Subject:

Troy Fields

  • Blogs

    May 16, 2012

    5 Things Not to Do If a Food Critic Is Eating at Your Restaurant

    In this week's cafe review of Liberty Kitchen, I had a difficult time pegging the restaurant and what it's trying to be. Oyster bar with killer burgers and cocktails? Upscale dinner destination? Casual lunching spot with confusing prices? I ended up drawing my own conclusions -- which you can read i ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 11, 2012

    The Rest of the Best: Houston's Top 10 Expense-Account Restaurants

    For the next 20 weeks, we'll be rounding up the runners-up to our 2011 Best of Houston® winners. In many categories, picking each year's winner is no easy task. We'll be spotlighting 20 of those categories, in which the winner had hefty competition from other Houston bars and restaurants. 10. The ... More >>

  • Blogs

    April 20, 2012

    Go Gourmet This 420 Day: Houston's Best Stoner Snacks

    Today is 420 Day, the day known fondly to stoners everywhere as a kind of unofficial National Marijuana Appreciation Day. It's a holiday that's been around for more than 40 years -- you're not as hip or cool as your parents were, kids; they started this shit in 1971 -- and the evolution of the holid ... More >>

  • Blogs

    April 17, 2012

    Eat Like an Argentine at These 5 Houston Restaurants

    The International Festival (iFest) is upon us once again. And this year, the multi-weekend festival has chosen Argentina as its spotlighted country. That means that much of the music, art and -- most importantly -- food that will be showcased will be Argentinean. And for meat-loving Texans, that's a ... More >>

  • Blogs

    April 13, 2012

    Openings & Closings: Manly Cupcakes and Tiff's Treats

    This week finds two new bakeries coming to town, which couldn't be more different from one another, as well as two extremely interesting pieces of gossip from our ever-reliable sources. Ranch Bakery (5431 Barker Cypress, Suite 500), which describes itself as "Houston's first manly bakery," is havin ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 24, 2012

    The Rest of the Best: Houston's Top 5 Macaroni & Cheese

    I always brake for mac and cheese.​For the next 20 weeks, we'll be rounding up the runners-up to our 2011 Best of Houston® winners. In many categories, picking each year's winner is no easy task. We'll be spotlighting 20 of those categories, in which the winner had hefty competition from othe ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 22, 2012

    National Margarita Day Is Today, Ash Wednesday, for Some Reason

    The people at the National Council for Naming National Days need to get together with the Roman Catholic church, because this seriously isn't going to work out. National Margarita Day on the first day of Lent? Surely you jest, National Margarita Council of Margaritas, National Chapter. But it's not ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 3, 2012

    Openings & Closings: January 2012

    After 45 years in business along Washington Avenue, Guadalajara Bakery is closing its doors on February 29. Unlike previous closing scares for the longtime breakfast taco purveyor, this one is concrete: New owners purchased the building and gave the family 30 days notice to vacate. A bar is planned ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 1, 2012

    Watch the Big Game on the Big Screen, Plus Other Super Bowl Specials Around Town

    Photo by Troy FieldsEnjoy the patio at Plonk this Super Bowl weekend.​Sometimes, half the fun of watching the Super Bowl is watching it with a crowd. So we've rounded up a few places that'll ensure you're not alone this Sunday evening -- and that you're not hungry or thirsty, either. El Real ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 11, 2012

    Samba Grille and Its Chef, David Guerrero, Are About More Than Just Steak

    A few months ago, I watched as mouth-watering photos of ceviches and tiraditos and steaks and seafood came marching through my Twitter stream. They were all from Samba Grille, where the downtown steakhouse with a strong South American twist was doing a media tasting. The photos from my friends atte ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 21, 2011

    Of Fufu and Roux: A Nigerian-American Love Story

    Photo by Troy FieldsA plate of doughy fufu and thick egusi soup at Finger Licking Bukateria.​Last Friday morning, I was rushing around my nine-by-six kitchen and tearing out the contents of the cupboards like a poltergeist. I was running late for our holiday luncheon at work and still needed t ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 30, 2011

    The Key to the Kitchen: Coppa's Female Executive Chef, Brandi Key, Is No Novelty Act

    November 3 was National Men Make Dinner Day, one of an increasingly nonsensical line of national holidays that are being trotted out in larger numbers every year. This particular holiday was especially perplexing to those in the food industry, where men make dinner every night. A man probably will m ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 16, 2011

    What Did benjy's Ever Do To You?

