This Week's Food News: Greek-ing Out in West U, the Latest from Ben Berg, and More!

THE NEW YEAR has already yielded its fair share of tastebud-tingling headlines — and here's a few more! From a prolific restaurateur's big announcement to a Houston institution's ambitious expansion, catch up on all the latest below.

Café Express Heads to The Woodlands

Family meals at Cafe Express (photo by Michael Anthony)

A few months after debuting its fresh new look on West Gray, Café Express has announced it will open a new location on College Park in The Woodlands on Monday, Jan. 30. Channeling an artsy European café, the space boasts eclectic wall. hangings, Italian-upholstered furniture and, of course, a menu of "craft-casual" eats like comforting soups and pastas, healthful salads, and perfectly grilled entrees. Café Express plans to open a whopping 30 new outposts over the next seven years, including one in Baybrook this summer.

West U Greeks Out Over New Kriti Kitchen

Offering counter-service breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with grab-and-go items and heat-and-eat meals, Greek-inspired Kriti Kitchen is now open in West U. Chef-owner Mary Cuclis, a Pondicheri alum, started as a caterer, offering handy meals prepped for groups that were announced on her social media platforms. Its popularity segued to her current space located in Weslayan Plaza. Dishes are made with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, so you might find a few surprise selections each time you visit. Read more here!

Ben Berg Takes on Chinese Cuisine

A rendering of the forthcoming 1818 Washington restaurants

Not one to rest on his laurels, Ben Berg is back at it. In April, Berg Hospitality Group will open a pair of brand-new concepts next-door to Berg's original B&B Butchers & Restaurant on Washington. At Benny Chows, Berg will, for the first time, explore Chinese cuisine, including dim sum bites and classics like Peking duck, along with a sure-to-be exquisite filet mignon-and-broccoli. Expect Chinese-inspired design elements and, upstairs, a rooftop bar boasting a coveted skyline view. Known as Canopy Social, the third-floor space will have a retractable roof and an indoor-outdoor decor scheme, a la rattan furniture, water features and tons of greenery.

Popular Cocktail Bar Shakes Up Montrose with Second Location

Pizza at Betelgeuse Betelgeuse (photo by Lindsey Cooper-Trevino)

Pizza and cocktails — a classic pairing? It is now, thanks to the success of Betelgeuse Betelgeuse in the Sixth Ward. The hot spot, owned by Chris Cusack, will open a second location this summer, at 4500 Montrose Blvd. Quirky and outer-space-themed, the popular bar known for its laid-back vibes and funky art — not to mention the blistery pies and drink list that also includes local beers and natural wines — will fit right into the Montrose scene. More details are forthcoming.