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2007-10-09T12:22:00.001-07:00

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Critics Rate Brasserie Max, Monarch

2007-09-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

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

Triola's Azzarelli's Plans Another Location

2007-09-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS: The Houston Business Journal features Rainbow Lodge, which moved in late 2006 to a 100-year-old log cabin on a creek off White Oak Bayou (2011 Ella Blvd.) that formerly housed the French restaurant, La Tour d'Argent. ... The Journal also reports that Frank Triola, owner of Azzarelli's, is planning to open a second full-service location of his Italian-American restaurant on Nov. 1. The new location at 22764 Westheimer Parkway in Katy will be larger than the original and will offer a full bar and serve as a target market for Triola's take-away business. houston.bizjournals.com ... ... The Houston Press' Robb Walsh reviews Tofu Village (9889 Bellaire Blvd., 713-777-9889), while Paul Galvani notes Segari's (1503 Shepherd, 713-880-2470). houstonpress.com ... The Houston Chronicle's Alison Cook reviews J's Bistro (4502 Highway 6 North, 281-861-9940) and the brunch at Catalan Food & Wine (5555 Washington, 713-426-4260), and also takes a first look at Alison Cook takes a first look at Rafael Galindo's new Red Onion Taco Cantina. chron.com ... FoodInHouston.com considers Pan-Asian bistros. ... Zagat Buzz reports that to celebrate its 20th anniversary, the James Beard Foundation is hosting a series of food festivals and special dinners in 20 cities nationwide. The events kick off on September 18th in New York with a lavish menu inspired by Beard at Four Seasons. The celebrations continue the next week with elaborate dinners cooked by first-rate toques in Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, Short Hills, NJ and Washington, DC. All of the events are unique, with different chef lineups and dining formats ranging from gala dinners to walk-around tastings, so check the individual city pages for details. Though prices for the dinners vary, all of them will be followed up on September 29th with special events at local Williams-Sonoma stores where chefs will be offering cooking demos, book signings, specialty food tastings and kids' educational activities free of charge. For more information about the event, logon to www.jbftasteamerica.com. zagat.com

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Restaurants Cope With New Smoking Ban

2007-09-11T04:33:00.000-07:00

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

Longstanding Mykonos Island Closes

2007-09-04T11:25:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS: The Houston Chronicle's Dai Huynh reports on the Aug. 31 closing of 27-year-old Greek eatery Mykonos Island Restaurant on Richmond. Huynh reports that H-E-B, which controls the lease, chose not to extend it with the restaurant. ... The Chronicle's Eyder Peralta features Moo Hive Honey Ice Cream (6285 Bissonnet, 713-774-4200), while Alison Cook reviews Reef (2800 Travis, 713-526-8282, reefhouston.com) and Café Pita + (10890 Westheimer, 713-953-7237) and reports the closing of Craiganale's Little Italy. chron.com ... The Houston Business Journal features the growing restaurant developments along Washington Avenue, with chef Monica Pope, owner of T'afia restaurant in Midtown, the latest restaurateur to land there. Pope and a group of investors are planning to open a new concept called Beaver's in October at Sawyer and Washington Avenue, just south of the former Pig Stand restaurant. Benjy's, the trendy West University-area restaurant at 2424 Dunstan, is also expanding to the area with a two-story restaurant at 5922 Washington Ave. set for next June. And Rice Village-area tenant, Azuma Sushi & Robata Bar, will open an eatery on Washington Avenue in the Washington Square shopping center later this year. Meanwhile, Catalan Food & Wine Bar, Cova Hand-Selected Wines, El Tiempo Cantina, Molina's Cantina, Max's Wine Dive and Cyclone Anaya's have all recently set up shop on the busy street. ... The Journal also reports that Jenni's Noodle House has opened its second location at the corner of Shepherd and West Alabama. houston.bizjournals.com ... The Houston Press' Jason Kerry reviews Genji Japanese Restaurant and Karaoke Bar (7964 Westheimer, 713-780-0827), while Paul Galvani visits Fonda Doña Maria (120 Tidwell, 713-695-5540). houstonpress.com ... Ruggles Restaurant Group LP, a company formed in 2005 to expand the Houston-born Ruggles restaurant concept into Austin, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the Austin Business Journal reports. The bankruptcy does not include three Houston restaurants owned by Molzan Inc.: Ruggles Grill at 903 Westheimer, Ruggles Grille 5115 in the Galleria, and Ruggles Cafe & Bakery at 2365-A Rice Blvd. austin.bizjournals.com ... The third edition of the guidebook Houston Dining on the Cheap – A Guide to the Best Inexpensive Restaurants in Houston by Mike Riccetti (a Where the Locals Eat contributor) has recently been released. The third edition has been completely revised, updated and thoroughly researched to provide profiles of the best 300 inexpensive restaurants in the Houston area, plus restaurant-related asides, and helpful indices such as listings by cuisine and area. It is available in bookstores around town, selected gift stores and Amazon.com

