Taste Test

Taste Test Taste Test

Break with the ordinary and explore these seven bold and defining flavors of Houston.

by CARLOS BRANDON // photos by JENN DUNCAN

Stepping out of your culinary comfort zone can prove difficult to some. Maybe you’re far too busy to give time and energy to thoughtful eating, or perhaps you’re anxious about unknown and untested flavors. Whether you’ve recently resolved to expand your palate, or simply need a break from the same old meals, these seven dishes from seven destinations across Houston and its surrounding areas will inspire the change of pace you’ve been craving.

From Asian American–fusion fine dining to delightful morning meals, our selections highlight what is most unique, most diverse, and most exciting about the Bayou City’s dining scene right now. Consider this your travel guide to new and adventurous flavors across Houston and beyond.

Avocado Toast THE ROASTERY // BUFFALO HEIGHTS

For residents of and visitors to the fashionable Buffalo Heights District off Washington Avenue, The Roastery offers an enticing excuse to slow down and quite literally smell the coffee. Part roasters, part restaurateurs, the four chefs behind one of Houston’s most celebrated coffee concepts combine elements of a chef-driven kitchen with those of a craft roastery.

Among its mouthwatering dishes, this creative coffee kitchen offers a menu of three unique toasts to give the most mundane mornings a much needed jolt. The anchor of this trio is the house’s renowned avocado toast, which puts an H-town twist on the brunch staple. Multigrain toast is topped with crushed avocado, flax seed, radish, mint—of course—while fresh lime and flavor-packed jalapeño add a dose of south-of-the-border heat.

L e v e l U P your Toast

Ceviche Yucatan GUADALAJARA DEL CENTRO // GREENSTREET

Quietly located in downtown’s GreenStreet development, Guadalajara del Centro is a hidden gem and one of Houston’s most off-theradar Tex-Mex kitchens. A hacienda-style treasure in the heart of the city, this family-owned kitchen serves an assortment of coastal, interior, and Tejano staple dishes.

While they’re famous for their fajitas and colorful cocktails, why not skip the standard stuff and opt for a fresh approach to Mexican cuisine with an order of Yucatan-Style Ceviche. Fresh Gulf shrimp and fish are marinated in lime juice, served with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro, as well as diced avocado and mango for that distinctive Yucatan Peninsula twist. L e v e l U P your chips & dip

Ahi Tuna Burger HOPDODDY // CITYCENTRE AND CENTURY SQUARE

Lagging on that New Year’s diet resolution? Thinking of cutting back on red meat? If you want a healthy alternative to the all-American beef patty with all the savory decadence of one try Hopdoddy’s indulgent Ahi Tuna Burger.

The Austin-based concept has been shaking up the Houston burger scene for years. For the last few years, residents of CITYCENTRE and Century Square in College Station have enjoyed access to Hopdoddy’s sprawling menu of creative, sometimes explosive burger creations. Using sushi-grade ahi tuna that’s seared to the perfect rare temperature, nori chips, teriyaki, honey wasabi, mayo, and pickled ginger, the folks at Hopdoddy have crafted a 650-calorie behemoth of a not-so-average burger. Whether you’re a sushi lover or a red meat traditionalist, this sandwich promises to please. L e v e l U P your Burger

Lobster and Fresh Mozzarella Flatbread SEASONS 52 // CITYCENTRE

52 unique and approachable wines by the glass and an always-changing seasonal menu give this nationally recognized fresh grill and wine bar its famous name. For those seeking a more elegant lunch destination or an ideal place for a casual yet refined dinner, Seasons 52 might be just the ticket.

Among a sprawling menu of grilled starters and entrées, you’ll find a mouthwatering list of wood-grilled flatbreads that pair almost too well with a glass of wine ... or several. Break from the tried-and-true red wine and red sauce pizza pairing, and sink your teeth into the luxurious Lobster and Fresh Mozzarella Flatbread, with grilled red peppers, scallions, lobster, and sour cream. A heavenly combination of unexpected wine country flavors, this light seafood flatbread begs to be enjoyed with a shared bottle of Napa chardonnay or sauvignon blanc.

L e v e l U P your Pizza

BOWL’D & ADVENTUROUS So simple a concept, yet so craveable, bowls of every variety have taken over our foodie consciousness in the last few years. From poke to açai and classic salads, try these adventurous tips for sprucing up your next bowl. For an idyllic waterfront destination for fine dining head to family-owned Raffa’s Waterfront Grill in Kingwood. Self-described as contemporary American, the impressive menu borrows from ethnic and international cuisines as well—perhaps the truest indicator of contemporary America.

