana de mariscos * Smoked redfish dip * Redfish beignets * Shrimp empanadas * Jumbo lump crab cake * Seared tuna * Shrimp cocktail * Mesquite grilled oysters * Raw gulf oysters * Chilled seafood towers * Soups & Salads * Gumbo * Blue crab, corn, and poblano bisque * Seared tuna salad * Lady bird salad, spinach & romaine w strawberries, candied pecans, goat cheese, w balsamic vinaigrette * Coastal fried platters * Gulf shrimp * Stuffed combo * Stuffed crab * Catfish fillet * Fried oysters * Seafood platter * Po Boys & sandwiches * Shrimp, Catfish, or Oyster po-boy * Damn Goode burger * Combo po-boy * Mesquite grilled entrees * Salmon * Yellowfin tuna * Catfish fillet * Shrimp * Red snapper * Mesquite skewer over rice * Goode signatures * Redfish on the half shell * Crabmeat fettucine * Laguna Madre shrimp * Backyard BBQ shrimp * Seared filet mignon * Shrimp etouffee * Sides & shareables * Red beans * Seasonable vegetable * Grilled asparagus * Sauteed spinach * Fried green tomatoes * Hush puppies * Seafood rice * Onion rings * French fries * Homemade baked Goodes * Brazos bottom pecan pies * Chocolate cream pie * Margarita pie * Texas chocolate sheet cake

Zaab Der Thai Restaurant →

14642 Memorial Drive Houston, TX 77079 832.230.4091 zaabder.com

This special little Thai restaurant serves the Energy Corridor as well as the vast Memorial neighborhoods which surround it. Dairy Ashford is the nearest cross street. I found the food to be especially tasty and the service prompt and professional. My server was a friend of the owner’s family and she was helping out that day. Free parking in the retail center where Zaab Der is located, and…don’t ask me what Zaab Der means…I meant to ask but forgot to! Starters * Crispy duck meat egg roll with plum sauce * Crispy tofu * Sweet potato fry * Homemade steamed chicken dumpling * Grilled marinated pork on skewer * Homemade crispy shrimp patty, plum sauce * Egg roll * Chicken wrap, minced chicken w diced bell pepper, onion, fresh ginger, cashew nuts, lettuce * Soup * Tom kha, creamy coconut soup w Thai herbs * Tom yum, hot & sour w mushroom & onion * Tsunami, light creamy spicy, sour mix seafood, shrimp, scallop, squid, mussels, kaffir leaves, lemon grass, green onion, cilantro * Chef special * Crab fried rice * Chicken satay * Piggy cry, marinated pork loin w spicy house sauce * Zaab wings, tossed w house sweet sauce * Yum salmon, fresh Thai chili, lime juice dressing, cashew nuts * Curry * Red, Panang, Massaman, Green * Salad * Papaya Isan style w salty crab * Glass noodle, shrimp, minced pork, celery, tomato, onion, fresh Thai chili, lime juice dressing * Larb minced chicken salad * Steak * Ribeye steak stir fry w house garlic sauce, onion, bell pepper, & Thai basil, white rice * Pepper steak, diced ribeye * Steak & curry * BBQ curry, marinated pork w cur5r sauce, snow peas bell pepper, bamboo, basil w jasmine rice * Rice & noodle * Thai fried rice * Pineapple rice * Glass noodle w Chinese broccoli, egg * Basis fried rice * Drunken noodle, flat noodle, egg, fresh chili, garlic, basil, house sauce * Drink & dessert * Lemon cake * Coconut ice cream, homemade * Espresso * Summer latte * Thai green tea * Brown sugar latte

