Just in Time for Spring, Patio-Happy Hamsa Debuts Sunday Brunch

Shane Dante
Just in Time for Spring, Patio-Happy Hamsa Debuts Sunday Brunch

Brunch at Hamsa

ON A PRETTY spring Sunday, the retractable wall of windows by Hamsa’s bar open onto its patio, filled with cool people, fab food and immaculate vibes. The Rice Village Israeli resto just debuted its inventive new brunch menu, and people are already raving. Recently nominated for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurateur, owners Itai Ben Eli and Itamar Levy continue to retool their modern Israeli cooking for the discerning Houston foodie.


On the menu, expect Mediterranean classics like Shakshuka — or opt for one of the new creations like the Green Omelette served with Feta and Kasserie cheeses, sourdough and Labane (a traditional middle eastern yogurt).

The schnitzel sandwich is shareable — and not to be missed. It’s a large chicken schnitzel loaded with thick slices of seasoned eggplant served on a large puffy roll. And even the hummus has gotten a brunch-approved upgrade: The mushroom version is topped with a mountain of ’em, plus a soft-boiled egg.

Try one — or all! — of the flavorful mimosa offerings including strawberry ginger or pomegranate mint. For the true Israeli experience, try the Raspberry Fizz with Arak. Arak is 100 percent alcohol that’s said to have healing properties, including aiding with digestion.


Raspberry Fizz

Mushroom Hummus

Tahini Brandy Milk Punch

Schnitzel Sandwich

Food
Fall Philanthropy Report: Urban Harvest Farmers Market Helps ‘Transform Food Accessibility’

What year was your organization launched? Urban Harvest’s Saturday Farmers Market started in 2004 with just seven vendors, providing an outlet for local farms, community and backyard gardeners to sell fresh produce harvested directly from their soils. Now in its 20th year, the market has grown to be one of the largest markets in Texas, supporting over 100 local farmers, ranchers, and food artisans all from within 180 miles of Houston. The market draws 3,000 customers every Saturday morning and includes many original vendors like Animal Farm, Atkinson Farms, and Wood Duck Farm.

Keep Reading Show less

LeBrina Jackson

AS WE GET into the holiday season, we’re reminded of what we have, what we want and what might be lacking. As Sheryl Crow says in her song, Soak up the Sun, “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you've got.” We caught up with LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, Texas, and learned how she tackles the holiday season with hope, love and most importantly, gratitude.

Keep Reading Show less

Paella Valenciana at Mi Luna

THOUGH IT'S BEEN in Houston less than a decade, Sof Hospitality has made major inroads with foodies and critics alike. Its concepts include Doris Metropolitan, Hamsa and Badolina Bakery, all of which deliver the rich flavors of Israeli cuisine in complex, photogenic and delicious dishes. Its newest, Októ, opened earlier this year, one of several energetic restaurants to bow in the Montrose Collective, just in time for the holidays.

Keep Reading Show less
Food