food

Phat Eatery’s Expansion, Japanese-Peruvian Fusion, and More of This Week’s Tastiest Food News in Small Bites

Phat Eatery’s Expansion, Japanese-Peruvian Fusion, and More of This Week’s Tastiest Food News in Small Bites

Ceviche at El Venado (photo by Jenn Duncan)

EVEN THE DEAD heat of summer (in June?!) can’t slow down the Houston food scene. Here’s the week’s headline-making news that’s sure to whet your appetite.

Phat Eatery Goes North

Alex Au-Yeung (photo by Kimberly Park)

James Beard semifinalist Alex Au-Yeung has announced he’s taking his hit Malaysian concept Phat Eatery on the road — up I-45 to The Woodlands, that is. The new outpost will be twice as big as his Katy Asian Town locale, and will boast more private-dining areas, too. Expect the same street-food-inspired fare a la roti canai, curry laksa and stir-fried deliciousness; Au-Yeung will also take this opportunity to expand the dim sum menu by adding items like steamed rice rolls and xiao long bao. There will also be Japanese bento-box-inspired lunch offerings, a new list of craft cocktails, and, for the first time, Chinese-style barbecue. It’s a “passion project” of Chef Alex’s, one he first discovered while training in Cantonese kitchens in Hong Kong. At the new Phat Eatery, patrons can savor his mouthwatering interpretations of barbecue pork and Peking duck.

Le Jardinier Joins the Brunch Bunch

Vegan Ice Cream (photo by Michael Pisarri)

The MFAH’s picture-perfect fine-dining destination Le Jardinier is now offering brunch. The pre-fixe menu touts colorful, garden-inspired dishes like citrus-cured hiramasa with bright heirloom radishes and avocado to start, followed by mains such as scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and caviar. Finish with something sweet like seasonal sorbets or a dark-chocolate crémeux.

More Tequila and Tex-Mex Arrives on Wash Ave

Paloma (photo by Jenn Duncan)

A long-vacant spot on Washington Avenue near I-10 is now a “modern cantina” called El Venado, or “the deer” in Spanish. Opening Monday, the indoor-outdoor concept will serve craft cocktails with agave and a variety of tequilas and mezcals. The space has been in the works for almost a year; owner Alexander Noons has been working on the simple design and nature-inspired vibe to best cater to the neighborhood, which is located across from Memorial Park. The menu will be delicious but short — queso and salsa, of course, plus ceviche to start, and street-food-inspired bites like tostadas, nachos and elote for those looking for something a little more substantial to pair with their rosemary-adorned Anna Maria cocktail.

Get Juice Delivered to Your Door

Wellness shots and juice

Pressed, which has locations in Heights Mercantile and Rice Village, now offers home delivery via Instacart. The popular cold-pressed juices, smoothies, cleanses and plant-based snacks are a nice antidote to the summer heat, and can be delivered to your doorstep in as little as an hour. Convenience and food accessibility is at the core of brand’s mission, which also promises to utilize seasonal and sustainable produce, products and practices.

Popular Chef Brings ‘Nikkei’ to Houston

Conchas a la Parmesana Nikkei

Houston’s international reputation continues to grow, especially when it comes to the dining scene. Up next? Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, from chef Masaru Fukuda, who most recently operated the Nikkei stall in Politan Row. The new concept, called Pacha Nikkei, will open at the end of the summer on Westheimer near Briargrove Park. “Nikkei” is actually a culinary term for the food created with Peruvian ingredients and utilizing Japanese preparations; ceviche as we know it is often a tasty example of Nikkei. Not much else is yet known about this restaurant, but stay tuned to CityBook for details.

From Your Site Articles
Food
promoted

Ancient French Wellness Cures Reimagined at Houston’s Escape Spa: The Power of Vichy

Ancient French Wellness Cures Reimagined at Houston’s Escape Spa: The Power of Vichy

Serial entrepreneur and spa visionary LeBrina Jackson

NESTLED IN THE heart of France, the town of Vichy holds a rich history in the world of wellness and hydrotherapy. Acquiring fame for their alkaline springs in the 17th century, the Romans were among the first to recognize the therapeutic benefits of the springs. They established a French spa known as “Vichy,” which still exists today and continues to attract spa-goers from around the world to experience the transformative effects of hydrotherapy.

Keep ReadingShow less
food news

Hot Chef Checks In at Montrose's Newest Boutique-Hotel Restaurant

A rendering of Hotel Saint Augustine (courtesy of Lake Flato Architects and Ten Eyck Landscape Architect)

CELEBRATED CHEF Aaron Bludorn is on a roll. After successfully opening three Houston restaurants including the recent Bar Bludorn, he has set his sights on the boutique Hotel Saint Augustine to open this fall.

Keep ReadingShow less
Food
food

Common Bond Chef Cooks Up Comfort Food at New Restaurant in the Heights

Andrew Hemingway

Curried Mussels

JASON GOULD IS best known as the chef behind Common Bond, one of Houston’s go-to spots for easy French-inspired bites and pastries. But now, Gould has created a comfort-food menu for another locally-owned resto — 1891 American Eatery & Bar in the Heights. It’s part of a partnership with Garza Management Group that has recently taken over Common Bond. Boasting an expansive patio, the new resto describes itself as having a “family-friendly pub atmosphere."

Keep ReadingShow less
Food