Tag Archives: Houston Food

Be 1 of Sweet Tomatoes’ 30 Remarkable Guests

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Winners of 30th Anniversary Essay Contest to Receive 30 Complimentary Meals

Sweet Tomatoes is celebrating its 30th Anniversary in July with an essay contest to find and reward its most remarkable patrons. Guests are asked to draft a 200-word essay describing why they or someone they know is remarkable using a memorable story related to Sweet Tomatoes restaurants (known as Souplantation in some other areas of the country). Winners will receive complimentary meals at Sweet Tomatoes/Souplantation and the honor of being named one of “30 Remarkable Guests.””

“Our thirtieth anniversary should really be a celebration of our guests because it’s their loyal patronage that has kept our company going strong for so many years,” said Michael Mack, CEO of Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp., parent company of Sweet Tomatoes/Souplantation. “I can only imagine what a challenging task it will be to narrow it down to just thirty winners since each of our guests is amazing and have truly made the last three decades remarkable for us.”

Virtual Restaurant Visit: Sweet Tomatoes 1 of Top 10 Healthiest Restaurants in U.S.

The “30 Remarkable Guests” contest, which will take place July 1 through July 31, will be judged by Sweet Tomatoes’/ Souplantation’s Kitchen Cabinet advisory panel, comprised of 10 influential moms from around the country. The essays will be judged on originality and creativity, appropriateness to subject matter, composition and sincerity.

“Maybe you transformed your body by changing your eating habits at Sweet Tomatoes, or maybe you raised money for an important local cause through the company’s fundraiser program, or who knows, maybe you met your spouse at one of the restaurants,” said Kate Wilkins, a member of the Kitchen Cabinet from San Diego. “We are looking to be inspired by your stories. We can’t wait to read them!”

From July 1 to July 31, all adults over the age of 18 are invited to enter a 200-word or less essay, and will be competing for a prize of 30 free meals at Sweet Tomatoes and the chance to have their essay posted on the Sweet Tomatoes website. All contestants must be United States residents. Winners will be announced by September 15, 2008. Entries are limited to one sheet of 8.5-inch by 11- inch paper and only one entry per person is allowed.

To participate, complete the entry forms found at any Houston-area Sweet Tomatoes restaurant or www.sweettomatoes.com and submit completed essays to a restaurant location or mail to Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp., Attention: “2008 Essay Contest Entries,” 15822 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite A, San Diego, CA 92127, no later than July, 31, 2008. Entries must be postmarked by July 31, 2008.

Sweet Tomatoes/Souplantation was founded in 1978 in San Diego, California and currently operates 110 salad buffet-style restaurants across the western, southern and eastern portions of the United States. Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes features an everyday selection of made-from-scratch soups and salads and hand-crafted muffins, focaccia, breads and desserts. The concept is built around freshly made, great-tasting, recipes with a salad bar full of seasonal vegetables and tossed salads prepared exhibition-style every 20 minutes. Restaurants are open daily for lunch and dinner and also for a special Sunday Breakfast featuring a variety of wholesome breakfast favorites in addition to regular selections. Sweet Tomatoes provides its guests with an excellent value by offering unlimited access to its entire menu of high quality fresh items at a fixed price.

There are four Sweet Tomatoes restaurants in the Greater Houston area at 8775 Katy Freeway, 713/365-9594; 17240 Tomball Pkwy., 281/890-1133; 12540 Sugardale Dr. in Stafford, 281/240-1400; and 1717 Lake Woodlands Dr. in The Woodlands, 281/292-0556. Sweet Tomatoes is also expanding into the Greater Dallas/Fort Worth area: Dallas, Addison and Arlington locations are currently open; Irving will open this year; and Plano/Frisco in 2009.

For more information, visit www.sweettomatoes.com or call (888) 374-8358.

