Food and Drink

September 11_002houston 8/30/11 2:43 PM Page 52

ADVERTORIAL

WITH OVER 5,000 RESTAURANTS TO CHOOSE FROM LOCALLY, IT'S NO WONDER IT CAN BE A DAUNTING TASK TO NARROW IT DOWN. IN THIS SPECIAL FOOD AND DRINK SECTION A WELL-ROUNDED MIX SHARE WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE TO DINE WITH THEM.

DIG IN!

September 11_002houston 8/30/11 2:43 PM Page 53

ADVERTORIAL

MCCORMICK & SCHMICK’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants’ three Houston-area locations bring the freshest seafood to your table from regional waters and beyond. Elegant dining rooms, lively bars, fresh air patios and impeccable service make the restaurants favorite Houston destinations seven days a week. The restaurants are perfect for classic business lunches, casual happy hours, fabulous dinners and special celebrations.

and contemporary hand-shaken cocktails with fresh squeezed juices. Guests can also enjoy a wide array of quality beers and wines, in addition to an impressive selection of single malt scotches.

The bar is also home to McCormick & Schmick’s famous Happy Hour, featuring a wide variety of small plates starting at just $1.95.

McCormick & Schmick’s fresh approach to dining means that menus are printed twice daily and feature the signature McCormick & Schmick’s “Fresh List” of more than 20 fresh seafood varieties at the peak of their seasons—many often arriving fresh throughout the day. Texas favorites such as catfish, redfish, black drum, shrimp and oysters are sourced from local waters. Chefs also source as many other ingredients as possible from local purveyors, from produce to cheese, creating regionally inspired and seasonal preparations of traditional seafood dishes as well as contemporary takes on aged steaks, salads and pastas.

McCormick & Schmick’s is the perfect choice for your next event, with private and semi-private dining rooms that create an elegant atmosphere to turn any gathering into a true special occasion.

Flexible dining spaces can accommodate any style of event, from business presentations to family reunions, birthday parties to wedding celebrations.

McCormick & Schmick’s dedicated event staff will personalize every detail, including custom menus to satisfy every guest, and coordinate from start to finish for a seamless event. Also consider hosting unique parties on the patio at the Uptown Park location, at the chef’s table at the Houston Pavilions location, or in the wine tasting room at the Town & Country Village location.

McCormick & Schmick’s commitment to freshness continues in the bar. In fact, you won’t find any blenders at the McCormick & Schmick’s bars—the drinks are just as fresh and just as thoughtfully prepared as the food. The bartenders here practice traditional mixology, creating classic

Whether you settle into the dining room, sit at the bar or celebrate a private event, you will experience McCormick & Schmick’s unparalleled commitment to excellent service. The sophisticated yet friendly atmosphere at McCormick & Schmick’s welcomes you to enjoy a classic dining experience with modern sensibilities.

For more information and online reservations, visit www.McCormickandSchmicks.com, or call your nearest location:

Houston Pavilions 1201 Fannin Street Houston, TX 77002 713.658.8100

Uptown Park 1151-01 Uptown Park Blvd.

Houston, TX 77056 713.840.7900

Town & Country Village 791 Town & Country Blvd.

Houston, TX 77024 713.465.3685

September 11_002houston 8/30/11 2:43 PM Page 54

Photography by Jill Hunter

ADVERTORIAL

UPTOWN SUSHI CAFE EXPRESS Cafe Express is a restaurant that breaks all the rules. There’s self-service which means no waiters and consequently no tipping. But the menu is fresh, handmade food – like you'd get at a fancy full-service restaurant. Each order is prepared when you order it – it's never pre-cooked or pre-prepared. In fact, each Cafe Express uses the best of everything ... fresh ground beef in the burgers, all-natural chicken breasts, imported cheeses and European-style baked breads. At the Oasis table, you’ll find an amazing selection of imported goodies like extra-virgin olive oils from Italy, mustard from Dijon, vinegar from Italy and France and more.

Cookies, brownies and desserts are made fresh, every day, on site. Cafe Express also serves breakfast, which means you can enjoy your favorite restaurant for every meal of your day. And every location has a bar serving a fine selection of drinks, beers and wines as well as cappuccinos and espressos.

www.cafe-express.com

Since opening our doors in 2003, the chef-inspired and chef-driven Uptown Sushi has provided guests the finest in sushi and Japanese fusion cuisine. Our versatile and eclectic menu provides something for everyone from Kobe and Prime grade beef, Kurubota pork, gourmet soups and salads, to cooked seafood items. For those with discerning palates, we provide the freshest and finest in grade one-plus fish for all our sushi. Please join us as Executive Chef and owner Donald Chang unveils his new upcoming Fall menu, which is sure to please everyone that walks through our doors. Come experience Houston's premier upscale Japanese restaurant and sushi bar for your business lunch, elegant dining and late night bar.