    Photos by Troy Fields​I hear benjy's gets a lot of flack. You've seen it too. It crops up here in the comments sections, on Twitter, in everyday conversations. I've honestly never understood it. And after reviewing benjy's on Washington this week, I understand it even less. While I've had one ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 11, 2011

    Restaurant and Bar Owners Crowd City Council Chambers In Advance of Proposed Parking Ordinance

    Photo by Troy FieldsThe 82 stops right in front of El Real. Do you ever take it?​"I don't see anyone riding the bus to El Real," remarked James Jard, one of the 26 members of the City of Houston's Planning Commission that was gathered in City Council chambers yesterday afternoon for a public h ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 3, 2011

    My 10 Favorite Houston Sandwiches

    Photo by Troy FieldsMy favorite bread for my favorite sandwich.​Like Ginny Braud, I love sandwiches. Let me say that again: I LOVE sandwiches. Everyone who knows me knows this. It's become almost embarrassing given the fact that I'm on the wrong side of 40 and I still get giddy over a food ite ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 5, 2011

    The Taste of Nostalgia at C&D Burger Shoppe

    Photos by Troy FieldsPrepping for a busy lunch at C&D.​Everything about C&D Burger Shoppe has that pleasant glow of a hazy, nostalgic time somewhere in between the late 1970s and early 1980s. Even the slideshow accompanying this week's cafe review of the little burger joint in South Houston lo ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 15, 2011

    Chef Chat, Part 2: Nicole Hudson of Conscious Cafe on the Time a Customer Accused Her of Not Liking White People

    Photo by Troy FieldsInside Conscious Cafe​Yesterday we chatted with Nicole Hudson, chef and co-owner of Conscious Cafe (see here for part 1.) Each of the dozen tables is equipped with a deck of cards, some with dominoes. It's a prime neighborhood hangout, and the Muslim-owned restaurant it cat ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 14, 2011

    Totally Rad: Mexican Food Goes Vegan at Radical Eats

    Photos by Troy FieldsFried green tomatoes and fried okra tacos are on the menu right now at Radical Eats.​The Mexican food at Radical Eats is so good, you might not even realize it's vegan. Or gluten-free. And that's the way owner Staci Davis likes it. She doesn't have anything against carniv ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 19, 2011

    Upcoming Events: Support Local, Eat Bacon

    Coming up next weekend: Gird your pork-loving loins.​At Georgia's Farm to Market, SLGT doesn't just mean "Support Local, Grow Together." It also means "Saturday Local Get Together," when the market hosts its weekly Local Life Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This Saturday, chow down on Georgi ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 11, 2011

    The Brazilian Burger: Bedlam on a Bun

    Photo by Troy FieldsPotato sticks, corn and peas are vital ingredients in any X-Tudo burger.​In this week's cafe review, we spotlight Friends Pizzeria, a little Brazilian restaurant that -- despite its name -- specializes in Brazilian burgers and hot dogs just as much as it does in pizza. And ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 3, 2011

    The Low Down on Down House

    Photos by Troy FieldsLike this guy, I'm happy to drink anywhere that has the three C's: coffee, cocktails and craft beer.​While I'm still not entirely sure what Down House wants to be -- restaurant, coffee shop, bar, a combination of all three? -- I'm also not so sure that's a bad thing. The l ... More >>

  • Blogs

    June 29, 2011

    Touch of Grey News: Greatfull Taco Loses Its Chef

    Photos by Troy FieldsThe "mystery meat" taco is actually ground bison, and it's damn good.​The Grateful Dead once said that "the first days are the hardest days," and owner Paul West is finding that out firsthand at his new restaurant, Greatfull Taco (named for, yes, the Dead). Chef Riccardo ... More >>

  • Blogs

    June 17, 2011

    In Run-Up to Space Shuttle Atlantis Launch, NASA Allows Rare Peek Behind Mission Control Curtain

    Photos by Troy Fields​Check out our pictures of the final round of space shuttle simulation training at NASA's Mission Control. Space. If you are anything like me, you've probably started to take it for granted. Save for disasters like the Columbia explosion in 2003, the country as a whole no ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 18, 2011

    Bootsie's Heritage Cafe: Behind the Review

    Photos by Troy FieldsChicken-fried rabbit at Bootsie's.​Bootsie's Heritage Cafe is the little restaurant in Tomball that's turning out food to set the rest of Houston topsy-turvy. When I took my first vacation since starting at the Houston Press as the food critic, EOW blogger Jason Bargas t ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 12, 2011

    10 Houston Restaurants Every Out-Of-Towner Should Visit

    Photos by Katharine ShilcuttTexas barbecue done right at Gatlin's.​On Wednesday afternoon, I mused that some day I hoped for visitors to Houston to feel as excited about our dining scene as I was about New York City's. The sheer breadth and depth of ethnic and regional cuisines present here is ... More >>

  • Blogs

    April 20, 2011

    Capri: Behind the Review

    Photo by Troy FieldsCome for the fabulous gnocchi, stay for the generous BYOB policy.​This week's cafe review of Capri praises the little Italian restaurant in Spring for its many virtues: housemade pasta and mozzarella cheese, excellent service, a cheerful and cozy dining room and its generou ... More >>

  • Blogs

    April 13, 2011

    Tuwo and Suya and Egusi, Oh My!