Gus’s World Famous Hot & Spicy Fried Chicken →

1815 Washington Ave Houston, TX 77007 832.740.4022 gusfriedchicken.com

Anytime a restaurant owner is bold enough to claim ‘world famous’, it gets my attention. Besides, I began to hear buzz about this joint. Located in an unimpressive storefront on Lower Washington, without recommendation Gus’s may not be a place you would choose to stop into cold. But I was glad I did, since one of the recommendations I got dropped the phrase ‘Memphis chicken’. I know Memphis well, having gone there for 25 years on business, calling on the corporate headquarters of Holiday Inn worldwide. World class BBQ IS to be found in Memphis, so I had to check out the ‘frahed chicken’. As it turns out, Gus’s is not a one-off location, but is a franchise, of which there are many locations scattered around the country. I went and discovered the world’s shortest menu, and here it is: Starters * Fried okra * Fried pickles w ranch * Fried green tomatoes (see any hints of the South yet?) Individual pieces * Breast, thigh, tender, leg, wing * Sides * Baked beans * Potato salad * Cole slaw * Greens * Seasoned fries * Fried rice * Mac & cheese * Whole jalapeno * Plates * Two or three piece white * Three piece wing * Two or three piece dark * Three or four tenders * Half chicken, one of each piece * To go boxes, include chicken and white bread and sides of your choice * Desserts * Pie, pecan, chess, sweet potato, old fashioned coconut * Ice cream * Beverages * Coke, Sprite, Dr. Pepper * Fanta orange * Root beer * Topo chico (no refills-LOL)

No 28 Pizzeria & Vineria Highland Village →

3974 Westheimer Houston, TX 77027 713.485.5248 n28highlandvillage.com

Across from the Apple Store and behind Crate & Barrel, No28 offers easy parking and an outside patio with a European feel. Inside seating is cozy with a wine bar that looks like a good place to meet & greet. Young eager servers, who could use a bit more formal training, will deliver your meal, which is excellently prepared in this Italian kitchen. You will be impressed with the food, and the prices are reasonable, considering we are on the edge of River Oaks and in a silk stocking shopping ‘village’. Insalata * Alla Cesare * Rucola e parmigiano * Misto verde * Siciliana, mixed greens, romaine, albacore tuna, cherry tomato, red onions, navy beans, pepperoncini vinaigrette * Caprese * Caponata * Prosciutto di Parma * Olive marinate * House selection of cheeses, cured meats, olives, walnuts, truffle infusd honey, crostini * Entrees * Lasagna Bolognese * Cacio e pepe, spaghetti alla chitarra tossed w pecorino cheese, black pepper, a touch of butter, and served in a pecorino cheese wheel * Pappardelle alla Bolognese, ribbon past tossed in savor meat sauce * Spinach & cheese ravioli, light tomato & cream sauce * Gnocchi al pesto * Porchetta (ch pronounced ‘k’ in Italian), roasted pork belly wrapped around a pork loin, stuffed w fresh herbs, mista verde salad and fries * Eggplant parmigiana, lasagna style, tomato sauce, basis, fresh mozzarella * Pollo alla Parmigiana * Pizze speciali * Numerous delicious varieties * Desserts * Cannoli shells filled w ricotta, chocolate chips * Tiramisu * Chocolate tart * Gelato, assorted flavors * Shot of espresso

Café Adel →

6363 San Felipe Houston, TX 77057 713.814.8942 cafeadelbosniancuisine.com
(In Forum San Felipe behind Valero)

Featuring “Bosnian dishes inspired by mom’s home cooking, freshly made every day”. For those of you a little rusty on your geography, Bosnia is a Balkan country located between Croatia and Greece. I am betting Café Adel is the only Bosnia restaurant in Houston. It is a little cozy restaurant and on my last visit at lunch the place was buzzing, and to-go orders were flying out the door by delivery, non-stop. The food? Think Mediterranean with a Slavic touch. Appetizers * Meza, smoked beef, sudzuk, boiled egg, feta cheese, roasted red peppers, roasted eggplant, ajvar, kajmak * Kajmak dip, traditional Bosnian cream cheese * Girice, fresh anchovies fried, spice roasted pepper sauce * Fried cheese, deep fried Ackawi cheese * Hummus, chickpea dip mashed with olives, garlic, lemon juice, tahini * Traditional * Sarma, cabbage rolls stuffed w ground beef and rice, side of mashed potatoes * Sakavci, traditional Bosnian meatballs served over pasta * Gulas, traditional Bosnian thick beef stew served over mashed potatoes * Lamb shank, slowly cooked, served on bed of rice w side salad * From the grill * Lamb chops, three grilled, roasted potatoes & grilled vegetables * Beef medallion, served w roasted potatoes & eggplant salad * Salmon, rice & vegetable stew * Skewers, chicken or beef, grilled w green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and served over rice * Pizza * Seven varieties to choose from *Salads * Greek * Shopska, tomatoes, cucumbers, roasted peppers, olives, green onions, parsley, baby greens w Bulgarian cheese, dressing * Cabbage, fresh cabbage, olive oil, white wine vinegar * Soup * Bosnian bean soup, slowly cooked w cubes of smoked beef * Sandwiches * Cevapcici, Bosnian grilled beef links on lepinja bread * Pljeskavica, traditional meat patty, served w side of ajvar * Grilled chicken * Burek, homemade filo dough pastry stuffed w choice of cheese, beef, spinach, or potatoes * Sliced beef, grilled steak on French bread, special house spread, topped w lettuce, tomato, onions, French fries * Coffee * Espresso, single or double * Café Americano * Cappucino * Café Latte * Macchiato * Cortado * Turkish * Dessert * Palincinke * Baklava * Tufahija * Tiramisu

