New dining spots freshen up food scene
Houston’s dynamic restaurant scene doesn’t appear to be losing steam. The past few weeks have seen dozens of business openings. Here are some new spots you may want to visit:
• Brooklyn Meatball Co., which was founded by Joey Galluzzi, has opened its second eatery in the food court at the Shops at Houston Center downtown. Galluzzi was runner-up in 2011 on NBC’s “America’s Next Great Restaurant,” where he pitched his idea for Saucy Balls, the restaurant. In addition to meatballs, BMC serves
subs, salads and pasta plates. 1200 McKinney, 713-751-7100
• The folks behind Tony’s Italian Delicatessen in Montgomery have opened the beach-themed Tony’s Seafood
Shack. The colorful dining room is your spot for fried seafood, fresh Blue Point oysters and lobster rolls. 17099 Walden, Montgomery, 936-582-1313
• The owner of the popular Sugar Landcentric restaurant group that includes Japanerios, Guru Burgers & Crepes and Jupiter Pizza & Waffle has opened a new concept specializing in comfort food and craft beer. Like its sibs,
Ginger Mule Tonics & Meals is located in Sugar Land Town Square. The gastropub has a full bar. The menu features favorites such as Waldorf salad, chicken-fried steak and fresh cracklins. 2228 Texas, Sugar Land; 832500-4099
• Tortillas filled with globally inspired concoctions, such as Israeli couscous, tikka chicken, softshell crawfish and shrimp with grits, are the focus of the Dallas import
Velvet Taco. If it sounds a bit like that devilish Austin-based chain Torchy’s, then you’re hearing right. 4819 Washington, 832-834-5908
• Be among the first 100 customers and receive a free smoothie when Juice It Up celebrates its grand opening 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday in Pearland. Customers also will receive 50 percent off all menu items during this time. The Californiabased raw-bar chain specializes in freshly squeezed fruit drinks. 2708 Pearland Parkway, Pearland; 281-965-3530
• Family-owned Tapester’s Grill, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, has opened in southwest Houston. Menu highlights include decadent cinnamon rolls, chopped kale salad (do add fried chicken) and a lamb burger with fresh mint. 4520 Beechnut, 832582-5333
• Songkran Thai Kitchen in Sugar Land isn’t entirely new. Chef Jett Hurapan has revamped his Asian-fusion spot Blu in Sugar Land Town Square into Songkran Thai Kitchen. The flagship Songkran, which is built on recipes from Hurapan’s birthplace of Bangkok, is located in Uptown Park. 2258 Texas, Sugar Land; 281-903-7324
• Lincoln Bar + Kitchen has opened on Washington. Among its attributes are a terrific patio, steak night (Wednesdays) and hookah. 5110 Washington, 713-864-8811 Pop-up at Fluff Rebecca Masson, who recently opened Fluff Bake Bar in Midtown, is inviting Matt McCallister, chef/owner of Dallas’ well-regarded FT33, into her kitchen for a special dinner July 6. McCallister was named one of the best new chefs in America last year by Food & Wine magazine. The multicourse dinner is $95; wine pairings are available for an additional $55. Only 24 seats are available for this event. 314 Gray, 713-522-1900 Dairy Queen reaches for the oven Minneapolis-based Dairy Queen is marking its 75th anniversary with nine new items that come from the chain’s latest kitchen innovation: the oven. DQ Bakes! features three hot-from-the-oven desserts (apple tart, triple chocolate brownie and stuffed chocolate chip cookie — all accompanied with vanilla ice cream), as well as baked sandwiches and snacks. Find the nearest location at dairyqueen.com.