CURIOUS ABOUT CUISINE

CURIOUS ABOUT CUISINE

by | Apr 29, 2021 | 2021 May June, Savor

We love that our statewide local eateries offer a true sense of community wherever we go, no matter what city we call home. Join our editors Jake Gaines in Austin, Cynthia Smoot in Dallas, Jennifer Roosth in Houston, and Eleanora Morrison in San Antonio as they share their statewide selections that are perfect for summer.

AUSTIN

So Well Done Austin Salad

BONJOUR, PARIS

A Parisian-inspired bakery that also imports Swiss chocolates? Sign us up. Those, along with Champagne, macaroons, and French-pedigree baked goods, have never seemed so delicious in the heart of Texas.

At ParisInABite.com.

The Lolo Austin Texas wine bar

ASIAN DELUXE

At Otoko, this exclusive 12-seat dining destination is about as rarified a sushi experience gets in this city  The chef’s choice multi-course tasting menu runs $175 per person, so expect both expertise and innovation. Before dinner, begin with drinks at Watertrade, attached to the restaurant. Online reservations only.

At OtakoAustin.com.

Rebel Cheese Austin Texas

WITH A TWIST

For old-school cocktails with a new school twist, try The Cavalier, a new destination. The east side eatery is a favorite for the current frozen drink craze that is sweeping the state. We recommend trying them all with the small and large bites they offer.

At TheCavalierTex.com. 

DALLAS

pastry from La Tarte Tropézienne dallas texas

FLOAT LIKE A BUTTERFLY

Located on the 49th-floor of The National and alongside the new Thompson Dallas, Monarch is a dazzling restaurant with intimate seating offering soaring views of the city. Featuring 280 seats with skyline views of Dallas, you can wander up a spiral staircase, and you’ll find private dining spaces. The menu consists of handmade pastas, fish, and the Butchers Reserve section of cuisine slow-roasted over a wood fire.

At MonarchRestaurants.com.

Georgie Dallas Restaurant

ALL HAIL THE SAINT

The Saint Ann Restaurant & Bar recently debuted a newly renovated space with a refreshing menu influenced by the Pacific Northwest and seasonal Texas ingredients. The venue features a garden-inspired atmosphere, a spacious patio for dining, crisp pre-Prohibition-style cocktails inspired by their 1920’s roots, and impressive wines.

At SaintAnnDallas.com.

Food from Rise & Thyme Dallas tTexas

TRULY TEXAN

Texas Twinkies, the BBQ delicacy made famous by Hutchins BBQ, can now be shipped by the dozen ($65 per dozen) to anywhere in the U.S. The North Texas BBQ joint’s most requested item is a large jalapeño stuffed with cream cheese and Hutchins’ famous brisket, which is then wrapped in thick-cut bacon. Online orders are available whenever you’re ready for a taste of Texas at home.

At HutchinsBBQ.com

HOUSTON

Bottled Blonde Pizzeria + Bier Garden

HERE’S THE DISH

Dish Society has quickly become the favorite of the who’s who in the city. The all-day diner turns out a seasonally changing menu with healthful modern twists on traditional favorites. They are also dedicated to using the highest quality and freshest ingredients possible and source a majority of its items locally.

At DishSociety.com.

Chocolate Crepe Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café

MEET ME AT THE PALACE

A brand new family-friendly addition to the West University/Bellaire community, Palace Social is slated to open in June. Formerly, the historic Palace Bowling Lanes, the completely renovated space is located in the Southside Commons Development, and we expect it to be a terrific destination this summer.

At PalaceSocial.com.

Adair Restaurant Houston

LUCKY THIRTEEN

The new restaurant, Thirteen, created by former Houston Rockets star James Hardin, combines a unique, upscale dining experience with exceptional food. Plus, amid a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere and the entertainment and first-class service, it’s the place to be this summer.

At ThirteenHOU.com.

SAN ANTONIO

Salad from Jardin San Antonio

PARISIAN VIBE...

Recently opened in the Historic Pearl by the Southerleigh Hospitality Group, Brasserie Mon Chou Chou is just the escapism we all need when traveling to Paris for a très chic French culinary experience is off the table. Be sure not to miss out on ordering the main attraction during your dining event: the Sandwich au Fromage Raclette…melted live onto your plate from a large wheel of piping hot Parmesan. Bon Appetit to all.