Street Food Thai Market →

1010 W. Cavalcade Houston (Heights) 77009 346.406.3177 streetfoodthaimarket.com
(W. Cavalcade is an extension of E. 20th St., and the restaurant is just east of Studewood)

Several word of mouth recommendations sent me to this neat little spot, where the dining room is in the same space as the Thai food market. Menu items are prepared fresh from nearby farmers market suppliers, and the restaurant’s owner-operators come from over 15 years’ experience with Thai restaurants. As at Café Adel, take-out orders were moving non-stop as I dined. Similar to most Asian restaurants, the menu items are insanely numerous, so I will give a representative list without descriptions. Your fun will be to make multiple visits to explore the menu on your own! Starters * Fish cake * Egg rolls * Son-in-law eggs * Fried tofu * Dumpling pork * Cheese roll * Grilled beef meatballs * Pork jerky * Fried spare ribs * Lemongrass chicken * Chicken curry puff * Street spicy wings * All-time favorites * Beef noodle soup * Curry noodle w chicken * Chicken & rice w ginger sauce * Deep fried whole white pompano w Thai triple flavored sauce * Soup * Tom Yum Goong, Thai spicy soup w shrimp * Laos style rice flour noodle sour w chicken * Spicy Thai herbs soup w mixed seafood * Thai sour curry soup * Curry * Red chili paste w coconut milk, bamboo shoot, bell pepper, basis, Thai eggplant * Yellow, green, Panang, and Massaman curry * Thailand northeastern/Laos style * Papaya salad w long bean, dried shrimp, peanut * Deep fried quail w garlic & spice, white rice * Grilled marinated pork neck w Esarn style chili dipping sauce * Pork sausage, mint, lime juice, ginger, dried chili * Deep fried sour fish topped w crispy fried garlic & onion * Pad stir fried * Flat rice noodles w egg, Chinese broccoli, sweet soy * Stir fried basil w chopped meat, onion, pepper, Thai chili, topped w fried egg * Stir fried stinky beans w chopped pork & shrimp * Stir fried shrimp & squid, chili paste, herbs, vegetables * Vegetable dishes * Mixed vegetables w tofu * Stir fried sweet pumpkin w chili, basil, egg * Chinese greens * Sides * Brown, Jasmine, Sticky rice * Vermicelli * Fried egg * Extra pork belly * Extra crabmeat or shrimp * Sweets * Coconut ice cream * Sweet stick rice w mango * Thai tea, coffee, green tea

Roland’s Swiss Pastry & Bakery →

9434 Katy #310 Houston, TX 77055 713.785.4294 rolandsswissbakery.com
Recommend finding Roland’s on google maps-it is back off the freeway in a small office-warehouse area…well worth the effort to locate!