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Chef Sanchez to Open New Inka, Cafe Inka

2007-08-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

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 +

2007-08-21T12:24:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-14T08:22:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-07T10:48:00.000-07:00

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

Healthier Schlotzsky's Eyes Area Growth

2007-07-31T13:40:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS: Houston Business Journal reviews Bamboo House (540 Waugh Drive,www.bamboo-house.org). ... The Journal also reports that just three years after filing for bankruptcy and closing many of its local stores, Schlotzsky's Ltd. is ready to take a bigger bite of Houston. The sandwich restaurant chain is planning to open 12 new local restaurants over the next five years. The Houston expansion is part of an aggressive national growth strategy that calls for Atlanta-based Schlotzsky's to open 50 new restaurants a year. ... A $25 million expansion of Town & Country Village will bring two new upscale eateries to west Houston for the first time -- Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, the Journal reports. ... The Journal also reports that local restaurateur Michael Cordúa is teaming up with the Hobby Center to form an entertainment company that will bring Grammy-winning Peruvian singer Gianmarco to Houston. The project is the outcome of a long-standing alliance between the Hobby Center and Cordúa Restaurants, which operates restaurant Artista, located in the Hobby Center. ... The Houston Press' Robb Walsh reviews Red Basil Thai Fusion Cuisine on Westheimer, while Paul Galvani notes Myles J (4304 Westheimer). houstonpress.com ... The Chronicle's Alison Cook reviews Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe (1511 Airline) and Seco's Latin Cuisine (2536 Nottingham). chron.com ... From blogger Food In Houston: "REEF is the most exciting restaurant to open in Houston within the past year." foodinhouston.blogspot.com

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Reviewer Visits Sandy's Produce Market

2007-07-24T07:24:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS: The Houston Press' Robb Walsh reviews Sandy's Produce Market (12171 Katy Freeway), while Paul Galvani notes Kuala Lumpur (7818 Bellaire). houstonpress.com ... The Chronicle's Alison Cook reviews Seco's Latin Cuisine (2536 Nottingham) and Dhakshin Indian Cuisine (19752 Texas 249), and blogs about a recent visit to what she says may be the best restaurant in Texas, York Street restaurant in Dallas. chron.com

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

'Bon Appetit' Features The Inn at Dos Brisas

2007-07-17T06:10:00.000-07:00

The August 2007 Bon Appetit magazine's Top Tables feature includes: Seattle's Brasa (2107 Third Avenue, brasa.com); Boulder, Co.'s The Kitchen (1039 Pearl St., thekitchencafe.com); Brenham, Texas' The Inn at Dos Brisas (9400 Champion Drive, dosbrisas.com); Kansas City's Bluestem (900 Westport Road, bluestemkc.com); Chicago's Crust (2056 W. Division St.); Atlanta's The Farmhouse (10950 Hutcheson Ferry Road, Palmetto, serenbe.com); and San Francisco's PlumpJack Cafe (3127 Fillmore St., plumpjack.com). epicurious.com/bonappetit

IN THE NEWS: The Houston Business Journal profiles the Irish pub chain The Firkin & Phoenix, which opened about the first of the year at Westheimer-at-McDuffie in space previously occupied by a parade of restaurants. The chain of British-style pubs created in 1987 by a Canadian outfit has 33 franchise outlets in Canada and eight in America. Plans call for developing 120 more -- including seven in the Houston area. ... The Austin Business Journal reports that Carmelo Mauro of Carmelo's Italian Restaurant in Austin and Houston has been elected the new president of the Austin-based Texas Restaurant Association. ... Houston Press' Robb Walsh reviews Nirvana Indian Restaurant (14543 Memorial Drive), while Paul Galvani stops by Amedeo's Italian Restaurant & Bar (22704 Loop 494, Kingwood). houstonpress.com ... The Chronicle's Alison Cook reviews Dhakshin Indian Cuisine (19752 Texas 249) and China Sichuan Cuisine (3758 S.Gessner). chron.com