At BrasserieMonChouChou.com.

Los Azulejos San Antonio

FOUR STAR-WORTHY

Brunch on the Riverwalk at the four-star Mokara Hotel? Yes, absolutely. Omni Hotels has acquired the Mokara Hotel & Spa that serves up a stylish and delicious dining experience with a view at its new delectable restaurant, Ostra.

At OmniHotels.com.

Sandwich Best Quality Daughter San Antonio

BEYOND THE MORNING RITUAL

A local favorite, Revolucion Coffee + Juice, has been supporting a balanced wellness lifestyle since 2012 with innovative coffee, juice, and plant-forward food. They’ve just opened a new location at the RIM for dwellers in and near Boerne and the Dominion for diners who like to venture outside of the loop for an adventure.

At RevolucionSA.com.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

by | Feb 28, 2021 | 2021 March April, Savor

Local eateries offer more than just comfort food during challenging times…they offer a true sense of community. Join our editors Lance Avery Morgan in Austin, Cynthia Smoot in Dallas, Jennifer Roosth in Houston, and Eleanora Morrison in San Antonio as they share their statewide selections that are socially safe.

AUSTIN

So Well Done Austin Salad

MILLED & MADE FRESH

New Austin, in Dripping Springs, Abby Jane Bakeshop is a locally owned bakery committed to using stone-milled, heritage flours in all their baked goods. The leavened breads, flaky pastries, and seasonal desserts tempt, along with Roman-style pizzas, grain salads, coffee, tea, and local brews. At AbbyJaneBakes.com.

The Lolo Austin Texas wine bar

GREEN WITH ENVY

The new Teal House Coffee and Bakery on SoCo is already famous for its rolls, croissants, and pies. The family-run shop’s caramel sticky buns, cookies, and cinnamon rolls with Nutella, as well as  light lunch options such as soups, salads, and sandwiches on bread made in-house, are all equally tempting. At TealHouse.co.

Rebel Cheese Austin Texas

ITALIAN STALLION

The new Tony C’s Pizza & Beer Garden serves up a cheery style as a side dish to its fan-favorite New York-style pizza, salads, and homemade lasagna. Plus, there’s a large selection of beers on draft, as well as plenty of wine to pair with your meal. At TonyCsBeerGarden.com.

DALLAS

pastry from La Tarte Tropézienne dallas texas

THAT’S SO HOT

Texas native and Nashville-bred, Palmer Fortune has tongues wagging with the creation of an authentic Nashville hot chicken concept called Palmer’s Hot Chicken. The entire menu is made from scratch, and their chicken requires a laborious 24-hour process. Enjoy Palmer’s famous frosé on the covered patio, complete with fans, during warmer Texas weather. At PalmersHotChicken.com.

Georgie Dallas Restaurant

FLYIN’ HIGH

Once a vintage gas station built in 1922, Thunderbird Station is a full-service bar with bites in Deep Ellum, known for its nostalgic menu and space. With indoor seating and a giant patio, it has a place for everyone. At ThunderbirdStation.com.

Food from Rise & Thyme Dallas tTexas

A WHOLE LADA GOODNESS

Located in far North Dallas, LADA is a new fine-casual concept from Chef Michael Ehlert. The former executive chef of Mirador and The French Room has created a menu featuring six different enchilada options, elotes (corn) on a stick, Mexican fried rice, and more. Ehlert’s vision is to create elevated dishes based on traditional favorites. At EatLADA.com.

HOUSTON

Bottled Blonde Pizzeria + Bier Garden

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS

The pizzeria with pizzazz, inspired by the team behind Nancy’s Hustle, has opened up in a new locale that has something for everyone: vegetables, pasta, pizza, and ice cream, along with natural wines, beers, ciders, cocktails, and root beer. At TinyChampionsHouston.com.

Chocolate Crepe Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café

FOR THE RECORD

The place to be in Montrose is 93 Til. It has an innovative menu, lots of records paired with innovative cocktails, and laid-back vibes. In fact, a new record playlist is created nightly so that the action never stops. At 93-Til.com.