This wonderful treasure of a bakery had a retail location on Del Monte near Voss for many years. I lived next door in the early ‘70s and I was a regular! Roland’s eventually moved to the present location, where it does not have a retail store, but services hotels, restaurants, and such with custom breads and pastries. The little-know secret is that they love retail sales but the procedure is to drop onto the Web site and send in your order, and they will make it special and fresh for you, to be picked up the next day. Prices are wholesale prices and very reasonable. One of their specialties each Christmas season is to make authentic fairy tale Gingerbread Houses, which you can use for holiday gifts or decorations, and then when the season is over, you can EAT the house! Sampling of baked goods: Special design themed birthday cakes * Apple or cherry strudel * Authentic German pretzels * German rye bread, 3 lb. loaf * Black Forest cake * Chocolate chip brownies * Cookies for any occasion * Danish assortment * Cinnamon rolls * German chocolate cake * Muffins (pistachio, blueberry, cranberry, etc. * Pumpkin cheesecake * Raspberry chiffon cake * Call to discuss special orders

Nothing Bundt Cakes →

1407 S. Voss (next to Whole Foods) and other Houston locations Houston, TX 77057 713.552.9100 nothingbundtcakes.com

This little take-out bakery sells only one product-the Bundt cake- but it comes in different sizes and with a multitude of combinations of flavors and decorations for every occasion. The cakes are large or small, depending on your wish. A Bundt cake is circular with a circular penetration in the middle, and is decorated w a sugary icing. Decorations include “Celebrate”, “Happy Bundtday”, “Prettiest Princess”, “MVP Basketball, Football, Baseball, Soccer, Hockey”, etc., “Baby Gender Reveal”, “Thanks Teacher”, “Baby Cakes” pink or blue, “Happy Hanukah”, and many many more. Stop in or go online and check out the offerings.

Gratify Neighborhood Bistro →

5212 Morningside Dr. (Hanover Rice Village) Houston 77005 713.524.7865 gratifyhouston.com

Gratify Bistro, located next to Coppa and belonging to the same restaurant group, is a swanky high-end dining establishment, well-suited for special occasions, whether family, social, or business.  Its décor, location, service, and menu selections place it in the top tier of Houston’s fine dining establishments.

The atmosphere is elegant…there is an outdoor patio…parking is valet or next door in the garage.  Prices are elevated, but the value is there when you keep in mind that you are paying not just for the menu items but for the overall experience.  Shareables  * Mussels  *  Mac ‘n’ cheese  * Seared mushrooms  * Baked brie  *  Charred octopus  * Lamb meatballs  * Belgian pommes frites  * Charcuterie  * Charcuterie board  * Cheese Board  * Soups & salads  * Wedge salad  * Shrimp Louie  * Heirloom tomato gazpacho  * Appetizers  * Oysters on the half shell  * Ceviche  * Shrimp cocktail  * Yellowfin crudo  * Tuna tartare  * Wagyu carpaccio  * Wagyu tartare  * Kaluga caviar  * Platinum caviar  *  Le grand plateau de fruits de la mer (seafood tower)  * Mains  * Filet mignon  * Short ribs  * Lamb chops  * Gratify burger  * Daily pasta  * Roasted chicken Provencal  *  Dover sole  * Desserts  * Chocolate cake  * Key lime pie  * Pot de crème  *  Flourless chocolate cake  * Bread pudding  *  Chocolate layer cake  *  And last but not least, a creative cocktail bar and a grand selection of wines  * Enjoy!!!

Old Town Spring →

I-45 North of Houston, Old Town Spring Exit 606 Spring Cypress 281.288.2355 oldtownspringshopping.com

If you are looking for a different way to spend a weekend day, strolling and shopping and drinking and dining in Old Town Spring may be your thing.  Just 25 minutes from downtown Houston up I-45, this location was at one time a little railroad town, and it has the old hotel, saloons, and little old houses to confirm that it has existed for a long time.  Now, most of the quaint little residences are boutiques offering everything from German souvenirs to re-sale clothing, antiques, soaps, and scents…and much much more.  Many establishments offer live music.  Parking is scattered along the streets or in the museum or city parking lot for a modest fee.  Following is a partial list of restaurants, bars, and shops:

Restaurants & Bars  * Prohibition Texas  * Lynn’s table  *  Wunsche Bros. Café & Saloon  * Pufferbelly’s Old Depot Restaurant  * Plane & Level  * Elm & Magnolia  * Loose Caboose  * Trilogy Brew  * Corkscrew BBQ  * The Tea Kettle Café  * Spring Pizza  * House of Roux

Shops  * Camille’s  * Blue Buffalo Mercantile  * Chloe’s  * Golden Gypsies  * Cutter’s Canyon *  German Gift House  * Chabra Shop  * The Groove Shack  * Gypsy Rose  * Creations Market  

This is a partial list…go explore for yourself!!