1131 Uptown Park Blvd # 14 Houston, TX 77056 713.871.1200 Mon-Wed: 11am-11pm Thurs-Fri: 11am-midnight Sat: noon-midnight Sun: 5pm-10pm www.uptown-sushi.com

September 11_002houston 8/30/11 2:43 PM Page 55

Photography by Jill Hunter

ADVERTORIAL

BOWL MORE THAN JUST A SALAD. With over 200 ingredients, toppings, and dressings to select from – many of them organic – we'll build you as tantalizing and fresh a salad as you dare to dream up. And even though it's just the way you like it, don't be afraid to experiment.

New and exciting combinations are just waiting for your discovery. But that's just the beginning. Our grilled sandwiches, made-from-scratch soups, and tasty sides will really hit the spot. They're the perfect complement to that unique salad you just created, so go slow and savor every bite!

• Pistachio chicken salad with absolutely no mayonnaise held together with apples, pears and mango juice • Thin-crust, oven-baked pizzas with back of the house dough and back of the house sauce • $2 Sangrias all day every day • Friday Special Slow-Roasted Pork BBQ Short Ribs • NOW CATERING • It's good food convenience!

• Boxed lunches, trays, desserts and entrees • Full-service bar

NOW OPEN: 11am to 9pm. Mon. - Sat. Stop by for Dinner!

Now serving Saturday Breakfast 11am to 5pm.

Every Sunday, join us for The NFL Ticket.

Call us for your next event!

Orders placed 24hrs in advance are greatly appreciated!

832.582.7218 607 Richmond www.eatatbowl.com

PUB FICTION If you frequent Midtown for your late night debauchery, you've most likely been to Pub Fiction. From live music and tasty eats to strategically placed TVs playing the latest game and an expansive patio, Pub Fiction has something for everyone. Now, with newly extended hours and a new chef-inspired menu

by Chef Adam Puskorius, your favorite happy hour and late night spot is open for lunch. Enjoy a full menu of appetizers, sandwiches, salads, burgers, entrees and much more to complement your favorite beverage to catch the weekend games or take a break from work. Choose from Pub’s vast selection of beer, wine and specialty cocktails.

Pub Fiction has recently undergone some significant renovations to expand the seating area, revitalize the menu and install 60 HDTVs, so you don't miss a second of the game. The full menu is available daily from 11am - 11pm featuring a selection of perfectly grilled burgers, tasty wraps and sandwiches, and perfectly portioned salads that will nicely fill up your lunch hour. In addition, Pub Fiction features favorite appetizers like the ultimate nacho platter, quesadillas and loaded potato skins. If your stomach is really grumbling, fill up on entrees like the "hand cut," 16oz, mesquite-smoked NY Strip, Chicken Parmesan in our homemade marinara sauce with Rigatoni or the East Coast Style fried fish and chips in our Samuel Adams beer batter.

Though there have been some renovations, Pub Fiction still features great live music weekly and remains a sports bar for the true sports fan. Open daily from 11am - 2am, come to Pub Fiction to catch the game, grab a late night snack and drink or break up the workday with a tasty meal and a good time.

2303 Smith | Houston | TX | 77006| 713.400.8400 www.pubfiction.com

September 11_002houston 8/30/11 2:43 PM Page 56

ADVERTORIAL

NARIN’S BOMBAY BRASSERIE • • • • • • • • • • •

Gourmet Indian cuisine We have a Full Bar Party Rooms Exclusive Wine Room for 10 people Gourmet Luncheon Buffet Daily Sunday Brunch Buffet Located in the heart of the Galleria We offer Delivery services We cater for all quantities Dinner is a la carte Open 7 days a week

3005 West Loop South, Suite110 Houston, TX 77027 | 713.622.2005 www.Narinsbombaybrasserie.com

VALENTINO With our Italian roots firmly planted by our founders, Piero Selvaggio and Luciano Pelligrini, Valentino Houston focuses on bringing elevated Italian cuisine to Houston.