Among its more imaginative dishes are the Korean Riblets with red cabbage and cilantro slaw. Tempura-fried pork riblets doused in Korean BBQ sauce, this zesty Asian-inspired small plate makes for an excellent starter or, better yet, a meal all to yourself. L e v e l U P your BBQ

Poke Burrito POKEWORKS // CENTURY SQUARE

At the intersection of sushi and poke trends lies the Insta-worthy sensation that is the poke burrito. Now in College Station’s chic, multiuse Century Square district, the New York-based chain that helped kick off the national poke craze is serving their own version of this hip Japanese/Hawaiian take on a burrito.

Prepared in the “build it yourself” mode— widely adopted by most poke shops— Pokeworks burritos are massive sushi rolls wrapped in roasted seaweed and rice, then stuffed with your choice of cooked or raw protein and an assortment of fresh ingredients. An on-the-go alternative to poke bowls and a deviation from Tex-Mex tradition, make this fresh take your go-to lunch of 2020.

PHOTO: BY JENNIFER GILLETTE

Açai and Greenoa Bowls CLEAN JUICE // MEMORIAL GREEN AND CENTURY SQUARE

Residents of both Memorial Green and Century Square can practice some organic self-care with Clean Juice’s assortment of açai and greenoa bowls. Try the Green Bowl, with organic açai, almond milk, banana, granola, honey, kale, matcha, and spinach. For a more protein-packed lunch, try the Popeye Bowl with organic spinach, quinoa, hard-boiled egg, avocado, feta, strawberries, and walnuts.

L e v e l U P your Burrito

Pitaya Bowl JUICEWELL // CITYCENTRE

You may be familiar with JuiceWell, one of Houston’s most pioneering cold-pressed juice bars. You may even be a fan of their popular super-food bowls. Though perhaps you have yet to substitute açai for the tart and delicious pitaya. Indigenous to Mexico and Central America, this bright red fruit with white meat and black seeds is power-packed with health benefits. Add a scoop of hemp protein and spirulina and you’ll be conquering the world by 3 p.m.

Power Bowl PIADA // CENTURY SQUARE

A fresh take on Italian cuisine, Piada has been bringing authentic Italian street food to the States for years. Among their inspired and health-driven dishes, visitors to Century Square should opt for the fresh and surprisingly hearty Power Bowl, featuring red quinoa, roasted broccolini, sweet corn, tomato, glazed chickpeas, yogurt harissa drizzle, and much more.

Build Your Own Salad SALATA // GREENSTREET

If you think a salad is an uninspiring or otherwise unfulfilling lunch, you haven’t been to Salata. The buildyour-own salad bar is a pioneer in healthy eating and crave-inducing salads. Their kitchen offers over 50 topping choices, with proteins that include Asian BBQ chicken, baked tofu, and falafel.

L e v e l U P your Potato

Brisket-Stuffed Sweet Potato DISH SOCIETY // MEMORIAL GREEN AND FINN HALL

The ongoing Texas barbecue renaissance has inspired chefs and pitmasters across the state to craft some seriously incredible smoked dishes. Not to be outdone, the folks at Dish Society—Houston’s renowned farm-to-table, casual dining outpost have added their own smoky creation to the menu.

Residents of Memorial Green and patrons of Downtown’s Finn Hall can indulge in the Brisket-Stuffed Sweet Potato. This updated take on a classic features a baked sweet potato stuffed with white cheddar and certified Angus brisket, then topped with house-made barbecue sauce, cabbage slaw, and green onions. A robust rib-sticker of a Texas meal, this smoked brisket recipe is likely to become your “usual” order at all Dish Society locations for quite some time.

Seeking ways to add bold flavor to your daily regimen while enjoying a homecooked meal with as little (or less!) effort as dining out? Adventurous and off-the-beaten-path cooking can be intimidating, expensive, and ultimately disappointing without proper experience or means. Luckily, H-E-B offers an extensive assortment of ready-to-cook Meal Simple entrées and sides that make dinner plans a breeze and eliminate the hassle of prep and cleaning.

Try the ready-to-bake Jalapeño Atlantic Salmon Burgers. Thick Atlantic Salmon patties seasoned with a healthy dose of pico de gallo and diced jalapeño. A healthful and savory way to enjoy a gourmet burger at home without the caloric guilt or lengthy prep time. For the carnivorous at heart, try the spinach and cream cheese–stuffed flank steaks: two beautiful flank steaks wrapped around a filling of Parmesan, cream cheese, and fresh spinach—ready to throw in the oven and enjoy.

Other options include stuffed Atlantic salmon, lime-marinated chicken breast, and pesto garlic chicken. These and so many other Ready to Cook meals add flavor and chef-inspired depth to your daily home cooking that will keep that meal prep resolution honest and your palate pleasantly surprised. DIY DELICIOUS

CALLING ALL HOUSTON FOOD EXPLORERS

Finn Hall is Houston’s premiere food hall, consisting of 9 independently operated eating establishments & a full elevated bar in the center of the hall. Come discover a beautiful Art Deco designed space with the latest culinary creations from local, up-and-coming chefs.