Federal American Grill →

8731 Katy Freeway Houston 77019 832.910.7777 thefederalgrill.com

This extremely popular restaurant is busy lunch and dinner, and reservations are highly recommended.  Evenings the bar scene is active.  Overall atmosphere?  Relaxed steak house casual, with the approximate feel of now-gone Houston’s Restaurant.  Excellent food, fairly priced. Extensive and varied menu.   This is one of ‘the’ spots in West Houston for a business lunch, and you will ‘see and be seen’.  Parking is valet or free in the adjacent garage.  The restaurant is located in the ground floor of an office building, and can be accessed in the back through the garage.   Appetizers *  Kung pao calamari  * Tuna tartare  * Signature jumbo lump crab cake  *  Parmesan fried asparagus  * Tuna poke  * Fontina spinach dip  * Quesadillas  * Fresh oysters  * Shrimp cocktail  *  Appetizer salads  * Arugula  * Spinach  * Iceberg wedge  * Caesar  * From the sea  *  Grilled salmon  * Pepper crusted tuna  * Lemon basil salmon  * Thai shrimp & cheese grits  * Blackened ahi tuna  * Chilean sea bass  * Mains  * Braised short ribs  * Baby back ribs  * Chicken fried steak  * Truffle stuffed chicken  * Chicken fettuccini Alfredo  * Janice’s meatloaf  * Pork chop  * Steaks  * Center cut filet mignon  * Center cut NY strip  * Center cut prime ribeye  *  Dinner salads  * Classic chicken Cobb  * Pecan crusted chicken  * Buffalo chicken  *  Steak  * Cheeseburger bowl  * Citrus shrimp  * Burgers & sandwiches  * Federal burger  * French dip  * Federal chicken sandwich  * Classic Philly cheesesteak  * Cajun chicken sandwich  * Market sides  * Hand cut fries  * Brussels sprouts  * Mushroom & bacon risotto  * Sauteed spinach  * Crispy polenta  *  Cheese grits  * Mashed potatoes  * Mixed seasonal veggies  * Creamed spinach  *  Cajun chips

Flora →

3422 Allen Parkway Houston 77019 713.360.6477 florahouston.com

There is a lot of buzz about this newly reimagined restaurant.  If you go during daylight hours, you are surrounded by the verdant greenery of Buffalo Bayou Park, and a lake just below the entrance.  If you go after dark, outside is invisible but inside sparkles with the tiny lights of literally dozens of chandeliers, which reflect off the floor to ceiling windows which surround the dining room, giving it a magical feel.  There is a private space for events, and it is busy. Valet parking required, and reservations highly recommended. Enjoy!  Small bites  * Chickpeas, lime, sumac, aleppo, roasted garlic  * Nachos, shrimp or beef, cheese, refried beans, sour cream pico de gallo, picked jalapenos, guacamole  * Guacamole & chips  * Queso, chorizo, roasted tomatillo salsa, chips  * Charred octopus, chorizo, roasted sweet potato, salsa macha, sour cream  Soups & salads  * Nopales salad, cactus, escabeche, purslane, onions, cilantro, queso fresco, tostados  * Seafood stew, shrimp, redfish, octopus  * Quinoa & lentil, red onion, butternut squash, cucumber, tomatillo, jicama, cilantro, avocado  * Chicken fideo soup, aromatic vegetables  * Vegetables & sides  * Chayotes & cucumber, hoja santa yogurt  * Papas a la brava  * Mushrooms al ajillo, roasted garlic, parsley, cobanero  *  Raw bar  * Red snapper ceviche  *  Ceviche negro, yellowtail, red onion, cucumber, avocado, corn  * Oysters on the half shell  * Gratify ceviche, red snapper, shrimp, octopus, avocado  *  Aguachile, shrimp, cucumber, avocado, serrano, scallions, lime  * Carne  * Carnitas de Puerco, tender slow-cooked pork  * Marinated skirt steak (fajitas)  * Barbacoa de lamb, marinated in spices  * From the sea  * Shrimp mojo de ajo, sauteed in butter & garlic, refried beans, Spanish rice  * Seafood combo, shrimp, snapper, octopus, guacamole, onion ring  * Entrees  * Beef short rib, red mole, black bean tamal  * Pollo adobado  * Green enchiladas, corn tortilla, poached chicken, salsa verde  * Chile relleno, poblano pepper, beef picadillo, salsa ranchera  * Green mole chicken * Tacos  * Shrimp, al pastor, fish