With a menu incorporating homemade pasta (not to be missed is the house specialty Lobster Mezzeluna) and the freshest ingredients, your taste buds will be pleased. An excellent wine list and outstanding service will round out an unforgettable experience. This is Italian artfully done.

Featuring monthly wine dinners, crudo and happy hour specials, live music on Thursday and Saturdays, Valentino and its companion, Vin Bar, are sure to please. With its central location at the corner of Westheimer and West Loop, Valentino brings sumptuous Italian cuisine and hospitality to all of Houston. Buon Appetito!

2525A West Loop South, 713.850.9200 www.valentinorestaurantgroup.com

THE FRESH DIET FRESH, GOURMET, DELIVERED DAILY It’s like having a live-in CHEF. An invisible live-in CHEF. The fresh diet is the easiest way to have gourmet meals delivered to your door so you can lose weight without giving up the simple joy of eating delicious food. It’s the perfect way for busy people with refined palates to lose weight and be healthy. With over 400 items to choose from you can customize your menu to fit your preferences.

Let’s face it, when you eat FRESH, not only does it taste better, it’s better for you.

SPECIAL OFFER: Try us for 1 week and get 50% off your second week.

Go to www.TheFreshDiet.com of call 1-866-FRESH-50.

Use promo code: houston

BECKS PRIME

BISTRO BAR

SWEET

For over 25 years, Becks Prime has served Houston the freshest, highest-quality ingredients available: Angus-certified steak dinners, burgers ground and pattied daily, mesquite grilled marinated chicken, 100% handcut Idaho potatoes, Ahi Tuna, quarter-pound Boar’s Head hot dogs created specifically for us, a wide array of delicious salads and much more. Everything so fresh that all you’ll find in our freezers are the beer mugs.

Enjoy the sophisticated bar ambience and expansive patio seating and all the excitement of Houston’s CITYCENTRE! Bistro Bar customers can enjoy a captivating and seasonally changing cocktail menu highlighting classics first made famous by the Brennan family. The menu offers a variety of Mini Flatbreads, inspired by those made famous by Bistro Alex, and cold items like Blue Crab Pico de Gallo with Goat Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Profiteroles and “Street Foods” such as Shrimp & Tasso Pinchos, Boudin Balls and a Medianoche Sandwich.

What began in a small kitchen with a self-taught team catering to weddings, parties and farmers’ markets is now a quaint, eco-conscious bakery/coffee/teahouse offering classic sweets all proudly and strictly hand-made daily from scratch. Enjoy signature house coffee, macarons, cupcakes, cookies, and mini tarts – all made from ingredients locally and seasonally sourced. SWEET strives to inspire eco-awareness through its eco-friendly products from recycled cups, boxes, bags, plant cutlery, and baking in unbleached liners to vintage furniture, recycled wood fixtures and glassware.

Enjoy free Wi-Fi with a cup of espresso, sip on bubble tea outside on the patio, or pick up a macaron tower or cupcakes by the dozens for your next party.

Top Ten Burger in Texas -Texas Monthly

Taste the world’s freshest fast food for yourself at any of our twelve Houston-area locations.

Find the closest one to you at www.becksprime.com.

Happy Hour: Monday - Thursday 4:00pm - 7:00pm Reverse Happy Hour: Monday - Thursday 7:00pm - 9:00pm Wine Wednesdays - Half Price on all wines under $50 Bistro Bar Live Music Hotel Sorella 800 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N. Houston, TX 77024 www.hotelsorella-citycentre.com

801 Town & Country Blvd. Suite A120 | Houston, TX 77024 713.64.SWEET (79338) | www.sweethouston.com Follow SWEET’s twitter for their daily specials to come.

September 11_002houston 8/30/11 2:44 PM Page 57

ADVERTORIAL

BULLRITOS® You’re in Houston. You’ve seen other burrito joints, but Bullritos is a category all its own. Brought to you by Russell Ybarra, Houston’s Tex-Mex kingpin and founder of Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen, this fast-casual concept is nothing short of unbullievabull.

Incredibull Quality Bullritos ingredients are always fresh – never frozen. From freshly grilled and marinated meats to made-from-scratch beans and rice, all the way down the bag to a variety of salsas and load-it options, everything is made with quality in mind. Even our variety of tortillas come delivered hot off the press. Just grab a bag, select all the delicious goodness you can handle, and you’ll have a customized burrito rolled on the spot. And if you’re really bold, tack on a side of chips and queso and a bull-rita, the most refreshing margarita you can find in a pinch, available in strawberry or classic lime.