Adair Restaurant Houston

HIT THE STREETS

The best new Thai restaurant in Houston just might be Street to Kitchen. Count on everything here being made from scratch, including the curry pastes and sauces that go into the specialty dishes like Pad Thai. At StreetToKitchen.com.

SAN ANTONIO

Salad from Jardin San Antonio

THE FINEST CATCH

As San Antonio’s premier contemporary Japanese sushi house, Uniko serves high-quality fresh

fish from across the globe. With a selection incomparable to other sushi restaurants in town,

locals may enjoy weekly specials of ultra-rare varieties. At UnikoJapaneseHouse.com.

Los Azulejos San Antonio

HALF-SHELL HAPPINESS

Southtown has a new pearl of an eatery: Little Em’s Oyster Bar. Young, local newlyweds Emily and Houston Carpenter left no half-shell unturned with the concept for their hip hot spot that recently opened. Already a hit for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, this menu is a must-try next time you find yourself wandering in King William. At LittleEmsOysterBar.com.

Sandwich Best Quality Daughter San Antonio

SWEETEST TREATS

Now open at San Antonio’s Boardwalk center on lower Broadway, the team behind the Chocollazo pastry shop has introduced their new dessert concept, Black + White Modern Creamery, serving fresh, locally made dairy and non-dairy ice cream and cold treats in traditional and modern flavors. At BlackWhiteCreamery.com.

CONTEMPORARY CUISINE

CONTEMPORARY CUISINE

by | Jan 3, 2021 | 2021 January February, Savor

Our favorite local eateries offer more than just comfort food during challenges times…they offer community. Join our editors Lance Avery Morgan in Austin, Cynthia Smoot in Dallas, Jennifer Roosth in Houston, and Eleanora Morrison in San Antonio as they share their sensational statewide recommendations that are must-tries right now.

AUSTIN

So Well Done Austin Salad

READY, SET, PREP

Prep To Your Door is the new insider’s meal delivery service, meaning no more shopping or chopping. Plus, no more waste, thanks to how the plant-based, gluten-free, organic meals in sustainable packaging are as delicious as they are healthy. At PrepToYourDoor.com

The Lolo Austin Texas wine bar

BAKED TO PERFECTION

Gorgeous and fun donuts, macarons, and other sweet treats? Sign us up at OMG Squee. In shapes ranging from pandas to Lizzo, and in flavors ranging from Thai tea to churro and beyond, we can’t get enough of this hipster bakery. At SqueeClub.com.

Rebel Cheese Austin Texas

LA BARBECUE

Can there be too much barbecue in one state? Nope. The Texas favorite always seems to have a new spin placed on it. From the legendary Mueller barbecue family, La Barbecue offers the best and most mouth-watering entrées ever to quench your taste buds. At LaBarbeque.com.

DALLAS

pastry from La Tarte Tropézienne dallas texas

NOW THAT’S ITALIAN

Italian food emporium and Manhattan favorite,  Eataly, has opened in NorthPark Center. The 46,000 square foot store and restaurant is comprised of over 10,000 local and Italian products, three restaurants, and one cooking school (which will be virtual to start), all inspired by the diversity of Italy’s regional cuisines. At Eataly.com.

Georgie Dallas Restaurant

DOWN ARGENTINE WAY

Chimichurri, new in the Bishop Arts District, features traditional Argentinian specialties, including grilled meats served in the Asado style, empanadas, pizzas, choripáns (chorizo sandwiches), and dulce de leche. The design elements include recycled wine bottle chandeliers, colorful murals, and memorabilia from the movie Evita. At ChimichurriBishopArts.com.

Food from Rise & Thyme Dallas tTexas

FRESH FAVORITE

Encina offers a deliberate focus on seasonality and fresh ingredients. Highlights include the Devils on Horseback appetizer with dates, blue cheese, bacon, and apple butter; a Reuben Flatbread with pastrami, swiss, sauerkraut, and pickle dressing, and a Lamb and Pork Bratwurst served with green chili hominy grits and apple mustard. The wine program is well priced as well. At EncinaDallas.com.

