Food

Did you know 25% of Houstonians were born in other countries? The culinary scene celebrates this diversity more and more, with some local eateries even boasting one-of-a-kind menu items with Bayou City flair.

Butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and dark rum – do I have your attention? Growing up in creole country, I especially love the region’s unique cuisine, which has been richly inspired by French, Spanish, West African, and American influences.

I’m a huge believer in the power of the chocolate chip cookie – it’s like a hug for your tummy.

It’s time to get creative and finally use the half-empty boxes of pasta and rice, cans of beans and other neglected items hiding in the back of the cabinet. Here are some simple meatless meals to make grocery trips last a little longer.

Food and travel writer Francine Spiering delights in the eclectic nature of Houston’s culinary cuisine. In her recent book, “Houston Cooks,” she profiles several chefs that are defining the food scene.

Houston Restaurant Weeks, which runs until Sept. 2, is the largest annual fundraiser for Houston Food Bank. Restaurants throughout the city have set special menus for brunch, lunch and dinner, giving donations for each meal sold. Here are just a few of the restaurants offering sweet deals:

Traders Village, spanning over a hundred acres, is the largest weekend flea market in Texas. The venue hosts numerous food vendors, shopping attractions, festivals and events each week.

This year has been a big one for Houston chef Jonny Rhodes. Earlier this year, Food & Wine included his soul restaurant Indigo on its “Best New Restaurants 2019” list, which included 10 restaurants throughout the country.

Houston’s beer scene is about to get even better. Multiple breweries have recently announced plans to either open for the first time or expand. Here are three openings worth keeping an eye on:

Things are brewing in Garden Oaks on Wakefield Drive. Breweries and a winery are drawing hundreds of visitors to sip, sample and socialize in inviting, family-friendly indoor and outdoor spaces. Here are a few of our favorites.

In between Houston’s hustle and bustle are sweet escapes where you can enjoy fresh air.

Luscious blueberries with just the right amount of sweetness and a flaky crust – it may have been the most delicious blueberry pie I’d ever had.

Treat yourself to a piece of the Livestock Show and Rodeo with CRAVE’s tasty occasion boxes.

The Chick-fil-A fish sandwich joined the menu lineup for the start of Lent. The seasonal offering features crispy cod as the catch of the day, and will be available through March 31 while supplies last.

Relish Restaurant & Bar is offering food and drink specials perfect for rodeo season.

The James Beard Foundation Awards, aka the Oscars of the food world, have given the nod to 11 Houston talents by naming them semifinalists for the prestigious national awards.

As fate would have it, National Margarita Day is tomorrow. Mark your calendar and celebrate at these Houston hot spots:

Houston weather is all over the place; one day it’s 40 degrees, and the next it’s 70. Take advantage of those glorious, yet random moments of California-like sunshine by relaxing and soaking in some vitamin D on Houston’s hottest patios.

JoyBox Fine Flowers and CRAVE cupcakes, have teamed up for one amazing, tasty collaboration that puts a twist on Valentine’s Day gifts.

It’s time for king cakes. Whether you order yours from Gambino’s in New Orleans or from local favorites like Rao’s Bakery or Acadian Bakery, it’s important to remember the traditions surrounding these delicious cakes.

Thrillist just announced their 31 best steakhouses and Houston’s B&B Butchers & Restaurant was on top.

January is National Soup Month, and Houston restaurants are providing bowls full of tasty reprieve from dreary, winter days. Here’s where to warm up and slurp down:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is saying goodbye to the Obama administration’s school lunch and breakfast program in a move to serve meals more appealing to students.

As a New Year’s resolution, cut calories, not flavor in 2019. It can be hard to stick to the goals you set for a healthy year, but these Houston restaurants have you covered in terms of quality items. Here’s a round-up of our favorite dishes to indulge in. These foods pack vitamins and taste:

Holiday gifting can be a struggle, from deciding what to buy for family, to the hardest task of all – shopping for the person that has everything. Enter Lupe Tortilla’s e-gift cards and Fajita Grams. For the Tex-Mex obsessed and Tex-pats that miss their fajita fix alike, this gift is both delicious and convenient.

New Year’s Eve is the final time to pop some bubbly and toss back an oyster shooter at Danton’s Gulf Coast Seafood & Steaks. On Jan. 1st, the Danton’s team will pack up and prepare to open the doors as Eugene’s Gulf Coast Cuisine.

These restaurants are serving up drinks for everyone! Sip on Snow-Tops made with Crown Royal, amaretto and homemade Horchata at La Fisheria. Spice it up with Cranberry Ritas with Sauza Silver, Cointreau, hand-shaken mix and cranberry spice syrup, topped with sugared cranberries and a lime at Lupe Tortilla. The Almond Joy (to the world) at Danton’s blends vanilla vodka, coconut rum, Frangelico and half & half, topped with toasted coconut flakes and homemade chocolate sauce.

Everyone loves Clement Moore’s “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” but we doubt it is sugarplums dancing through children’s heads while they are nestled snug in their beds. As Saint Nick plans to stuff stockings near and far, we hope he’ll take advice from Food PR.

What will you bring to the holiday party? Dessert? Liquor? Why not both? By partnering with Balcones Distilling, Crave Cupcakes gives you both by spicing up its bestselling flavor, red velvet.

Danton’s Gulf Coast Seafood and Steaks is giving Thanksgiving leftovers an upscale update and serving them all day this Black Friday. Instead of reheated turkey and stuffing, think Gulf Coast favorites with a home-cooked, holiday twist.