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

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

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

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

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

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

LFM Nosh/Sip/Shop →

2424 Dunstan in Rice Village (formerly Benjy’s), Houston, TX 77005 (713) 522-7602 localfoodsmkt.com

Local Foods has expanded into LFM, or Local Foods Market, where you can eat, drink, and shop for gourmet foods. Serving fresh and healthy locally-sourced food, LFM is a delight for the fitness- and health-conscious diner. Order at the counter and your food is almost instantly ready. There are multiple locations around town, and devotees are waiting to see what becomes of the former Benjy’s/Classic on Washington Avenue. Appetizers * Cashew queso * Grilled asparagus * Charred TX strawberries * Avocado toast * Twice cooked French fries * Sandwiches * Truffled egg * Crunchy chicken * Banh Mi * Gulf seafood * House-cured & smoked salmon & Avocado BLT * Quinoa burger * HTX wagyu pastrami * Market sides * Housemade chips * Local fruit * Red potato salad * Dill pickle spears * Soups * Classic chicken posole * Kale & white bean * Entrees * The new 50/50 burger, wagyu beef, legumes & grains, white cheddar, pickles ,chopped onions, umami sauce, twice cooked fried * Free range half chicken * Charcoal roasted salmon * Chicken bowl, marinated feta, jammie egg, chimichurri * Salads * Spring harvest * Taco * Asian chicken * Salmon poke * Wedge * Drinks * Strawberry lemonade * Iced black tea * Katz cold brew nitro draft * Honey iced coffee * Desserts * Carrot cupcake * Banana pudding * Fancy peanut butter cookie * Vegan brownie

Backstreet Cafe →

1103 S Shepherd Dr. Houston, TX 77019 (713) 521-2239 backstreetcafe.net

This 35 year long mainstay of Houston upscale dining is where James Beard award winning chef Hugo Ortega began: dishwasher, line cook, executive chef, owner, and he and his partner and wife now reign over a number of wonderful restaurants (Hugo’s, Caracol, Xochi), with yet another under construction in the former Café Express location in Uptown Park. Relaxed patio and indoor dining, and a ‘Business casual’ dress code ensure an upscale and stylish clientele. The well-stocked bar is warm, intimate, and with a discreetly low light level, making it perfect for that first date or celebratory evening. Starters: Butternut squash flatbread * Sherried wild mushroom soup * Scallop crudo * Butternut squash risotto * Charred cauliflower & shishito peppers * Shrimp wraps * Duck spring rolls Salads * Red pear * Wedge Entrees * Lobster risotto * Pan seared scallops * Cast iron butter basted ribeye * Pan seared striped bass * Texas Gulf shrimp & stone ground cheese grits * Red corn chicken enchiladas * Hot chicken sandwich * Wood grilled Hugo’s burger * Eggplant pappardelle * Jalapeno pappardelle * Bucatini w spicy crab Sides * Corn pudding * Charred Brussels sprouts * Macaroni & cheese * French fries Desserts * Perfect chocolate cake * Apple crostata Go to Backstreet Café to see and be seen, and to enjoy a lovely dining experience in the bargain.