HOUSTON

Bottled Blonde Pizzeria + Bier Garden

WELL, HELLO THERE

Xin Chao, which means hello, is the new eatery that is a collaboration of MasterChef winner Christine Hà and Tony J. Nguyen, bringing Vietnamese and Viet-Texan dishes to Houston like no other can. We recommend the braised pork and crispy rice, and the flat rice noodles with a smoked beef rib. At XinChaoHTX.com.

Chocolate Crepe Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café

NOW, FOR SOMETHING SWEET

The Sugar Room is the new cocktail bar to be seen in these days. Not only does it double as a doughnut destination during the day, look for the glitzy drinks that are garnished with edible gold and glitter in the evenings. Try the Jetsetter, which pairs gin, basil, cucumber, and ginger with spicy popping boba. At SoClutchGroup.com.

Adair Restaurant Houston

PERFECTLY LATIN

Arnaldo Richards’ Picos has joined the popular food distribution platform, Goldbelly, announcing a wide variety of selections from their menu  available now to ship nation-wide. The menu features an assortment of seventeen dishes, sides and sauces representing Mexico’s seven culinary regions. The sweet additions include homemade Dulce de Leche sauce and dessert tamales, including pineapple and raisin. At Picos.net.

SAN ANTONIO

Salad from Jardin San Antonio

MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE BAR

Slated to open in February in a 100-year-old building in the King William Historic District, thanks to restauranteur Roger Herr, who has returned to his San Antonio roots, Bar Loretta is sure to be a winner. Dial-in fellow San Antonian, Paul Petersen, who takes the helm in the kitchen with French-technique-inspired cuisine, and we expect this new endeavor to be a colossal hit. At BarLoretta.com. 

Los Azulejos San Antonio

INFUSION INJECTION

Cuishe Cocina Mexicana recently opened two San Antonio locations, Stone Oak and downtown, and is entertaining guests by presenting the rich culture of Central Mexico with a menu that offers authentic flavors using locally sourced ingredients. They are also introducing their concept, Mexologia, a unique way of incorporating traditional Mexican heritage and flavors into their spirits and cocktail menu. At CuisheMex.com.

Sandwich Best Quality Daughter San Antonio

ARTFUL CUISINE

An exploration of gastronomic art inspired by the creative legacy of Frida Kahlo, Frida is a reservation-only, live entertainment dining concept brought to San Antonio by two Northern Mexican families, the Davils and the Vizcarras. Chef Sofia Sada has created an original menu of Mexican flavors with her own unique flair that has made this spot a must-dine. At FridaRestaurantSA.com.

HOLIDAY’S SPIRIT

HOLIDAY’S SPIRIT

by | Nov 1, 2020 | 2020 November December, Savor

We love supporting our cozy, local eateries around wintertime, don’t you? Join our editors Jake Gaines in Austin, Cynthia Smoot in Dallas, Jennifer Roosth in Houston, and Eleanora Morrison in San Antonio as they share their stellar statewide recommendations that are must-dines as the weather turns cooler.

AUSTIN

So Well Done Austin Salad

SO WELL DONE

The Well, Austin’s newest eatery entry, is about as natural as it gets. The new concept from the team at Nova Hospitality incorporates top tier nutrition, functional ingredients, local and sustainable farming, and authentic bold flavors. Choose from pick-up and outdoor dining. At EatWellATX.com.

The Lolo Austin Texas wine bar

BOTTLE SERVICE

The wine bar in town to love is LoLo, with a range of sparkling, white, and red wines…and some vine surprises, too. They also serve small snacks and cheese plates. At Lolo.wine.com.

Rebel Cheese Austin Texas

REBEL WITH A CAUSE

In the Mueller District, the new favorite kid in town is Rebel Cheese. The vegan deli and wine shop boasts the largest selection of fresh, house-made, artisan vegan cheeses that can’t be beaten. At Rebelcheese.com

DALLAS / FORT WORTH

pastry from La Tarte Tropézienne dallas texas

A TOUCH OF FRANCE

La Tarte Tropézienne, the famed French pâtísserie based in St. Tropez, France, has recently opened its first U.S. location in downtown Dallas. Beyond their renowned namesake tarte, they also offer viennoiserie, sandwiches, wine and champagne, caviar, and more. At LaTarteTropezienne.com

Georgie Dallas Restaurant

I’LL BE OUTBACK

Georgie by Curtis Stone has rebounded from the pandemic punch with refreshed menus that have offerings as distant as Australia where chef Curtis Stone is from, such as the Australian Blackmore wagyu, and seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients from Dallas’ urban backyard. At GeorgieDallas.com.

