This week, we've got some interesting barbecue features, plus reviews of a Peruvian cafe and a Japanese grill.
Dalida of Brunch & Conversation
got a preview of the Houston Restaurants Weeks menu at
Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen, 12637 Westheimer, and seems quite pleased with the results. She especially enjoyed the flavorful south of the border enchilada flight, as well as the lighter north of the border flight, complete with a crab meat enchilada, and the grilled quail of the mesquite mixed grill platter. Plus, be sure to check out the desserts while you're there— flan, anyone?
Ever wondered about barbecue competitions? Bryan of the Texas BBQ Treasure Hunt blog
made this guide (or maybe exposé) of what really goes on at a barbecue competition, what the judges are looking for, and what the results mean for enterprising young barbecue cookers. He and some barbecue friends entered a competition themselves, and he's written about the experience to keep you in the loop.
Fielding's Local, 26400 Kuykendahl,
is a nearly-open establishment brought to you by Cary Attar, the man behind
Hubbell & Hudson, 24 Waterway, and Albert Nurick of H Town Chow Down was
lucky enough to score a sneak peak. The space itself is bright and welcoming, and the restaurant sports a full bar with 18 taps, 20 wines by the glass and an extensive scotch collection. They offered up a Hammond Farms avocado-stuffed cheese with fennel crisps and a 44 Farms filet mignon, plus a coconut rice tamale for dessert. Nurick was impressed with every aspect of the restaurant; let's hope that we can all visit soon, too!
CocoDijon visited
Aji Peruvian Cafe, 2825 South Kirkwood, and seems to have enjoyed every bit of it. The restaurant is clean and comfortable, and the staff were knowledgeable and attentive without being overbearing. The lowest-scored dish received a 3.7 out of 5; standout dishes were the seafood tempura and ceviche and pescado a lo macho. Check out the full review for
more dishes and photos.
There's another fun barbecue post to peruse this week— Scott of Texas Pit Quest
checked out the second annual Collaboration of Smoke, an event put on by Wes Jurena of
Pappa Charlies and Patrick Feges, the new sous chef of
Southern Goods, 632 West 19th,
who has spent time at
Brennan's,
Underbelly, and
Killen's Barbecue. These two smoke masters put on a full-scale barbecue feast at
Jackson's Watering Hole, 1205 Richmond,
so good and so widely anticipated that it sold out in under two hours.
If you're looking for a swanky but not intimidating sushi option, Hank at Hank on Food has a suggestion for you in
Matsusaka Sushi & Grill, 11398 Westheimer. He and his family
found the sushi fresh and enjoyable, and, with some udon noodles and a salmon fillet, found that family-style dining works well at Matsusaka. Overall, the eatery scored an A rating, and no aspect of it scored below that— high praise from Hank indeed!
That's it for this week in the Houston food blogosphere! If you've got a blog you'd like to see featured, leave us a comment or send us an email. See you next week!