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Dessert Gallery Expands to Sugar Land

2007-07-10T07:02:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS: The Dessert Gallery Bakery & Cafe has opened its doors in Sugar Land. Located at 2260 Lone Star Drive in Sugar Land Town Square, it is the first Dessert Gallery store outside of the Houston city limits and the third in the Houston area, the Houston Business Journal reports. ... The Chronicle's Mary Vuong reports that even though he's working at Krafts'men Baking, chef Scott Tycer misses running his own kitchen. ... Alison Cook reviews China Sichuan Cuisine (3758 S.Gessner). chron.com ... The Houston Press' Robb Walsh reviews T-Bone Tom's Steakhouse Restaurant (707 Highway 146 in Kemah), while Paul Galvani considers Alfreda's Cafeteria (5101 Almeda). houstonpress.com

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Rudy's Bar-B-Q Eyes Houston Location

2007-07-03T10:43:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS: Rudy's Country Store & Bar-B-Q has long been a Texas Hill Country mecca for barbecue buffs. Houstonians who have made the pilgrimage to Austin and San Antonio for a fix of Rudy's ribs could soon have a shorter trip, the Houston Business Journal reports. The company's Web site proclaims a new restaurant is "Coming Soon" to Interstate 45 North in the town of Spring. Rudy's has served as a popular pit stop since it was founded in 1989 in the small community of Leon Springs. ... The Journal also reviews North China Restaurant. houston.bizjournals.com ... In Cleverley's Newsletter, Cleverley visits Reef, and reports that Corleone opens and Marini's to open a second location of their legendary empanada house. cleverleysnewsletter.com ... Houston Press' Robb Walsh reviews La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant, while Paul Galvani stops by Picazo Restaurant (1421 Preston) and Jason Kerr visits Shiloh Club (1321 Studewood St.) houstonpress.com ... The Chronicle's Alison Cook reviews China Sichuan Cuisine (3758 S.Gessner) and chef Jared Estes' Vin (530 Texas, in Bayou Place), chron.com ... Food In Houston foodinhouston.blogspot.com samples the soul food at Alfreda's Cafeteria.

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Vin Gets Spotlight in 'Texas Monthly'

2007-06-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS: In its July 2007 issue, Texas Monthly texasmonthly.com interviews Blue Bell Creameries CEO Paul W. Kruse, while critic Patricia Sharpe review pick of the month is Houston's Vin (530 Texas Ave.) and also notes Dallas' Trader Vic's (Hotel Palomar, 5330 E. Mockingbird Lane), and Arlington's Olenjack's Grille (Lincoln Square, 770 Road to Six Flags East). ... The Houston Press' houstonpress.com Robb Walsh reviews Blake's BBQ and Burgers (2916 Jeanetta), while Paul Galvani plugs the chocolate green tea cheesecake at Mak Chin (1511 Shepherd) and Jason Kerr imbibes at Kobain (3720 Raymond St.). ... The Chronicle's chron.com Alison Cook reviews Vin and Burns Bar-B-Q & Catering (8307 De Priest), while the Drive-Thru Gourmet stops by Denny's. ... FoodInHouston.blogspot.com considers chicken fried steak, mentioning Avenue Grill, Lankford Grocery, and Prince's Hamburgers.

