With IDDBA just around the corner, one thing we’ve learned is that connections made over wining and dining not only bolsters the showtime experience, but is also a worthy way of networking.
So here are a couple of places that we’ve added to our “must-try-to-visit” list while attending IDDBA this year in Houston, Texas.
Obviously, right? Well not really. Houston's is a restaurant chain with restaurants all over the country, yet each one is very unique and operates somewhat independently. You can usually find one in each major city you find yourself in and will go to because it's food and service you can rely on. Consistent to a fault, this restaurant is not named after Houston because it's located there. Actually, it took the namesake to salute the growth of the city in its heyday. Fun fact: Houston's has never spent one cent on advertising, yet it is the most successful restarutant chain of its kind in the country. There's a reason for that — word-of-mouth. The service is always exceptional, cocktails are above-par, and the menus are well-thought out for optimal execution. Try the French Dip, the Baby Back Ribs, or any of their seafood specials, you won't be disappointed. The coleslaw and Spinach Artichoke are favorite appetizers and internet-famous for being reverse-engineered and emulated over and over again. The privately-owned restaurant, "being a very highly regarded and often imitated brand," is run by successful restauranteur, George Biel, and has been touted as, "The Non-Corporate Restarurant Corporation." The Houston's restaurant opened it's doors in Nashville, TN, in 1977.
If you visit Texas and skip having a bowl of chili you might not be allowed back in the state. But really, you might as well have some while you're there, it's The Official State Food of Texas. So, with that being said, our pick, based on a very reputable source (see the link for the chili recipe) is Laurenzo's. According to the Houston Chronicle, their chili is one "people rave about." A bowl of heaven served with a side of beans, onions, cheese and crackers runs $9.99 for a large bowl, so it's a reasonable way to satisfy the convention beast.
The name itself is a promising start for a first trek to Houston, as well as the fact that its website lists 19 annual wins for the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. And we adore wine. Also of note, this restaurant was the first steakhouse in Texas to serve Certified Angus Beef, and has been for the past 33 years.
Now that's a steak! @TasteOfTexas @Laikan72 pic.twitter.com/JaCnWhRL
— Steven Kay (@StevenKayLive) February 17, 2013
The aesthetics look to be as pleasing as the food, making this a place we want to be sure to visit during our time in the Lone Star State. But don’t just take it from us, watch for yourself in this detailed video.
By the way, this place has also scored almost 5 stars from more than 1,900 reviews on Trip Advisor. We’d say it might be worth a try.
From the looks of it, this is a popular hotspot that has adjusted to accommodate its fame. Offering itself as a “getaway for the senses,” Truluck’s not only offers wine lists, menus, fisheries, and even a section entitled “culinary commitments,” but there is rarely not an entertainer in by dinner time to offer some local flair to the delectable looking flavors.
Truluck’s has also won a number of notable titles, including OpenTable’s #1 Best Overall Restaurant for its 400 Colorado St, Austin, TX, location and Best Seafood Restaurant in USA TODAY’s 10 Best.
It's starting to get fancy in here. Being described by Eater as "part old New York steakhouse, part modernist hangout: all dark wood, plush chairs, exposed brick and period lighting," this might be the place DeliMarket News visits to wrap-up our trip to the area. If you're looking for fireworks, this will probably be your best bet.
Find B&B at their location at 1814 Washington Ave, Houston, TX.
It's Monday morning. You need an award-winning coffee and a pastry to cure your long-weekend woes, but you're from out of town and you decide to just settle for Starbucks. Don't. Well, go right ahead if you are stubborn, but you really don't have to. Open from 7am - 4pm Revival Market serves up a dreamscape of breakfast fare and baked goods. A must not miss place. We've added some extra pics to show you some of their range.
Find that tasty treat from Revival at 550 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX.
See you there?
