Critics Rate Brasserie Max, Monarch

IN THE NEWS: The Houston Press' Robb Walsh reviews Brasserie Max and Julie (4315 Montrose Blvd., 713-524-0070), Paul Galvani notes Fernando's Latin American Cuisine (14135 SW Fwy., 281-494-9087). houstonpress.com ... The Chronicle's Alison Cook reviews Monarch Restaurant in Hotel ZaZa (5701 Main, 713-526-1991, www.hotelzaza.com) and J's Bistro (4502 Highway 6 North, 281-861-9940), as well as blogging about a visit to Stafford's Tornado Burger. chron.com ... Blogger Food In Houston raves about Bluefin, a Japanese fusion restaurant on Westheimer in far west Houston, and also visits Da Marco. foodinhouston.blogspot.com

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com