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Dallas Morning News
FC Houston panelist @tastybits is writing a book about how Enron collapse inspired rebirth of Houston cuisine. (Apr 30)

Sexy rose-lovin' BYOB picks for #Austin: TX French Bread, G'raj Mahal, Asia Cafe, J Mueller BBQ, and (wait for it)...Vegan Yacht? Believe. (Apr 30)
Fearless Critic restaurant review of the day
Houston
Food
Feel
Price
6.8
7.5
$15
A trough-like buffet for the eyes, but a gourmet feast on the palate

Fadi’s must be responsible for most Houstinites’ introduction to Middle Eastern food, considering the law of averages (there are three around town). True, they each appear to have been decorated from a restaurant catalog’s section on “Middle Eastern:” generic and vaguely regional art hangs on warmly painted walls, and interesting, but wholly inauthentic lighting fixtures dangle from the ceiling. Yet it feels familial, despite the cafeteria-style tray service.

As ever, start with an acidic, refreshing cold salad. Tabbouleh and dolmade have… [More]


From the Super ’Stache The underpriced underdogs
Houston
Food
Feel
Price
8.8
6.5
$10
You’re here for one reason: otherworldly banh cuon

Read enough restaurant websites and you’ll see the phrase “…will transport you to a different place” tossed around like a vermicelli noodle in a bowl. Many claim such dramatic otherworldly experiences, but few deliver; those that do, like Thien Thanh, seem to do it effortlessly and humbly. This dilapidated shop is convincing despite (or perhaps due to) being bereft of bells and whistles: its fading green tables are barely lit, and lingering scents of its house-blended nuoc cham (fish sauce)… [More]