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RESTAURANTS: Houston
Dolce Vita
I could not stop talking about the pizza at Dolce Vita after a recent visit. The tallegio pie blended the eponymous Italian cheese, pears, baby arugula and truffle oil on a perfectly crisp crust. What a great blending of flavors ñ this is why we go out to eat, to experience the creative, sublime blending of flavors from a top chef like Marco Wiles. (His high-end DaMarco is exquisite.) On our most recent visit, we sampled the pancetta and parsley, salad. A layer of Italian parsley and a few thinly sliced red onions are sprinkled with pecorino cheese. At table, thickly chopped pancetta (Italian bacon) and some tasty grease are spooned atop. Yum. Salads are fresh and delightful whether it is baby arugula salad with roasted tomatoes or the shaved Brussels sprouts with pecorino. Dolce Vita is cozy, fun and delicious.
500 Westheimer, 713.520.8222, www.dolcevitahouston.com
Rioja
Rioja has been at the top of our list for a visit, since moving back to Houston this fall. Weíd tasted Nacho Fonsecaís paella at the Houston Polo Clubís International Paella Festival and it was tops. So one evening we settled in for tapas and paella. We were delighted that not much had changed in the 2 years since our last visit. Fonsecaís paella, traditional in style and studded with calamari, shrimp and his housemade sausage, is richly flavored with perfectly cooked Valencia rice, and a crunchy soccorat around the bottom edge that disappeared quickly. We ate it our favorite wayówith a squeeze of lemon over top and a little garlic tinged alioli on the side. Tapas were delightful ñ shrimp in garlic and olive oil, a sublime tortilla. Nice wine list with helpful staff to guide diners through it. Rioja has flamenco on the weekends. Enjoy this taste of Spain in west Houston.
11920-J Westheimer Houston 77077, 281.531.5569, www.riojarestaurant.com
Sugarbabyís Cupcake Boutique
Itís a happy place, Sugarbabyís. Itís girlyóall black, white and pink ñ and my daughters and I loved it. The cupcakes did not disappoint. My favorite of the bunch was the pink strawberry flavored cupcake made in honor of breast cancer month and topped with pink ribbon sprinkles. Usually I am a white cupcake or chocolate girl, but I am looking forward to returning to grab another Sweet Strawberry. Sugarbabyís features other pastries like bite sized tarts and cheesecakes and individual bundt and pound cakes, and serves tea and Dean and Deluca coffee. Thereís a party room, too.
3310 South Shepherd Houston, TX 77098
713.52.SUGAR
www.ilovesugarbabys.com
Reef
The first attempt to visit Reef was sidelined thanks to a sick kid, so we were anxious to schedule another visit. The babysitterís scheduled opened up on a Monday night, but we were hesitantóseafood on Monday night can be sketchy. But the full room of patrons didnít mind and Reef delivered. For starters, we sampled the ceviche which was fruity, slightly smoky and reminiscent of the real deal weíve nibbled beachside in Mexico. The thick crabcake with a delicate crust was served atop a sweet, sour and hot slaw. Weíd been to Bank under Caswellís reign and appreciated his exquisite blending of flavors. We ordered grilled redfish over brocolini topped with finely chopped green bell pepper. Grilled scallops over polenta with a mushroom ragu was a nice play on shrimp and grits. A delightful buttermilk pana cotta served with strawberry sorbet was the perfect end to this dining experience. The interior design of the place, specifically the cool colors (aqua and blue) and textures (polished concrete and pearlized table tops) are a metaphor for the fresh seafood found within. Reef is a rare, and welcomed blend of unpretentious atmosphere and food prepared by a chef who is at the top of his game.
2600 Travis Houston, TX 77006 713.526.8282
www.reefhouston.com
Ouisieís Table
So comfortable, so elegant, so unpretentious. Thatís Ouisieís Table. Elouise Jonesí restaurant features regional flavors of Texas, the Gulf Coast and the South. Youíll find southern favorites like CFS, but also lots of fresh fish on the menu and thereís always a special with exciting flavors. This is where we get our oyster fix with the Fried Gulf Coast Oyster Lunch. If the weatherís nice, dine on the patio. If youíve got a big group, the wine room is fun.
3939 San Felipe
Houston, Texas 77027
713.528.2264
www.ouisiestable.com
Goode Company Seafood
Signature Texas style, but not in the big belt buckle, big hair sort of way. Subtle, excellent fare from the sea found here. We love the Campechana Extra, a plate of raw oysters, mesquite grilled flounder, shrimp with two salsas, shrimp and oyster po-boys, gumbo, the list goes on. Family friendly ñ itís loud and the kids love it too. Donít miss Goodeís famous pecan pie.
2621 Westpark Drive
Houston, TX 77098
713.523.7154
www.goodecompany.com
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