It's the end of July, and that means it's time to take a look back on the dishes we have been obsessing over all month. From Chinese pastries to Tex-Mex staples, this month is not lacking for diversity. On the list you'll find Italian, Vietnamese, modern American, Hawaiian, Spanish, soul food and even a steakhouse, with both fine dining and casual eats well represented. There's a little something for everyone, including those in search of decent quail.
Make sure to check out our slideshow, featuring 20 of the best dishes we ate this month as well.
10. The Coconut Tart at 85C Bakery Cafe
Pastry-obsessor Erika Kwee found that this "crunchy, buttery short crust" holds up against a mild coconut filling during a taste test at Chinatown's hottest new bakery and coffee shop, also known as "The Starbucks of Taiwan." Pair it with a sea-salt coffee and call it a day.
Short rib mac and cheese is one of the best sides at Grazia.
Photo by Jennifer Fuller
This beefy macaroni and cheese at Grazia Italian Kitchen, which opened its second location in Clear Lake (the first is in Pearland) in the summer of 2016, features a melted three-cheese blend and tender short rib that hits all the right comfort food marks for our contributor Jennifer Fuller.
8. The Patatas Bravas at BCN Taste & Tradition
Chef Luis Roger's patatas bravas may just be one of the coolest platings in town. Plus, the carefully crafted potatoes come bursting with creamy notes of garlic and paprika in each "little bite of heaven," as our contributor Mai Pham calls them. "I order this every time I visit the restaurant, and it never disappoints."
Quail and pork belly? Better call in the personal trainer.
Photo by Daniel Kramer
The batter on the quail is crunchy and salty, a great pairing for the corn succotash it rests upon, reviewer Cuc Lam discovered this month, "full of bursts of freshness from the corn and tomatoes, and the buttery finish of the beans and the okra" and stewed bacon, making for "a sublime bite."
6. The Special Vermicelli Bowl at Pho & Crab Memorial
Nothing fussy about it. This vermicelli bowl comes packed with perfectly grilled meats — lemongrass chicken, pork and shrimp — with loads of fresh greens, sprouts and pickled carrots on top, making for one very reliable and very tasty lunch.
