River Oaks, TX October 2023

FOOD + BEVERAGE

DISCOVER LUXE FOODFOCUSED DESTINATIONS

LEARN ABOUT THE BEST WINES IN HISTORY

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK NOW OCTOBER

Upper Kirby Bistro | Red Peacock Live Music Venue | XXIII Craft Cocktail Bar Elie Wine Room | Downing Street Cigar Lounge

Bon Appetit, Houston!

An editor's job is to read or write every word in an issue and ensure that photos are eye-catching enough to entice a reader. Each month I think about ways to keep River Oaks Lifestyle readers entertained and engaged with the best of what's going on in Houston. Luckily for me, this month especially, the annual Foodie Issue made my job very easy!

There are so many restaurants in Houston with top-notch chefs and indulgent food you could go out every night and not repeat a menu. We are lucky to have featured many of the people that make Houston a foodie destination and the delectable dishes they create. Where to Eat & Drink Now is a road map of Houston's newest, buzziest, and most sought-after restaurants.

Places We Only Tell Our Friends About provides insight into several luxurious food-focused destinations. Each has a distinct style, all their own, that keeps people talking and coming back for more. You will also find out how to eat and drink while giving back to charitable causes this month and wine expert Denman Moody gives insight into some of the best wines in history.

Buckle up and take notes; this issue is jam-packed with the good stuff! I can't wait to hear your thoughts - reach out via social media or email.

Bon Appetit, Houston!

GABI DE LA ROSA, EDITOR @RIVEROAKSLIFESTYLE

October 2023

PUBLISHER

Suzanne Schakett

suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Gabi De la Rosa | gabi.delarosa@citylifestyle.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Suzanne Schakett

suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jeremy Hetmaniak jeremy.hetmaniak@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANTS

Kayla Shutts | kayla.shutts@citylifestyle.com

Claire Sanchez | claire.sanchez@citylifestyle.com

SALES SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Savannah Schakett

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Denman Moody, Laura Green

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

We Only Tell Our Friends About

713.465.4800

Monday–Friday 8 am–5 pm by appointment

city scene

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @riveroakslifestyle

1: Melissa Sugulas and Valerie Ditner at the celebration of Christy Lynn's new flagship boutique. 2: Fashion designer Christy Lynn and her husband Christophe Lee, at Christy Lynn's dinner party. 3: Courtney Zavala, Christy Lee and Paulina Padilla at the opening of Christy Lynn's Memorial boutique. 4: Derek Delgado, Marci Walters, and Dr. Daisy Ayim at A Thai Summer Evening event at Songkran 5: Lynn & Oscar Wyatt with Dr. Sam Hunt, Oscar Saenz, Anna Lisa Garza at the Wyatt's celebration. 6: Robin Kachantones and Suzanne Schakett at the Red Door Experience at Songkran Thai Kitchen. 7: Marie Elgamal and Lisa Endicott at the Memorial & River Oaks Lifestyle Magazine's celebration.

JOHNNY THAN ALWAYS US PHOTOGRAPHY ALWAYS US PHOTOGRAPHY

PRISCILLA DICKSON

JOHNNY THAN

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

10

Aligning Your Brand With the Right Audience is Key.

For local business owners, we offer two publications to showcase your brand with the most affluent homeowners in these specific communities:

Get Sparked at Kendra Scott

Grab your bestie and get Sparked!  Kendra Scott ’s permanent jewelry program Sparked is available at Kendra Scott Woodlands. The Woodlands is only the second location in Texas to offer this exclusive jewelry experience. This custom experience aims to create a memorable moment to share with those closest to you or to treat yourself to a 14k gold piece you’ll hold onto forever, welded exactly to your size.  kendrascott.com

Photography Kendra Scott

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Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

Archway Gallery Presents Spaces

Archway Gallery presents  Spaces,  a dialog in paint, fiber, and clay by Silvia PintoSouza and Laura Viada, on view October 7 – November 2, 2023. In this exhibition, painter Silvia PintoSouza and weaver Laura Viada, engage in a visual dialog about creating space for beauty in a turbulent, violent, and painful world.  archwaygallery.com

Scan to read more.

