 Michiru Sushi Following its success in Webster, Michiru Sushi has expanded, opening a second location in Houston’s Greenway Plaza area. Set in the shadow of Lakewood Church, adjacent to Tiff’s Treats, Michiru debuted in fall 2012, quickly developing a reputation for its extremely fresh fish offerings and artfully-plated creations. Inside, the ambiance is intimate and inviting, marketing by mahogany accents, rippling, wave-like glass and blue backlighting. A rain curtain hangs between the dining room and bar, creating a soft and soothing divide in the restaurant. On the moderately-priced menu, fans will find Asian fusion entrees and appetizers, as well as unique sashimi and sushi offerings. Dig into one of the specialty rolls like the Waikiki with fresh salmon, avocado and sweet mango or the jalapeno-topped Texas roll. Michiru is open for lunch and dinner daily.  Moon Tower Inn 3004 Canal St. Houston TX 77003 www.damngoodfoodcoldassbeer.com After a year’s hiatus and major renovation, the classic East End watering hole Moon Tower Inn reopened in early 2013. Though the space remains true to its previous form with the large patio and beer garden as the centerpiece, there are new elements such as an onsite brewing operation that’s set to open in coming months. More than 60 different craft beers are on tap and the kitchen is still putting out classic hot dogs and newfangled dogs on homemade pretzel rolls that longtime patrons love. We highly recommend the lamb dog. Also intact is Moon Tower’s status as a haven for hipsters.  Witchcraft Tavern & Provision Co. 1221 W. 11th Houston TX 77008 www.witchcrafttavern.com Ken Bridge—the brains behind local haunts like Pink’s Pizza, Lola and Shepherd Park Draught House—unveiled a new Heights-area concept in early 2013 with the opening of Witchcraft Tavern & Provision Co. Located on 11th Street, in Bridge’s former Dragon Bowl location, Witchcraft delivers locals a mix of craft beer and sharable comfort food, in a laid-back space. Dragon Bowl’s interior is no more, replaced by sleek, high-back banquettes and classic rock-influenced elements. A cluster of vintage speakers and Jimi Hendrix prints add visual interest to the space, along with warm wooden paneling and soft lighting. Behind the bar, a chalkboard hangs above nearly two-dozen taps, advertising Witchcraft’s beer and wine offerings, while the nearby semi-open kitchen gives patrons a glimpse at the culinary action. On the globally-minded menu, diners will find everything from lemongrass beef satay and beef marrow small plates to tenderloin champignon and fried chicken. Witchcraft is open for lunch and dinner daily.  Eatsie Boys Cafe 4100 Montrose, Suite C., Houston TX 77006 www.eatsieboys.com Partners Matt Marcus, Ryan Soroka and Alex Vassilakidis—collectively known as the Eatsie Boys—opened their namesake café on Montrose in late 2012. The trio took over the former Kraftsmen Café space earlier in the year and transformed into the bricks and mortar evolution of their popular food truck. Some of Eatsie’s familiar favorites, such as Frank the Pretzel (homemade chicken poblano sausage, sauteed onions on a Slow Dough pretzel bun) have made the move, and other items have been added to the slate—definitely try the Sabotage, five-hour roasted pork au jus, braised greens and provolone on a Slow Dough baguette. The Eatsie Boys also continue to work on their East End brewery concept, the 8th Wonder Brewery.  1919 Wine and Mixology
2736 Virginia St. Houston TX 77098 www.1919wmb.com Situated adjacent to Chef Bruce Mozlan’s latest concept the Corner Table, 1919 embodies its prohibition past through its décor and staff serving up the latest cocktails in the prior fashions from the 1920s era. The speakeasy lounge features three rooms for entertaining. The booth-lined main room dons antique furnishing that creates a vintage inspired atmosphere with a VIP area in the far corner. 