Source: Paula Murphy, Patterson & Murphy Public Relations

Fine Dining Gets Fresh at Monarch

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Hotel ZaZa Houston Monarch

New Dinner Menu Delivers Organic, Seasonal American Cuisine with a Tuscan Twist

HOUSTON, Texas – One of Houston’s top dining destinations, Hotel ZaZa’s Monarch restaurant unveils a new dinner menu that echoes Executive Chef Bradley Manchester’s dedication to providing an unsurpassed culinary experience. Manchester’s ingredient-focused American cuisine adds a decidedly Tuscan twist with the fusion of Mediterranean flavors and choice selection of seafood and steaks. Building upon a foundation of seasonal ingredients and the premise that everything is made in-house, Chef Manchester has developed a menu with the idea that items will change with the seasons and ingredient availability. Diners can always enjoy something new, as Monarch’s dinner menu will continue to evolve.

Click here to see Monarch’s new dinner menu.

Taking cues from Mother Nature, Chef Manchester looks to the seasons for culinary inspiration. Plates are robust and vibrant in both color and flavor. Produce, often locally procured, is organic and picked at the height of its season. Hydroponically-grown micro-herbs are used for their flavorful intensity, while Chef Manchester opts for baby vegetables whenever possible, citing their more subtle flavor and texture. Pastas, breads, sauces and more are all made in-house. Scallops are shucked to order. Meats and poultry are grass-fed and free-range. Combined with Monarch’s elegant setting, the overall experience is an epicurean odyssey found nowhere else.

This spring, diners will enjoy the Miso Glazed Sable Fish, served with a green onion and rock shrimp risotto, coconut foam and sweet chili. Crispy wonton shrimp, chipotle yam puree and mango coconut chutney complements the Kurobuta Pork Tenderloin. The vegetarian Spinach and Mushroom “Lasagna” features ricotta, grilled vegetable relish and Kalamata vinaigrette. The Deconstructed Ahi Roll, a popular Monarch favorite, is again on the new menu. This sushi- inspired appetizer layers sushi rice with ahi tartar, avocado, crab ceviche and white truffle dressing. The Green Tea Marinated Angus Filet, dressed with a ginger butter, is served with braised choy sum and enoki mushrooms. (See complete dinner menu attached.)

Elegantly appointed throughout, Monarch is a beautiful destination for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and nightlife. Windows throughout the restaurant allow sweeping views of the nearby Mecom fountain. A Baroque-inspired dining room with high-backed chairs and vibrant wall art features beveled ceilings and zebra-print carpeting. The lounge emits an exclusive vibe, aided by marble tile, dark wood-plank flooring, low-lit chandeliers and plush drapes along a far wall. Just outside the lounge, Monarch’s Terrace offers beautiful garden and fountain views. Spacious and scenic, the Terrace is filled with wrought iron tables and chairs flush with potted flowers and foliage.

For more information, or to make a reservation, please call (713) 527-1800 or visit www.hotelzaza.com/houston.

About Hotel ZaZa

Hotel ZaZa’s soul lies in a rich combination of sensual design, an impeccable attention to detail and a “can-do” staff whose mission is to exceed every expectation. Hotel ZaZa is designed to deliver both style and substance for hard-working, fun-loving souls. Each hotel offers unique accommodations, one-of-a-kind themed suites and world-class dining. Hotel ZaZa provides travelers with a welcoming environment that embraces its signature elements of luxury, comfort, style and fun. It is uniquely different and anything but ordinary.

Hotel ZaZa Dallas features a casual yet seductive Mediterranean elegance, and is conveniently located in the chic Uptown neighborhood. The hotel provides 4,500 square feet of meeting space, 153 rooms, 17 concept suites, The Magnificent Seven Suites, award-winning Dragonfly restaurant and the über-zen ZaSpa. Dallas’ Hotel ZaZa is a feast for the senses, exhibiting a style and substance rarely found in today’s hotels. The hotel is located at 2332 Leonard Street, Dallas, Texas, 75201 and reservations can be made by calling 214-468-8399 or by visiting www.hotelzaza.com/dallas.