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

'Food & Wine' Honors Catalan's Wine

2007-06-19T11:13:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS: Food & Wine foodandwine.com magazine's July 2007 edition includes the Best New Wine Lists of 2007, which lists Houston's Catalan ... The Houston Chronicle's Alison cook reviews Burns Bar-B-Q & Catering (8307 De Priest) and Taverna Winery & Restaurant (12820 Texas 105 West, Conroe) and blogs about the new Chocolata, while the Drive-Thru Gourmet considers the new Penguin Swirl at Baskin-Robbins. chron.com ... The Houston Press' Robb Walsh reviews Bob's Steak & Chop House (1801 Post Oak Blvd.), while Paul Galvani stops by Bamboo House (540 Waugh). houstonpress.com ... Both of the Wolfgang Puck Express restaurants in the Houston area have closed, Cleverley's Newsletter cleverleysnewsletter.com reports: Carillon Center on Westheimer near Beltway 8 and Sugar Land. The phones are disconnected and the Texas restaurants have been removed from WolfgangPuck.com. The Houston restaurant opened in April 2004 and Sugar Land opened less than a year ago in June 2006. In a press release, the company said the eateries "did not meet our sales expectations." ... The Houston Business Journal reviews the Carillon Center's Santos The Taste of Mexico. ... Blogger Food in Houston foodinhouston.blogspot.com takes a road trip and winds up raving about Austin's Wink. "Last weekend I took a food trip to Austin to investigate an awful rumor -- that fine dining in Austin may now be more progressive than fine dining in Houston. I have sad news to report. That rumor may be true," the blog opines.

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Diners Say: We Want Less

2007-06-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

A survey of more than 4,000 diners finds that a substantial majority believes restaurant portions are too big. Fifty-seven percent said portions were too large; 20 percent said they were too small; and the 23 percent who had no opinion apparently thought they were just right. The results, reported in Nation's Restaurant News, an industry trade journal, were heavily skewed by gender and income. Sixty-seven percent of women believed portions were too large, while only forty-seven percent of men reached the same conclusion. Meanwhile, sixty percent of respondents making between $100,000 and $150,000 said portions were oversized. And that figure rose to seventy percent among those making more than $150,000. In contrast, and perhaps not surprisingly, only twenty-seven percent of those with incomes under $25,000 thought portions were too large.

IN THE NEWS: The Houston Press' Robb Walsh reviews Le Viet Restaurant and Bar (11328 Westheimer), while Paul Galvani stops by Ponzo's for pizza and Chris Boyd visits Pico's Mexican Restaurant (5941 Bellaire). houstonpress.com ... The Chronicle's Alison Cook reviews Taverna Winery & Restaurant (12820 Texas 105 West, Conroe) and Valentino's Seafood (20801 Gulf Freeway) and blogs about her first visit to REEF, the new midtown seafood emporium from chef-owner Bryan Caswell and his partner, Bill Floyd. Both came from the former Jean-Georges Vongerichten-operated Bank, at the Hotel Icon, where Caswell was chef de cuisine and Floyd was food & beverage director. chron.com ... For its RA Sushi brand, Benihana officials say the company has seven locations under development, not including the ones in South Florida: Mesa, Ariz.; Huntington Beach, Calif.; Tustin, Calif.; Baltimore, Md.; Lombard, Ill.; and Houston and Plano, Texas, the South Florida Business Journal reports.

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Chocolata Cocoa Bar To Open June 9

2007-06-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

IN THE NEWS: From the Chronicle's chron.com Alison Cook's Cook's Tour blog: "New at Ibiza is Julie Hewitt, a pastry chef who has taught at Central Market here, as well as serving on the opening team at the new Tony's, working under chef Olivier Ciesielski. She once trained for six months at Spago LA under Sherry Yard, the James Beard Foundation's Outstanding Pastry Chef for 2002. ... One of the most inviting new spots for an al fresco dinner is Hollywood Vietnamese & Chinese Cuisine on Montrose, relocated to the former Cafe Noche digs from its lower-profile Grant Street site a block east ...; The new Chocolata Cocoa Bar will open on the Woodlands waterway less than two weeks from now--on Saturday, June 9. Judging from an early sample of the chocolate dessert emporium's wares, the place will be worth checking out.". ... Cook reviews Valentino's Seafood (20801 Gulf Freeway), and Cafe Soleil (11910 Louetta). ... The Houston Press' Robb Walsh reviews Venetian Bistro & Pastry Shop (3821 Bellaire Blvd), while Paul Galvani features the lemon meringue pie at Grand Luxe (5000 Westheimer) and Chris Boyd drinks up at Sherlock's (1997 W. Gray). houstonpress.com ... Blogger Food in Houston foodinhouston.blogspot.com reviews Truluck's. ... Phoenix-based blogger Jack's Brain iamjacksbrain.com reviews a number of Houston restaurants after a recent trip, including Brennan's and Pesce.