d'Alba Craft Kitchen & Cocktails →

3715 Alba (just north of 610 between Ella and N. Shepherd) Houston 77018 346.319.5790 dalbahtx.com

“A good restaurant is hard to find”.  This delightful discovery in the heart of Garden Oaks sports a large dog-friendly patio and an inviting, modern interior, tastefully fitted out.  Chef-driven, the menu jumps out at you for its innovative selections and the freshness of the food.  The kitchen has a pedigree which includes Benjy’s and Local Foods, two long time Houston favorites.  Traditionally mundane items jump off the menu here in exciting new ways, and the staff is young, attractive, and attentive. Convenient free parking next to the restaurant.  Shareables  * Balloon bread, pesto, garlic, truffle honey * Cannellini bean hummus, herb evoo, olives, lemon zest, pine nuts, Alba bread  * Chile & lime roasted cauliflower, crispy quinoa, tahini dill yogurt  * Spinach & artichoke dip, peppadew peppers, green onion, chile-lime tortilla chips  * Charcuterie board, chef’s rotating selection of meats & cheeses  *  Half dozen raw oysters  * Oysters char-grilled, parmesan pecorino, brown butter, charred lemon  * Wood fired pizza  * Prosciutto bechamel, five cheese blend, rosemary, figs, herb evoo  * Pepperoni, five cheese blend, jalapeno & chile honey  * Greenery  * Romaine, grilled hearts of palm, parmesan, croutons, fresh citrus, Caesar dressing  * Radicchio, cauliflower, romaine, crispy Brussels sprouts, watermelon radish, toasted sunflower seeds, avocado vinaigrette  *  Hand made pasta  * Campanelle, basil pesto, parmesan, English peas, cherry tomatoes, basil summer squash  * Wide bucatini, marinara, mushroom & quinoa ‘meat’ balls, nutritional yeast, herbed breadcrumbs  * Big plates  * Blackened salmon, watermelon, cucumber, shallot, smashed avocado  * Chef’s cut steak, Italian salsa verde, crispy medallion grits, creamed spinach  * Grilled Texas quail, cherry olive tapenade, rapini, crispy quinoa, summer squash  * Sweet hearts  * Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies  * Organic raspberry sorbet  * Luv ‘em leches

Phoenicia Specialty Foods →

12141 Westheimer Houston 77077 281.558.8225 phoeniciafoods.com

What began over 30 years ago as a Mediterranean restaurant grew into a 55,000 SF supermarket, located outside the Beltway on Westheimer. A smaller version exists on Discovery Green downtown. But the original Westheimer location features a separate supermarket with dining options and the original restaurant next door. The casual restaurant serves everything that is available in the large supermarket, but for me the market is the fun place to go. Featuring not just Mediterranean foods but specialty items from all over the world, the Phoenicia market offers sit-down dining surrounded by long coolers of some of the most delicious food imaginable. Eat it there, and if you are lucky the pita conveyor belt is humming, slanting down from the second floor, delivering hot Middle Eastern bread to the workers next to you who are bagging it in large volumes. On one side is the bakery counter; past that, the butcher & seafood shop; near that is a seemingly endless array of pre-packaged foods which can be taken home or…eaten on the spot. Phoenicia, unlike any other market we are familiar with, has a wholesale counter right by the checkout cashiers, and restaurant owners can be seen with huge carts overflowing with bulk items on the way back to their own kitchens. To stroll the wine department here, for example, is a trip to countries which you did not even know grew wines…and prices are reasonable, inspiring the curious shopper to buy and try. After lunch, you can stock up on bulk olive oil and other staples at bargain prices. * What follows is only a partial list of items for sale for on-premise meals or take-home: Babaganoush * Chicken & nut couscous * Cucumber salad * Eggplant Ikra * Hummus * Olive tapenade * Slow-roasted lamb shank * Skewers * Rotisserie chicken * Herb-crusted salmon * Seafood saute * Meat & vegetarian grape leaves * Boxed lunches * Feta pesto salad * Green cabbage salad * Lentil salad * Pomegranate tabouleh * Red beet salad * Seafood salad * Tuna salad * California artichoke salad * Armenian beef dolmas * Chicken salad * Curried chicken salad * Chicken liver pate * Sausages & salamis * Walnut or pistachio baklava * Anise and sesame cookies * Date rolls