Houston Botanic Garden presents "Glass in Flight"

Visitors to Houston Botanic Garden

this fall will encounter gigantic sculptures of butterflies, beetles, dragonflies, and bees – some as tall as 12 feet high – as “Glass in Flight” lands in Houston for a six-month stay, beginning the weekend of Oct. 20-22.

Created by Tucson-based artist Alex Heveri, this traveling art and science exhibit showcases 21 pieces made of steel and colorful hand-cut Dalle de Verre glass that capture the essence of flight and mimic the transparency and iridescence of insect wings in the sunlight. hbg.org

Photography Silvia PintoSouzza

Photography Houston Botanic Garden

Step outside and elevate your lifestyle!

Meet Hardy Pollard

TOP PRODUCING REALTOR ASSOCIATE

Hardy Pollard, a top real estate professional in Houston, specializes in high-end areas like River Oaks, Montrose and Tanglewood. With over $15 million in sales within his first two years, he’s known for selling challenging properties, including a notable midcentury modern home in Memorial. His prior career as a fitness instructor at the Houstonian Club has contributed to his success, providing an extensive network that sets him apart from competitors. Clients value his honesty, work ethic, and commitment to their interests. Pollard’s love for family drives him, and he continues to serve as a group fitness instructor. He is a member of Texas REALTORS and a Christie’s Luxury Specialist.

The Two Greatest Wines in History?

(Except for the Wines at the Wedding in Cana in 30 AD)

ARTICLE BY DENMAN MOODY AND LAURA GREEN PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

About Denman Moody

Denman Moody is a treasure. If you love wine, and you’re on a mission to understand the subject at a deep level, he’s the person to know.

Denman was already a wine aficionado before many of us took our first sip. A native Houstonian and a UT School of Law graduate, he caught the wine bug early on while serving as executive assistant to U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen of Texas.

Denman has traveled the world, rubbing elbows with an exclusive inner circle of winemakers, from Napa, to Mendoza, to Barossa, to Bordeaux–anywhere that interesting, wellcrafted wines can be found.

Writing about wine was a new thing in the U.S. when Denman launched Moody’s Wine Review, which became a go-to source within the industry. He eventually sold the

publication to International Wine Review and stayed on as a contributing editor for a time.

Denman has written about wine for La Revue du Vin de France, The International Wine & Food Society Journal in London, Wine Spectator, and Wine & Spirits Magazine, as well as publications closer to home. In 1991, he was inducted into the Who’s Who in Food and Wine in Texas. He’s a past president of the Houston Chapter of the International Wine & Food Society and has conducted wine talks and tastings at events across the Houston area and throughout the world.

“Wine is so civilized—there are extra dimensions to the enjoyment of wine that no other beverage can match. And the food/wine pairings that create synergisms are endless,” says Denman in his book, “The Advanced Oenophile.” It’s an honor to have him grace our pages with a bit of storytelling and perspective that only he can impart.

THE TWO GREATEST WINES IN HISTORY?

Most wine connoisseurs agree that a magnum is superior to a standard bottle for aging great vintages from Bordeaux and Burgundy.  And it is generally accepted that a jeroboam—four bottles in one in Burgundy—is also superior for aging than a regular bottle.

Two wines: an 1870 Chateau LafiteRothschild in magnum from the Glamis Castle Cellar in Scotland, and a 1945 Romanée-Conti in jeroboam, are possibly the greatest wines of their type ever produced.  Unbelievably, my wife and I are among probably no more than five or ten living people who have tasted both wines. Here is the evidence.

THE 1870 GLAMIS CASTLE CHATEAU LAFITE-ROTHSCHILD IN MAGNUM

I believe it was 1970 when my late friend Michael Broadbent, former Chairman of the Wine Department at Christie’s in London, author of “Michael Broadbent’s Vintage Wines: Fifty Years of Tasting Three Centuries of Wines,” published in 2002, and arguably the most knowledgeable person in the world regarding great wines, visited the Glamis Castle Cellar to see what could be great auction items for Christie’s. He found forty-two magnums of this wine in original wax seals, embossed “Coningham.”