1919 Wine and Mixology is open daily at 4 p.m.  2220 Bevis St. www.crisphouston.com Crisp Wine, Beer & Eatery Crisp is all about the thin-crust pizza. This charming restaurant in Timbergrove adds to the lineup that’s invaded this neighborhood including El Gran Malo and Cottonwood. Here you’ll find inventive pizzas such as the San Fran North Beach with pepperoni, rosemary ham, fennel seed sausage, chili flakes and cherry tomatoes. And the more classic, like the Shady Acres with herb roasted mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes and roasted red peppers. There’s also a mix of fresh salads, sandwiches and heartier entrees such as the beef short ribs. On tap are 24 craft beers and oenophiles will be pleased with the extensive wine list. Keeping up with the trends, there’s even a growler refill service for those who like their craft brew to go. The classic, 6,000-square-foot building is split by a large central bar and has a strong neighborhood hangout vibe. able to connect with the local and global inspiration and experience of each chef and behind every dish, in an upscale, casually elegant atmosphere, complimented by a thoughtful international wine list. Included on Eater.com’s list of the 33 Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings of Fall 2012  Dryden Kreps 796 Town & Country Blvd. Suite 120 http://drydenkreps.com Dryden Kreps brings high-end men’s style to West Houston’s CityCentre. The modern boutique carries a large selection of fashions for all occasions—from formal and outerwear to casual shirts and jeans. Footwear and accessories round out the look for clients. Dryden Kreps offers the latest from brands across the globe such as Eton of Sweden, 34 Heritage, Billy Reid, Georg Roth and many more. Attention to detail and exceptional customer service are hallmarks at this store. After each purchase, a client’s records are updated with exact style preferences and measurements. Dryden Kreps also offers wardrobe consultation and personal shopping services.  Edward Sanchez Vanity Lounge 2800 Kirby Dr. Suite B110 www.escvanitylounge.com Armed with his camera and tripod, fine art Edward Sanchez Vanity Lounge is a specialized beauty boutique offering makeup and eyelash application, eyebrow contouring, eyebrow threading, makeup classes, and other on-location services. Customers will also find some of the best products from around the world, with a focus on lines not readily found in the Houston area or at your local shopping mall. Several skin perfection package offerings are aimed at creating an ideal canvas for makeup application. Men are not forgotten at the Vanity Lounge either. In addition to mens’ skin perfection packages there are also several mens’ skincare lines along with manscaping treatments. Brides, beauty queens and media are also welcome and packages are available to bring the experts with you on location. The Vanity Lounge is the brainchild of Edward Sanchez, a leader in the cosmetics, makeup and and professional services industry in Houston for nearly 20 years. His past experience includes serving as the Cosmetic Line Manager/Makeup Artist at Neiman Marcus and as Senior Cosmetic Manager/Makeup artist at Urban Retreat. Past clients include JoAnn King Herring, Lynn Wyatt, Diane Lokey Farb, Lindsey Love and several local news casters and celebrity clients such as George Clooney, Janet Jackson and Joan Rivers.  Etoile Cuisine et Bar 1101 Uptown Park Blvd. Suite 11 http://etoilecuisine.com Etoile Cuisine et Bar offers traditional and modern interpretations on French cuisine in its beautiful farmhouse-inspired space in Uptown Park. Owner/Chef Philippe Verpiand brings culinary experience earned at the French Culinary Institute in Avignon and some of the world’s most famous restaurants to his latest venture here in Houston. The cream, azure and brown-hued dining room is highlighted by dramatic light fixtures and a dramatic bar. The menu offers up the classics of French cuisine such as duck leg confit, beef bordelaise and braised short ribs. Definitely try the escargot Bourguignonne for an appetizer and the cassoulet made in traditional fashion with pork, sausage and duck. The wild boar Bolognese is a popular selection from the lunch menu.  Proof
