Houston dining scene: Unchartered & unreserved
ERIKA THOMAS
THE SIGNAL
As the fourth-largest city in the nation, Houston has lots of bragging rights: basketball, rodeo, football (we are still working on that), and we can now add best culinary experiences to this ever-growing list.
The dining experience in Houston has become more eclectic and innovative as we move to become a city of true culinary diversity. Food & Wine pronounced Houston “America’s newest capital of great food” in May. Southern Living, in August, named Houston “the most interesting, far-ranging, delightful food city in the South — strike that, in America — right now.”
The following short list of compiled, and tried, restaurants in the Houston area have been open for five years or less, and have already made a mark on the culinary scene in the “Bayou City.”
Jus’ Mac, $
106 Westheimer
www.jusmac.com
Although its Height’s location has become a Houston staple, the Montrose location is only six months old. Jus’ Mac is the first and only restaurant in Houston that exclusively cooks and serves macaroni and cheese dishes.
Upon walking into this small establishment diners are greeted with a menu that houses a plethora of macaroni and cheese options that can make your head spin. The friendly staff will help answer any questions, as they know the menu front and back.
This casual restaurant is a perfect spot to go to grab one of America’s favorite comfort foods and does not break the bank. The mac and cheese is served with two size options: personal, which is four ounces of cheesy goodness versus the regular portion, which boasts six ounces of whatever the heart desires.
“The three most ordered mac and cheese dishes are the Buffalo Chicken, Popeye and Hangover,” said Chris Alvarez manager of the Montrose location.
Buffalo Chicken houses chicken, bacon, Frank’s RedHot Hot Sauce and is topped with blue cheese. Popeye is loaded with fresh spinach, onions, mushrooms and topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Hangover is served with a bottom layer of hash browns, pasta topped with a fried egg, and pico de gallo and habanero for that little bit of kick.
Green Seed Vegan, $
4320 Almeda Rd.
www.greenseedvegan.com
In the Museum District is a small, quaint and casual restaurant located on the corner of Almeda and Wheeler. Beautifully designed on the inside, this new hot spot for vegans is almost easily missed.
The husband and wife duo first started out as a food truck in 2011, and within the year they were rated number nine in the U.S. as the best vegan restaurant by Food & Wine. Three years later, now as a restaurant, they are still getting great business as they try and promote a healthier lifestyle.
Once inside, the menu is a vegan’s delight ranging from fresh-pressed raw juices to paninis, and even vegan burgers and tacos.
“A must try for the novice juicer is the Pine Verde juice, that has pineapple, wheatgrass, apple and mint,” said Debra Edwards, the juice chef. “Cauliflower Nuggets is one to not miss, or the Sweet Porta Panini with grilled portabella mushrooms [sweet potatoes, spinach with sunflower pesto spread].”
St. Genevieve, $$
2800 Kirby Dr. A206
www.saintgen.com
Located in Upper Kirby, St. Genevieve is a sleek and upscale alternative to casual dining. St. Genevieve is three years old and has already established itself with its popular Sunday brunch. Reservations are required, and dressed to impress is strongly encouraged.
Upon entering, patrons are greeted with a massive bar that fills more than half the restaurant, and yet it is still a very intimate setting; the cozy color palette of whites, grays and dark woods makes the place inviting.
Dining here on a Sunday requires a reservation as it fills very quickly, especially with their specials on carafes of Mimosas priced at $11, or $10 for a glass half-filled with vodka to take up to the bar to create one’s own Bloody Mary. If not interested in drinking their tasty libations, try one of their most requested entrees.
“Popular Sunday brunch dishes are the Crabcake Egg Benedict, Brioche French Toast, and the Handcrafted Beer Burger,” said Tiffany, hostess; the restaurant did not want to release her last name.
The in-house DJ makes it very hard to leave, especially when Whitney Houston’s “I’m Every Woman” is playing and all the beautiful people filling the restaurant are singing along.
Cook & Collins, $$$
2416 Brazos Ste. C
www.cookandcollins.com
Cook & Collins has been open for one month and already has the promise of making its mark in the ever-so-happening area of Midtown. Chef/partner Jared Estes got the idea for the name of his restaurant in part to pay respect to his grandparents, whose last name was Cook, and in part from his favorite drink, the Tom Collins.
“The most ordered dish is the Wild Rose Buffalo Meatloaf,” said manager Jim Bridges. “Oyster Rockefeller Fondue is a must try appetizer with a Jimmy Collins or even the Ginger Beery Collins.”
Even with the hustle and bustle of this restaurant there is still a sense of intimacy, and it is also a great place to people watch.
Zelko Bistro, $$
705 E 11th St.
www.zelkobistro.com
Located in the Heights, Zelko Bistro has the perfect setting for a romantic dinner for two or even just a private dinner between friends.
This old rustic house in the Heights houses some of the freshest culinary delights around. Zelko Bistro uses only local ingredients and even cultivates its own honey. The Heights Honey Bee Project obtains wild bees that would normally be exterminated and relocates them into hives so they might naturally flourish.
Chef Jamie Zelko has won countless awards including Best Chefs of America in 2013 and the Cadillac Culinary Master that same year.
“Popular dishes here are the ZB meatloaf, Captain’s Chicken, or St. Arnold short ribs,” said maître d’ Carlos Covarrubias.
