Why I Love Houston…Houston Restaurant Weeks Season.

Nothing represents a people and their culture like food. Houston’s cuisine – like the city itself – is diverse, innovative, and accessible. As much as I love to travel, there is truly no place like home for this fifth-generation Houstonian – and food plays no small part in that romance for me and the millions of others who are proud to call Houston home. There’s always a new? ?place ?to try? and Houston Restaurant Weeks is the perfect opportunity for plotting? culinary adventures? ?while benefiting the Houston Food Bank. Here are some of my favorite picks from this year’s list of participating restaurants.

For refined casual cuisine with a Southern flair, I love the flavors and ambiance of rooftop dining at Harold’s Restaurant on 19th Street – housed in the hallowed remains of the landmark upscale department store by the same name. Take advantage of Metro‘s free bus service through August 22 and catch a ride to your dining destination. The White Oak route in my neighborhood makes a stop near Revival Market where you can also pick up locally made condiments like pickles and jams. Brennan’s famous New Orleans-style dining decadence and Damian’s Cucina Italiana are Midtown musts. In Montrose, ??sophisticated, ?Mexican cuisine is on the menu at Hugo’s. After a full day of gallery-hopping in the Museum District, make a reservation for a table at the Monarch Bistro? ?in swanky Hotel ZaZa (formerly the historic Warwick Hotel) or 

Lucille’s, ?named after the first black female business owner in Texas whose recipes are dished up proudly by her descendants for ?all the Southern comfort? food? one art-loving soul could desire. On the weekends, be sure to catch the live Blues brunch, oysters, and fresh fish Texas-style at Danton’s Gulf Coast Seafood. Houston Restaurant Weeks runs through September 7, 2015, so be sure to start making those reservations to dine out for a worthy cause.

Bon appetit!

Kathlyn

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