Rob Giardinelli
Austin – A Wedding Fusion
Vixen’s Wedding, the Goan and Portuguese-inspired restaurant in East Austin, has proven so popular that it recently added brunch to its culinary repertoire. The restaurant also boasts a new dinner menu, designed by Managing Chef Todd Duplechan and newly appointed Chef de Cuisine Dan Kennedy, which features a broad array of shared dish items as well as a prix fixe menu. Enjoy scrumptious bites including Crab Pakoras, Beets, and Piri Piri Chicken being among the most popular. Accompany any item you order with one of their three delectable bread offerings.
Austin – Austin’s On Fire
Newly opened in downtown Austin, Ember Kitchen is a multi-level culinary experience located in the historic Seaholm Power Plant. The establishment is helmed by Executive Chef Nayley Castillo who was hired by Consulting Chef María Mercedes Grubb, the first woman in Puerto Rico to be nominated for a James Beard Award. Inspired by Castillo’s El Paso roots, the menu features food cooked over live embers, courtesy of a Josper charcoal oven imported from Spain, and includes a delectable Filet Mingon and Amberjack Crudo. Begin, or cap off, your experience by heading downstairs to their speakeasy Subterra for agave cocktails and other Latin spirits. The venue also features a private rooftop you can reserve for events.
Bryan – Dining in the Moonlight
Ronin Farm & Restaurant in Bryan offers sustainable, farm to table food, all of which is sourced from the 15-acre family farm. Each month features a Full Moon meal al fresco that is a nine-course tasting dinner in the surrounding forest that reflects the unique harvest of that month. After dinner is completed, guests walk down a candlelight path to the herb garden where coffee and dessert are served as the moon rises. If you’re looking for a quick, unique Texas getaway, you can even book a night in their onsite Guesthouse, a chic, fully restored three-bedroom cabin. Two upcoming dinners include the Pink Moon Dinner on April 21, and the Flower Moon Dinner on May 6.
Dallas – Meat Me At The Market
Newly opened in The Shops of Highland Park, Evan’s Meat Market is a classic neighborhood butcher shop with a modern Louisiana twist. Evan’s combines exemplary customer service combined with experience in the hospitality industry, which provides you with a bespoke experience from the second you walk in the door. Perfect for a night at home with family or entertaining friends, with offerings that include an array of quality meats to cook on the grill at home, classic Louisiana Po’boys, as well as ready-made dishes and sides, perfect for last-minute meals.
Frisco – Paris al Frisco
Recently opened in Frisco, La Parisienne is a French bistro with indoor and al fresco dining options that offer fare for lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, happy hour, and high tea. The 4,325 square foot space transports you across the pond from the second you walk in with chandeliers, a 3D mural and Tiffany Blue seats that are perfectly contrasted against marble tables. These make it the perfect environment to enjoy one of the French-themed cocktails on the menu. The venue also offers an array of scrumptious, French style desserts including eclairs, tarts, crepes, and waffles.
Fort Worth – Texas Osteria
61 Osteria, the popular Fort Worth Italian nighttime hot spot by local restaurantuer Adam Jones and acclaimed Chef Blaine Staniford, has recently added lunch and brunch to the menu which features seasonal dishes that focus on offering Texas ingredients with an Italian flair. The bright, Tuscan-inspired space makes it the perfect spot for a power lunch or catching up with friends. Popular new lunch menu items include the Semolina Dutch Baby, Soft Scrambled Egg Bruschetta, Chopped Salad, Italian Hoagie, and Shaved Porchetta.
Fredericksburg – Texas-Sized Auction
April 29th at the Vista Oaks Entertainment Center in Fredericksburg will feature the Texas Wine Auction with proceeds benefitting the Texas Wine Revolution. The event will feature eight competing chefs from all over Texas including Austin, Fredericksburg, Houston, and Lubbock where you can taste food prepared the chefs while pairing with an assortment of Texas-based Wines. Additionally, you can enjoy live music and bid on auction items that will consist of wines from top Texas brands.
Houston – P.S. You’ll Be Back
Acclaimed Houston chef Phillipe Schmit and his business partner Sébastien Laval are behind the newly opened PS-21, which is the talk of the town. The 3,400 square foot space designed by architect George Atala and Laval features a simple, modern space with clean lines, rich wood tones, and vegetation that seamlessly blend between the indoor and al fresco dining options. Popular menu items include Tarte Flambée, Duck Breast Wellington and Seafood Bouillabaisse, as well as a tableside Raclette experience. Pair any of these offerings with cocktails names after French inspired cities including The Montréal, The Paris, and The Saigon.
San Antonio – Italian Riverwallk
Newly opened inside the Westin on the San Antonio Riverwalk, Zocca Cuisine d’Italia offers dining options throughout the day from breakfast all the way to an evening night cap. Offering a Tuscan-themed interior with al fresco dining options to enjoy the Riverwalk, the menu features a delicious mix of shareable items, salads, pizzas, and main courses. Make sure to check out their cocktail menu that features a curated mix of signature cocktails including the Negroni Blanco and Zocca Spritz.
Beyond Texas – Mexico For Eva!
CNN’s new show, Searching for Mexico, features Corpus Christi native Eva Longoria, who proudly embraces her Texas and roots Mexican heritage in the opening credits. In each episode she travels to one of the 32 Mexican provinces to learn about the culinary aspects of a particular region of the country. The regions explored in the first season include Mexico City, Yucatán, Oaxaca, Nuevo León, Jalisco, and Veracruz. Learn more about the dishes of your favorite part of Mexico, or become so inspired by the cuisine of a region you have never visited before, so that it becomes your next Mexican destination.
