This is a good time to live in Houston, folks. Never forget it. A week so filled with restaurant openings that it requires three pages (yes, I'm warning you in advance) to discuss should be proof enough of this fact.
News that Table 7 closed up shop and a new Spanish restaurant is moving in has me salivating already. Why? Because the new restaurant, Convivio, looks like it might scratch the itch that Cafe España sadly hasn't so far: It has "Spanish" hours (meaning that the kitchen will be open very late into the night) and is promising a variety of tapas, paella and pinchos (Spanish bar snacks) from its Spanish owners, Marta Vina and Oscar Aguilar. Convivio is currently in the process of redoing the old space, but look for it to open within the next month at Durham and Floyd, just off Washington Avenue.
Meanwhile, three specialty food stores are setting up shop, albeit in drastically different parts of town. Petite Sweets is opening soon in Upper Kirby at 2700 West Alabama, where the bakery will be selling a variety of -- you guessed it -- portable goodies. I tasted their macarons, marshmallows and mini-cupcakes yesterday and was duly impressed with all three.
And over in River Oaks, Relish Fine Foods is celebrating its grand opening this Monday and Tuesday at 3951 San Felipe. The store stocks meat, bread, produce and other groceries from local vendors wherever possible and -- like Revival Market -- has a small but charming cafe component to it as well with sandwiches, soups and salads on the menu.
Finally, way out in West Houston, the long-awaited market from Alain and David Denis has opened next door to their popular restaurant, Le Mistral. Foody's Gourmet is located at 1400 Eldridge and is currently stocking French and assorted European foods and wines. Foody's also contains a bakery and will be providing fresh bread and pastries each day.
Back in town, two new wine bars are setting up shop in the Heights, and surprisingly close to one another too. The Corkscrew's second incarnation is finally open at 1308 West 20th, according to the Chron's Ronnie Crocker. And a brand new establishment, Crisp Wine Bar & Eatery, will accompany it shortly. According to Swamplot, it will be taking over an old convenience store just down the street at 2220 Bevis and offering pizza and hoagies as well as wine.