    Photos by Troy FieldsThink of tuwo like a giant, jolly ball of dumplings.​Despite Houston's wealth of ethnic food -- and even its wealth of African food -- eating Nigerian cuisine can be intimidating. Unfamiliar words, unfamiliar ingredients and unfamiliar foodstuffs all combine to make for a ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 30, 2011

    Cafe Mawal: Eating Outdoors Has Never Been So Attractive

    Photos by Troy FieldsMawal-style chicken on the grill.​Cafe Mawal -- the subject of this week's cafe review -- is practically built for al fresco dining. Sure, you can grab a seat inside amongst the older folks playing backgammon or sit and stare at the flat-screen TV mounted to one wall, but ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 22, 2011

    Notes from the Burger Underground: Tasting the Elite 8

    Illustration by Doug Mac​Yesterday, our commenters demanded to see expressed a polite interest in seeing our judging teams' tasting notes for the 2011 Burger Bracket. Only one team sent in tasting notes, one of which we ran (for Lucky's Pub), while the other burger judges remained stoically si ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 9, 2011

    The Oddly Endearing Idiosyncrasies of MerCheri's

    Photos by Troy Fields$3 ball of boudin, sir?​Back in January, I was so taken by the thrill of finding these amazing boudin balls at MerCheri's in Pearland Town Center -- the subject of this week's cafe review -- than I completely overlooked one important issue: The balls, while wonderful, were ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 3, 2011

    Houston's Top 10 Wine Bars

    Photo by Troy FieldsYou can even get a helluva guanciale cheeseburger at Plonk.​Today's Houston Press Deal of the Day (oh, you don't know what those are? sign up; they're seriously fantastic) is for 50 percent off at Boheme, a little wine bar in Montrose that also serves up cappuccinos and bee ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 26, 2011

    Another Time Soda Fountain: Cheaper Than a Time Machine

    Photos by Troy Fields​Let's face it: The main appeal of Another Time Soda Fountain -- the subject of this week's cafe review -- isn't really the food. Sure, the burgers and chili dogs are good. But people are coming here in droves for two things: the desserts and the drinks. As the name would ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 24, 2010

    The Guanciale Burger at Plonk: The Ultimate "Bacon" Cheeseburger

    Photos by Troy FieldsClick here for a slideshow from Plonk.​In this week's cafe review, we take a trip to Plonk, a hidden spot in Oak Forest that features a slightly rougher crowd and far better food than you'd expect to find at a wine bar. It's that study in total contrasts that makes Plonk i ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 12, 2010

    Upcoming Events

    Photo by Troy Fields​Have you ever wanted to play chef for a day in the vast kitchen at Brennan's? Your chance to man the stoves (seen above) is coming up, as Alex Brennan Martin has now revived the Creole restaurant's beloved "Chef For A Day" program. Available only to one person per day (and ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 20, 2010

    Died and Gone to [Burger] Heaven at Zelko Bistro

    Photos by Troy FieldsFor more, check out our behind-the-line photos from Zelko Bistro.​A strange thing happened last Sunday evening. I found my new favorite burger in Houston -- and possibly in Texas -- in the most unexpected of places. Chef Jamie Zelko is known these days for the delicious c ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 6, 2010

    Umami at Umai

    Photos by Troy FieldsThe clean and modern interior at Umai. Check out our slideshow for more photos.​Umai Japanese Restaurant (8400 Bellaire) may be located along Bellaire Boulevard, but the restaurant is mostly removed from the hurly-burly tumble and flow of Chinatown, being closer to Sharpst ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 5, 2010

    Top 10 Restaurants in Gulfton

    Photo by Troy FieldsMaking fresh tortillas for baleadas at Honduras Maya.​Two weekends ago, I called my father up to see if he wanted lunch. I was craving pupusas and was pretty certain he'd never had any. And what Mexican man wouldn't enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet of tortillas, beans, chees ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 8, 2010

    Coffee by the Cup at Bohemeo's: As Fresh As It Gets

    Photos by Troy FieldsEnjoy your coffee on Bohemeo's tranquil patio (when it's not raining, that is...)​While I'm currently hooked on Bohemeo's mochachino -- a frozen concoction of espresso, chocolate, cream and ice that far surpasses a Frappucino in quality and taste -- during the summer month ... More >>

  • Dining

    July 22, 2010

    Tropic Thunder

    Serving up home-cooked Jamaican soul food.