Michael tasted one of the magnums with about a dozen client connoisseurs, and it had perfect balance and flavor. He has stated, including personally to me, that Chateau Lafite-Rothschild 1870 in magnum from Glamis Castle is the greatest wine he ever tasted.

Of the forty-one magnums sold, and a magnum generally serves eight or ten people at a dinner party, it is possible that less than 500 people tasted this wine; however, since it has been fifty-one years since the sale, many of those fortunate few have died. My guess is that there are less than 200 or so alive today.

My wife and I shared a magnum in the early ‘80s at a magnificent dinner held by Houston’s and possibly America’s most brilliant Bordeaux expert, Lenoir Josey. I believe he had purchased six magnums at the original

Wine aficionado, Denman Moody

Denman Moody (center) at Dinner of the Decade with unrivaled lineup of chefs Daniel Boulud, Jerome Bocuse, Thomas Keller, Richard Rosendale

sale at Christie’s. It was and still is the greatest Bordeaux I have experienced, including all the First Growths from most of the great vintages.

A bottle of 1870 Lafite sold for $80,275 at Zachy’s March 30, 2019 auction at Le Bernadin Privé in Manhattan. I believe that a magnum from Glamis Castle, if any are left, would sell today for at least $250,000.

ROMANÉE-CONTI JEROBOAM 1945

At a recent auction, a standard bottle of this wine sold for slightly over $500,000.  So, theoretically, a jeroboam would bring over $2,000,000!

My wife and I were fortunate to attend the late Dr. Frank Komorowski’s fiftieth birthday dinner in 1995 at La Française in Vermillion, Ohio. He had been collecting 1945s for years in large format bottles. The full menu, which I called “Dinner of the Century” is on pages 255 and 256 of my book, “The Advanced Oenophile.” It would be impossible to reproduce today, even for a billionaire.

Even though Michael Broadbent said in the aforementioned book that no 1945 jeroboams were recorded as produced, Frank said that three were produced and he had two of them and served one at this dinner. He had flown Wolfgang Puck from

California to assist the French chef at the restaurant, and the dish that accompanied this wine was a mushroom risotto with white truffle shavings from Alba.

In his book, Michael said this was the last of the ungrafted vines at RomanéeConti (from the phylloxera epidemic of the 1860s-1870s). He also said one bottle of this wine was the outstanding wine of an incredible three-day Burgundy tasting, held in San Francisco, and on his rating scale, of which five stars is the highest, he gave it six stars! Since he tasted this wine just before the above book was published in 2002, and he had told me about the Lafite many years before that, it may have become his favorite wine.

There were about thirty attendees at the dinner my wife and I attended in 1995, including a Master of Wine and a Master Sommelier. None of them questioned the authenticity of the wine. I imagine Frank served his other jeroboam at his sixtieth birthday dinner in 2005. There might be thirty or so still with us who have tasted this wine from a jeroboam. The odds are great that less than five or ten of these would have also experienced a magnum of 1870 Chateau Lafite-Rothschild from the Glamis Castle Cellar, where they had been stored perfectly for almost 100 years.

“The odds are great that less than five or ten of these would have also experienced a magnum of 1870 Chateau Lafite-Rothschild from the Glamis Castle Cellar, where they had been stored perfectly for almost 100 years. ”

AN EXQUISITE WEDDING EXPERIENCE

FOR MODERN & SOPHISTICATED COUPLES WHO ARE SEARCHING FOR TIMELESS WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY WITH CANDID DOWN-TO-EARTH ROMANCE

www.AlwaysUsPhotography.com

BAYOU CITY ART FESTIVAL DOWNTOWN 2023

SAM HOUSTON PARK & ALLEN PARKWAY

OCTOBER 14 - 15 2023

SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 AM TO 6 PM

FEATURED ARTIST MICHELLE MCDOWELL SMITH

n 250 National & International Artists

n 19 Disciplines of Art

n Live Music & Entertainment

n Active Imagination Zone

n Frost Bank VIP Hospitality Lounge

n Art Installations & Exhibits

n Food Truck Park

n Craft Beer Garden

n Culinary Arts Stage

TICKETS ON SALE NOW www.bayoucityartfestival.com

ROOFING DONE RIGHT

IS YOUR HOME READY FOR STORM SEASON?

