geegeeTX's Profile
Downtown for early business dinner
I have heard very good things about Samba Grille, although I've never been. It's in Bayou Place.
http://sambagrillehouston.com/menus/dinner.pdf
Health Food Stores
Are you looking for fresh, local produce? There are several in the Spring area, and I have found them all to be pretty great (not necessarily organic, mind you) :
http://discoverspringtexas.com/2009/06/17/farm-stands-in-spring-texas/
As far as health food stores, I have not been there in a few years (too expensive for my big family), there is one 249 & Louetta:
http://www.americanhealthfoodshouston.com/
It's pretty small, but does a have refrigerated goods and a frozen section. Not sure of any produce offerings, I do not think they offer that. They also carry vitamins, etc...
There is another one, not sure what they stock - but it's been there for years on FM 1960, between Champions Forest Drive and Champions Drive (in the same place as Outback Steakhouse). Here is the web site: http://www.betsyhealth.com/
Hope this helps.
Caribbean Restaurants in Houston
I have seen this place in passing, but never tried it. I am dying for some good Roti, and I know they do shrimp, goat, beef chicken, and a vegetarian one! The owner is Jamaican, so that is the large influence in the menu. It's on FM 1960 and Red Oak - near the hospital. NW side of Houston.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carbbiean-Hot-Pot-Restaurant/211028342248395?sk=wall
I used to have their web site bookmarked, but I lost it. :(
Family Friendly Suggestions
My kids really like Natachee's Supper & Punch (comfort food). I like the food but the service is spotty and indifferent after several visits. They do have a kid's menu, and a sandbox area (kids eat free Tuesdays). Little Big's (slider joint) is fun for kids, good small sliders for them, and they have nice shakes and a patio. Here is an article from Houston Press that may help:
http://blogs.houstonpress.com/eating/2011/04/houstons_best_patios_the_10_be_2.php
Also, if your kids eat Middle Eastern, Aladdin @ the corner of Westheimer & Montrose is great - they have lots of nice juices, and our kids really like their hummus, chicken and fresh pita bread.
Downtown's best?
Cafe TH on Pease has some really great Vietnamese. Their Bánh mì is the stuff dreams are made of. Try one with the pork meatballs, and you will love it. Open for dinner only Thurs/Fri from 6 - 9. Lunch M - Sat 11 -3.
http://cafeth.com/
Lunch in Woodlands - non-chain recommendations
You might check out Capri, off of I-45 and rayford I believe. Here is the web site:
http://www.capri-pasta.com/
And a recent review in Houston Press:
http://www.houstonpress.com/2011-04-21/restaurants/capri-in-spring/
Run out of options in the NW....need some recs!
Any good Greek? http://eurobakery-cafe.com/ this is on Louetta near Kuykendahl - have not been, but I've heard good things about it (i.e. - very authentic).
Any good Italian? I am at a loss on this one. But there is a place called Vito's Famous (http://www.vitosfamous.com/) on Spring Cypress - they are from Philly - great cheese steaks and pizza, too - also have homemade cannoli. Love it.
Any good Middle Eastern/Lebanese - Nadia's Mediterranean Grill. Very solid Middle Eastern - great falafel and shawarma. On FM2920, right past Kuykendahl.
Any good Japanese? Did you try Matsu on FM 1960? I love that place.
There are so many great places outside of the suburbs, but with 3 small kiddos, the husband & I have to be pretty choosy about when and where we go these days, when we get to go into the city to dine. If you like sushi, The Blue Fish in Bayou Place downtown was fantastic when I ate there on Thursday night.
I have been to Bootsie's several times, and you should know that as far as dinner goes, right now they only offer 6 or 9 course tasting menus. The lunch still menu changes daily. I read that once Restaurant Connate opens, Bootsies will return to a more varied menu. You can read that article here: http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/tomball/living/article_c1e79a60-0f54-5b86-a955-dc4ecd431ce3.html
Good luck, and thanks for the feedback on your food ventures!
Dinner Close to Jones Hall?
I will have to check out Voice - thanks for the info. We did end up at The Blue Fish, and it was excellent. Rainforest roll was superb, softshell crab was nice and lightly fried. I can also recommend the ahi tower - a lot of fun to eat. Cool patio, and nice service. The manager was very friendly.
Grand Cayman - Eating/drinking top tips
Here is a report I wrote in 2008 - we are headed back in June, and looking forward to it. One place we wanted to try last time, but did not was 'Chicken! Chicken!' - rotisserie chicken, with a Caribbean twist.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/521022
Please post a trip report when you return!
Dinner Close to Jones Hall?
Preferably within walking distance, as I'll be short on time. I had a really bad experience at Artista several months ago. Service was great, until a larger party arrived and my husband and I were basically ignored for the rest of our meal. I do like their food, though - the crawfish taquitos were fantastic.
