Devouring Houston 2024: A Tasty Round-Up of What’s New and Notable

Devouring Houston 2024: A Tasty Round-Up of What’s New and Notable

Alexandra Peña (photo by Jhane Hoang)

THE CITY'S DINING scene has never been bigger or better. Step inside the trendiest and tastiest H-Town restaurants now!


Du Jour: Turning Blue

Alexandra Peña (photo by Jhane Hoang)

The industry pros behind Bludorn and Navy Blue — bolstered by a James Beard nod for Best Hospitality — are opening their latest project in Hedwig Village soon. Bar Bludorn will be led by chef Alexandra Peña, a bombshell who is responsible for turning the Bludorns’ fine-dining fare into that of a more approachable, neighborhood-staple tavern. Peña, 30, was raised in Cypress, and draws inspiration from her kitchen-savvy grandmother.

Du Jour: Going Big

The Miss Moneypenny martini at Little’s (photo by Arturo Olmos)

Pristine seafood and a happening bar — what’s not to love about buzzy seafood palace Little’s Oyster Bar from Pappas Restaurant Group? Chef Jason Ryczek, a California transplant and caviar expert, continues to wow with his elegant and reverent culinary style incorporating the top seafood of the moment. Don’t miss hits like Texas Redfish with Castelvetrano olive salsa verde; chicken-fried American red snapper; and blue-crab-broiled oysters with Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and sauce choron.

People: Mideast Magic

Yotam Dolev (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)

Inspired by the Shabbat dinners of his childhood, Hamsa’s exec chef Yotam Dolev fuses classic and modern Israeli cuisine to brilliant effect, from silky tahini cleverly blended with butternut squash to gorgeously grilled shrimp skewers in vivacious lemon chimichurri. Hamsa’s owners received a 2024 James Beard nod for Outstanding Restaurateur.

Du Jour: Call It a Comeback

Linquine Pescatora at Sorrento

A beloved Italian stalwart is reborn, as Sorrento Ristorante refreshes under new owners: Robert and Melissa Salim are former patrons who loved it so much they bought it! Think not only classics like lobster tortellini with handmade pasta, but also new pizzas, salads and desserts. Holy cannoli! And it’s not just for fancy dinners anymore. The ideal spot for biz lunches thanks to its graciously spaced-out seating, Sorrento adds brunch March 3. Expect a new top-tier player in the elegant upper echelon of Sunday Funday.

People: Girl Power

Benchawan Painter, a.k.a. Chef G (photo by Jhane Hoang)

Chef Benchawan Jabthong Painter, who won the 2023 James Beard for Best Chef: Texas, couldn’t have known what her future held when she opened Street to Kitchen in the East End during the height of the pandemic. But her “unapologetically Thai” food acquired lines out the door, and she just moved into a three-times-larger space down the street. She also recently opened Th Prsrv, the world’s first Choctaw-Thai restaurant, in Kemah.

Du Jour: Endless Summer

An explosion of flavors at Jūn

Still on the best-new-restaurant lists across the nation after opening a year ago, Jun charms with its fusion menu and laid-back setting. Its most recent accolade is a semifinalist nomination for the 2024 James Beard Awards category of Best New Restaurant. Together with biz partner Henry Lu, chef Evelyn Garcia weaves dishes that nod to her Mexican-Salvadorian heritage and his Chinese heritage. Witness wonderous plates like roasted carrots with salsa matcha and Top Chef-lauded lamb shank with curry.

Du Jour: Numbers Game

Key lime pie at Steak 48 (photo by Woncho Lee)

A sceney steakhouse issues a challenge: Can you save room for this delightfully dense, triple-layer key lime pie with fresh whipped cream and lime “caviar”? At Steak 48, where the menu boasts decadence like chicken-fried lobster tails and Thai-chili-braised pork belly (those are just the starters!), it’s a must.

Food
Consistent Focus on the Patient Is What Sets Montrose Med Spa Apart

Owner Maricela Olivo and Montrose Med Spa

WHAT MAKES MONTROSE Med Spa stand apart from the competition? We set ourselves apart from the competition by being consistently focused on one thing: the patient. With that focus, we will succeed in a successful and healthy experience and loyalty to Montrose Med Spa. Staying true to our message of intentional wellness is a point of difference where I see other spas being unclear and distracted in their direction. By listening to our patients, we ensure we meet and exceed their expectations. We continually stay on top of the market by offering the best innovative body sculpting and skin treatments that invigorate and energize and are specifically designed to restore balance and strength and renew youth to the body. We also utilize a number of marketing programs to stay on the minds of our guests, including radio, TV, direct mail, email blasts, and unique invitations for exclusive treatments. One element that helps to establish the bar and sets us apart from our competition is our emphasis on providing a complete medical gym experience—from the varied treatments with Emsculpt Neo to a personalized health and wellness and skin evaluation for each individual by our certified staff. We also provide a noninvasive, pain-free, and needle-free facelift through EMFace in addition to offering monthly beauty memberships that create a commitment to the overall wellbeing of the patient.

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Októ cocktails (photo by Becca Wright)

UPTOWN, DOWNTOWN, GALLERIA, Heights, Bellaire or Montrose — wherever you are, here’s where to take the edge off a long day with gently priced eats and drinks. We threw in a suggestion for safe discounted rides, too. Cheers!

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Food

Nancy and Mauricio Dubon

AN ANNUAL EVENT to raise funds for some of the top Astros players’ favorite causes was a glam slam, thanks to a new venue and major league star power.

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Parties