Food from Rise & Thyme Dallas tTexas

KNEAD TO KNOW

Rise & Thyme is the seasonal American café that offers guests a wide variety of options, from salads to sandwiches, pastas to patty melts. Open for takeout, delivery, limited indoor seating, and a full range of outdoor seating in the new downtown AT&T Discovery District. At RiseNThyme.com.

HOUSTON

Bottled Blonde Pizzeria + Bier Garden

CONTEMPORARY MEETS BIER GARDEN

Bottled Blonde Pizzeria + Bier Garden, opens its first Houston location and third nationwide on the bustling Washington Corridor at the corner of Washington and Durham. The rustic, yet relaxed open-air concept is a blend of contemporary Italian cuisine and German bier garden. At BottledBlondePizzeria.com/Houston

Chocolate Crepe Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café

OOH LA LA

Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café has brought the highly versatile French street fare staple to Houston’s nearby Sugar Land Town Square. With cuisine inspired by the founder’s  frequent trips to crêpe carts while studying in Paris, the venue offers seating inside and on the expansive patio. The menu has a variety of breakfast sweet and savory crépes, in addition to salads, paninis, wine, and champagne. At SweetParis.com.

Adair Restaurant Houston

DOWNTOWN & SLEEK

Located in the Wells Fargo Plaza, the new eatery is perfect for breakfast and brunch. Whether you eat inside or on the patio, you can begin the day with avocado-chorizo toast or swing by for lunch for a quinoa bowl in a stylish environment. At AdairDowntown.com

SAN ANTONIO

Salad from Jardin San Antonio

GARDEN DELIGHT

Chef Jason Dady has opened a new concept eatery located within the Sullivan Carriage House at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Jardín serves fresh Mediterranean fare inspired by the gardens, with ingredients served straight from the grounds. Guests can either dine in for lunch or dinner or are invited to obtain pre-packaged style meals-to-go and enjoy a picnic in the garden. At JasonDady.com.  

Los Azulejos San Antonio

BLUE AND BLUER

Located in the heart of Castle Hills, Los Azulejos and its iconic, vibrant interior brings an upscale contemporary concept of authentic Mexican food with dishes that are representative of the vibrant colors and rich flavors of Puebla and Mexico City. The menu features flavorful dishes like Huachinango Zarandeado, Enchiladas Suizas, Ribeye Tacos, and The Lobster Trio. At LosAzulejosRestaurant.com.

Sandwich Best Quality Daughter San Antonio

FAVORITE DAUGHTER

Best Quality Daughter, the highly-anticipated new restaurant, by Chefs Jennifer Dobbertin and Quealy Watson, has just opened at Pearl. A concept that pioneers New Asian-American Cuisine, the restaurant experience is inspired by a reflection of the founder’s travels and the comfort food of her youth as a second-generation Chinese-American. A warm, fun, and stylish environment serves as a culinary beacon to locals and travelers alike. At BestQualityDaughter.com.

CUISINE THAT CAN CALM

CUISINE THAT CAN CALM

by | Aug 31, 2020 | 2020 September October, Savor

We love supporting our local eateries, don’t you? Join our editors Lesa Rossick in Austin, Cynthia Smoot in Dallas, Jennifer Roosth in Houston, and Eleanora Morrison in San Antonio as they share their stellar statewide recommendations that are must-dines as the weather turns cooler.

AUSTIN

EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY

McGuire Moorman Hospitality has launched another interesting spot to dine, La Piscina Ceviches & Fajitas, in the Proper Hotel. This poolside restaurant overlooks Shoal Creek, and serves delicious, elevated Mexican and seafood cuisine. At ProperHotel.com.  

HONESTLY, MARY

Honest Mary’s, known for its local and organic bowls, has expanded to a second location in Rosedale. Build your own bowl with grains, seafood, meat, vegetables, and herbs. You will honestly feel healthy, full, and happy. At HonestMarys.com. 