Dinner Close to Jones Hall?
I'm looking for a place to eat, close to Jones Hall. Any recs (I am not interested in Hard Rock Cafe or Mingalone - ate at both several years ago, and have no desire to go back. ever). I like all types of food. :) Was thinking of trying the new sushi place, The Blue Fish - but wanted to know if there was anything else good around there. TIA.
Looking for crawfish in Houston
Not in Houston, but up in Spring on Louetta Rd. Hebert's Hot Tails. They are from Lake Charles, LA. The best I've had in Houston, as they know how to do 'em right, and the crawfish are from Louisiana. Little Drive thru, athough I heard they may be getting some tables....also, they do sell lives ones. They sell out every weekend. http://www.hebertshottails.com/
Molecular Gastronomy in Houston
I have eaten at Bootsie's several times, we go about once a month. I highly recommend it. Also, I have eaten at Kata Robata, and WOW - that place rocks. Very creative food - don't get your old sushi standards here - they are fantastic - but chooses something new - you'll be amazed!
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Kata Robata
3600 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77098
Where is the best place to buy Halal meats and mediterranean spices in N Houston??
It is not Zamani. Zamani is at the corner of LOUETTA RD. and Old Louetta. If you drive from that restaurant all the way down Old Louettta, past the Mosque, you will hit Spring Cypress Rd. It is at *that* intersection, as I said above.
Where is the best place to buy Halal meats and mediterranean spices in N Houston??
There is a new place, just opened. It's at the intersection of Spring Cypress & Old Louetta Rd...not sure of the name though. It's in the same center as 'on the rox' sports bar. I have not been able to check it out yet.
New to Houston staying in the Northwest (Willowbrook) area
Bakery is not open yet. His other restaurant, 'Restaurant Connate' is set to open in a month or two, though.
New to Houston staying in the Northwest (Willowbrook) area
I grew up in this area of town, and now I live nearby with my family. Yes, there are a multitude of chain restaurants, but there are a few gems. As I said in previous reply, I 2nd the Bootsie's recommendation. I would also recommend Matsu for Japanese food (on FM 1960 between Stuebner Airline & Champion Forest Dr). I have tried nearly every Tex-Mex place in this immediate area, and have yet to find one I can recommend; I will have to say the same for Chinese food. If you like Thai - try Anothai Cuisine - on FM1960, right past Jones Rd. Their Shrimp & Pineapple curry is heavenly. If you are looking to drive a few miles - Dolce Vita in the Woodlands is my pick for Italian. Their specials are wonderful, and the pizzas are crusty and perfect. Victor's is a delicatessen on FM1960, they have a great breakfast, and make some nice soups, too. As far as Middle Eastern, if you like Falafel and Chicken Shawarma sandwiches, there is a place called 'Anthonies' on the corner of FM1960 & Stuebner (behind burger King). Its changed names a couple of times, but the food and owner has stayed the same. They also sell pita and hummus, good for snacking. Let us know what you've been eating! :)
New to Houston staying in the Northwest (Willowbrook) area
I have eaten at Bootsie's several times, and I highly recommend it. Go for the 3rd coast tasting menu - its a bargain for $35. Let them know your dislikes, the chef has always asked us (when we've done the tasting). The menu is small, and it changes daily - but everything is as local as it gets. they have some nice microbrews, too - if you like beer.
What's New NOLA?
lived there 5 years ago, though I have not been since 2008...so, its been a long stretch this time, in between visits....
What's New NOLA?
Headed to New Orleans soon, and staying in the Quarter. I used to live there, and so I am planning on hitting a few old favorites, but is there anything new specifically in the Quarter you hounds would recommend (I seriously do eat everything, so no restrictions on types of food)? We have plans for 2 new places (new to us, anyway), Cure for cocktails/food and also reservations at Bistro Daisy Uptown. Any opinions on these two places? I am so looking forward to getting back to Stanley for breakfast....Thanks!
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Bistro Daisy
New Orleans, LA, New Orleans, LA
Dungeness in Houston?
I found it a few years back at Hong Kong Market in Houston...fresh from British Columbia...alive and kicking...in fact it almost gave my sister's dog a heart attack when it refused to go in the pot!!
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Hong Kong Cafe
9108 Bellaire Blvd Ste A, Houston, TX 77036
Galveston Report
We just returned from the island, and we had a wonderful time. Here is a run-down of the interesting places we ate (some not-so-interesting places I will omit, since they were chains and mainly visited for the kid's hunger, and our sanity):
Gumbo Bar - Awesome gumbo; the best I've had outside of New Orleans. Seafood Gumbo had a nice dark roux, and fresh seafood that was delicious! Shrimp, oysters and crab meat you could *really* taste -not just shredded bits of crab or too much of one thing or another. It was a perfect mix....I will definitely be back there to try the other menu items.