Hotel ZaZa Houston debuted in June 2007 and is located in the heart of the city’s buzzing Museum District. Extravagant and lush while still quietly intimate, the Houston property boasts 17,000 square feet of meeting space, the beautiful Monarch restaurant, restorative ZaSpa, over 300 rooms including ZaZa Petites, Pool Bungalows, Pool Villas, Concept Suites and The Magnificent Seven Suites. The hotel is located at 5701 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005 and reservations can be made by calling (713) 526-1991 or visiting www.hotelzaza.com/houston.

Hotel ZaZa was created by Charles S. Givens and Jeff Records and is owned by Givens-Records Developments.

Source: Kelle Jackson, The Buzzell Company

Willie Burger

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Source: Willie Walker, HoustonTexasFood.com visitor | Share Your Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. ground chuck
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 lb. pecan smoked sausage
  • 1 lb. of hot pan sausage
  • 1 cup chopped seasonings(red,yellow,green bell peppers, red & green onions)
  • 1/2 cup of spices & herbs(no salt)
  • 1 1/2 cup of seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1 pkg. of Lipton’s Savory & Garlic soup mix
  • 1 pkg. of Grillmates Zesty Herb marinade mix
  • 14 cup of Sweet & Tangy Steak Sauce
  • 14 cup of Sweet & Spicy BBQ sauce
  • 14 cup of Louisiana Seafood Sauce

Directions:

  1. Grind smoke sausage in food processor to consistency of ground meat, as well as chopped seasonings to be very fine.
  2. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients, spreading the spices, bread crumbs, & sauces sparringly. Mix very well with your hands, assuring an evenly mixture.
  3. Form your patties to be slightly larger than your buns, because shrinkage will be minimal. Set your patties in the refrigerator for an hour or freezer for 15 minutes.
  4. Prepare your grill with the coals being white or medium high with gas or propane. I use a combination of (hickory, mesquite, pecan & apple) wood chips (chips smoke much better than chunks). If you can’t use wood to smoke, pour about 3 tbsps. of Liquid Smoke into your mixture, when preparing.
  5. Sear each side 2-4 minutes to lock the juices in, then smoke remainder of time.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Serves: 10-12

McCormick & Schmick’s Charred Tomato Dill Butter Sauce

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Source: McCormick & Schmick’s Executive Chef Henry Hopkes IV

Memorial Day is approaching but grilling doesn’t have to be your only option for a great summer meal. Chef Henry Hopkes from McCormick & Schmick’s shared a delicious fish dish on FOX 26 Morning News. Click here to watch the segment.

Ingredients:

  • 2 each Roma Tomatoes
  • ½ cup White Wine
  • ½ tbsp. Chopped Shallots
  • ½ cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 tbsp. Lemon Juice
  • 1 tbsp. Chopped fresh Dill
  • 1 tsp. Salt
  • 8 oz. Cold cubed Butter
  • Olive Oil

Directions:

  1. Cut tomatoes in half and lightly brush with oil. Place on hot grill for several minutes turning several times until slightly charred then remove from grill.
  2. In a 2-quart sauce pan, add white wine, lemon juice, shallots and coarsely chop charred tomato at med-high heat.
  3. Reduce by ¾’s, then add heavy cream and reduce by ½.
  4. Remove from heat and slowly whip in butter season with salt.

Chicken & Pea Skabetti

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HoustonTexasFood.com visitor LaMisha Carter submitted this recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. chicken breast
  • 1 can sweet peas
  • 1 can rotell sauce
  • 1 can cream of chicken
  • 1 can cream of mushroom
  • 1 Block of velvetta cheese
  • 1 pack of thin spaghetti noodles
  • 1 1/2 cups of milk

Directions:

  1. Boil water in a deep pot for noodles (add 1/2 tsp. salt).
  2. Oil a small sauce pan, season chicken & cook until done.
  3. When noodles & chicken are done, combine both in deep pot and add milk.
  4. Using 1/2 can of cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, peas & rotell suace (whole can of rotell may be too spicy), combine all into deep pot & stir under med fire.
  5. Cut cheese into small blocks put into pot & continue to stir until cheese is completely melted. It should be soupy (if not add milk).
  6. Then pour the Chicken & Pea Skebetti into long pan put it it in the oven @ 350 degrees for 15-20mins.
  7. Let cool & serve with garlic bread along with a ceasear salad!!!

