This year leading up to our annual Best of Houston issue, we're counting down our 100 favorite dishes in Houston. This list comprises our favorite dishes from the last year, dishes that are essential to Houston's cultural landscape and/or dishes that any visitor (or resident) should try at least once.
I once lamented that Mia Bella's downtown location along the light rail was woefully overlooked at brunch, calling it Houston's best kept secret. A couple of weekends ago, my friends took me to task for "ruining" our secret brunch spot: The place was utterly packed.
But good for Mia Bella; it deserves the patronage, with a surprisingly frugal brunch that is nevertheless upscale in feel and in flavors. Yes, there are "bottomless" mimosas and bellinis, but it's about much more than that.
Of the many variations on eggs Benedict on the menu, it's the eggs Mia Bella I like best: two perfectly poached eggs atop soft English muffins and a mess of spinach, mushrooms, onions and potatoes. Covered with a bright, citrus-punched Hollandaise, the eggs Mia Bella ensure that you won't want for anything else at brunch.
Except, perhaps, Mia Bella's equally good French toast topped with cinnamon-and-sugar-spiked ricotta cheese. Maybe for dessert.
The list so far:
No. 100: Dumplings at Heights Asian Cafe No. 99: Mixta Pizza at Friends Pizzeria No. 98: Veggie tacos from Radical Eats No. 97: Bean pie from Conscious Cafe No. 96: Swiss chard crepes from Giacomo's Cibo e Vino
Follow Eating Our Words on Facebook and on Twitter @EatingOurWords