The Mediterranean healthful hot spot with locations in West Memorial and Rice Village has opened a beautiful new cafe on Woodway, in the adjoining spaces that previously housed Le Peep and Barnaby's. The giant Tanglewood outpost has been in the works for years, and the families that own the brand have taken this opportunity to turn over the reins to the next generation of restaurateurs. Expect the same great bar program and weekend brunch, plus expanded innovative offerings in the plant-based category, which has kept Hungry's relevant (and tasty) over the decades (think roasted-beet "poke"). There's also a lively patio, tree-lined and boasting seats at the indoor-outdoor bar.
Common Bond Tanglewood
Common Bond is another Houston favorite that recently tapped into the Tanglewood market. Taking over Local Foods' former spot on San Felipe at Bering, the coffeeshop known for its croissants as big as your face seems right at home in the light-filled, soaring, two-story space. This one is a "bistro and bakery" location, like the original one in Montrose, with counter service for breakfast, brunch and lunch, and seated dinner with hearty offerings. Get cozy in a camel-leather-upholstered booth, or opt for the urbane patio once the mercury drops.
Coffee Fellows Bellaire (photo by Andrew Hemingway via Heirloom Interactive)
Speaking of Common Bond: The former On-the-Go outpost on Eldridge will soon become Coffee Fellows, one of four new locations of the Euro-chic coffeeshop brand that plans to massively grow its footprint in the region. After opening two successful cafes in Katy and Bellaire, Coffee Fellows North America announced its Energy Corridor location in Eldridge will open in September, followed by ones in Katy Mills Mall and Cypress before the end of the year. Its sixth outpost will open in Pearland in 2025. In a release, Coffee Fellows says it combines "European charm and American convenience," providing customers with an inviting and cozy environment to work, gather, and relax. "Our 'Feel at Home' promise is at the heart of everything we do," said CEO Daniel Ogbonna. "We proudly offer free alternative milks, free Wi-Fi, and high-quality food and beverages served on china. We aim to provide a second living room where our guests become our family."
Baguette and caviar butter at State of Grace
River Oaks fave State of Grace has announced it will reboot as a nostalgia-inspired steakhouse in September. Chef-proprietor Ford Fry, along with his VP of culinary, Drew Belline, and chefs Bobby Matos and John Quinn, dreamed up the new menu of wood-fired steaks, classic entrees, shareable sides and seafood specials, all catering to the vibe of "Golden Age of Dining," per a release. What's that, you ask? It's a time when "servers remember your drink order and steak temperature, continental cuisine and perfectly executed classics reign supreme, and guests are invited to wile away the languid Texas days with friends." There will be savory bread service with spreads and dips to start, and a Texas-size pecan ball to cap off a hearty meal. And the interiors got a refresh, too: Expect a lot more "quirky and whimsical" art and decor, with plenty of brass and leather, a nod to the OG design.
Fish Company Taco's Dirty South taco (photo by Becca Wright)
Embrace the heat and humidity at the Galveston Island Wine Festival, Aug. 30-Sept. 1, at Moody Gardens. There's a chef duel on Friday, in which seven competitors including David Cordua will create dishes to pair with vino from the globe's seven wine regions. And Saturday and Sunday bring morning yoga sessions, live music, al fresco brunch, and tastings in cool corners of Moody Gardens including the Aquarium Pyramid! Of course, there's also delicious food, and guests can get an exclusive sneak peek of beloved Fish Company Taco's brand-new menu.
Itai and Lin Ben Eli