Riel New American Restaurant →

1927 Fairview Houston 77019 832 831.9109 rielhtx.com

This bustling neighborhood bistro has been serving ‘inspired Gulf Coast cuisine’ for over 8 years, and its friendly staff and fresh creative menu offerings have ensured a loyal clientele.  Happy hours prices are attractive, and there is a small cocktail bar with attentive barmen.  The menu is limited but each item has a unique twist to it, making it difficult for one to choose what to order.  Open Monday-Saturday evenings only.  Menu  * Korean crunchwrap  *  Hanger Steak  *  Maple porkloin  *  Crawfish rolls  * KFC chicken wings  * Boudin eggrolls  * Stuffed cabbage rolls  * Tempura cauliflower  * Butter burgers  * Mushroom empanadas  * Grilled eggplant  * Truffle & caviar pierogies  * Bees knees  * Steak tartare  * Oysters  * Scallops  * Yellow tuna crudo  * Borsch  * Fried rice  * Montreal smoked meat  * Burrata salad  * Carbonara  * Crawfish pasta  * Note: the menu is ‘chef-inspired’ and is constantly evolving…the aforementioned items may or may not be served the day you visit.

Frank’s American Revival →

3736 Westheimer Houston 77027 713.572.8600 frankshouston.com

As a rule of thumb anywhere in the world, diners can usually trust a restaurant in which the owner has staked his reputation by putting his name in the name of his restaurant.  In this case “Frank” is Frank Crapitto, the former owner and the former owner of “Crapitto’s” Italian restaurant that was on Mid Lane and which is missed by long-time regulars.  Crapitto sold Frank’s and the ensuing owners kept the name and the level of quality in food and service that Frank Crapitto created.  The restaurant is ideal for corporate dining or couples dining, and features an intimate and intriguing oval bar, with dim lighting overall which adds to the feeling of intimacy.  Frank’s has a ‘steak house feel’ but offers a wide variety of traditional America dishes, as suggested in the restaurant’s name.  Small Bites  * Deviled eggs, country ham, chives  * Pimento biscuits, bacon onion marmalade, pimento cheese * Fried green tomatoes, Gulf shrimp, remoulade  * Starters  * Gumbo of the day  * Soup du jour  * Roasted beet salad, greens, candied pecans, herb goat cheese, balsamic vinaigrette  * Romaine Wedge  *  Mains  * Grillades & grits, red wine braised beef short ribs, jalapeno cheese grits, roasted carrots, pearl onions  * Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, market vegetables, cracked pepper cream gravy  * Gnocci Bolognese, beef, veal, pork, herb ricotta, garlic bread  * Buttermilk fried chicken, mashed potatoes, veggies, homestyle biscuit  * Blackened creole snapper, Cajun dirty rice, stewed okra & tomato, jumbo lump blue crab  * Pistachio crusted salmon, herb roasted beets, fingerling potatoes, basil pesto  * Steaks & chops  * Simply roasted chicken, caper beurre blanc  * Bone-in cowboy ribeye, house steak sauce  * Angus filet, veal demi-glace, horseradish cream  * Weekly blackboard specials  * Varies but may include Chicken pot pie, Prime rib roast, Southern fried pork chop, Meatloaf, etc.  * Dessert  * Seasonal fruit sorbet  * Banana pudding  * Chocolate tres leches  * Carrot cake  * Chocolate cake  * Fresh baked cookies

