Ninja Ramen (4219 Washington) is now open, serving dinner until 2 a.m. on weekdays (except on Monday because it's closed then) and until 3 a.m. on weekends. CultureMap Houston notes that you can now pair those ninja-named cocktails with bowls of the signature pork-based tonkotsu ramen complete with a hard-boiled egg half, shallots, pickled bamboo and garlic oil. Ninja Ramen has not released an official menu, and when asked what's on the menu, the usual response is "ramen."
Eric Sandler of CultureMap revealed that highly anticipated Common Bond, at 1706 Westheimer, officially opened on May 20 and operates from 7 a.m. until midnight Tuesday through Sunday after its soft-opening stage. Executive chef Roy Shvartzapel has created a sweet and savory menu, but the fan favorite so far seems to be the kugelhopf, a sweet bread/pastry shaped like a mini bundt cake — yum.
We're stalking Siphon Coffee's Facebook page just as you probably are; we want to know when this new coffee shop will finally open! Rice Village Flea asked on Facebook when the 701 West Alabama coffee shop would be open, and Siphon Coffee responded, "Very soon my friend...hopefully by next week."
The Greenway Plaza Bambu Desserts & Drinks opened at 3825 Richmond. Bambu serves milk teas in a variety of flavors such as passion fruit, honeydew, coffee, almond and grass jelly, along with cold drinks such as chai tea, café mocha and Vietnamese coffee, all perfect for quenching your thirst this summer.
Austin import Daily Juice opened its first Houston location at 6401 Woodway Drive, Suite 175, on May 9. Daily Juice offers smoothies, cold-pressed juices, salads, and other foods to "grab and go."
Another VERTS has opened in the Houston area, this one in Vintage Market at 15556 Cutten Road.
As we mentioned previously, another Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin-Robbins was set to open near West Oaks Mall at 2808 State Highway 6 S, Suite B, May 16 with grand-opening celebrations and activities, as well as a cup-stacking contest. The Dunkin' Donuts takeover of Houston continues.
In more expansion news, Niko Niko's announced on May 9 that the Greek restaurant would open a location in Pearland. The third Niko Niko's will be located inside the H-E-B at State Highway 288 and FM 518; it is expected to open in July.