In wintertime, our appetites change to embrace hardier fare. Our editors Lesa Rossick in Austin, Cynthia Smoot in Dallas, Jennifer Roosth in Houston, and Eleanora Morrison in San Antonio share their stellar statewide recommendations that are must-dines as the weather remains cool.
AUSTIN
ELEVATED, MEET CASUAL
A new restaurant where sports bar casual meets elevated American food that is served in a chic, cozy environment. Whether you’re craving a shaved kale salad or a family-style steak meal, this chef-driven menu will make your taste buds dance. At ProvisionAustin
FLYING HIGH
It might be the perfect meal in between flights. The Austin airport is hopping, with local restaurants opening everywhere. Chef Shawn Cirkiel recently launched airport locations of Jugo, a healthy juice bar along with their flagship restaurant, Parkside. You can begin your vacation before you even depart for your flight. At ParksideProjects.com
Photo by Richard Casteel
LET’S GO EAST
Oseyo, a modern Korean restaurant in East Austin, was a vision of owner, Lynn Miller, who dreamed of opening a restaurant where her gluten-free daughter could enjoy their traditional family meals. Vibrant and bright, these dishes will capture your heart. At OseyoAustin.com
Photo courtesy of Ink Fingers
DALLAS / FORT WORTH
GO WITH THE FLOW
With just 70 seats, Ebb & Flow’s intimate interior features a garden of ivy and flowers, striking tile, velvet booths, brass snake accents, and eye-catching chandeliers. When there’s a game on, you can be sure that Ebb & Flow will be showing it on one of six large-screen TVs. In the kitchen, consulting Chef Rodman Shields has created an eclectic menu, and behind the bar, Whitney Roushey has concocted a cocktail menu that is playful, colorful and draws inspiration from the garden patio. At EbbAndFlowTX.com
LET’S ENJOY THE CHINA
Located in The Statler Hotel, Fine China recently rolled out new menus broadly drawing on influences throughout Asia, along with a revamped vibe and chic new restaurant design enhancements. The restaurant now offers sushi and sashimi in addition to its variety of lunch and dinner offerings. In addition to new items across the board on the culinary side, there is a variety of new signature cocktails, sakes, and wines. At FineChinaDallas.com
RAT PACK FLASHBACK
Inspired by the old school, classic hangouts of Los Angeles, Drake’s energetic, steak-forward concept offers a vintage Old Hollywood feel, where everything is centered around a large circular bar with dim mood lighting and red interiors. A stage hosts programming such as live jazz on Thursday nights, and a DJ on Friday and Saturday nights. Along with great cocktails inspired by the Beverly Hills Hotel, Drake’s menu purveys steakhouse vibes at neighborhood prices. At DrakesDallas.com
HOUSTON
CLUB MED
Swell and swanky, the new Safina restaurant in the Intercontinental Hotel – Medical Center, pays homage to the Mediterranean’s rich history of mercantilism, craftsmanship, and innovation by creating wellness-driven food for today’s mindful eater. From rich, creamy hummus to fresh, succulent fish prepared in true Mediterranean fashion, their chefs allow the amazing flavors of food and drink to sing. At SafinaHouston.com
LUXE MIXOLOGY
Hotel Alessandra is among the best hotels in the city with its elegant accommodations and modern amenities that offer a new level of luxury for discerning business and leisure travelers. While there, mix it up with friends and co-workers at Lucienne’s, with regularly scheduled cocktail classes. The thematic offerings provide a fun, intimate, and hands-on opportunity to perfect bar skills while learning about the history of spirits and iconic special drinks. At Hotel Alessandra-Houston.com
Photo by Ralph Smith.
THAT ITALIAN SOUL
The hot, new 145-seat restaurant, Rosalie Italian Soul, is located in downtown’s C. Baldwin Hotel, named after Charlotte Baldwin Allen, known as the “Mother of Houston.” The menu features classic red-sauce dishes reminiscent of lessons Chef Chris Cosentino learned from his great-grandmother, as well as his own interpretations. The delectable pastas are made fresh daily, and a pizza oven is a focal point of the space. At RosalieItalianSoul.com
Photo by Julie Soefer.
SAN ANTONIO
SET TO JET
Jet-Setter, a new mid-century modern, international lounge, has opened its doors on Houston Street in the heart of downtown San Antonio, welcoming worldly jet-setters visiting the Alamo City and locals alike. Just across the street from the Majestic and Empire Theatres, this sleek new spot is the perfect perch for a pre or post-show sip. At Jet-SetterSa.com
Courtesy of Jet-Setter
EVENTFUL ENDEAVOR
Biga on the Banks, Chef/Owner Bruce Auden’s familiar downtown dining staple that sits atop a historic stretch of the San Antonio River Walk, has opened a new addition to its revered restaurant and culinary experience. The event space is primed for hosting life’s momentously memorable occasions. The River Terrace space is also available for bookings, with a beautiful view that’s sure to enchant and entertain any guest. At Biga.com
Courtesy of Thrillist.
PARIS FOREVER
A tiny slice of Paris on San Antonio’s near east side, Pastiche is a soigné cocktail lounge located in a cozy cottage that offers a refined and relaxed environment with humbling hospitality. Perfect for either a quiet date night or a group night on the town, this charmingly renovated abode has indoor and outdoor seating, encouraging convivial conversation no matter the occasion. At Pastiche.SA
Courtesy of SA Express News