Critics Consider Antica Osteria, Ziggy’s, Alicia’s, Rattan Bistro

IN THE NEWS: The Houston Press’s Robb Walsh reviews Antica Osteria (2311 Bissonnet, 713-521-1155), while Paul Galvani considers Ziggy’s Healthy Grill (2202 W. Alabama, 713-527-8588). houstonpress.com … The Houston Chronicle’s Alison Cook reviews Alicia’s Mexican Grille (14315 Cypress Rosehill, Cypress, 281-304-1833) and Rattan Pan-Asian Bistro (1396 Eldridge Parkway, 281-556-9888). chron.com
Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

‘Gourmet’ Lauds Farm-to-Table Spots Reef, T’Afia

Gourmet magazine’s October 2007 issue features a guide to “America’s Best Farm-to-Table Restaurants.” gourmet.com:
RESTAURANTS WITH FARM CONNECTIONS: 2nd Street Bistro, Livingston, MT; Amherst Chinese Food, Amherst, MA; Blackberry Farm, Walland, TN; Crook’s Corner, Chapel Hill, NC; Eve, Alexandria, VA; La Provence, Lacombe, LA; Lantern, Chapel Hill, NC; Pacific’O and I’o, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii; Tree House [...]

Critics Rate Brasserie Max, Monarch

IN THE NEWS: The Houston Press’ Robb Walsh reviews Brasserie Max and Julie (4315 Montrose Blvd., 713-524-0070), Paul Galvani notes Fernando’s Latin American Cuisine (14135 SW Fwy., 281-494-9087). houstonpress.com … The Chronicle’s Alison Cook reviews Monarch Restaurant in Hotel ZaZa (5701 Main, 713-526-1991, www.hotelzaza.com) and J’s Bistro (4502 Highway 6 North, 281-861-9940), as well as [...]

Triola’s Azzarelli’s Plans Another Location

IN THE NEWS: The Houston Business Journal features Rainbow Lodge, which moved in late 2006 to a 100-year-old log cabin on a creek off White Oak Bayou (2011 Ella Blvd.) that formerly housed the French restaurant, La Tour d’Argent. … The Journal also reports that Frank Triola, owner of Azzarelli’s, is planning to open a [...]

Restaurants Cope With New Smoking Ban

IN THE NEWS: Cleverley’s newsletter and blog report that Monica Pope and Andrea Lazar are opening a new venue in late September-early October called Beaver’s at 2310 Decatur, Houston. (www.BeaversHouston.com) and also reports how some restaurants are accommodating patrons as the smoking ban in Houston’s restaurants and bars took effect on Sept. 1. cleverleysnewsletter.com … [...]

Longstanding Mykonos Island Closes

IN THE NEWS: The Houston Chronicle’s Dai Huynh reports on the Aug. 31 closing of 27-year-old Greek eatery Mykonos Island Restaurant on Richmond. Huynh reports that H-E-B, which controls the lease, chose not to extend it with the restaurant. … The Chronicle’s Eyder Peralta features Moo Hive Honey Ice Cream (6285 Bissonnet, 713-774-4200), while Alison [...]

Chef Sanchez to Open New Inka, Cafe Inka

IN THE NEWS: Cleverley’s Newsletter reports that Chef David Sanchez (formerly of Artista, Julia’s Bistro, Grotto & Ninfa’s/Antone’s) is opening a new restaurant called Inka on the westside, with an adjoining venue called Cafe Inka. And he already has his second location lined up. … Cleverley also reports that Luby’s has opened a new prototype [...]

Reviewers Rate Monarch, Cafe Pita +

IN THE NEWS: The Houston Press‘ Eric Gerber reviews Monarch Restaurant (5701 Main (in Hotel ZaZa), while Paul Galvani notes Killen’s Steakhouse (2804 Main, Pearland). houstonpress.com … The Houston Chronicle’s Alison Cook reviews Café Pita + (10890 Westheimer), Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe (1511 Airline), and Seco’s Latin Cuisine (2536 Nottingham), and has a first taste at [...]

Del Frisco’s Steak House Set for Galleria

IN THE NEWS: Cleverley’s Newsletter reports: Del Frisco’s Steak House has scheduled their grand opening party for November 2007 on Westheimer, next to Oceanaire in The Cheesecake Factory Parking Lot, Galleria Mall … Polo Becerra and Jon Paul have changed the name of their new restaurant before it opens. Turns out that someone already owned [...]

Brenner’s on the Bayou Debuts Aug. 10

IN THE NEWS: Cleverley’s Newsletter scoops that Landry’s has purchased The Lodge at Bayou Bend (#1 Birdsall, Houston). The name of the restaurant will be changed to Brenner’s on the Bayou and will open the weekend of Aug 10. Landry’s also owns the original Brenner’s Steakhouse at 10911 Katy Freeway, Houston. cleverleysnewsletter.com … Texas [...]