By Stephanie Mojica
Houston is a hotbed of both traditional and diverse ethnic cuisines. Diners in this Texas city can enjoy Vietnamese fajitas sautéed in lemongrass, roasted Texas quail and beef tongue dishes. The less adventurous can satisfy their palates with pasta, shrimp, soups, wine and desserts.
Kim Son Restaurant
Kim Son Restaurant is a Houston-area chain that specializes in Vietnamese cuisine. There are two locations in Houston and one in the nearby community of Stafford. Kim Son has been noted for its food in many publications, including Bon Appetit, and is frequently named "Best Dim Sum" and "Best Vietnamese Restaurant" by the Houston Press. Since 1982, owner Kim Su Tran La, also known as Mama La, offers a host of homemade Vietnamese dishes, such as fajitas sautéed in lemongrass, sugarcane shrimp and black peppered crabs. There are also some Thai and Chinese dishes, such as seafood hot pots and sweet and sour chicken.
Kim Son Restaurant
2001 Jefferson St.
Houston, TX 77003
Phone: 713-222-2461
E-mail: kimsonjefferson@kimson.com
Kim Son Restaurant
10603 Bellaire Blvd.
Houston, TX 77072
Phone: 281-598-1777
E-mail: kimsonbellaire@kimson.com
Da Marco Houston
Da Marco Houston offers some of the most diverse Italian food in all of Texas; there are extensive menus for both lunch and dinner, as well as a number of imported and domestic wines and liquors. Lunch diners may wish to try Australian lamb chops, duck breast, or shaved celery salad with beets. There is also a three-course lunch special for those seeking a more extensive dining experience. Dinner options include grilled octopus, Yukon golds, sweet corn ravioli with lobster, and roasted Texas quail. The almond cream cake is not to be missed.
Da Marco Houston
1520 Westheimer Rd.
Houston, TX 77006
Phone: 713-807-8857
Spanish Flower Mexican Restaurant
Spanish Flower Mexican Restaurant was founded in 1979 and has been lauded in Zagat for both its food and margaritas. From 10 p.m Tuesday to 9 a.m Wednesday morning, the eatery is closed; otherwise, it is open 24 hours a day. Diners can partake in both traditional and exotic Mexican dishes, including menudo, a spicy soup made out of tripe, and a beef tongue dish called lengua. There are a number of breakfast and happy hour specials offered, and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., each meal comes with a bowl of soup and a piece of fresh fruit free of charge. Desserts include flan and cheesecake.
Spanish Flower Mexican Restaurant
4701 North Main
Houston, TX 77009
Phone: 713-869-1706
Mark's American Cuisine
Mark's American Cuisine is ideal for a romantic setting and quality food, including kobe beef, salmon, lobster tails and crab legs. Mark's is open for lunch and dinner, closing in the afternoons between meals. Zagat has dubbed Mark's one of the top 10 restaurants in the entire United States, making a stop here crucial for "foodies." There is an extensive wine, martini, and liquor menu, as well as space for private functions.
Mark's American Cuisine
1658 Westheimer Rd.
Houston, TX 77006
Phone: 713-523-3800
Fax: 713-523-9292
E-mail: marks1658@hotmail.com
About the Author:
Stephanie Mojica has been a journalist since 1997. Her articles have appeared in newspapers such as "The Philadelphia Inquirer" and "The Virginian-Pilot," as well as several online publications. Mojica earned a Bachelor of General Studies, Arts and Science degree from Athabasca University in 2005 and is a certified weight-loss coach.