It is the perfect time to have the experts at Duque Roofing inspect your roof to ensure it’s safe and sound. We protect your family and give you peace of mind.

PLACES

FRIENDS We Only Tell Our About

ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA

Luxury travel for culinary exploration promises impeccable service and deliciously innovative dishes. It's an immersion into local traditions, where spices, techniques, and ingredients intertwine to create unforgettable memories. Private cooking classes with famed chefs, exclusive wine tastings in historic cellars, and intimate candlelit dinners on secluded beaches redefine the essence of indulgence.

We've curated a list of the best dining destinations to discover right now – they are a passport to savoring life's finest moments, where every bite reminds us of the world's abundant and delectable diversity.

The Chedi Andermatt Andermatt, Switzerland

Nestled in the Swiss Alps between Zurich and Milan, The Chedi Andermatt sits at 4,747ft above sea level in the undiscovered town of Andermatt. It offers The Japanese by The Chedi Andermatt, a ski-in/ski-out Omakase dining experience at 7,545 ft. above sea level, Switzerland’s only Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant. The twin Executive Chefs, Dominik Sato, and Fabio Toffolon, oversee five exceptional restaurants and bars, including one featuring a 16-foot-high, glass-walled, climate-controlled Cheese Tower.

The Chedi Andermatt blends Alpine chic with Asian style, providing top-notch service and comfort. Forbes Travel Guide 2022 awarded it the highest rating, solidifying its position among Europe’s finest hotels. Guests enjoy deluxe calm, diverse culinary experiences, and active explorations, all backed by excellent service. The Chedi Andermatt offers five outstanding restaurants and bars, such as The Japanese Restaurant and The Restaurant, where Sato and Toffolon display their culinary finesse. Passion for authenticity, quality, service, and unrivaled experiences define this five-star luxury destination. thechediandermatt.com

EMBARK ON A JOURNEY FOR LUXURIOUS CULINARY EXPERIENCES THAT TRANSCEND MERE DINING AND DISCOVER A SYMPHONY OF FLAVORS, CULTURE, AND OPULENCE.

The Japanese by The Chedi Andermatt is Switzerland's only and highest elevation Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant. Photo courtesy of The Chedi Andermatt

WALDORF ASTORIA LOS CABOS PEDREGAL CABO SAN LUCAS, MX

This year, the award-winning Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal continues to enhance its culinary offerings with remarkable experiences. Chef Enrique Casarrubias, hailing from Paris’s Oxte, a Michelin-starred restaurant, headlines the “Festival of Flavors” (November 9 - 12). Guests can experience The Wine Cellar at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, designed by Paul Duesing Partners, which holds Mexico’s second-largest wine collection and elevates the wine experience. Partnering with Don Leo Winery, the Private Pedregal Collection will introduce three exclusive varietals, and the resort will also unveil a Signature Mezcal Collection, complementing the authentic Agave Study experience introduced in 2021. Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal will remain a premier gastronomy and Mexican traditions destination in 2023. waldorfastorialoscabospedregal.com

OLD EDWARDS INN & SPA HIGHLANDS, NORTH CAROLINA

In the Blue Ridge Mountains, November unfolds the vibrant fall foliage and the celebrated Highlands Food & Wine Festival (Nov 9-12). This cherished event unites locals for culinary revelry, music, grand tastings, and brand showcases.

In downtown Highlands, the distinguished Old Edwards Inn & Spa, a Relais & Châteaux property, is a haven for foodies. Its renowned Madison’s Restaurant, a Relais & Châteaux gem, is perpetually booked due to its locally sourced ingredients and elegant European interiors.

The inn boasts a bustling annual calendar of events featuring esteemed chefs like Atlanta’s Chef Kevin Gillespie of Gunshow restaurant and James Beard Award Semi-Finalist Chef Craig Richards of Lyla Lila. From summer’s Champagne and Caviar festivities to daily crafted cocktails in Hummingbirds Lounge, this vibrant locale amidst serene mountains offers culinary excellence.

