With spring blossoming, so many culinary opportunities beckon us. Leave it to our editors Lance Avery Morgan (Austin), Cynthia Smoot (Dallas), Jake Gaines (Houston), and Alexandra del Lago (San Antonio), to recommend the best of the newest.
AUSTIN
UNIQUE & UNCOMPLICATED
Downtown’s Corinne serves up feel-good food. They cut through the complicated to find the honesty and effortless simplicity in this distinctly modern eatery that also boasts a large patio. They offer Italian flair with traditional cuisine that’s tough to beat.
At CorinneATX.com.
TASTE & TEXTURE
With a menu as ambitious, inspired, and unexpected as Austin itself, Cannon + Belle captures the taste and texture of farm-to-table dishes. From the Bourbon Bar Experience to cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients, Cannon + Belle’s bar, indoor biergarten, and dynamic kitchen is Austin’s newest answer to Texas-fresh.
FANTASTICALLY FRESH
Verbena’s culinary program focuses on seasonal ingredients delivered through a beautifully composed vegetable-forward menu highlighting regionally sourced meat, fish, and poultry. Verbena shares an artful composition that enhances their vision of bringing you authentic, hearty, and healthful dining experiences.
At VerbenaATX.com.
DALLAS
MOROCCAN MAGIC
With a Moroccan-dressed terrace, unique details such as custom tiles, and cushy pouf seating, Casablanca takes diners on a journey with a globally inspired menu of shared plates curated by Paradiso’s executive chef Nick Hurry. In the back, a sister concept, Casanova, provides a hidden karaoke bar (they call it a “sing-easy”) with private karaoke lounges that groups can rent.
FRENCH TWIST
La Rêve Gelato is a new upscale European patisserie that recently opened in Preston Hollow. The French-style dessert shop features colorful pastries, macarons, and gelato. They also have rare craft coffee. Diners can choose from nine macaron flavors, ten gelato flavors, and ten pastry options, including Tiramisu. In French, Le Rêve, translates as “To Dream,” which is the goal of their transporting desserts.
At LeReveGP.com.
HEALTHY EIGHT
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman has just launched a new beer, Eight. The light lager is touted as a healthy lo-cal offering with 90 calories and 2.6g carbohydrates. Proudly based in Austin, Eight is committed to giving back 1% of all revenue to Texas-based causes that work tirelessly to make healthy living accessible to all.
At EightBeer.com.
HOUSTON
ROCK SOLID CUISINE
Atlas Restaurant Group (Ouzo Bay/Loch Bar) has opened a new Italian concept, Marmo, meaning Marble in Italian, in the new Montrose destination, Montrose Collective. The fresh, hand-rolled pastas, house-made charcuterie, and hand-cut prime steaks on the food menu will complement an impressive and worldly wine list, with selections of the Italian-focused on regions. The bar and lounge will include a baby grand piano where some of Houston’s best singers will perform nightly.
At MarmoItalian.com.
RUSTIC ROMANCE
Located in The Heights, Trattoria Sofia is a Berg Hospitality Group concept that serves authentic, rustic Italian food in an intimate, romantic setting. With a focus on seasonal items, fresh ingredients, and market availability, the menu features classic dishes served with a new twist.
WE SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, the family-run ice cream brand, is beloved by ice cream aficionados for its made-from-scratch dairy and vegan ice creams of over 30 flavors, Made from simple recipes using only quality ingredients, Bourbon Cherries Jubilee and Earl Grey Tea our favorites.
SAN ANTONIO
WAY UP THERE
Upscale, the new eatery in Southtown, has the city abuzz. With its chic, fresh-as-a-daisy interior and Asian-infused selections of sushi, seafood, and steak, it offers something different than other dining establishments in the city.
WORLD LESS TRAVELED
A renewed take on Caribbean fare is Mi Roti in The Pearl. For those who like Island-style food but available at a resort in Texas, this is it. The menu reaches remote corners of the planet and gives you a taste of a world less traveled. From wraps to bowls, prepare to be surprised at the ever-changing menu.
At MiRoti210.com.
BOX IT UP
Box Street All Day serves up incredible views and even better food all day in its downtown locale. It also offers an espresso bar, craft cocktails, bubbles, and local beer. Patrons who aim to grab a bottle of bubbles can swing by the onsite “bottle shop” for fun on the run.