Charitabull Events We believe there’s more to life than just good food. That’s why we support schools and other worthy causes through Charitabull events. The concept is simple – select the date, advertise the event and we’ll donate 20% of the sales, up to $500, back to your organization!

Go Mobull with Online Ordering In a rush? Place your order online to avoid lines and beat the stampede.

Your Bullrito will be in the bag when you arrive. Set up an account and you can even text your next order!

Visit www.order.bullritos.com on your computer or smartphone.

Bull(k) Orders for Herds over 25 If you’re feeding a small (or large) herd, it’s best to just roll with it. Fax your order or place it online, and your hungry guests will come running back faster than the bulls on the streets of Pamplona.

EDDIE V’S PRIME SEAFOOD EDDIE V’S PRIME SEAFOOD enchants diners with an emphasis on prime seafood creations, USDA prime beef and chops, and fresh oyster bar selections featuring nearly a half-dozen varieties, including Blue Point, Hogg Island, Wellfleet, Salutes and Dutch Island. The interior design is comfortably contemporary creating a warm, sophisticated and quietly seductive ambiance. Eddie V’s chefs are passionate about seafood and the professional waitstaff offer impeccable service.

Enjoy the rhythms of live music nightly in the V-Lounge starting at 6pm weekdays, 7pm on weekends. Happy Hour is nightly in the lounge from 4-7pm with dinner beginning at 5pm. Seafood, Steaks and Rhythm.

12 Houston-Area Locations to Serve Your Burrito Cravings Champions, Deer Park, 1960/Eldridge, Briar Forest, Greenway Commons, NASA, Voss/San Felipe, La Porte, Pasadena, Pearland, Rosenberg, Sugar Land Bullritos is committed to building the Best Dang Burrito with Incredibull Quality! Find us at facebook.com/bullritos and on Twitter @bullritos

For more information, go to www.EddieV.com. *Unbullievabull* $5 Ground Beef Nachos Every Tuesday through September! www.bullritos.com

September 11_002houston 8/30/11 2:44 PM Page 58

ADVERTORIAL

FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR Join Our Nightly Celebration of Food, Wine & Memorable Times Fleming’s features the finest prime steaks and an award-winning list of 100 wines by the glass.

“5 for $6 ’til 7” Bar Menu Kick off your evening with our unique selection of 5 cocktails, 5 wines by the glass and 5 appetizers, priced at $6 each and served at the bar until 7 pm.

Then, indulge yourself with the finest prime steak, aged to perfection, as well as fresh seafood, innovative side dishes and decadent desserts.

What could be more fun than a party at Tila's?

How about a Tila's party at your house? Or office? Or, anywhere!

Tila turns any event into una fiesta monumental with delicious, authentic Mexican favorites, traditional, mouthwatering desserts and Tila's signature margaritas.

Relax and let us take care of everything so you can concentrate on more important things – like having fun!

Enjoy mouth-watering, authentic, Mexican cuisine as only Tila can prepare.

Sip one of our signature margaritas as you savor culinary favorites from Salmon Borracho to Brie Cheese and Pear Quesadillas. Chevre-Stuffed Filet Mignon to Chile en Nogada. Tres Chocolates to Tila-Misu!

We'll handle all the details including setup, staff, bar service and clean-up.

And when you need a venue for your next private event, come to Tila’s for one of our famous private Tequila dinners. Tila will prepare a special four-course meal exclusively for you and your guests – then pair each course with one of her favorite tequilas.

1111 S. Shepherd on the curve 713.522.7654 www.tilas.com

September “Month of Discovery” Join our month-long celebration featuring the debut of the new Fleming’s 100® — our award-winning collection of 100 wines by the glass. Events include: • Opening Nights: Taste your way through the new Fleming’s 100, featuring 20 different wines each Friday in September, for just $25 per guest.* • Silver Oak Wine Dinner on September 13th: Showcasing 5 wines from the “twin sister” wineries of Silver Oak and Twomey Cellars.

• “Winesdays”: 25% savings on bottle selections from the new Fleming’s 100, every Wednesday in September.

Private Dining for All Occasions Whether you're hosting a small social gathering or large business function, Fleming's will custom-tailor an event worthy of the occasion. It's the personal touches that make an event special, and no one understands this better than our Private Dining Directors. They'll work with you to ensure that every detail — from the food and drinks to the ambience and timing — is exactly right.