The adult-exclusive Half-Mile Farm, Old Edwards Inn’s sister property, hosts its culinary events for a quieter escape. oldedwardshospitality.com/ old-edwards-inn-spa

Photo courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal

Photo courtesy of Old Edwards Inn & Spa

COWORK PARK ASCOT - BERKSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM

Ascot, located in Berkshire, known for the famed horse racing event, Royal Ascot. Its proximity to London’s culinary scene enhances its appeal as a burgeoning foodie destination. Coworth Park, a luxurious country house hotel set in 240 acres of Berkshire countryside, offers an idyllic escape less than one hour from London. With Heathrow Airport 20 minutes away, it’s a convenient pre-departure stop. The hotel features three restaurants, including Michelin-starred Woven, helmed by Adam Smith. Woven collaborates with British and international winemakers, offering unique dining experiences centered around the finest local produce. dorchestercollection. com/en/ascot/coworth-park

THE INN AT NICEWONDER FARM & VINEYARDS BRISTOL, VA

Nestled on 450 acres of stunning landscapes, the family-owned Inn at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards is a haven for food enthusiasts. Led by acclaimed chef Travis Milton, the Inn’s restaurant, Hickory, offers an unmatched Appalachian culinary journey. With a deep passion for Appalachian food culture, Milton curates a unique dining experience championing sustainable cooking and region-specific produce from Nicewonder Farm. Hickory boasts a Chef’s Table menu and outdoor seating with scenic vineyard views, complemented by wines from Nicewonder Vineyard and a remarkable 1700-bottle wine cellar. Chef Milton’s recognition includes appearances on Hulu’s “Padma Lakshmi’s Taste the Nation” Season 2 and “Searching for Soul Food.” nicewonderfarm.com

Photo courtesy of Cowork Park

Photo courtesy of The Inn at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards

IN GOOD SPIRITS

ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA

SUPPORT CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS

WHILE EATING, DRINKING AND HAVING FUN IN HOUSTON.

Southern Smoke Festival

Mark your calendars for Southern Smoke 2023, a two-day culinary extravaganza set to take place on October 13 and 14 in the heart of Downtown Houston’s Discovery Green. This event rallies support for the food and beverage industry during times of crisis.

The lineup boasts an assembly of the culinary world’s crème de la crème, including luminaries such as Chris Bianco, Nina Compton, Aaron Franklin, Evelyn Garcia, Mason Hereford, Cheetie Kumar, and Claudette Zepeda. These chefs will tantalize taste buds with diverse offerings, from succulent smoked meats to delectable pastries.

Beyond the exceptional cuisine, attendees can enjoy superb wines, beers, and spirits. There will also be live music performances by top touring acts, providing the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience.

For those seeking an elevated experience, Lexus VIP tickets offer early entry at 3:00 p.m., an exclusive Lexus VIP area, and gifts from the Southern Smoke Foundation gift wheel. General admission ticket holders kick off their festivities at 4:00 p.m.

Southern Smoke 2023 is not just about celebrating culinary excellence; it’s about helping the food and beverage workers who power the industry. With over $10.7 million already distributed to food and beverage workers nationwide, the proceeds from this event will continue to support the invaluable mission of the Southern Smoke Foundation. southernsmoke.org

Chris Shepherd and Bun B at Southern Smoke Festival.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Sip for a Cure

Atlas Restaurant Group’s restaurants, Loch Bar and Marmo, will join forces to raise funds for Susan G. Komen during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout October, both Loch Bar, the classic seafood tavern in River Oaks District, and Marmo, the modern Italian chophouse in Montrose Collective, will pledge a generous donation of $1 from every glass of rosé sold to Susan G. Komen.

Susan G. Komen organization is dedicated to fighting breast cancer across all fronts by advocating for patients, driving research breakthroughs, improving access to high-quality care, offering direct patient support, and empowering individuals with trustworthy information. Susan G. Komen is the only organization that addresses breast cancer on multiple fronts, such as research, community, health, global outreach and public policy initiatives to make the most significant impact against the disease.

