Something Tried And True And Something New
So many restaurants come and go these days, it’s hard to decide where to eat. So, here are a few to put on your list. Some tried and true —that you may not have been to in a while —and some brand new. Bon appétit!
3601 Kirby Dr.
832.831.9940
picos.net
Longtime Chef Richards has been known for more than three decades for celebrating the seven regions of Mexico through cuisine and his fans rave about the chile en nogada with its creamy walnut sauce pairing with the spicy poblano pepper, and the dark mole poblano coating grilled the chicken breast. If you want your basic Tex-Mex try the fajita feasts that include rajas, fresh guacamole salad, pico de gallo, red and green salsas frescas, sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, choice of corn or flour tortillas, house made corn chips and your choice of rice and beans. And if you want to feed the family at home, you can get that and more in Pico’s to-go packs that you can order on the website. The large packs feed up to 25 people, and if you are throwing a party, don’t forget the signature shaker Margarita cooler packs available for pick-up, with options including a 20-ounce house Rita on the rocks or frozen.
Dante’s River Oaks
4340 Westheimer Rd. Suite 150
832.997.4220
dantesriveroaks.com
Yet another new Italian spot to try, restaurateur Brian Doke opened Dante’s River Oaks in the Galleria area in May. Chef Ilias Gugole, and Italian native, dishes up some authentic dishes from tuna tartare to pastas like the rigatoni cacio e pepe. In a press release, Doke said: “The combination of a charming and quaint interior coupled with an airy patio for dining al fresco makes for a wonderful dining experience.” Heartier appetites can sink their teeth into the ribeye steak with a flavorful mustard vinaigrette or the roasted salmon filet and dill dressing. Fresh and flavorful veggies and salads, named for different regions of Italy make healthy choices, and a thoughtful list of Italian wines and craft cocktails inspire. If you’ve never had a deep-fried Italian olive, stuffed with meat, and lightly breaded, you are in for a mouthwatering treat.
The Ginger Mule
449 W. 19th
713.876.4768
thegingermule.com
Last year vegans delighted in the opening of this Heights’ area spot offering plant-based cuisine and cocktails. Delightfully redesigned from the former restaurant that was here, which was also vegan, both the atmosphere and service are spot on. And the real kicker is that non vegans seem to like the menu as well. Most items are also gluten free, and all are made with plant-based fresh produce. Weekend brunches are very popular, although they serve brunch every day, all day. Enjoy the Jupiter’s Medley; two pancakes or French toast, with an omelette and vegan “sausage” patties. Or go for the breakfast tacos. That’s right they can even make Tex-Mex tasty without any meat. Like nachos with “ground beef” made from pulled oats or the gluten free fish tacos. They have pizzas and burgers and a several Mediterranean specials for the summer. And don’t forget the cocktails. The Peachy Keen mule makes a delicious summer thirst quencher, although teetotalers can enjoy various fruit juices.
Money Cat
2925 Richmond Ave., Ste. 140
281.974.3737
moneycathtx.com
Chef/owner Sherman Yeung calls the cuisine at this sleek new spot “new Japanese” but don’t be intimidated by the food that was recently featured on CBS Mornings. One of Yeung’s favorite dishes is fried chicken sandwich. The Katsu Sando features chicken with Japanese tartar sauce and tamari caramel on a house milk bread. “At the end of the day, it’s what I like to eat,” says Yeung.” Who doesn’t like fried chicken sandwiches? Mine is different because it’s a chicken nanban sando, or donburi, which is originally what it is. Nanban basically means the panko fried chicken is dipped in a sweet soy and served with a side of Japanese tartar sauce. It brings me joy knowing that others can enjoy it the same way I do.”
Thai Style Fast Food
5712 S. Gessner
713.772.7575
thaistyletx.com
Not sure what the name is about, this is no more McDonalds’ style Thai than fancier restaurants, but this mom-and-pop little spot in a strip center near Harwin Drive in the Mahatma Gandhi District serves up some of the most authentic Thai food in Houston. Start with crispy or soft spring rolls, or the crispy cheese sticks that are addictive, and move on to the entrées. Newbies might want to stick to familiar fare like the Pad Thai but if you haven’t explored Thai cuisine this is the place to do it. The fish dishes are very good; the deep-fried tilapia with a spicy seafood sauce tantalizes, and the curry dish with coconut milk and red or green curry is a comfort meal with a kick. The restaurant opens at 10:30 a.m. and offers daily lunch specials for under $10. DO be sure and specify your spice level; mild, medium, or hot. Be advised, hot means hot. You’ll need a lot of the iced Thai green tea to sooth your mouth.
Trill Burgers
3607 S. Shepherd Dr.
713.364.2284
trillburgers.com
The anticipation was high for this brick-and-mortar spot of hometown rapper Bun B’s famous smashburgers and the lines were long when it opened in an old James Coney Island location in June. Started as a pop-up during COVID, these two all-beef patties with caramelized onions, pickles, and patented Trill sauce, have won fans and rave reviews, being acclaimed Best Burger in America in 2022 by Good Morning America and scoring a coveted Gold Buckle foodie award at the 2023 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Hip hop superstar Drake dropped into the new eatery for Juneteenth and proclaimed the burger the best burger he’d ever had.