By Jodi Thornton
Houston restaurants offer crab and other seafood in a variety of cuisines.
Named after General Sam
Houston, hero of the Texas Revolution, the city was the brainchild of two
New York real estate promoters envisioning "a great center of government and commerce." Houston has accomplished both these goals, even serving as the capital of Texas from 1837 to 1839. Rich in historic sites and cultural activities, Houston is home to delicious seafood cuisine from a variety of ethnic traditions.
Kirin Japanese Seafood Buffet
"Eat all you can enjoy" is the motto at Kirin Japanese Seafood Buffet. More than 80 items of authentic Japanese food grace the buffet tables daily. Crab lovers will find delights such as the blue crab stir-fry, stuffed crab fingers and snow crab sushi in addition to huge king crab legs. Other fresh-from-the-ocean choices include shrimp, oyster and salmon dishes as well as a variety of sushi, sashimi and hand rolls. For meat lovers, quail and lamb chops are two of many choices regularly offered, and vegetarians will find dishes geared to their tastes, such as the vegetable tempura. Take-out is available, and smaller appetites are welcome to order from the menu. Large banquet facilities and family-style seating make this a natural group gathering place.
Kirin Japanese Seafood Buffet
7615 FM 1960 Road West
Houston, TX 77070
281-807-3388
kirin-2.com
Tony Mandola's Gulf Coast Kitchen
"Dedicated to the preservation of the art of Mama's cooking" is how owner Tony Mandola describes his style. Since opening the restaurant in 1982, Mandola has also developed his own signature dishes. Combining the delicate taste of lump crab meat with other seafood favorites, he creates mouth-watering items you'll find nowhere else. For example, the snapper decadent is a festive gathering of shrimp, oysters and jumbo lump crab meat riding atop snapper, all blackened to perfection. Equally enticing for lunch, the menu serves up a selection of Po-Boys, sandwiches, soups, pastas and meat dishes. All items are available in children's portions, and the restaurant offers extensive catering and holiday take-out menus. The nicely organized wine list makes it easy for non-aficionados to select the perfect wine to pair with the entree. White table cloths, rich woods and the aromas of homemade gumbo and garlic bread make this warmly lit restaurant a great place to slow down and reconnect with loved ones over a tasty meal.
Tony Mandola's Gulf Coast Kitchen
1962 West Gray St.
Houston, TX 77019
713-528-3474
tonymandolas.com
Joyce's Seafood and Steaks
According to Houston Magazine, Joyce's Seafood and Steak is "one of the best seafood places in the city." Making the "favorites" lists from Saveur Magazine to most Houston publications, owner Francisco Ruiz believes what is most important is pleasing each customer by using only the freshest ingredients to prepare each item from scratch. Cheerful seaside blue décor punctuated with large fish and other ocean-related items complement the wood furniture and romantic side booths. Appetizer favorites include the Parmesan asparagus, topped with a blue crab bianco sauce, and oysters on the half shell, named by Houston Press as the best raw oysters in the city. Award-winning entrees include Joyce's famous lobster and shrimp enchiladas, named by Saveur Magazine as one of the best items of the year. Design your own combination platter with choices of shrimp, oysters, frog legs or catfish, or enjoy one of Joyce's many fine steaks and pastas. Open for lunch, Joyce's is a relaxing place to enjoy a genuine Po-Boy with a cup of Crab Bisque or any of the establishment's other daily lunch specials.
Joyce's Seafood & Steaks
6415 San Felipe
Houston, TX 77057
713-975-9902
joycesseafood.com
Resources
About the Author:
Jodi Thornton has been writing for more than 25 years and has been published in "Out N About Magazine," "Adam's Rib" and "Country Woman," among others. Traveling the 48 states, this avid outdoors woman finds wilderness adventure and local cuisine to be constant inspiration for her writing and photography.
Photo Credits:
alaskan king crab legs image by jedphoto from
Fotolia.com
