New brunch offerings at Home Run Dugout (photo by Emma Umana)
AS THE RAIN continues to fall, there’s no shortage of restaurants who are willing cooler weather to happen with seasonal menu updates featuring soul-warming ingredients. Read on for the week's tastiest tidbits, including new nightclubs and unique brunch options!
Kriti Kitchen
Lamb chops and lemon potatoes (photo by Jake Eschelman)
At this West U newbie, an autumnal menu refresh brings dishes like lamb chops with lemon potatoes; a meat mezze board with beef keftedes and housemade flatbread; and Scordalia, a classic, homestyle, vegan Greek dip with potato, cashews and garlic. “Changing the menu gives us a chance to explore new seasonally-inspired dishes, as well as create dishes more in tune with the tastes of the season,” said chef/owner Mary Cuclis in a statement. “Think soups, pumpkin, potatoes and warming foods for fall and winter, while spring/summer brings more bright crisp salads, okra, and watermelon.” Kriti Kitchen will continue to serve its popular year-round Mediterranean items, including herb chicken and rice, moussaka, spanakopita, and a selection of “Heat & Eat” meals to-go.
Brennan's of Houston
White chocolate bread pudding (photo by Debora Smail)
The year-round stalwart has some excellent deals going this fall: On weekdays through the end of the month, enjoy a two-course Chef’s Lunch ($30) with menu options that rotate weekly. Celebrate the arrival of cooler weather with a three-course dinner ($95) that starts with a soup du jour, followed by veal osso bucco and white-chocolate bread pudding.
Ocean 12
Vibe dining is all the rage. Not into a late-night dinner rez? No worries: Ocean 12, in the former Tony Mandola’s space on Waugh, offers a new weekend brunch (12-5pm) with tableside mimosa towers, hookah, and live bands and DJ-spun tunes. The food is a whole vibe, too — think fried lobster tail with vanilla Belgian waffles; lollipop lamb and eggs; and cream-cheese-stuffed strawberry French toast. Plus, sports fans don’t have to miss out on any of the action — NCAA and NFL games will be showing on all screens, all weekend long.
Lightnin's Good Times
Agricole Hospitality closed its Miss Carousel bar earlier this year, but exciting news! The EaDo space is now home to Lightnin’s Good Times, another Agricole concept featuring “easy-drinking cocktails, cold beers and signature shots” — one such creation is the Henny-Things Possible, with Hennessy Cognac, apricot, lemon juice and a splash of Champagne. There’s also pizza by-the-slice from Vinny’s next-door. “With so much action — from sports games to entertainment and nightlife happening in EaDo — we wanted to create a space that would match the energy and needs of the area, while maintaining our standards of beverage and hospitality,” said the owners, who are also working on a Tex-Mex restaurant in the space previously occupied by Indianola, in a statement.
Mala Vida Paradise
Nearby, the new Mala Vida Paradise from ATX restaurateur Gabriela Bucio just opened. Club-goers are treated to a multi-level fluorescent wonderland, offering a rotating selection of DJs from across Texas spinning reggaeton, cumbia, perreo, corridos, hip-hop, and more. Expect an emphasis on showcasing the best Latin talent from the surrounding Houston community, as well as premium bottle service and private VIP table reservations. For more, click here.
Home Run Dugout
Smoked brisket hash (photo by Emma Umana)
Out in Katy, Home Run Dugout is a perfect indoor-outdoor destination for sports aficionados this time of year — or just regular folks who appreciate a good brunch! In addition to batting bays (think Top Golf, but for baseball) and live music, Home Run Dugout has a great fall brunch menu with indulgent new items like a smoked-brisket hash, and French toast with bourbon-laced whipped cream. Wash it all down with the new mimosa flight — cheers!
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Emmanuel Chavez of Tatemó