Fleming's Town & Country is located just minutes from the Memorial City Medical Center and Houston's renowned Energy corridor, and conveniently located near the Memorial suburbs, Katy, and Uptown/Galleria. Fleming’s River Oaks is located in the heart of Houston, between Greenway Plaza, the Galleria, the Houston Medical Center and Downtown.

• 788 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. | 713.827.1120 • 2405 W. Alabama | 713.520.5999 www.flemingssteakhouse.com Please contact us for complete offer details.

*Excluding tax and gratuity.

TILA’S

September 11_002houston 8/30/11 2:44 PM Page 59

ADVERTORIAL

Octopus Salad

Chef Giancarlo

ARCODORO Giancarlo is always searching for the freshest, seasonal ingredients to prepare in true Mediterranean fashion. A native Italian he creates daily dishes of treasures from the sea, bounty from the garden and the best of the terra. Experience Italy...the Sardinian way!

5000 Westheimer 713.621.6888 www.arcodoro.com Gourmet Sardinia www.gourmetsardinia.com

September 11_002houston 8/30/11 2:44 PM Page 60

ADVERTORIAL

ARAYA Discover the ultimate chocolate experience in town at ARAYA. Our creations are locally handcrafted following the Belgian and French technique, using only premium single origin chocolate and natural ingredients. Indulge your senses with the aroma and taste of more than 30 chocolate flavors made to satisfy every palate, from exotic flavors like Pink Salt and Strawberry Balsamic to the classic Palet D’Or and Hazelnut praline, enjoy our French macaroons with a nice cup of Italian espresso before or after watching a movie at theater right next door. Gourmet chocolate bars, spreads and hot chocolate available. Also, great gift ideas as exquisite fine chocolates or French macaroons inside beautiful artistic limited edition boxes.

2013 W. Gray St., Houston 1575 W. Grand Parkway South, Katy, TX 832.967.7960 www.arayachocolate.com

ARTURO BOADA RUGGLES GREEN At Ruggles Green, we are proud to be the greenest restaurant in Texas! On your visit you’ll notice there is something unique about this place. Maybe it’s the exciting atmosphere, maybe it’s our deep devotion to sustainability. Mostly – it’s the incredible food. All of our dishes are fresh and made to order. We use the freshest local, organic, and all-natural ingredients. We buy seasonal produce from over 10 local farmers. Some of our top favorites are: Hi-Protein Hemp Brownie, HempanadasTM, Texas Goat Cheese Salad and Famous Spicy Fish Tacos. We enjoy being a part of our local community and supporting it.

• 801 Town & Country Blvd. #1B Houston, TX 77024 | 713.464.5557 • 2311 West Alabama Houston, TX 77098 | 713.553.0777 Visit our new website and see how we are making a difference at www.rugglesgreen.com.

After numerous local and nationally awarded restaurants in Houston, Arturo Boada has opened his own eponymous boutique restaurant. With interior designed by Boada himself in collaboration with artist Ken Robertson the space is vibrant, full of color and flavor — creating an energetic atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner. Guests can enjoy pizzas, tapas and desserts prepared in the wood-burning oven plus a bevy of signature menu items such as Camarones en Hamaca Henesy, Mussels with Tomatillos, Mama Sonia Raviolis and the Whole Nine Yard Salad. Guests truly experience the feel of a friendly neighborhood restaurant. We also offer a variety of selected wines. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Sunday, lunch through dinner, with complimentary valet parking. What are you waiting for? Come experience Boada.

6510 Del Monte | Houston, TX 77057 713.782.3011 | www.boadacuisine.com Open lunch and dinner. Tues- Sunday.

MAJORCA BISTRO & TAPAS: MIDTOWN'S NEW "IT" DESTINATION

ISLAND GRILL Island Grill is an incredible Mediterranean Grill & Houston bistro serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. We serve the best juices and Smoothies in Houston. Most people who are into Houston smoothies or juices go crazy over this place. The egg white omelette and Creme Brulee French Toast are amazing. If you are in the mood for Mediterranean Food, the Chicken or Beef Pita are to die for. Most people who try the Island Grill Houston bistro return. Try us and you will see why.

• 5709 Woodway Housotn, TX 77057 | 713.334.4036 • 4024 Bellaire Blvd.