  • Blogs

    July 21, 2010

    Stirred and Shaken: Liberty Station's Pants on the Ground

    Photo by Troy Fields​Liberty Station (2101 Washington Ave., 713-640-5220), the latest bar to sprout up on Washington, was designed to be different from the Ed Hardy/woo-girl places that come to life four days a week on the west side of Studemont. "We don't want any pretentious douche bags," ba ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 19, 2010

    Stirred and Shaken: PJ's Sports Bar's Lindsay Lohan

    Photo by Troy Fields​American karaoke probably makes a native Korean feel the same way I do when I eat Mexican food in a place like Arkansas. Still, I dragged my friend Alex to PJ's Sports Bar (614 W. Gray, 713-520-1748) so I could get an expert's opinion on the dive-bar version of South Korea ... More >>

  • Blogs

    April 7, 2010

    Stirred and Shaken: Downing Street Pub's Downing Street Draft

    Photo by Troy Fields​If you're on a scavenger hunt and anti-Obama bathroom graffiti pops up on your list, try Downing Street Pub (2549 Kirby, 713-523-2291). The place is how you might imagine The Wall Street Journal as a bar — lousy with white collars, cigars and masculine wood (the stai ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 17, 2010

    Stirred and Shaken: The Velvet Melvin's Grapefruit Delight

    Photo by Troy Fields​If, for the sake of unholy adventure, you want to check out the Diamond Club — once called the Pink Pussycat, it's the only "cabaret" in the Greenway area — I recommend warming up across the street at the Velvet Melvin Pub (3303 Richmond, 713-522-6798). Here, t ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 10, 2010

    Stirred and Shaken: Komodo Pub's Nuclear Rainbow

    Photo by Troy Fields​It didn't take long to realize Komodo's Pub (2004 Baldwin, 713-655-1501) is no dive. The Internet (specifically, Yelp.com) might have you believe that, but careful on-site analysis of the bar reveals that the Internet is full of bullshit. A real dive doesn't have "nice flo ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 6, 2010

    Stirred and Shaken: Rebels Honky Tonk's Mother-Effer

    Photo by Troy Fields​At Rebels Honky Tonk (5002 Washington, 713-862-7172), the classics are relegated to the bathroom. The record jackets mounted on the men's-room wall feature the likes of Willie Nelson and Marty Robbins, but on a recent Wednesday night a couple KILT-FM DJs were pumping nothi ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 3, 2009

    The 10 Best Places to Eat in Memorial

    Although it's undergoing some massive growth in the form of redevelopment and expansion at Memorial City Mall and the construction of the nearly finished CityCentre "town square" off Beltway 8, Memorial is still in many ways a sweetly sleepy suburb. But sleepy doesn't necessarily mean boring. And su ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 2, 2009

    Stirred and Shaken: Ernie's on Banks's Krappy Kicker

    Photo by Troy Fields​With apologies to those who had legitimately rough childhoods, the Houston Oilers damn near scarred me for life as a kid. I've actually blocked out some of the more traumatic episodes from my memory. Grim hospital visits, dead pets, divorce — all that stuff is clear, ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 21, 2009

    Stirred and Shaken: Catbird's Truck Stop Cappuccino

    Photo by Troy Fields​Bartender Matt Trimble of Catbird's (1336 West­heimer, 713-523-8000) is an impressive man. Before taking his current job, he undertook a weeks-long bicycle odyssey from Houston to New York, sleeping on the side of the road and surviving on his ability to charm str ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 14, 2009

    Stirred and Shaken: Front Porch Pub's Poison Girl

    Photo by Troy Fields​"I'd hate to own a bar," says Sergeant B. "I'd have to deal with people like me." He's talking about agitated drinkers, and in this case, the source of the agitation is a Monday Night Football bingo game at Front Porch Pub (217 Gray, 713-571-9571). Bingo and anger normally ... More >>

  • Blogs

    June 19, 2009

    Upcoming Events

    Photo by Troy Fields Pizza at Bistro Don CamilloThe heat is already on this summer, so take advantage of the cool air conditioning and the cool deals going on at some of your favorite restaurants. Fleming's Steakhouse will be offering special deals starting June 23. The summer prix fixe ... More >>

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