Mom’s Meat Balls

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HoustonTexasFood.com visitor Pat Connor submitted this recipe for Mom’s meat balls.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground chuck
  • 1/2 pound ground turkey
  • 4 ounces dried bread crumbs
  • 4 large eggs
  • 4 ounces can milk
  • 6 ounces grated Romano cheese
  • 3 ounces grated red onion
  • 2 ounces finely diced fresh garlic
  • 2 ounces finely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
  • 2 ounces finely chopped fresh basil leaves

    • Directions:

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
    2. Spray a baking sheet with olive oil cooking spray. Mix all ingredients thoroughly in large bowl.
    3. If mixture seems a little loose add more breadcrumbs. Roll meatballs loosely about the size of a golf ball and place on baking sheet.
    4. Place into preheated oven for approximately 35 to 40 minutes.

    Margarita Card Helps Houston’s Premature Babies

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    Brent Paugh and his wife have created a website called MargaritaTexas.com, where the couple rates and reviews restaurant margaritas in Texas, mostly in Houston and surrounding areas, and provides recipes for making margaritas.

    The Paughs have recently created a restaurant discount card called the Margarita Texas Member Card, which gives up to 15 percent off restaurants around Houston and surrounding areas.

    One of the couple’s motivations for creating the program was to donate a portion of all sales to help ill and premature babies in our community. Our participating restaurant list consists of restaurants with some of the best food and margaritas.

    Learn more about the card and which restaraunts are participating by visiting www.margaritatexas.com/card.

    Posole

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    This recipe was submitted by Kelly Linares.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 lb. Pork Stew Meat
    • 1 lb. Beef Stew Meat
    • 5 tbsp. Chili Powder
    • 1 tsp. Cumin
    • Salt, to taste
    • Pepper to taste
    • Large can White Hominy, drained
    • Limes Wedges
    • Grated cheese
    • Tortilla chips

    Directions:

    1. Brown Stew meat in heavy pot with chili powder, cumin, salt & pepper.
    2. When no longer pink, cover with water and let simmer until meat is fork tender, (may have to add more water, if so you can adjust seasoning to your taste).
    3. Add hominy and bring to boil.
    4. Serve with lime, grated cheese and tortilla chips for garnish.

    Big O House Burger

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    Sweets Etc. house burger is affectionately known as the Big O after one of its owners, Oran Smith. For those TRUE burger lovers, pile on a stack of onion rings to the masterpiece and grab a pillow and blanket!

    WATCH VIDEO: FOX 26′s Lanny Takes a Bite
    Out of Big O’s Burger

    Ingredients:

    • 1/2 lb Angus Beef
    • 2 Slices of thick cut bacon
    • 1/4 cup chopped musrooms
    • 1/4cup of zuchinni
    • 1/4 cup of yellow squash
    • 1 dash of olive oil
    • salt and pepper
    • 1 slice pepperjack cheese
    • 1/4 cup of schredded chedder
    • 1/4 cup of red, green and yellow bell peppers
    • Thinly sliced onion
    • 1 tablespoon of chipotle mayonaise
    • 1 Honey wheat roll

    Directions:

    1. Add olive oil to a sauce pan and gently saute’ the onions and mushrooms until the mushrooms are tender.
    2. Cooked the beef on medium heat to your preference or until the internal temperature reaches 160F/70C
    3. Split the roll and toast the cut surfaces lightly just before the patty is done.
    4. Once the patty is 3/4 done add the pepperjack and chedder cheese.
    5. Also at the 3/4 mark give the veggies a little heat allowing them to maintain their crispness
    6. Add salt and pepper to taste.
    7. Spread chipotle mayonaise to honey wheat roll.
    8. Top with 2 slices of thick cut crispy bacon and bon appetit!

