Four great dishes from across the area to treat yourself to
Triple Threat Coconut Chocolate Cake, Good Vibes Burgers & Brews
Really dark, deep chocolate cake with a satiny icing is something for which I am always on the lookout. The version at Good Vibes, known for its serious, cheffy Angus burgers, gets a professional touch in the form of a glossy, dark-as-night buttercream that’s supple enough to qualify as a ganache. It’s a tribute to chef Eric Nelson’s background in fine dining. The third element of the “triple threat” is a wellmade chocolate gelato. I ate mine on the spot, in the restaurant, served by itself while I had them pack the cake to go. That meant by the time I was ready to eat it, it was in peak form, at room temperature, so that the textures were relaxed and the flavors plumped up. Birthday quality stuff.
Good Vibes Burgers & Brews, 1329 E. Broadway, Pearland, 832-569-4141; goodvibesburgers.com
Vada Pav, Nirmanz Food Boutique
I smile just thinking about this spunky little sandwich done in the Indian chaat — or streetwise snack food — vernacular. Part of my affection springs from the spicy, herbal quality of the fried potato cutlet that anchors the dish. It’s the size of a tennis ball, and it squishes down nicely when you bite through the surrounding downy, butter-grilled rolls. Well calculated trimmings like green chutney, red onion and a sprinkle of crunchy red masala mix make the whole thing dance.
Order a side of raita to cool things off, sip an aromatic masala tea, and enjoy the captivating visual effects of chef Nirman Shah’s highly personal restaurant, which covers the bases from Delhi- and Mumbai-style chaat to substantial vegetarian and meat entrees.
Nirmanz Food Boutique, 16338 Kensington, Sugar Land, 832-5320699; nirmanz.com
Chicken Pita, Craft Pita
The hook at this Tanglewoodarea Lebanese spot is the use of
fine local ingredients by chef Rafael Nasr and his Peruvian wife, Claudia. So their chicken pita sandwich stars pulled rotisserie chicken that’s conscientiously raised by Naked Truth, and the difference from basic frozen, pre-cut gyro-style chicken is enormous.
Craft Pita’s chicken is almost fluffy, still in possession of its juices, with a clear, distinct flavor. And the fixings rolled up with it are just so: crunchy red cabbage, serious tomato, pickles, hunks of roasted potato and a riveting garlic aioli. Get a side of the zippy tabouli to go with it; and a memorable pink lemonade flavored with just a whisper of rosewater. Efficient curbside service is a plus, too.
Craft Pita, 1920 Fountain View, 832-804-9056; craftpita.com
Sandwich of the Day, Montrose Cheese and Wine
I’ve been happy with every sandwich du jour I’ve scored from Montrose Cheese & Wine, the retail shop that’s a sibling to Rosie Cannonball and March restaurants. Sometimes I take one of these paper-wrapped prizes home and eat it later, preferably at room temperature. But the other day, when I stopped by the shop to pick up some of March’s bottled vermouth infused with their farm herbs and fruit, I grabbed a sandwich to eat out on their gorgeous little breezeway, which I had all to myself.
That sandwich was pretty perfect, stacked with Genoa salami and good provolone, sparked up by a bright red pesto and racy pickled fennel, both made in house. Even better, in honor of the shop’s second birthday, a special menu featured five magnum wines by the glass. A slightly chilled Italian red, the Freisa blend Poderi Cellario “Vasco,” was the smart suggestion of staffer Evan. Drink what she tells you to. Then grab a couple of custardy little pastels de nata to take home.
Montrose Cheese & Wine, 1618 Westheimer, 832-380-2461; montrosecheeseandwine.com