Openings
Local Pour, which bills itself as a "classic American tavern," has opened in River Oaks. The menu features dishes like shrimp and crab nachos with honey chipotle sauce; Gulf shrimp and cheddar grits; and ribs braised with Southern Star Brewing Company's Buried Hatchet Stout and chocolate. On tap you'll find dozens of Texas craft beers. Local Pour, 1952 West Gray, Houston, TX 77019, 713-521-1881.
Mexican-native Carlos Abedrop has recreated his popular Saltillo steakhouse in Houston. The Texas version of La Casa del Caballo opened for lunch and dinner in March. It also offers a Mexican-influenced brunch menu with breakfast items and steaks. La Casa del Caballo’s main menu features enchiladas, Mexican fish and chicken dishes, steaks and chops, but the standouts are the family-style portions of hand-trimmed and grilled beef cuts. The famous Tapa de Lomo is the entire top cap portion of a whole rib-eye, about four pounds of beef, served with fried potatoes, refried beans and tortillas that feeds six. La Casa del Caballo, 322 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77006, 832-623-6467.
News
Bytes
James Beard Award Nominations Announced The nominees for the 2013 James Beard Foundation Awards have been announced. Houston representatives Hugo Ortega (Hugo's) and Chris Shepherd (Underbelly) are up for Outstanding Chef Southwest. The annual Awards Ceremony and Gala Reception will take place on May 3 & 6, 2013, at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall in New York. Find reviews for the restaurants nominated on GAYOT's James Beard Foundation Awards coverage.
Haven Offers Springtime Cooking Class If you love chef Randy Evans’ seasonal menus at Haven, then sign up for his third restaurant cooking class on March 24. Participants will be given a crash course in Texas springtime cooking using seasonal ingredients and culinary contributions from the state's Vietnamese, Mexican, Acadian, German, Czech and Polish communities. The $60 class fee includes the lesson and a three-course meal with wine. Call 713-581-6101 to reserve a spot. Haven, 2502 Algerian Way, Houston, TX 77098, 713-581-6101.
Easter Brunch at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar It’s rare indeed when Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is open during the day, so the special Easter brunch on March 31 is a treat. The three-course Sunday feast is $36.95 plus tax and gratuity and features choices from Fleming’s appetizers, entrées and desserts. Dishes such as lobster bisque or Caesar salad can be paired with eggs Benedict, prime rib or baked brioche French toast with a walnut crisp. Dessert offerings include white chocolate bread pudding, crème brûlée or turtle pie. Of course, there are Easter-themed cocktails and hundreds of wine to choose from --- and even a special brunch menu for kids priced at $17.95. Reserve online at www.flemingssteakhouse.com and receive at $25 gift card for future dining. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Center at River Oaks, 2405 Alabama St., Houston, TX 77004, 713-520-5959.
Chef Shuffle
Chef Michael Kramer, formerly of the shuttered restaurants Voice and Felix 55 Restaurant & Bar, is leaving Texas for Greenville, South Carolina. He is joining the Table 301 restaurant group. Felix 55 Restaurant & Bar, Rice Village, 5510 Morningside, Houston, TX 77005, no phone.
Closings
After four decades in business, Marfreless is closing. The lounge cites rising rents in the River Oaks Shopping Center. Marfreless, River Oaks Shopping Center, 2006 Peden St., Houston, TX 77019, no phone.
View our calendar of Wine Dinners & Tastings in Houston
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