    Houston’s Best Restaurants Celebrate Mother’s Day

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    Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11, 2008.

    Backstreet Cafe, 1103 S. Shepherd, (713) 521-2239
    Backstreet Cafe is a Houston favorite for brunch.  For Mother’s Day, Chef Hugo Ortega will offer a special three-course menu from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appetizer options include Watercress Vichyssoise; Baby Arugula Salad with kumquats, beets, fresh cheese and radishes; Cornmeal-crusted Soft Shell Crab served over slaw; and Heirloom Tomato Salad with cucumber, purple onion, feta and kalamata olives, simply dressed.  Main courses include Eggs Sardou with Crab Cakes ~ poached eggs over artichoke hearts & creamy spinach, topped with hollandaise sauce & served with two crab cakes; Bistro Breakfast ~ grilled ribeye served with two poached eggs, rosemary potato cake, spinach and tomato hollandaise; Lamb Osso Bucco over spring risotto; Pan-seared Grouper with crabmeat cherry tomato vinaigrette and served with roasted potatoes’ and Pancetta-wrapped Sea Scallops over creamy celeriac puree with pan drippings.  For dessert, choose from Peach Cobbler with housemade vanilla ice cream; Plum Clafouti ~  a rustic, French baked pudding cake topped with toasted almond ice cream; Strawberry Shortcake served with strawberry sorbet; and Caramel and Chocolate Crème Brulee.  Cost is $42 per person, plus tax and gratuity.  Children’s menu available for $12 per child.  Live Jazz by Bob Chadwick; award-winning wine list; full bar; Houston’s best al fresco restaurant.  Reservations highly recommended.

    Hugo’s, 1602 Westheimer @ Mandell, (713) 524-7744
    Celebrate Mother’s Day by enjoying the bounteous brunch buffet of Authentic Regional Mexican cuisine at Hugo’s.  Chef Hugo Ortega is offering their spectacular Sunday brunch for Mother’s Day, with such delicioso items as Prime Rib, Pierna de Borrego (Leg of Lamb); Pescado a la Talla (grilled fish), Ensalada de Jicama Callejera (jicama salad), Carnitas (pork), Budin de Elote (corn pudding), Budin de Anís (licorice pudding), Especialidades de Flor de Calabaza (specials made with squash blossoms), Ensalada de Nopales (cactus salad), Sopa de Maiz (corn soup), Papas rostisadas (roasted potatoes), Refritos (refried beans), Tamales, Guacamole, Carne Guisada, Pastel de Queso y Limon (lime cheesecake), Huachinango a la Veracruzana (baked whole red snapper), Chiles Rellenos stuffed with chicken, Ceviche de Salmon, Coliflor Capeada con Huevo (egg-battered cauliflower), Arroz Mexicano, Salsa Mexicana, Sopa de Aguacate,  Alfajores (cookies with cajeta), Calabacitas Rellenas de Huitlacoche, Tres Leches, Arroz con Leche, Flan de Queso, Churros, Chiles en Escabeche, Ejotes (green beans), Enchiladas de Pescado, Huevos de Rabo de Mestiza (boiled eggs with meat and vegetables), Pecho de Res (brisket), Coctel de Pulpo (calamari salad), Torta Azteca (Mexican frittata), and more.  Brunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; cost is $39 for adults and $12 for kids, plus beverages, tax and gratuity.  Live music by Viento.  Reservations highly recommended.

    Mockingbird Bistro Wine Bar, 1985 Welch, (713) 533-0200
    Though usually closed on Sunday mornings, Mockingbird Bistro will open for brunch especially for Mother’s Day.  The restaurant will serve a prixe fixe, three-course menus from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Cost is $49 per adult and $25 per child, plus tax and gratuity.  A la carte menu served from 5 to 9 p.m.  Full bar and award-winning wine list.  Reservations recommended.