“We are honored to collaborate with Susan G. Komen in this meaningful pursuit,” remarked Alex Smith, Founder and President of Atlas Restaurant Group. “Our commitment to breast cancer awareness goes beyond a mere gesture. It is a reflection of our steadfast dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of those affected by this formidable disease.” lochbar.com/houston marmoitalian.com

Marmo Rosé.

Photo courtesy of Atlas Group.

You’re invited

You’re invited

When

You’re invited

As the leaves reveal their brilliant color, we are reminded of all we have to be thankful for. We are happy to be a part of the Houston Heights community. Please mark your calendar for our upcoming open house.

You’re invited

As the leaves reveal their brilliant color, we are reminded of all we have to be thankful for. We are happy to be a part of the Houston Heights community. Please mark your calendar for our upcoming open house.

When

Where

Where

When Thursday, October 5, 2023 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Refreshments will be served.

As the leaves reveal their brilliant color, we are reminded of all we have to be thankful for. We are happy to be a part of the Houston Heights community. Please mark your calendar for our upcoming open house.

Refreshments will be served.

As the leaves reveal their brilliant color, we are reminded of all we have to be thankful for. We are happy to be a part of the Houston Heights community. Please mark your calendar for our upcoming open house.

Refreshments will be served.

We hope you will join us. Feel free to bring friends and family.

Where Edward Jones 3310 Katy Fwy Suite 330 Houston, TX 77007

We hope you will join us. Feel free to bring friends and family.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK NOW

A celebration of where to find the tastiest food and drink in Houston right now.

BENNY CHOWS

Highly anticipated restaurant Benny Chows recently opened on Washing Ave. Rooted in Cantonese tradition, dishes are enhanced with local ingredients to create a delicious menu of American Chinese cuisine in a moody yet vibrant setting. Consulting Chef Doron Wong worked with Berg Hospitality's Hospitality's VP of Culinary, Brian Sutton, to develop the menu and then recruit the Chinese-born Executive Chef Shirong Mei, who brings nearly 30 years of culinary experience in Cantonese restaurants throughout Asia and the U.S. bennychows.com

ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA

Benny Chows, Lobster Noodles.

Photo by Brian Kennedy

JOSEPHINE'S

MARCH

Known for its seasonally rotating menu, March focuses on Sicily through December. Chef and partner Felipe Riccio's heritage and experiences drive his passion for March's first Italian menu. Guests will enjoy dishes like Peperunata, featuring a delicately roasted pepper stuffed with king crab, La Norma, an elegant play on the classic pasta with eggplant, and Buccularu Arrustutu, featuring slow braised and grilled guanciale during their six- or nine-course tasting menu. marchrestaurant.com

Top: March, Almond Pudding. Photo by Zachary Horst

Bottom: Josephine's, Halfshell Grilled Redfish. Photo by Ally Hardgrave

Located in Midtown, Josephine's serves ingredient-forward Gulf Coast fare. Snacks—think housemade biscuits or hushpuppies—are served alongside a selection of small plates meant to be shared. josephinesgulfcoasttradition.com

Little's Oyster Bar, Fruit de Mar.

Photo by Arturo Olmos

LITTLE'S OYSTER BAR

(Facing page) Little's Oyster Bar, Pappas Restaurants' highly anticipated seafood restaurant hit the scene in May and has made quite a name for itself. The Houston Chronicle called it "the year's best new restaurant," for good reason. Chef Jason Ryczek focuses on seafood, seasonality, and simplicity. He harvests his caviar and sources seafood from Pappas fishermen or sustainably outside the Gulf. The thoughtfully curated wine and cocktail menus make the dining experience at the restaurant a delight from start to finish. littlesoysterbar.com

PASTORE

Underbelly Hospitality hotspot Pastore features a seafood-forward menu that includes rotating seasonal flavors, handmade pasta, and flatbreads. Executive chef Jeff Potts and Underbelly Hospitality culinary director Scott Muns have composed a menu to transport Houston diners to the Italian coast. pastorehouston.com

Top: Pastore, Pompelmo e Tonico. Photo by Duc Hoang

Bottom: Pastore, Hearth Roasted Branzino Puttanesca.

