Restaurants Cope With New Smoking Ban

IN THE NEWS: Cleverley's newsletter and blog report that Monica Pope and Andrea Lazar are opening a new venue in late September-early October called Beaver's at 2310 Decatur, Houston. (www.BeaversHouston.com) and also reports how some restaurants are accommodating patrons as the smoking ban in Houston's restaurants and bars took effect on Sept. 1. cleverleysnewsletter.com ... Kansas-based Houlihan's restaurant chain has again abandoned the Houston market, closing its only area location at 2800 Sage Road, which is being replaced by Maggie Rita's Bar & Grill, a new upscale Mexican food concept, the Houston Business Journal reports. ... The Journal also reports that Boudreaux's Cajun Kitchen will expand out of the Houston market for the first time with plans to open two company-owned locations in the Dallas market in 2008. The first unit will open in Richardson in June and the second will open in the Arlington Highlands shopping center by the end of the year. houston.bizjournals.com ... The Houston Press' Robb Walsh reviews Reef (2600 Travis, 713 526-8282, reefhouston.com), while Paul Galvani considers the oysters T-Beax at T-Beaux (5050 N. Highway 6, 281-345-4478). houstonpress.com ... The Houston Chronicle's Alison Cook also reviews Reef, as well as comparing the Sunday brunches at Catalan Food & Wine (5555 Washington, 713-426-4260) and Indika (516 Westheimer, 713-984-1725). ... Cook also blogs about the opening of a second location for The Original Marini's Empanada House (in the Carillon shopping center at 10001 Westheimer) chron.com ... H Texas magazine reviews Cafe Red Onion (3910 Kirby, 713-807-1122) and Piatto Ristorante (4925 W. Alabama; 11693 Westheimer. 713-871-9722, www.caferedonion.com). htexas.com ... Food in Houston considers Istanbul Grill, and Pasha. foodinhouston.blogspot.com

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com