The Leader • Saturday, August 15, 2020 • Page 1B
Local spots perfecting cocktails to-go Zarah Parker Managing Editor
Restaurants have made a lot of alterations since COVID-19 changed the experience of dining out. Bars, which are required to be closed by the state of Texas, have also had creative ways to sell drinks. Converting to a to-go model isn’t easy, especially in the realm of alcoholic beverages. For example, mixed drinks have to be sold with the alcohol and mixers packaged separately, meaning the customer does the mixing at home. Seems easy, but mixing at home might not taste the same as when the bartender does it. Many area residents have tried the array of to-go alcoholic beverages available from local restaurants and bars and know which ones have done the best job at adapting. When asked in neighborhood Facebook pages which places they recommend ordering alcohol to-go, many answered Lei Low, 6412 N. Main. The tiki bar has stayed true to its theme while offering to-go drinks. “The Mai Tai kit is delicious and comes with paper umbrellas, mint and tiki-themed stirrers to garnish your drinks,” Oak Forest resident Kala Dunn said. Another Oak Forest resident, Sloane Pardue, said that being able to still get the umbrellas, tiki sticks and mint in Lei Low’s kit was exciting. It helps still give a semblance of the full experience of visiting the bar. “Lei Low has done a fantastic job of packaging their cocktails to-go,” Garden Oaks resident Jeremy Joseph said. “They also did a great job of social distancing in their small space before the order to close bars once again.” Rainbow Lodge, 2011 Ella Blvd., also has been a favorite for alcohol among residents. “Rainbow lodge did the best job adjusting by offering a wine tasting
REVIEW:
Contributed photos In top photo is Rainbow Lodge’s Martini kit. At bottom is the restaurant’s Old Fashioned kit. Both are available to-go for customers who wish to mix the drinks at home.
to-go,” Melissa Wigren said. “Food and wine with tasting notes—the best.” Christine Kiesewetter also has enjoyed Rainbow Lodge’s wine-tasting kits, as well as its Hibiscus Margarita to-go. Different kits from the lodge include a Martini kit, an Old Fashioned kit, a Manhattan kit, Border Paloma kit and a Mimosa kit. Sarah Godwin was impressed with Harold’s Restaurant, Bar & Rooftop Terrace, 350 W. 19th St. “(Harold’s) did awesome with their mixed drinks,” Godwin said. “They made it fun and easy to mix it at home. Bloody Mary mixer was my favorite with the fresh veggies and everything.” For margaritas to-go, some residents recommended Tony’s Mexican Restaurant, 2222 Ella Blvd.; Tia Maria’s, 4618 Dacoma St.; and Alma Latina, 2203 N. Shepherd Dr. “We love Alma Latina’s blood orange margaritas so it’s wonderful to order several cups, leave in the freezer and drink when we want to,” Ruby Baldwin said. Wynnette Salinas mentioned that indulging on Tia Maria’s 32-ounce Sangria Margarita will make you sleep like a baby. Breweries that have kept residents’ attention include New Magnolia Brewing Co., 1616 Bevis St.; Eureka Heights Brew Co., 941 W. 18th St., and Great Heights Brewing, 938 Wakefield Dr. “Great Heights and Eureka Heights have utilized Instagram to advertise what they’re brewing, which has made it super easy to swing by and pick up what we want,” Lindsay Thomas said. Other places recommended for alcohol to-go are Superica, 1801 N. Shepherd Dr.; Millie’s Kitchen & Cocktails, 3542 Oak Forest Dr.; Alice Blue, 350 W. 19th St.; Spaghetti Western, 1951 W. T.C. Jester Blvd.; Wakefield Crowbar, 954 Wakefield Dr.; Plonk! Beer & Wine Bistro, 1214 W. 43 St.; Cedar Creek Bar & Grill, 1034 W. 20th St.; Johnny’s Gold Brick, 2518 Yale St.; and Eight Row Flint, 1039 Yale St.
