Uptown Park’s Hotel Granduca debuts al fresco dining concept Il Giardino, tucked into the property’s lush gardens. In addition to a menu boasting light, Italian fare, guests can indulge in craft beer imported from Italy. 1080 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.418.1000
Crepe Ratatouille at Brasserie du Parc
Brasserie du Parc launches its Parisian-inspired Sunday brunch menu. Guests are invited to dine in the enclosed terrace with views of Discovery Green and nosh on pain perdu with syrup and fresh berries, traditional beignets, and the vegetarian ratatouille crepe, all nicely washed down with handcrafted cocktails like the Sunny Side of the Parc made with house-made limoncello and Champagne. 1440 Lamar St., 832.879.2802
Just in time for the dog days of summer, ramen bar and Montrose newcomer
Ramen Tatsu-Ya introduces a spicy chilled ramen to the menu. Served brothless, the refreshing dish is made with pirikara ground pork, cucumber, ajitama (seasoned soft-boiled egg), karashi mustard and chili oil, and a citrus soy dressing. 1722 California St.
Now open in Rice Village: The fourth location of husband-and-wife team Faysal and Maria Haddad’s Island Grill, in the space formerly occupied by Little Liberty. Like its other locations in Uptown, Bellaire and West Houston, the fast-casual cafe offers counter-service and a menu of fresh Mediterranean-American eats for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus smoothies and juices. New on the menu: shrimp étouffée with mini biscuits! 2365 Rice Blvd., 713.527.8070
Uptown’s Willie G’s Seafood & Steaks will relocate to owner Tilman Fertitta’s new The Post Oak this fall. With mod indoor-outdoor seating and an oyster bar, the reimagined concept will join luxury retail, office space and the first Texas location of Mastro’s Steakhouse.
Michael Caplan, co-owner of Siphon Coffee, has opened Cavo Coffee on the ground floor of the 11-story Regions Financial Center at Greenway Plaza. Along with espresso and coffee drinks, guests can expect craft beer and wine and a menu of comfort-food items like avocado toast frisée in a cozy dining space. 3773 Richmond Ave., Ste. 1F, 346.320.4195
Pomegranate guacamole at new Sumomaya in River Oaks District.
SumoMaya Mexican Asian Kitchen is set to debut in River Oaks District with a robust menu fusing the flavors of the Far East with traditional tapas-style items. Along with a full sushi program, the trendy spot will serve craft cocktails and chef-driven cuisine ranging from tacos and noodles to prime steaks. In River Oaks District
Farm-to-table café and neighborhood gem Dish Society will open its first inner-Loop location in the Heights Central Station mixed-use development in 2018. The hip new outpost will stay true to its role as a family-friendly hangout with an expansive dog-friendly patio and communal games like darts, shuffleboard and foosball — but also aims to place a heavy focus on a new bar program with beer, wine and craft cocktails. 1050 Yale St.
New Orleans hot dog hangout Dat Dog announces plans to expand to Texas with a number of locations set to open across the city in 2018. With a specialty menu featuring Guinness sausage wieners and over 30 toppings that include bacon, sour cream, grilled onions and housemade sauces, the gourmet fast-food joint has garnered a loyal following for its craft dogs.
After a much lauded four-year stint, Tony’s first female chef de cuisine Kate McLean has parted ways with the high-end dining destination, making way for former sous chef Austin Waiter to take the reins in the kitchen. 3755 Richmond Ave., 713.622.6778
