New Year, New Eats
It was a long, hard year, but now it’s a shiny new 2023 and if you dissed that boring New Year’s Resolution to lose weight and instead pledged to eat new things, then we have some places you need to try. These are some hot spots that opened, or reopened, late last year that we think you’ll enjoy well into 2023.
Il Bracco
Il BraccoOpened last August in the home of Post Oak Boulevard’s former California Pizza Kitchen, Il Bracco has transformed the space, with the aid of Michael Hsu Architecture, into a 6,000-square-foot fine dining Italian spot complete with dining room, bar, and luxury patio. Filed with fancy furniture and fine art, the food at this Dallas-transplant rivals the décor; house-made pastas and breads, along with a couple of juicy steaks and a mean eggplant parm for the vegetarian crowd pair with a lengthy Italian wine list and some craft cocktails. Do enjoy lunch or dinner here, preferably starting with crispy artichokes or tasty meatballs, followed by your favorite entrée and a side of the melt-in-your-mouth polenta. Wash it down with the house specialty drink, The Bracco, a frozen greyhound made with fresh grapefruit. After all, bracco translates to hound.
TEN Sushi + Cocktail Bar
TEN Sushi + Cocktail BarAnother new out-of-towner, this one with local management roots and co-ownership, Ten Sushi + Cocktail Bar sprang up in River Oaks offering a fancy vibe on Asia food. Originally a West Coast eatery, TEN Sushi is under the management of BK Management whose popular Bosscat Kitchen and Libations is right across the street. Grab a seat on the 800-square-foot patio overlooking Mid Lane at TEN and sample the signature black rice rolls and beyond fresh sashimi. Try the specialty Cajun seared albacore or the smoked pepper salmon. There are also plenty of Japanese main courses like the shaken beef filet or the honey walnut shrimp. Go for the happy hour or splurge on a private dining experience, it’s all good at this elegant Asian spot.
Karne
Looking for something different? How about a Korean steakhouse? Karne is the brainchild of Dak & Bop’s Jason Cho whose Korean fried chicken garnered hungry fans, many who were first-time eaters of Korean cuisine. Opened in the Heights just last November, Karne is an upscale steakhouse blending thick cuts of American and Japanese beef cooked tableside with kimchi, pickles, and egg souffles. This one should definitely be on your special night out list, bonus points if you opt for the multi-course chef tasting menu.
Navy Blue
Navy BlueAnd the much-awaited sister to Aaron Bludorn’s eponymous eatery, Navy Blue, opened in November in Rice Village with fresh seafood and more. A delight on the menu is the throwback clams casino, although the steamed version is also good, and Dover sole, which remind of us of divine seafood days or yore. Mainstays like the grouper sandwich and blackened red snapper are more modern and reflective of the comfortable and casual interior here. Dinner only, and a cute cocktail menu (Chasing Penguins is an actual drink here) make this a perfect date night out spot.
Mala Sichuan Bistro
Mala Sichuan Bistro
Not new, but new to the Heights, this stalwart of regional Chinese cooking cruised into its fifth location last year with sizzling dishes and a traditional dining room with lanterns and a pagoda to make you feel like you’re dining in China. Just like the original in Chinatown, this North Shephard eatery offers up Dan Dan noodles, red oil dumplings, and some simmering soups that will cure whatever ails you in the chilly early months of 2023. Oh, and those crepe cakes make an excellent end to a meal at Mala Sichuan Bistro.
Becks Prime
Here’s another tried and true, home of the never-frozen-always-fresh beef patty, Becks Prime. Not even a new location, but a welcome addition to 2022, is the reopened Kirby Drive location. After an extensive remodel, this family favorite quietly reopened just before Christmas, but the longtime regulars were ready and anxious to line up for those burgers, parmesan truffle fries, and thick shakes. A family favorite for the drive through meals that range from steak and baked potato feasts to fajita platters, Becks has something for everyone. And Upper Kirby fans are glad it see it back.