Get your dumpling fix at the Haus By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com
Eating dumplings from Dumpling Haus made me feel like I could eat them every day and wouldn’t complain about it. The Sawyer Yards outpost, which got its start at farmers and artisan markets, is the perfect place not only to get a dumpling fix, but to also introduce people to the dish. My lunch partner, who’d never had dumplings before, loved them as much as I did. The online ordering process was seamless and choosing curbside was just the matter of a click of a button. When I got to the restaurant I called to let them know I was outside and they immediately brought my order out. The order consisted of all three of the types of dumplings the restaurant provides: pork, chicken and vegan, along with a box of chili garlic rice. I snuck in one dumpling, which happened to be the pork variety, while in the car because I was curious to see if I could tell a difference in quality after a car ride home. There
Photo by Zarah Parker Pictured are the pork dumplings from Dumpling Haus, located at 2313 Edwards St.
was no difference. At home, when I tried my second pork dumpling, which was pan-fried and packed full of napa cabbage and shiitake mushrooms, I experienced the same freshness, and even warmth, as the first one. I liked the pork even better dipped in the dumpling sauce, which had chili flakes. The sauce had just a small spicy kick to it that had me reaching for my water more often. But then again, my
taste buds are a little wimpy when it comes to spice. The chicken dumplings included napa cabbage, corn and shiitake mushrooms. I thought the corn would be a little odd in the mix, but I didn’t even notice it. The outside of the dumpling was gummy in the best way and crisp where the frying process browned it. The chicken also tasted great with the sauce. I was most intrigued by the
vegan dumplings, which are green on the exterior and full of different vegetables, woodear mushrooms and vermicelli. Since the inside held more vegetables the dumpling had more crunch to it. I preferred the dumplings with meat. The rice was white with chili and garlic poured in the middle. The chili garlic flavors soaked into the rice and, because I can’t ever get enough garlic, I couldn’t help but enjoy it. At Dumpling Haus, customers can also buy packs of 25 of any of the dumplings to take home and heat later. This is something I might do so I can have a steady supply of dumplings at home. Dumpling Haus Address: 2313 Edwards St. Ste. 180 Hours: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday Pricing: $8 - $12 Kid-friendly: Yes Alcohol: No Health options: Yes Star of the show: Pork dumplings
FOOD BRIEFS:
City Orchard offers virtual cider tasting By Zarah Parker zarah@theleadernews.com
City Orchard, 1201 Oliver St., is hosting its first virtual cider tasting. Co-founder Patrick Kwiatkowski is hosting the guided tasting at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14. The flight pack includes Cherry Red, Silver Tip, Mrs. Green and Tin Lizard IPA. Flight packs are available for pickup at the cidery’s taproom from noon-6 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. To sign up for a spot at the tasting, visit cityorchardhtx.com. Changes to Liberty Kitchen While F.E.E.D. TX Restaurant Group still owns the
Heights location of Liberty Kitchen & Oyster Bar, 1050 Studewood St., the group has sold the Treehouse in Memorial City and Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette in River Oaks to Culinary Concepts. Liberty Kitchen in the Heights has been closed since March. Before F.E.E.D. reopens the location, it is planning to reimagine the concept. Wine and bread special Postino WineCafe, 642 Yale St., is offering a board of bruschetta and a bottle of wine for $25 every Monday and Tuesday. This special is available all day through online and curbside pickup and begins at 8 p.m. for dine-in.
#1 SHIPLEY DO-NUTS IN HOUSTON Tha you for making us Thank Number One again! BBest e Donuts/Kolaches
3410 Ella Blvd. at 34th St. (713) 682-4343
FREE DOZEN DONUT HOLES Buy a dozen donuts and get • 1 dozen donut holes FREE! ALL offers Good at Ella location only. One coupon per visit. Tax not included. Not valid in conjunction with other coupons. Photo from Facebook City Orchard will host a virtual cider tasting featuring the above options on Friday, Aug. 14.
HAVE YOU HAD THE BEST LATELY?