DOLCE VITA

The beloved Dolce Neve Gelato in Rosedale, which translates as Sweet Snow in English, has opened another location in East Austin. Bright and cheery, with the same smiling faces and unique gelato flavors, this is a perfect time to enjoy their new spot. At DolceNeveGelato.com. 

DALLAS / FORT WORTH

WEEKEND AT BERNIE’S

Behind the pink wall you’ll find Bernie’s, a new cocktail lounge on the ground floor of Preston Tower. Inside, you’ll find classic cocktails, plus a small menu of bites including flatbread pizzas and dips. Membership is required, but easy to obtain. Bernie’s space is small, holding 60 to 70 people, and the menu is intentionally limited. At Preston Tower.

UNO MAS, POR FAVOR

Apart from classics like fajitas, tacos, and enchiladas, the Henderson eatery also offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian dietary options. The cocktails, based on geographical locations in Mexico, include flavors from Mexico City, as well as coastal and mountain regions. Enjoy weeknight specials like Tequila Tuesday and Date Night Thursdays. Their robust to-go offerings of family meals, margarita kits, and more are also available. At UnoMasDallas.com.

SO PRETTY IN PINK

XOXO Dining Room takes nods from Sketch London, with plush, Barbie-pink seating, Press For Champagne doorbells in each booth, and whimsical trees. Beyond the savory cuisine, save room for the Insta-worthy XOXO Cupcake Wheel, which is alcohol-infused with strawberry champagne. A live DJ performs nightly from Thursday―Saturday to keep the energy lively. Look for the shocking pink exterior–you can’t miss it. At XOXODallas.com.

HOUSTON

THAILAND, MEET HOUSTON

A Kin Dee dining experience is  a true representation of Thailand through its unique flavors, ingredients, and overall vision. Focused on made-from-scratch, authentic, and primarily noodle-based dishes, it delivers native cuisine, exactly like it’s served in Thailand, from a 30-dish menu of approachably adventurous options. At KinDeeThaiCuisine.com.

PHOTO CUTLINE: Photo by Elvis Campos

 

HOMETOWN RULES

Returning to his hometown of Houston to launch his first restaurant, Chef Travis McShane has created a true foodie destination with Ostia, a 4500 sq. ft. open-kitchen concept. Located in the heart of Montrose, the extensive restaurant features botanically-inspired, outdoor-oriented interiors, including casually-chic dining spaces, air-conditioned outdoor terraces, and an intimate chef’s table. The farm to table, rustic, and lighter Mediterranean fare with underlying Italian leanings can’t be beat. At OstiaHou.com. ON PHOTO: Photo by Julie Soefer.

ROUX THE DAY

A little bit of New Orleans, okay, a lot, is taking the cuisine scene by storm. The Rouxpour is a Cajun-inspired restaurant with three locations in Houston’s surrounding areas. Guests love its delicious variety of chargrilled oysters, fresh seafood, and inviting atmosphere. At TheRouxPour.com.

SAN ANTONIO

ISLAND FARE

San Antonio chef, Nicola Blaque, owner of the award-winning Jamaican restaurant, The Jerk Shack, has just opened a second dining concept, Mi Roti, located within Pearl’s Bottling Dept. Food Hall. The build-your-own Roti station, dedicated to the classic Caribbean dish, is a favorite. At Mi Roti.

LOCALLY LOVED

Nestled in Alta Vista just north of downtown, 5 Points Local is part restaurant and part yoga studio. The perfect place to take a work meeting or to unwind after a long day. Clean eaters in the Alamo City loyally love this spot for serving delicious 100% Vegan, local, and organically wholesome dishes. At 5PointsLocal.com.

BETTER BURGER

Chef Andrew Weissman, known for his fine dining restaurants across San Antonio, has gained a loyal following throughout the years. His recently opened Mr. Juicy Burger, a more causal concept in Olmos Park, has been a hit since its doors opened. Weissman has taken his fine dining concepts and applied them to a fast-food atmosphere, flipping gourmet burgers, fries and comfort treats at a price point that can’t be beat. At Mr. Juicy Burger.