    Prego, 2520 Amherst, (713) 529-2420
    Celebrate Mother’s Day at Houston’s best contemporary Italian restaurant, located in the heart of Rice Village.  Chef John Watt will offer a three-course menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Antipasto choices include Tricolore salad with toasted hazelnuts and mountain gorgonzola; Roasted Red Pepper and Poblano Cream Soup with crème fraiche; Burata with arugula and caramelized tomato; and Melon with Proscuitto.  For main course, choose from Linguini Pescatore with shrimp, scallops, mussels, calamari and crabfingers with spicy tomato sauce or bianco; Frittata with Crabmeat and pesto with balsamic grilled asparagus; Pecan Wood-grilled Coho Salmon with caramelized red onion bianco, spinach, penne with tomato and basil; Pumpkin Seed-crusted Red Snapper with roasted corn, leeks, and oven dried tomato bianco, spinach, roasted butternut squash; Pecan Wood-grilled Red Snapper with green beans, roasted butternut squash, oven dried tomato sauce; Pan-roasted Lump Crab Cakes with tomato fonduta, green beans, chive mashed potatoes; Parmesan-crusted Chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, spinach, lemon butter; Parmesan-crusted Veal Scallopini with chive, caper, and roasted garlic bianco, spinach, taglierini with tomato and basil; Petite Filet with Jumbo Shrimp, rapini and scalloped potatoes; and Pan Purgartorio – Italian-style French toast – with grilled Italian sausage and maple syrup. For desserts, choose from the bounteous dessert tray, with offerings such as Coconut Macaroon Tart with pistachio ice cream; Panna Cotta, a creamy, pudding-like treat, with mixed berry sauce; Flourless Chocolate Cake; Chocolate Souffle; and Butterscotch Bread Pudding.  Cost is $42 per person plus tax and gratuity.  Children’s menu ($10) also available.  Also open for dinner until 10 p.m. serving regular menu.  Live jazz during lunch and dinner.  Full bar and award-winning wine list.  Reservations highly recommended.

    Sweet Tomatoes
    8775 Katy Freeway, (713) 365-9594
    17240 Tomball Pkwy., (281) 890-1133
    12540 Sugardale Dr., (281) 240-1400
    1717 Lake Woodlands Dr. in Woodlands, (281) 292-0556
    This Mother’s Day, treat mom to a delicious and healthy meal at Sweet Tomatoes.  No RSVPs needed, and there is something for everyone in the family!  Every Sunday − including Easter − from 9 a.m. to noon, in addition to their spectacular 55-foot salad bar and soup bar, Sweet Tomatoes offers its Sunday breakfast menu, with such eye-openers as scrambled eggs, build-your-own breakfast burritos, Belgian waffles, oatmeal, sweet cinnamon biscuits, Potatoes O’Brien, Egg Scramble Focaccia with bacon, French toast, Mediterranean Sunrise Pasta, yogurt, granola, cereal, egg frittatas, biscuits and gravy and more.  And, in April, Sweet Tomatoes will feature a selection of lemon-inspired items, fresh for spring.  Menu additions include Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup; Summer Lemon Tossed Salad with Spiced Pecan; Chilled Lemon Rice with Cashews; Warm Lemon Cream Pasta with capers; Tangy Lemon Muffins; Sugar-Free Lemon Cream Mousse; Hot Lemon Lava Cake (served after 4 p.m.); and Lemonade-Strawberry Lemonade.  Sweet Tomatoes’ menu is built around freshly made, great-tasting, wholesome recipes.  Their signature, 55-foot salad bar is filled with fresh, seasonal vegetables and tossed salads prepared exhibition-style every 20 minutes.  Guests can enjoy made-from-scratch soups and salads, handcrafted muffins, focaccia and breads, and delectable desserts, all available at one low price for lunch or dinner.  Sweet Tomatoes provides an excellent value by offering diners unlimited access to its entire menu, allowing them to create, indulge and enjoy while making healthful choices.  No reservations required.

