NOW TRY THIS

NOW TRY THIS

by | Feb 28, 2020 | 2020 March April, Savor

With springtime, our appetites for something new are renewed, aren’t yours? 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 sunnier.

AUSTIN

IT’S A TEN

The new, modern Japanese restaurant, TenTen, recently opened downtown with fixtures made of stone and black walnut and art by Ysabel Lemay. The menu includes delicious, elevated dishes such as Hamachi Carpaccio with freshly, shaved truffle and Japanese centric cocktails in the hub of downtown. At TenTenAustin.com.

Photo by Letitia Smith

STRUT YOUR STYLE

The new Proper hotel has arrived in the hub of downtown, including Goldie’s cocktail lounge and the Peacock restaurant. In a vibrant interior and cozy patio atmosphere, bright and fresh Mediterranean dishes are served, such as Red Snapper Crudo to tempt your taste buds. At ProperHotel.com.

POWER DUO

The power team behind Emmer & Rye has opened a new restaurant and adjacent bar, with a cool European vibe like this city, has never seen before. Hestia focuses on live-fire meals while the bar, Kalimotxo, gives an experience with Spanish wine and cocktails. Both combine for a fun evening that you won’t soon forget. At KalixmotoATX.com.

Photo by Julia Keim

DALLAS / FORT WORTH

AVO GOOD DAY

Avo Eatery is the new source for culinary innovation and avocados from Mexico reign supreme.. The menu offers tantalizing American dishes with a fresh avocado twist. The decor features light wood accents and lush greenery meant toresemble an avocado grove. At AvoEatery.com.

THE COMEBACK KID

This iconic Uptown Tex-Mex restaurant shuttered in 2013 but has recently reopened in a modernized new space with a spacious outdoor patio. While the menu features mouth-watering dishes, fans of the original restaurant will be happy to find Primo’s legendary margaritas still on the menu alongside contemporary cocktails. As an added bonus, the restaurant will offer late-night eats on weekends. At PrimosUptown.com.

COCK-A-DOODLE-WHO?

Opening mid-March, Yardbird Southern Table & Bar will be a house of worship to farm-fresh ingredients, a hailed bourbon selection, and top-notch hospitality while serving up a fresh, inventive take on classic, regional Southern fare. The fan-favorite brunch with all the fixings will be dished up on the weekends. The décor draws inspiration from contemporary industrial details and the communal aspects of southern dining with lush indoor and outdoor seating. At RunChickenRun.com.

HOUSTON

INDIAN PASSAGE

No passport required for the culinary journey that you will experience at Musaafer. Located in Uptown’s business district, it specializes in authentic Indian cuisine with a contemporary flair, and the menu features classic Indian dishes served in an avant-garde presentation referencing opulent palaces and Spice markets of ancient India. At MusaaferHouston.com.

 

EXOTIC ALLURE

Loosely translated as “to Eat Well” Kin Dee is opening in the Market at the Heights and features a vibrant 2,500-square foot interior that skews contemporary with
custom furnishings. Inspired by a lifetime of culinary and culturally immersed travel throughout Thailand, Srasrisuwan, and Leotkhamfu guests will be taken on a culinary journey with authentic dishes showcasing regional and Royal Thai Family recipes. At KinDeeThaiCuisine.com.

WINE + CULINARY

The new Mutiny Wine Room boasts a boutique wine program, centered on the proprietors’ wine-country relationships, that comes to life in a Napa Valley-inspired space built from the ground up in Houston’s historic Heights neighborhood. Plus, the culinary program is based on freshness and seasonality in the wine-country culinary style. At MutinyWineRoom.com.

SAN ANTONIO

BE YOUR OWN MAVERICK

Situated in the historic Lockwood National Bank building downtown, Maverick Whiskey’s second-floor restaurant and bar offers unique cuisine and cocktails crafted with extraordinary taste. With lunch and dinner menus updated seasonally, Maverick Whiskey offers fresh recipes inspired by the season with choices from an assortment of entrees, such as colorfully tossed salads and savory southern-inspired plates. At MaverickWhiskey.com.

IN WITH THE OUTLAWS

A cozy kitchen in the heart of historic Alta Vista, Outlaw Kitchens is an enchantingly inviting neighborhood café where they offer a nightly dinner of the chef’s choosing. Elevated farm-to-table cuisine with a rotating pre-fixed menu and an intimate atmosphere that feels like a dinner party makes for a memorable experience with every visit. Add wine and beer and friendly cheer to the perfect recipe that is this quaint, unique eatery, and it’s no surprise that it has quickly become a local favorite. At OutlawKitchens.com.

SOUTHERN CHARMED

An intriguing, southern-inspired destination for relaxing suppers, slow weekend brunching or a meeting hub for business lunches and happy hour, Ida Claire has opened a San Antonio location across from the Quarry that is drawing foodies from all around town. Our favorite feature? Outdoor seating in a whimsically decorated air stream that’s picture-perfect for Instagram enthusiasts. At Ida-Claire.com.

NEIGHBORLY & NOTEWORTHY

NEIGHBORLY & NOTEWORTHY

by | Dec 31, 2019 | 2020 January February, Savor, Culture

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