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Avalon Makes Stern's Top 10 Diners List

2007-05-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

Bon Appetit magazines' June 2007 issue runs Roadfood authors Jane and Michael Stern's list of America's top 10 diners. Writes the Sterns, "Diners used to be thought of as greasy spoons with dubious night-owl clientele — a reputation earned a hundred years ago when the first ones were established in decommissioned trolley cars in rough urban areas of the Northeast. But when indoor plumbing was introduced in the 1930s, they cleaned up their act and became known as a source of good square meals. As American as apple pie, the diner is one of our country's unique contributions to the world's culinary culture. Here is our honor roll of 10 primo diners where the food is good, prices are low, and the atmosphere is blue-plate bliss: Avalon Diner, Houston; Becky's Diner, Portland, ME; Blue Benn Diner, Bennington, VT; Connelly's Goody Goody Diner, St. Louis; Dutch Kitchen, Frackville, PA; JoJo's, Pittsburgh; Mickey's Dining Car, St. Paul; O'Rourke's, Middletown, CT; Summerton Diner, Summerton, SC; Wasp's Snack Bar, Woodstock, VT.

IN THE NEWS: My table my-table.com reports: Michael English is the new restaurant manager at Mockingbird Bistro Wine Bar; British Chef Robert Gadsby has resigned from the Noe restaurants in Houston and Los Angeles to appear in an upcoming Will Smith film and has auditioned to become the fifth Iron Chef on the Food Network’s Iron Chef America. The Noe restaurant in Houston is at the Omni Houston Hotel ... Texas Monthly's Pat Sharpe makes Houston's renowned Mexican eatery Armandos her pick restaurant of the month in the June 2007 issue and also features Bob's Steak and Chop House (1801 Post Oak Blvd.). www.texasmonthly.com ... The Chronicle's Dai Huynh looks at big buck burgers at: Mockingbird Bistro Wine Bar (1985 Welch); 17 (Alden Houston Hotel, 1117 Prairie); Tony's (3755 Richmond); Cafe Annie (1728 Post Oak Blvd.); Remington Bar & Grill (St. Regis Hotel, 1919 Briar Oaks Lane); Max's Wine Dive (4720 Washington). Colleague Alison Cook subsequently blogs, "Her (Huynh's) search--plus my own recent (disappointing) encounter with a big-bucks foie gras burger at Stephan Pyles in Dallas--got me in a mood to find a luxury model that I loved right here in Houston. My quest ended at my first stop, Mockingbird Bistro, where I fixated on chef John Sheely's fabulous American Kobe beef burger with blue cheese." ... The Drive-Thru Gourmet looks at so-called "hand-tossed" pizzas at area chains. chron.com ... Houston Press critic Robb Walsh reviews Fu Fu Cafe (9889 Bellaire Blvd), while Paul Galvani samples the Latin small plates at Oporto (3833 Richmond). houstonpress.com

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Applebee's Says No to Trans Fat

2007-05-21T14:18:00.000-07:00

Applebee's International Inc. has joined the ranks of restaurants putting their menus on trans fat-free diets, the Kansas City Business Journal reports. The Overland Park, Kan.-based casual dining chain said May 17 that its more than 1,800 domestic restaurants have finished a three-year transition to frying oil with no trans fats, a blend of two soybean oils. Several other local and national restaurant chains also are taking the cue. Overland Park-based PB&J Restaurants Inc., whose concepts include Yia Yia's Euro Bistro and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, is trying to move to completely trans fat-free menus, President Paul Khoury said recently, the paper reports. Casual diners such as Jason's Deli, Ruby Tuesday and Chili's already have made the change. Leading quick-service restaurants, including Wendy's, Starbucks and KFC, have done the same, leaving Burger King the target of a lawsuit filed May 16 by the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest. Also, Hooter's has announced plans to switch to zero trans-fat frying oil in its 22 restaurants in Tampa Bay, Chicago and New York City.

