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]

A lot of fuss is made over Akaushi, a breed of Japanese wagyu raised in Texas. Its muscle fibers are longer and thinner, resulting in more tender meat, and the fat’s intramuscular, so you get a great composition of flavor and texture. It’s full of monounsaturated fat, making it much healthier than the typical Choice—or even Prime—ground beef. Here, it makes for a good, juicy burger that’s especially pleasing if you go in for complex constructions.

A Shipley’s donut burger is… [More]