Ronnie Killen’s first inner-Loop endeavor is now open in the former Hickory Hollow space. At Killen’s, expect much of the same mouthwatering comfort-food fare experienced at his fried-chicken pop-ups throughout the last year, plus fried green tomatoes with buttermilk sauce, and an ever-comforting chicken-and-dumplings dish. 101 Heights Blvd., 713.637.4664
<p>Chef-owner Benchawan Painter finally has a permanent home for her <strong>Street to Kitchen</strong> pop-up concept. The East End restaurant spotlights self-proclaimed “unapologetically, authentically Thai” food, elevating items that are traditional street foods in Painter’s native Thailand to chef-driven dishes made with local and organic ingredients. <i>6501 Harrisburg Blvd., 713.428.1975</i></p><p>The Memorial area’s new <strong>White Elm Bakery</strong> — a joint effort of Chico Ramirez of Dinner Table Investments, Bread Man Baking owner Tasos Katsaounis, and Chez Nous owners Scott and Stacy Simonson — is a nearly 3,500-square-foot space with a patio that offers walk-up coffee and pastries in the morning and lunch and dinner daily. Expect fresh bread, and Greek specialties nodding to Katsaounis’ upbringing. <em>14079 Memorial Dr., 281.496.2920</em></p><p>The Heights outpost of <strong>The Burger Joint</strong> was in the works for years, and finally opened shortly before the shutdown in March. But owner Shawn Bermudez is already planning to expand: The Taco Stand will debut next-door to the burger hotspot on Shepherd before the end of the year. Expect all-day breakfast tacos, plus burritos and street tacos, all on housemade corn and flour tortillas. <i>2002 N. Shepherd Dr., 713.485.6734</i></p><p>Montrose restaurant <strong>Riel</strong> — previously only open for dinner — now offers a special to-go lunch menu of sandwiches and more. <strong>Louie’s</strong> will offer “Riel Good Sandwiches,” like a classic Italian sub or a mouthwatering, monstrous chicken-caprese creation — fried mozzarella, tomato, basil, and pesto-drenched chicken, topped with honey-balsamic — along with sides like Ryan Lachaine’s signature <i>poutine</i>. <i>1927 Fairview St., 832.831.9109</i></p><p>Now open on Wash Ave: <strong>Bottled Blonde Pizzeria + Beer Garden</strong>, with a sports-bar-meets-biergarten vibe and covered patio dining. Expect an extensive selection of craft beer, along with weekend brunch, late-night bites and a killer happy hour that includes half-off pizzas from 3-6pm on weekdays. <i>4901 Washington Ave.</i></p><p>Get a taste of what <strong>Brennan’s</strong> newest exec chef can do! Joey Chavez’s five-course tasting menu ($80) includes items like Hamachi crudo made with Texas peaches and truffled-aji-amarillo vinaigrette, and a savory barbecue lamb with smoked-tomato tart. <i>3300 Smith St., 713.522.9711</i></p><p><em>AT TOP: This Lil' Piggy cookies at White Elm Bakery</em></p>
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