connoisseur table talk
>> For the natural beauty
Round Rock Honey {ROUND ROCK}
Side Sips
S
weet gooey honey used for health and beauty routines dates back to Egyptian days. It’s been used from everything from staving off seasonal allergies to moisturizing skin and lips. Round Rock Honey recently debuted its amber nectar “straight from the rock” which has a deeper, richer flavor than sweet wildflower honey. Also in the lineup is a super lip balm that resuscitates dry lips immediately. SOS! Find the honey products at Texas HEB markets or order online. roundrockhoney.com
>> For the veggie lover
Green Vegetarian Cuisine {SAN ANTONIO}
round rock honey | kevin marple | zigi media | Billy Farrell Agency | Yao Family Wines
P
art of the restaurant explosion at the Pearl Brewery building, the relocated Green Vegetarian Cuisine has a wildly imaginative menu that opens up a whole new world of going meatless. Breakfast on a savory omelet with mozzarella, spinach and mushrooms; avocado Benedict; or sweet potato pancakes with blueberries and pecans. House specialties for lunch or dinner include the Mediterranean bowl with quinoa tabouli, veggies and hummus; Cece’s stir-fry served with rice and kale; and a Deluxe Chalupa plate. Industrial style-casual and bustling, Green is already hugely popular with vegetarians and meat eaters alike. greensanantonio.com
>> For the trend seeker
Lark on the Park {DALLAS}
U
p-and-coming chefs Dennis Kelley and Melody Bishop come to this recently opened café from renowned Tavern in Brentwood, California. The beautiful contemporary Lark On The Park is located on the edge of Klyde Warren Park in downtown Dallas. Menu favorites so far include a puff pastry art with fromage blanc, asparagus and a fried egg for brunch; avocado and beet salad, and the Colorado lamb burger with salsa verde and French feta. Expect a happening bar scene and a casual setting with chalkboard illustrations from local artists. larkonthepark.com
robin barr sussman Robin Barr Sussman is a Houston-based freelance writer who specializes in food, wine and travel. Her work has appeared in Texas Monthly, My Table, and Private Clubs magazine.
Wine events you won’t want to miss YAO MING SCORES AGAIN Yao Family Wines, the Napa Valley winery founded by humanitarian and former Houston NBA star Yao Ming, has announced the release of its inaugural vintage of Napa Crest 2010 Napa Valley Red. Sourced from a selection of premium vineyards throughout Napa Valley, the blend features the power of Cabernet Sauvignon, the softness of merlot and the tannins and deep color of Petit Verdot, combining the complexity of each varietal into one complete wine. “We make our Napa Valley wines for everyone to share with family and friends. With the addition of NAPA CREST to our portfolio, we have introduced a premium product at an affordable price, offering wine enthusiasts another opportunity to do just that,” says Yao Ming. The wines are aged exclusively in 100 percent French Oak barrels for at least 16 months and individual barrels from each lot are hand-selected by taste for the final blend. Napa Crest 2010 Napa Valley Red Wine ($48) is available online. yaofamilywines.com HOT HOT HOT It might be the cold and rainy season in Houston but Florida is heating up with the Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival, Feb. 20-23. The star-studded line up of culinary luminaries includes greats such as Giada De Laurentiis, Nigela Lawson, Tyler Florence and Anthony Bourdain. The four-day festival will showcase the world’s most prominent wine and spirits producers and culinary personalities. Rub shoulders with your favorite Food Network stars at walk around tastings, intimate dinners, after parties and seminars. sobefest.com.
january/february • 2014
39