IN THE NEWS: The Chronicle's Alison Cook reviews Cafe Soleil (11910 Louetta) and La Guadalupana Bakery and Café (2109 Dunlavy), while the Drive-Thru Gourmet visits Quiznos. chron.com ... Houston Press critic Robb Walsh reviews Bissonnet Grill (2726 Bissonnet), while Paul Galvani dines on stracciatella at Amici (16089 City Walk, Town Square, Sugar Land). houstonpress.com ... The Houston Business Journal reviews the Indian restaurant Yatra Brasserie ... The paper also reports, "No matter how appetizing (Houston-based) Landry's Restaurants Inc. made the deal, the restaurant chain just couldn't get Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group Inc. to come to its merger table. After nearly five months of back-and-forth, New York-based steak restaurant chain Smith & Wollensky (last) week decided to forgo Landry's takeover bid in favor of a higher offer by Patina Restaurant Group LLC.

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Houston No. 6 on Best Restaurant Cities List

2007-05-14T18:11:00.000-07:00

"Today ... most major cities in the U.S. have the kind of gastronomic diversity and regionality that is rich in every department, and even if you’ve visited recently, you can be sure that next time you go, there’ll be more new and enticing restaurants than you could possibly visit," writes Donald Burnam in a recent ForbesTraveler.com piece, "America's Best Restaurant Cities." "It’s getting hard not to have a great meal anywhere in the U.S.." Burnam continues.

Forbes' Top 10 Restaurant Cities:
1. New York City
2. Chicago
3. San Francisco
4. Los Angeles
5. New Orleans
6. Houston
7. Washington, D.C.
8. Atlanta
9. Boston
10. Las Vegas

Rankings were based on: Overall number of restaurants above the fast food level; Number of fine dining restaurants with national and international standing; Solid representation of regional American food; A wide segment of second-tier restaurants that would include seafood, steakhouses, and independently chef-owned restaurants; Breadth and depth of ethnic restaurants, especially if the city has neighborhood such as a Chinatown; A significant number of neigborhood restaurants where the locals tend to eat out regularly; A well-traveled clientele that regards eating out in that city one of the real pleasures of going there.

IN THE NEWS: Chronicle critic Alison Cook reviews La Guadalupana Bakery and Café, 2109 Dunlavy, and Nidda Thai Cuisine, 1226 Westheimer. And Drive-Thru Gourmet admires McDonald's Southwest Salad. chron.com ... Houston Press critic Robb Walsh reviews Kasra Persian Grill on Westheimer near Gessner. houstonpress.com ... Blogger Food In Houston (http://foodinhouston.blogspot.com/) returns to the acclaimed Annie's Cafe and has the Cinnamon Roasted Pheasant.

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

James Beard Awards Announced

2007-05-08T17:59:00.000-07:00

Chicago's Frontera Grill won Outstanding Restaurant of the Year and Michel Richard of Michel Richard Citronelle in Washington, D.C. was named Outstanding Chef at the 2007 James Beard Foundation Awards Ceremony. Hosted by CBS Early Show anchor Hannah Storm, the Beard Awards were held May 7 at Avery Fisher Hall in New York's Lincoln Center. More than 60 awards were presented by the country's pre-eminent nonprofit culinary organization, in its 20th anniversary celebration, and more than 1,600 industry leaders attended the ceremony. Other top awards went to: New York's L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, named Best New Restaurant; Thomas Keller (The French Laundry, Yountville, Ca.) received the award for Outstanding Restaurateur; and David Chang (Momofuku Noodle Bar, New York) received the Rising Star Chef of the Year award. Celebrity and culinary superstar attendees included Stephanie March, Ted Allen, Katie Lee Joel, Martha Stewart, Wolfgang Puck, Bobby Flay, Thomas Keller, Jose Andres, Tom Colicchio, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Padma Lakshmi, and Marcus Samuelsson. The Foundation's Media Awards took place at a separate event at the Hudson Theatre at Millennium Broadway Hotel on May 6. All Award winners received a bronze medallion etched with the image of the late James Beard, the esteemed chef, cookbook author, and food journalist. There are no cash awards. Established in 1990, the James Beard Foundation Awards recognizes outstanding achievement within the fine food and beverage industry in North America. For full awards results, please visit http://www.jamesbeard.org.

Beard Award highlights are:

AMERICA'S CLASSICS: Primanti Brothers, Demetrios Patrinos, Pittsburgh, Pa.; The Pickwick, Christopher Wisocki, Duluth, Minn.; Doe's Eat Place, The Signa Family, Greenville, Miss.; Aunt Carrie's, Elsie Foy, Narragansett, R.I.; I

Brookville Hotel, Mark and Connie Martin, Abilene, Kan.; Weaver D's, Dexter Weaver, Athens, Ga.