Houston, TX 77024 | 713.665.5388 www.islandgrillhouston.com

GROW YOUR OWN INDOOR GARDEN SUPPLY Hippocrates said, "Let thy food be thy medicine, thy medicine be thy food!" The good graces of growing your own food and flowers can be matched by only love itself. A visit to Grow Your Own Indoor Garden Supply in Montrose will provide you with all you need to start and maintain a patio, rooftop, backyard, pantry or a windowsill garden. Enhance your health by eating organic and freshly harvested herbs, veggies and fruits daily, which are optimum for nutrient viability.

Tasting is believing! Bring in the kids for a “Seed Your Own” activity and they can take it home to experience the ancient wonder of Growing Your Own! Customized Microclimates for function and beauty, Organic Seed, Organic Soil & Organic Plant Nutrients, Tropical Plants and Succulents are all available. Also a one-stop shop for Hydroponic Systems, Grow Lights, Reflectors, Bulbs, Ballasts, Seeding Trays, Local Art and more!

415 Westheimer, Houston, TX. 77006 | 281.823.9193

Houston’s hottest new dining experience, Majorca Bistro and Tapas, is now open in the heart of Midtown. From its variety of Sangrias and tropical cocktails to the tempting tapas and main course creations, using fresh local ingredients including meat, fruit, fish and vegetables, to offering guests a culinary journey of taste, tradition, and wellness in the unique Mallorcan style, the experience really aims to promote the well-being of both health and palate.

Founded by Restaurateur Ali Bendella and coowner/Chef Hicham Nafaa, this hip lounge-style dining space has two bars and Happy Hour on weekdays from 4-6pm, with half priced tapas and Sangria specials.

Catering to the late night crowd, drinks will be served until 2am and food until 3-4am.

Majorca Bistro and Tapas is located at 207-A Gray Street in Midtown, next to the Front Porch. For more info, visit them on Facebook or by 832.582.7176.

September 11_002houston 8/30/11 2:44 PM Page 61

ADVERTORIAL

RIAZUL PREMIUM “DISTINCTIVELY DIFFERENT.” —Rated 96 points by Wine Enthusiast 2011 "It is a very tasty tequila, fresh with citrus and pineapple notes and good perfume in the nose, making it a fine choice for a margarita straight up."

—John Mariani, Bloomberg “Riazul delivers a smooth, clean and satisfying drink.”

—Newsday Like all fine spirits, tequila comes from the earth. The agave that is at the heart of a great tequila is grown from the richest soil and just the right climate. Way up in the clouds, virgin red volcanic soil and extreme temperatures have given rise to the sweetest, most aromatic agave ever grown. This is where Riazul tequila is born. Discover Riazul. Single Estate.nOne hundred percent de agave.

Born in Mexico, but raised in Houston.

It’s the difference between bringing a bottle and being the life of the party.

www.riazul.com facebook.com/riazultequila twitter.com/riazultequila

TINTOS SPANISH RESTAURANT & WINE BAR At Tintos, plan on having a posh and relaxing experience. With two separate dining rooms to choose from and a shady, tropical patio available, come enjoy delicious Spanish-inspired tapas and sip on a great glass of wine from your favorite Spanish region. Alberto J. Alfonzo, Chef and Owner, comes from Spanish immigrant culture, tasting and cooking the foods of his parents’ homeland. To create his menu, Alberto traveled to Spain, one of his favorites places in the world, to visit with family and friends, restaurant owners and chefs, to not only enhance his family recipes, but to explore the latest food trends in Spanish cuisine. With resources in hand, combined with a lifetime full of dreams and over 15 years of experience, Tintos Spanish Restaurant & Wine Bar was born. Open daily for lunch and dinner and sunday brunch.

2015 W. Gray @ Shepherd Houston, TX 77019 713.522.1330 www.tintosrestaurant.com

September 11_002houston 8/30/11 2:44 PM Page 62

ADVERTORIAL

HOUSTON WINE FEST Houston, get ready for the palette-pleasing weekend of the year! This year, Houston Wine Fest brings together the finest wine and food for a two-day outdoor festival at Downtown Houston’s beautiful Sam Houston Park. From the novice to the serious wine aficionado, the 2011 Houston Wine Fest welcomes everyone to a weekend filled with wine sampling, delectable food pairings and live music for the wine-lover’s soul. The 2011 Houston Wine Fest benefits the Houston Wine Fest Young Leader Scholarship, a program developed to assist young students in their endeavors to become leaders in the community. The scholarship rewards two high school students with a $10,000 academic scholarship to an accredited 4-year college or university of their choice.

