Chef Sanchez to Open New Inka, Cafe Inka

IN THE NEWS: Cleverley's Newsletter reports that Chef David Sanchez (formerly of Artista, Julia's Bistro, Grotto & Ninfa's/Antone's) is opening a new restaurant called Inka on the westside, with an adjoining venue called Cafe Inka. And he already has his second location lined up. ... Cleverley also reports that Luby's has opened a new prototype restaurant in nearby Cypress, Texas. cleverley.com ... The Houston Press' Chris Vogel reviews the new Vin (534 Texas, 713-237-9600), while Paul Galvani considers Tampico Seafood & Cocina Mexicana (2115 Airline, 713-862-8425). houstonpress.com ... The Chronicle's Dai Huynh looks at Malaysian restaurants, including Malay Bistro (8282 Bellaire, 713-777-8880). chron.com ... The Houston Business Journal reviews Armandos (2630 Westheimer, 713-520-1738, www.armandoshouston.com). houston.bizjournals.com

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Reviewers Rate Monarch, Cafe Pita +

IN THE NEWS: The Houston Press' Eric Gerber reviews Monarch Restaurant (5701 Main (in Hotel ZaZa), while Paul Galvani notes Killen's Steakhouse (2804 Main, Pearland). houstonpress.com ... The Houston Chronicle's Alison Cook reviews Café Pita + (10890 Westheimer), Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe (1511 Airline), and Seco's Latin Cuisine (2536 Nottingham), and has a first taste at Brasserie Max & Julie. chron.com

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Del Frisco's Steak House Set for Galleria

IN THE NEWS: Cleverley's Newsletter reports: Del Frisco's Steak House has scheduled their grand opening party for November 2007 on Westheimer, next to Oceanaire in The Cheesecake Factory Parking Lot, Galleria Mall ... Polo Becerra and Jon Paul have changed the name of their new restaurant before it opens. Turns out that someone already owned the name. Citrus is now Saga, set to open later this month or September. ... Manfred Jachmich returns to the Houston restaurant scene with a new partner, Elizabeth Abraham, and a new concept. So Vino Wine Bar & Bistro will feature wines from the Southern Hemisphere and is set to open in September. www.SoVinoWines.com. ... Chef Alberto Baffoni will be back behind the stoves soon at the new Bohemia Restaurant & Bar, set to open in about five weeks. cleverleysnewsletter.com ... . The Chronicle's Dai Huynh writes the obituary for Houston food legend Ruth Blanchette, the "Sauce Wizard." The creator of Simply Sauces' Queso de Mexico and Hatch Queso, sold at Central Markets, died of liver cancer Aug. 4 in her Galleria-area home. She was 61. chron.com ... The Houston Business Journal features Picazo Restaurant Bar & Grill. ... The Journal also reports that Emerald City Smoothie is planning to open 15 franchise locations in Houston over the next five years. Seattle-based Emerald City Smoothie currently has 47 locations across the United States and is targeting Texas, New York and Hawaii for expansion. houston.bizjournals.com ... The Houston Press' Robb Walsh reviews Antonio's Flying Pizza (2920 Hillcroft). houstonpress.com ... The Chronicle's Alison Cook reviews Afghan Tandoori King (9651 Bissonnet). chron.com ... FoodInHouston.blogspot.com visits Farrago.

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Brenner's on the Bayou Debuts Aug. 10

IN THE NEWS: Cleverley's Newsletter scoops that Landry's has purchased The Lodge at Bayou Bend (#1 Birdsall, Houston). The name of the restaurant will be changed to Brenner's on the Bayou and will open the weekend of Aug 10. Landry's also owns the original Brenner's Steakhouse at 10911 Katy Freeway, Houston. cleverleysnewsletter.com ... Texas Monthly magazine's Patricia Sharpe reviews Reef (2600 Travis) and visits the new Monarch (Hotel ZaZa, 5701 Main St.) in the August 2007 issue. texasmonthly.com ... The Houston Press' Robb Walsh reviews the Korean eatery Mom's Hand Restaurant (1049 Gessner, inside Komart), while Paul Galvani visits Tony's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina (2222 Ella Blvd.) and Ryan McAuley considers Kay's Lounge (2324 Bissonnet). houstonpress.com ... H Texas magazine reviews Cafe Red Onion (3910 Kirby) and Piatto Ristorante (4925 W. Alabama; 11693 Westheimer). htexas.com

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com