Shrimp N Stuff - nice little place, reminded me of New Orleans a bit. The shrimp po boy was very tasty. I am used to the New Orleans style po boy bread - so the bread here did not impress - it was like a big hot dog bun. That being said, the seafood stood out on its own, and the stuff was as fresh as fresh could get. Nice crowd, seemed to me mostly locals during the lunch hour.
The Spot - the view from the top deck is amazing - great view of the gulf. The burgers were good, not the best I've ever had, but not the worst either. I would compare it to Fuddruckers. The onion rings were very good, not overly-greasy. The children's menu was a surprise, and the kids really enjoyed their chocolate shakes, burgers & dogs. We tried to go twice before, but after 6PM there seems to be a never-ending line out the door. We returned a 3rd time at 5PM the day before we left, and there was no line! 3rd time's a charm, I suppose. I would go back for the view, and to have some drinks (sans kiddos), but I would try someplace else for burgers next time on the island.
Russo's New York Pizzeria - we stopped in our first night around 8:30. We were the only ones outside on a lovely, breezy evening. The kids enjoyed the free space, and we enjoyed a couple of cold beers. We all enjoyed the pizza, and yes - it is the same 'Russo's' from Houston. We had a cheese pizza, and loved it ....great spot, and nice people working there.
La King's Confectionery - Just as I remember it from my childhood. Wonderful candy, and my husband swears they have the best vanilla malt anywhere (I'll take his word, since I am a 'chocolate' person). The kids enjoyed lots of sugary treats, including my favorite - peanut butter cups. I only wish I'd had time to go back for some of their turtles....they are to die for!
I wanted to try Mario's on the Seawall, and Olympia Grill for some Greek - maybe next time...
Galveston - what's up?
Headed to Galveston (staying at the Galvez), and here's what I got so far for places to eat (please add any other recs/opinons; we are traveling with a 4 & 2 year old..)
Cafe Michael Burger - burgers, German fare
The Spot - burgers, etc
La Estacion - breakfast tacos/burritos
Shrimp 'n Stuff - seafood
Mario's - there is a Seawall Mario's, and a 61st Mario's - they are owned separately...anyone have any advice on either place?
Also looking forward to a trip to La King's Confectionary, and Col. Bubbie's - it will be my kid's 1st time to both, and one of many for me!
New Orleans - late Friday lunch recs - what's open?
Thanks to all for the recs. We love Mandinas, but we'd like to steer towards fine dining. Cochon may be good a good choice, as well as Bayona, Luke or Herbsaint.
New Orleans - late Friday lunch recs - what's open?
I will be in town for the day, next Friday & ready for lunch by around 1 - 2PM...what's open at that time. We lived there in New Orleans for a few years....and as I recall, that's kind of the time when lots of good places are closed between lunch & dinner. Any ideas? Will be in the CBD, but I have a car - and I am not particular about what type of food....when in New Orleans, there's not a whole lot that I *don't* like. Thanks!
SA-Best Restaurants with Kids
Yes. we took my 3 year old son, and 2 month old daughter (sleeping the whole time) for an early dinner (5:30); they were treated well, and behaved just fine. I am sure there are other places locals might recommend for families, but on the riverwalk - this was perfect for us.
Drew's Pastry Place in Spring (review) GREAT
Will have to try this place; I live a few miles from here - thanks! BTW - be glad you had to choose another option than RJ Goodies. I used them a few years in a row for my children's birthday cakes, and I've seen the quality go way down. Specifically - dried out cakes, poor customer service, and it was all topped off by them losing the cake order on my son's actual birthday....and the last time I actually ate there (a year ago), I was served the soup of the day in a molded bread bowl. You made the right choice.
SA-Best Restaurants with Kids
Pesca on the Riverwalk is a very nice seafood restaurant, and they have a nice little kidos menu (pizzas, etc.)
Foodie Options in The Woodlands
My suggestion is to drive into Houston. Americas is open on the Woodlands Waterway, but it is still receiving ho-hum reviews. I have eaten there a few times, and it's been okay - but you're much better off finding something in the city of Houston if you're looking for a true 'foodie' experience. The Woodlands is full of chain restaurants - and not very good ones, at that.
Recent review of Americas:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/dining/cook/6374650.html
I have two young children - so I do not have the luxury to eat out at nicer places as much as I used to...but I really liked Reef, when I ate there last - it's a beautiful space, and has a very attentive, yet not intrusive staff.
Reef: http://www.reefhouston.com/
Seafood-Tomball/N.Houston
Crabby Daddy's on Rayford Road near The Woodlands is very good for seafood; fun atmosphere, too. Bluewater Seafood on Fm 2920 is pretty good, too.There is one seafood restaurant in Tomball I have seen - Za Za Za Seafood. Never been, but you may want to 'Google' it for more info.