BEST CHEF, GREAT LAKES: Grant Achatz, Alinea, Chicago

BEST CHEF, MID-ATLANTIC: R.J. Cooper, III, Vidalia, Washington, DC

BEST CHEF, MIDWEST: Celina Tio, The American Restaurant, Kansas City, Mo.

BEST CHEF, NEW YORK CITY: David Waltuck, Chanterelle, New York, NY

BEST CHEF, NORTHEAST: Frank McClelland, L'Espalier, Boston

BEST CHEF, NORTHWEST: John Sundstrom, Lark, Seattle

BEST CHEF, PACIFIC: Traci Des Jardins, Jardinière, San Francisco

BEST CHEF, SOUTH: Donald Link, Herbsaint, New Orleans

BEST CHEF, SOUTHEAST: Scott Peacock, Watershed, Decatur, Ga.

BEST CHEF, SOUTHWEST: Nobuo Fukuda, Sea Saw, Scottsdale, Ariz.

BEST NEW RESTAURANT: L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Chef-Owner: Joël Robuchon, New York, NY

OUTSTANDING CHEF: Michel Richard, Michel Richard Citronelle, Washington, DC

OUTSTANDING PASTRY CHEF: Michael Laskonis, Le Bernardin, New York, NY

OUTSTANDING RESTAURANT: Frontera Grill, chef-owner: Rick and Deann Bayless, Chicago

OUTSTANDING RESTAURATEUR: Thomas Keller, The French Laundry, Yountville, Calif.

OUTSTANDING SERVICE: Rick Tramonto, Gale Gand, and Richard Melman, Tru, Chicago

OUTSTANDING WINE AND SPIRITS PROFESSIONAL: Paul Draper, Ridge Vineyards, Cupertino, Calif.

OUTSTANDING WINE SERVICE: Mark Slater, Michel Richard Citronelle, Washington, DC

RISING STAR CHEF OF THE YEAR: David Chang, Momofuku Noodle Bar, New York, NY

IN THE NEWS: USA Today's May 4 story on the ethical eating movement -- which is driven by customers who seek out food that is produced locally, organically and in a manner that has minimal effect on animals and the environment -- includes mention of these restaurants: Red Avocado, Iowa City, Iowa; T'afia, Houston; Sage's Cafe, Salt Lake City; Early Girl Eatery, Asheville, N.C.; Chez Panisse, Berkeley, Calif.; Restaurant Nora, Washington, D.C. ... Orlando-based Darden Restaurants shut down more than 50 of its Smokey Bones Barbeque & Grill locations across the country on May 5 and said it will sell the remaining 73, The Orlando Sentinel reported. The closings include a Houston-area store in Willowbrook ... Houston Chronicle Alison Cook reviews: Nidda Thai Cuisine, 1226 Westheimer; and Riverside Terrace Café, 2515 Riverside. ... Houston Press critic Robb Walsh considers the Mexican restaurant Armandos, 2630 Westheimer, while Paul Galvani spotlights the pork chop at Lucio's, 905 Taft. ... H Texas magazine reviews: Piatto Ristorante, 4925 W. Alabama and 11693 Westheimer; and Cafe Red Onion, 3910 Kirby. ... The Blog Food in Houston looks at Laurenzo's 1308 Cantina, the restaurant formerly called Sabor. ... Houston Business Journal reports Baker Bros American Deli is planning to open 10 locations in the Houston area over the next five years. Meanwhile, the Journal's mystery dining critic HBJ Gourmet picks Glass Wall and Chez Georges as new favorites.