Photo by Duc Hoang

GOODE CO. KITCHEN & CANTINA

Houston favorite Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina recently launched a delicious weekend brunch menu featuring Chilaquiles, Huevos Rancheros, Pancakes, Breakfast Margaritas, Bloody Marias, and Cantina Carajillos, to name a few. kitchenandcantina.com

NANDO’S PERI-PERI CHICKEN

Get a taste of Houston’s first South African barbecue restaurant at Nando’s on Post Oak. The outpost specializes in flame grilled chicken that is marinated for 24 hours and basted with housemade sauce. Guests can also enjoy great appetizers, sides, and a robust beverage menu. nandosperiperi.com

Top: Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina, Brunch pancakes. Photo by Brian Kennedy.

Bottom: Nando's , Pulled Chicken, Feta & Avo Bowl, PERi-PERi Chicken Bowl plus Avocado & Roasted Pepper Bowl. Photo by Greg Powers

BURGER BODEGA

Guests can choose a single, double, or triple patty at the popular Burger Bodega. What started as a pop-up restaurant by owner Abbas Dhanani is now a brick-and-mortar location on Washington Avenue. Diners can also enjoy a selection of fries, shakes, and the Chopped Cheese on a hero roll. burgerbodega.com

CONTINUED >

Burger Bodega, Double and Triple Smash Burgers.

Photo by Michael Ma

Jūn, Fried Chicken. Photo by JIA Media

Chef Evelyn Garcia and Chef Henry Lu's restaurant Jūn is a culinary exploration of the different people, food, and culture that influenced them. junbykin.com

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

OCTOBER 8TH

International Cup Presented by U.S. Polo Association

HOUSTON POLO CLUB | 4:00 PM

Experience a world class polo match, player parade, live music, expert announcing, champagne divot stomp at halftime and special trophy presentation. THE LYMBAR is the onsite concession serving delicious Argentine/Brazilian inspired menu choices and a premium bar menu. houstonpoloclub.com

OCTOBER 19TH

Menil Collection's Party in the Park

MENIL PARK | 7:00 PM

Twinkling lights strung through branches of the majestic live oak trees in beautiful Menil Park provides the perfect setting for this stunning soiree, which includes an open bar with refreshing cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and food stations, all accompanied by live musical entertainment. This enchanting experience is a perfect opportunity to mix with fellow Menil supporters surrounded by the Menil’s beloved neighborhood. menil.org

OCTOBER 20TH

2023 Power of Literacy Luncheon

THE POST OAK HOTEL | 11:30 AM

Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s Ladies for Literacy Guild is hosting the 8th annual Power of Literacy Luncheon. This year’s featured speaker is Emmy® and Tony® Award-winning actress, singer, and New York Times bestselling author Kristin Chenoweth. Chaired by Maureen Higdon with the theme “The Gift of Reading,” the proceeds from this year’s luncheon will benefit childhood literacy programs across Houston. bushhoustonliteracy.org

OCTOBER 21ST

Peter Gabriel i/o The Tour

TOYOTA CENTER | 8:30 PM

The Tour will see Gabriel playing new material from his forthcoming album i/o, as well as delving into his peerless catalogue of music, with hits, fan favorites and the unexpected. toyotacenter.com

OCTOBER 23RD

Jonas Brothers in Concert

TOYOTA CENTER | 7:00 PM

The Jonas Brothers and special guest Lawrence will hit the stage for two shows in Houston. The band will perform five albums during their show The momentum comes off the incredible response and fan demand from their highly successful sold-out Broadway engagement and their two-date Yankee Stadium sell-out. toyotacenter.com

OCTOBER 24TH

Houston Habitat for Humanity Building a Dream Luncheon

THE BRIAR CLUB | 11:00 AM

Join Houston Habitat for Humanity for a special luncheon event that will inspire and inform on the critical topic of affordable housing. Chaired by Courtney Taylor, the event will raise funds to support Houston Habitat’s continued work to build financial stability, safe healthy lifestyles, and resilience through affordable homeownership. houstonhabitat.org