    Trevisio, 6550 Bertnerin, (713) 749-0400
    John P. McGovern Texas Medical Center Commons ~ 6th floor
    Award-winning Trevisio restaurant, located in the heart of the Texas Medical Center atop the John P. McGovern Commons, combines delicious food with spectacular views. This Mother’s Day the restaurant will be offering a special a la carte menu. Appetizer options include , choose from Crabcake with hot chili aioli over caramelized tomato; Sauteed shrimp with pancetta, griddled polenta, and spicy bianco; Fried calamari with tomato basil sauce and grilled lemon; Antipasto ~ Chef’s selection of house cured Italian cold cuts, grilled eggplant with herb ricotta, caponata, marinated olives, cured foie gras, gorgonzola cheese; Caprese ~ caramelized tomato, fresh mozzarella and basil; and Tricolore Salad with wilted endive, spinach, radicchio with pancetta, pickled red onions and warm balsamic dressing.  Entrée selections include Salmon with rapini and taglierini with tomato and basil, topped with caramelized vidalia onion and white balsamic bianco; Grilled Beef Tenderloin wrapped in house-cured pancetta with gorgonzola mashed potatoes, balsamic onions, and balsamic reduction; Frittata with lobster, roasted peppers, rosemary and roasted Yukon gold potatoes, served with fresh fruit; Orecchiette pasta with house-cured pancetta, rappini, radicchio, leeks, lemon, and extra virgin olive oil; Pan-roasted Duck Breast with wild rice, roasted garlic and arugula flan and apricot bianco; and Florentine Toast, Italian-style amaretto French toast with mascarpone whipped cream, fresh berries and orange-infused duck sausage.  For dessert, choose Chocolate Cake with espresso sauce and candied orange; Tiramisu; Italian Cream Cake; and Pan Dolcé ~ white chocolate bread pudding with caramel sauce.  Prices a la carte.  Children’s menu ~ $12 for entrée and dessert.  Live Jazz with singer Mickey Moseley and guitarist Ray Wilson.  Large parties welcome.  Brunch served 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Full bar and award-winning wine list. Reservations recommended.

    Empty Bowls: Buy a Bowl, Get Free Soup

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    Empty Bowls is an international effort to fight hunger, implemented in Houston to benefit the Houston Food Bank. The unique lunch fundraiser will be held Saturday, May 17, 2008, and is a collaboration between Houston area ceramists, woodturners and artists working in all media, the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft and Lawndale Art Center. In its first three years, Empty Bowls Houston has raised more than $85,430 for the Houston Food Bank.

    For a minimum $25 donation, attendees receive a simple lunch of soup, bread and water, and then select a bowl from hundreds of one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted bowls donated by Houston area ceramists and craft artists. The empty bowls serve as a reminder of all the empty bowls in our community and the world.

    Soup provided by Sweet Tomatoes restaurants, and bread by Whole Foods Bakehouse.

    The event will feature live music by The Southern Backtones, Two-Star Symphony, and Mickey Moseley, and live demonstrations by various artists throughout the day.

    The event will be held at two neighboring Houston Museum District museums — Center for Contemporary Craft (4848 Main Street) and the Lawndale Art Center (4912 Main Street) — on Saturday, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Soup service begins at 11 a.m. and is served until it runs out.

    Learn more about this program by visiting www.EmptyBowlsHouston.org.

    Sweet Tomatoes 1 of Top 10 Healthiest Restaurants in US

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    At a time when gas prices, travel and food costs are up, diners can still get a bounteous and healthy meal for about $10 at Sweet Tomatoes. Named No. 2 by Health Magazine, Sweet Tomatoes Buffet has everything a diner could want and the low price even includes dessert.

    Click here for a video tour of the restaurant.

    During May, strawberry is the featured item, so in addition to their regular menu, they have added numerous dishes with strawberries — a strawberry fields salad, strawberry buttermilk muffins, strawberry apple cobbler and strawberry mousse. And they even have a great strawberry lemonade!!

    Check out their website at www.sweettomatoes.com to check out their menu and other valuable information such as nutritional facts and catering information.