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

James Beard Awards Await

2007-04-29T15:23:00.000-07:00

Roughly the dining out equivalent of The Academy Awards, The James Beard Foundation annual awards ceremony takes place Monday, May 7, at the Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City. The talented Monica Pope of Houston's Tafia is among the five nominees for Best Chef: Southwest. Go to www.jamesbeard.org for the complete list, but here's a partial list of national nominees:

-- Outstanding Restaurant: Boulevard, San Francisco; Frontera Grill, Chicago; Magnolia Grill, Durham, N.C., Picholine, New York; Spiaggia, Chicago.
-- Best New Restaurant: A Voce, New York City; Chochon, New Orleans; Cut, Beverly Hill, Calif; L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, New York City; Momofuku Ssam Bar, New York City; Restaurant Guy Savoy, Las Vegas.
-- Outstanding Restaurateur: Thomas Keller, The French Laundry, Yountville, Calif; Keith McNally, Balthazar, New York City; Richard Melman, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (R.J. Grunts, Wildfire, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!), Chicago; Drew Nieporent, Myriad Restaurant Group (Tribeca Grill, Nobu, Rubicon), New York City; Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Jean Georges restaurant, New York City.
-- Outstanding Chef: Tom Colicchio, Craft, New York City; Lee Hefter, Spago, Beverly Hills, Calif.; Jean Joho, Everest, Chicago; Paul Kahan, Blackbird, Chicago; Michel Richard, Michel Richard Citronelle, Washington, D.C.
-- Rising Star Chef: Nate Appleman, A16, San Francisco; Graham Elliot Bowles, Avenues at The Peninsula Hotel, Philadelphia; David Chang, Momofuku Noodle Bar, New York; Patrick Connelly, Radius, Boston; Daniel Humm, Eleven Madison Park, New York City.

Restaurant magazine just released its list of the world's top 100 restaurants. (http://www.theworlds50best.com/2007_list.html) Here are the U.S. entries:

The French Laundry, Yountville, Ca. (No. 4)
Per Se, New York City (No. 9)
Jean Georges, New York City (No. 18)
Le Bernardin, New York City (No. 26)
Charlie Trotter's, Chicago (No. 30)
Daniel, New York City (No. 32)
Alinea, Chicago (No. 36)
Chez Panisse, Berkeley, Ca. (No. 40)
Masa, New York City (No. 56)
L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon at the Four Seasons, New York City (No. 64)
Peter Lugar, Brooklyn, NY (No. 69)
Nobu New York, New York City (No. 89)
Gramercy Tavern, New York City (No. 90)
WD-50, New York City (No. 91)
Zuni Café, San Francisco (No. 98)
Alex at Wynn, Las Vegas (No. 100)

IN THE NEWS: Recent openings include: The upscale-casual VIN, 530 Texas Avenue in Bayou Place (www.vinhouston.com). Read some early reports at www.b4-u-eat.com/houston/restaurants/reviews and at foodinhouston.blogspot.com ... The Houston Press restaurant critic Robb Walsh’s new The Texas Cowboy Cookbook is reviewed in the Fort Worth Weekly (www.fwweekly.com). Walsh latest review is Alice's Diner, 4670 Beechnut, while colleague Paul Galvani rhapsodizes about the Brie sandwich at Salento, 2407 Rice ... The Chronicle's Alison Cook's Cook's tour blog takes on TacoXpress (blogs.chron.com/cookstour). Colleague Ken Hoffman's Drive-Through Gourmet details the new waffle cones at Dairy Queen. (www.chron.com) ... My Table magazine reviews Oceanaire Seafood Room, Cova, and Max’s Wine Dive in its April/May issue. The dining mag's Table Talk column notes the demise of Jean-Georges Vongerichten's partnership with Hotel Icon's well-regarded Bank restaurant, as former Bank chef Bryan Caswell was to open The Reef Seafood House sometime this spring. Noteworthy openings from My Table: Craiganale's Little Italy; Fish City Grill, 5172 Buffalo Speedway at Westpark; The Goose Acre's Bistro & Irish Pub, 21 Waterway Ave., The Woodlands; The Grilling Station, 3816 S. Shepherd; Picazo's Restaurant Bar & Grill, 1421 Preston; Polo's Signature, 3800 Southwest Freeway; Salud! Winery, 3939 Montrose; Taverna Winery, 12820 Highway 105 West, Conroe; Tony Thai, 10613 Bellaire; and Yatra Brasserie, 706 Main St. Closings: River Oaks Grill, 2630 Westheimer; Baroque, 1700 Sunset Blvd.; Rockin' Baja Lobster, 9717 FM 1960 Bypass E, Humble; Taj Majal, 8328 Gulf Freeway; and Teriyaki House, 2320 S. Shepherd. ... HTexas magazine (www.htexas.com) reviews Café le Jadeite, 1952 W. Gray.