Purchase your tickets online in advance at www.houstonwinefest.com.

BAR MÜNICH

ERA RESTAURANT & BAR

Bar Münich, conveniently located in midtown Houston, is the only place in town that offers all available varieties of authentic Hofbräu imported from Munich, Germany. Our customers enjoy a variety of local and imported brews with tasty gourmet sausages in a sleek, contemporary space. We’ll introduce you to recipes handed down from centuries ago. Not a beer fan? Our talented bartenders can mix anything from martinis to shots from our full bar, including our signature shot: Munich Bomb. Sports fan?

Check out our live coverage of soccer, football and more on many TVs. Munich’s Oktoberfest Celebration takes place on September 24th, complete with a real polka band and other activities. Read more about offerings like Saint Arnold Mondays, Das Boot, Munich Stein Club and Beat the Clock Fridays at www.barmunich.com. Our motto: old world fun, new world style…a liter at a time, prost!

Overlooking Market Square Park and located in one of the oldest buildings in Houston, ERA Restaurant & Bar delivers affordable dining and historical romance in the heart of Downtown.

Hours - weekdays 4pm-2am, weekends 12pm-2am 2616 Louisiana Street, Houston, TX 77006 www.barmunich.com

GLITTER Sometimes stereotypes are there for a reason. I can’t dance. I can’t jump. I still listen to Hootie every now and then, and occasionally indulging in the stereotypical can lead to some pretty humorous introspection. When the average Joe Q. American unbuttons that top button and loosens that tie, ready to suck down a few beers and belt out some Billy Joel, Glitter is exactly what comes to mind.

Every now and then, it’s fun to engage in a little self-deprecation. Being able to laugh at yourself after butchering your favorite song in front of complete strangers and that cute girl you just bought a beer for is a rite of karaoke passage. Maybe Glitter is a total stereotype on that front, but it’s everything a karaoke joint is supposed to be – and for that, Houston is singing its praises.

Mon Closed | Tue 9-2 | Wed 9-2 | Thu 9-2 Fri 8-2 | Sat 8-2 | Sun 8-Midnight 2621 Milam | 713.526.4900 | www.glitterkaraoke.com

HONG KONG DINER NOW DIM SUM! Hong Kong Diner is glad to bring the historic tradition of Dim Sum to you! Let us touch your heart with only the best of our culture. We have so many dishes to choose from, anything from Shrimp Dumplings to Phoenix Claws topped with fresh tasty tea all at a great price. Nowhere in Houston will you find Dim Sum this great. So come downtown and relax yourself with us. All you have to do is take a seat, you and your friends, and we will take care of the rest. Once you try our fresh Dim Sum, you will surely come back for more… yum cha.

909 Franklin St. Houston,TX 77002 713.236.1688 Mon-Fri 2-9:30 Sat. 10-9:30 Sun. 10-3

"–it's the kind of casual yet sleek restaurant that should be an instant hit" –Houston Press, February 2011 "Where to eat right now: 10 must-try Houston restaurants, March 2011" "Pizzas, sandwiches and so much more...the newest and best addition to the restaurants ringing Downtown's Market Square Park," CultureMap Houston

Join us Thurs.-Fri. (4-8pm) for Happy Hour and Saturdays (12-3pm) for Brunch. Mon-Wed: 11am - 4pm | Thurs: 11am - 10pm Fri: 11am - 11pm | Sat: 12pm - 11pm 809 Congress Avenue | Houston, TX 77002 713.225.1066 | www.era809.com

“HOUSTON IS CONSIDERED TO HAVE ONE OF THE BEST CULINARY SCENES IN THE COUNTRY, WITH CUISINE FROM AROUND THE WORLD. THERE ARE MORE THAN 8,000 RESTAURANTS IN THE HOUSTON AREA WITH CULINARY CHOICES THAT REPRESENT MORE THAN 35 COUNTRIES AND AMERICAN REGIONS. HOUSTONIANS DINE OUT MORE THAN RESIDENTS OF ANY OTHER CITY—4.0 TIMES PER WEEK, COMPARED WITH THE NATIONAL AVERAGE OF 3.2. THE AVERAGE MEAL IN HOUSTON—$32.53—IS LESS THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE OF $35.10.”

COURTESY OF THE GREATER HOUSTON CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAUWWW.VISITHOUSTONTEXAS.COM/VISITORS/FAST_FACTS/