On the go and in the scene, our editors Lesa Rossick in Austin, Cynthia Smoot in Dallas, Jennifer Roosth in Houston and Eleanor a Morrison in San Antonio share top-notch statewide recommendations that are must-dos as the warmer weather has us feeling more adventurous than ever.
AUSTIN
PEACHY KEEN
The masters behind Peached Tortilla have opened a new sister restaurant called Bar Peached. Enjoy cocktails, and shareable Tacos and Asian Fusion dishes in this cheery West 6th spot and oak tree-shaded patio! At BarPeached.com
SAY UNCLE
Uncle Nicky’s is a brand new café started by partners that is also an authentic, Italian casual eatery in the hub of Hyde Park. Chef Nicholas Yanes (Juniper), Travis Tober (Nickel City), and Brandon and Zane Hunt (Via 313, Nickel City) made the magic happen. At UncleNickys.com
BOWLED OVER
James Beard-nominee Chef Matt McCallister brings his poke bowls to the Seaholm District. The area has become a fast favorite for those looking for a fresh, healthy meal. Casual and comfortable….this place will win your heart. At MalibuPoke.com
DALLAS / FORT WORTH
BUBBLES FOR EVERYONE
The next big thing on wheels is The Bubble Tap Trailer serving prosecco and sparkling wine straight out of the tap. Lance Bass of N’SYNC is a partner in this sparkling new venture and you can thank Dawn McKee for having the gumption to bring the concept to the Dallas-area. The self-contained, vintage canned ham trailer will serve bubbly to you and your guests at your event. Why not add an element of surprise (and many Instagram-able moments) to your event? At TapTrailerCo.com.
FRESH EN FUEGO
Cantina Laredo, with locations in North Texas, is spicing up 2019 with a brand-new collection of cocktails. The featured theme, Fresh en Fuego, highlights a unique blend of crisp and fiery flavors. Heat up your happy hour with a Charred Pineapple Lemonade, Grilled Orange Margarita or Grilled Grapefruit Paloma. At CantinaLaredo.com.
YIMMINY CRICKETS
Camille Cortinas, always obsessed with pickles and her mother, Judy, started Yims Foods to bring their love of small batch goodness to the culinary world. All products are made in small batches which keeps things local, and gives them quality control. In the Dallas-area, you’ll find this State Fair of Texas awarded team every Saturday at the White Rock Farmers Market, or at Williams Sonoma in NorthPark Center. At YimsFoods.com.
HOUSTON
COLLECTIVE DINING
The new Finn Hall, located in The Jones on Main in the JPMorgan Chase & Co. Building, features more than 20,000 square feet of elevated culinary experiences. It offers 10 chef-driven food outlets, a craft beer and curated wine bar, and an Art Deco cocktail lounge for glam Houstonians to experience a creative dining collective. At FinnHallTX.com
TABLE FOR ONE...MORE
At the Royal Sonesta Houston’s ARA restaurant, TableOne turns a meal into an intimate, interactive culinary adventure in the heart of the kitchen for groups of two to ten. Elevate a business lunch or dinner, or make a milestone a mouth-watering memory at one of the city’s only true chef’s tables. At Sonesta.com
THE METROPOLITANS
Doris Metropolitan is a fabulous, but less conventional fine dining steakhouse experience with a carefully designed menu, which also features vegetable-forward appetizers, local seafood, an innovative caviar menu, and seasonal sides. At DorisMetropolitan.com
SAN ANTONIO
RIDING THE CREST
One of the oldest and continuously operated miniature golf courses in the world, Cool Crest Miniature Golf has been a staple since the 1920s. Recently refurbished and taken into new ownership to preserve the city’s now-officially historically significant site, the two 18-hole courses are nestled on a hill in San Antonio’s storied Deco District. At CoolCrestGolf.com.
BBQ’S PARADISE
The Smoke Shack owners who recently opened their newest and third location, Smoke Shack Meat Market, aim to stand out by joining the “Slow Foods” movement—a global advocacy that advances the concept of good, clean and fair food by preserving traditional and regional cuisine. At SmokeShackMeatMarket.com.
LIKE A DAY AT THE PARK
Kiddie Park, one of the city’s most treasured landmarks for a hundred years, is the oldest children’s amusement park in the country. While modern updates have been made to the rides and attractions, the park has preserved its 1920s style by maintaining all of the original rides. Guests can enjoy the park’s old-fashioned Ferris wheel, famous hand-carved Herschell Spillman carousel, and other classic children’s rides. At KiddiePark.com.