2600 Travis St. www.proofbarhouston.com Talk about an amazing view. Proof Bar is making use of the space atop Bryan Caswell’s popular seafood spot Reef, providing Midtown bar-goers a new perch to take in the skyline. Marrying the expansive 4,000-square-foot rooftop with light bites from downstairs creates a fun alternative to other neighborhood haunts. After-hours, the bar is even letting a food truck or two drive up a ramp to the patio to serve patrons.  Costa Brava Bistro 5115 Bellaire Blvd. www.costabravabistro.com Bellaire residents welcomed a new restaurant to the neighborhood in August 2012 with the opening of Costa Brava Bistro. Created by Madrid-native Angeles Dueñas and Houstonian Kitty Bailey, the intimate venture fuses Spanish and French cuisine in a warmly-inviting setting. Inside, sleek banquettes, rich wood floors and wine displays come together, enhanced by artwork imported from Spain. On the menu, creamy gazpacho shines, as does Costa Brava’s seafood selections. Some of the crowd favorites include the seared snapper with crab-stuffed piquillo peppers and patatas bravas, as well as the savory paella and salmon. The roasted duck with wild mushrooms is also a safe bet. The restaurant is open Monday through Friday, for lunch and dinner, and Saturday for dinner-only.  Adair Kitchen 5161 San Felipe www.adairkitchen.com As children of the founders of Skeeter’s Mesquite Grill and Los Tios Mexican Restaurants, siblings Nick Adair and Katie Adair Barnhart have long dreamt of the day they would open their own restaurant concept and in September 2012, their vision came to fruition with Adair Kitchen. The restaurant’s playful interior design adds to the charm, marked by chalkboard menus, mint-green shelving and a 10-foot sheet metal pig that stretches between Adair’s two-levels. On the menu, classic plates like omelets, French toast and breakfast tacos shine, along with unique options including the Veggie quinoa burger, prosciutto breakfast pita and the Asian basil and mint salad. The restaurant is open daily with counter service, offered during breakfast and lunch, and table service at dinner.  KB Kasuals 2015 C West Gray St. www.kbkasuals.com After successfully launching her River Oaks-Native Houstonian, Krista Burks, fills her River Oaks-set KB Kasuals with stylish fashion finds from a mix of well-known and rising-star designers. The boutique, which is located in the River Oaks Shopping Center, stocks everything from pajamas and accessories to premium denim and cocktail dresses. Inside, the bold red, white and black shop, Donni Charm scarves and Seasonal Whispers’ accessories mix with billowy tops, maxi dresses and comfy tanks from brands like Lovers + Friends, Peace Love World and Elle Lauri. Fashionable clients will also find Paige Denim and the exclusive Black Orchid Denim on Kasuals’ racks. The boutique is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Trader Joe’s 10868 Kuykendahl Road. www.traderjoes.com Shortly after making its debut in The Woodlands, the West Coast-based specialty grocer has opened another location inside the Loop. Set in Houston’s former West Alabama Theater, the retailer brings the area its ethnic foods, wallet-friendly wine and hard-to-find products. The company will open a second Houston location in the Memorial area, later this year.  Alma Cebiche & Bar
1275 Eldridge Pkwy #100 www.almahouston.com Shortly after Downtown’s award-winning Samba Grille closed in July 2012, the restaurant’s talented chef David Guerrero reemerged on Houston’s dining scene with the first of two eatery concepts. In September 2012, Guerrero launched Alma Cebiche & Bar, a Peruvian-style restaurant highlighting the cuisine of his native South America. Named after the Spanish word for soul, Alma focuses on classic dishes, incorporating seasonal and exotic South American ingredients, served in a contemporary space that is both warm and inviting. Peruvian artifacts, souvenirs and rotating artwork by Bolivian-born, Houston-based artist Javier Duran dot the 2,200-square-foot restaurant. The spot also features an open kitchen, which gives diners a peak at Guerrero busily preparing his famous beef heart anticucho, scallop tiradito and arroz con pato. Alma is open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Saturday, and lunch-only, Sunday. |
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