Hugo’s (Mexican Restaurant-NOT Tex-Mex) →

1600 Westheimer Houston 77006 713.524.7744 hugosrestaurant.net

Hugo Ortega put his name in the name of his restaurant, and it is part of a ‘family’ of restaurants which includes Urbe, Xochi, Caracol, and Back Street Cafe…all big successful Houston favorites.  Hugo’s menu features recipes from his native country, and is located in a classic old building in Lower Westheimer.  It is always busy and reservations are recommended.  Crudos  *  Oysters  * Aguachile de camaron, ruby lobster shrimp, onion, lime, serrano  * Ceviche verde, catch of the day, avocado, cucumber, jalapeno, olive, cilantro, lime  * Sopa Azteca, tortilla soup flavored w chicken, dried chipotle peppers  * Entremeses  * Pulpo al carbon, grilled octopus, onions & peppers, chipotle-tomatillo salsa, small tortillas  * Chapulines, pan-sauteed grasshoppers, guacamole, tortillas, tomatillo salsa  * Taquito de langosta, small lobster taco, frijoles refritos, pico de gallo, avocado  * Empanadas de platano, plaintain turnovers stuffed with refritos, queso fresca  * Taquitos de pollo, rolled fried chicken tacos, avocado-tomatillo salsa, guacamole, queso fresco, crema fresca, frijoles refritos  * Platos Fuertes  * Chamorro de Puerco, slow-cooked pork shank in salsa chipotle, tomatillo, nopales, purslane, refritos  * Pato en mole poblano, crispy duck, mole poblano, mole cornbread, calabaza puree  * Carne brava, wood-grilled skirt steak, poblano peppers, onion, salsa tarasca con cacahuate, refritos, arroz a la Mexicana  * Cabrito, roasted kid goat, nopales asados, refritos, guacamole, salsa habanero  * Enchiladas del dia  * Pescado in mole Amarillo, catch of the day in yellow mole, roasted fingerling potatoes, cherry tomatoes, onions, broccolini  * Mariscos al ajillo, sauteed scallops, shrimp, lobster, mussels, clams, octopus, garlic, quelites, arroz blanco  * Camarones al mojo de ajo, shrimp sauteed in garlic & lime-infused oil, chipotle pepper, refritos, nopales salad  *  Sides of charred Brussels sprouts, scalloped potatoes, grilled asparagus, and guacamole.  If you remember, take a look at the amazing oak tree in the yard of the house across from Hugo’s front door.

Treebeards →

Gaylord Street between Bunker Hill & Echo Lane Houston 77024 713.228.2622 treebeards.com

This extremely popular neighborhood spot-the Memorial Villages-offers a varied ‘down-home’ Southern menu, much like the third restaurant reviewed today.  Order at the counter and your choices will be delivered to your table.  Free parking in front or in the garage behind.  Treebeards is in back of 9655 Katy but is more easily accessed via Gaylord Street.  Near Memorial High School.  Shareables  *  Catfish hushpuppies  * Pimento cheese  * Crab & shrimp queso  *  Chili cheese fries  * Salads & soup  * Fresh fruit cup  * Green garden salad  *  Kale salad  * Pear, walnut, & bleu cheese salad  *  Spinach salad  * Chicken salad w fresh fruit  * Vegetable soup w chicken  * Treebeard’s classics  * Red beans & rice w sausage  * Shrimp etouffee  * Seafood / chicken w sausage Jambalaya  * Gumbo  * Beef chili w beans  * Daily specials include:  meatloaf, chicken-fried steak, Jerk chicken, blackened catfish, BBQ shrimp & grits, Pot roast, pecan-crusted tilapia * Sides  * Jalapeno cornbread  * Blackeyed peas w ham  * Collard greens w ham or bacon  * Squash casserole  * Sauteed green beans w mushrooms  * French fries  * Mac & cheese  * Mashed potatoes  *  Red beans & rice  * Dirty rice  * Desserts  * Buttercake  * Yellow cake w chocolate icing  * Chocolate cake w chocolate icing  * Red velvet cake  * Carrot cake  * Lemon cake  * Bread pudding w whiskey sauce