Official Houston Food/Drink/Shopping/Culture Thread

[dsoren]

I figured that there's a decent amount of people from the fourth largest city in the country on here. Let's see if we can start a little official thread to discuss Houston happenings.

Last night I went to The Grove at Discovery Green. They went through a down period after Randy Perra left to open Revival Market, but they have been killing it lately. Ambiance is fantastic, but the food is better and better every time I go. The daily fish in parchment is one of the best dishes I have ever had in my life. Last night it was snapper - they wrap it in parchment paper with potatoes, lots of herbs, some olive oil, kosher solt, and some sauvignon blanc and bake it in the oven for 15 min or so. The flavor is unreal, the fish straight up melts in your mouth. Also had some sort of qual appetizer that was amazing.

In other news, Black Hole opened in SoMo recently. Coffee is not on par with Catalina Coffee, but I wasn't expecting it to be. Ambiance is fantastic, fast wifi, lots of plugs, and really good sandwiches.

Oh, and shopping wise, MORTAR keeps getting better and better. They are bringing in some killer stuff for Spring/Summer. Recently got a ton of Burkman Bros., Riviera Club, and WWM. Nice stuff.

Contribute away...

 

[TC (Houston)]

I was at the Grove on Thursday night, really enjoy that spot. This week we ate at Philippe on Monday night and Friday night. That might be my new favorite restaurant. Really like the ambience and the service is top notch. Food ain't bad either.

Had lunch at my wife's favorite lunch spot Escalantes yesterday, pretty decent mexican that won't kill you with the grease.

 

[dsoren]

Definitely try the daily fish in parchment next time you are there. It's killer. And fish has to be REALLY good for me to even like it at all...

Have not been to Philippe yet, although I hear it's fantastic. He is a great chef.

Another place worth mentioning: Branch Water Tavern. Went there for the first time a couple of weeks ago and the food is nothing short of spectacular. Really innovative stuff going on there.

 

[Rosenberg]

I need to stop by Mortar again. Looks like they are bringing in more great stuff.

 

[dsoren]

Originally Posted by Rosenberg

I need to stop by Mortar again. Looks like they are bringing in more great stuff.

Yeah - also in line for spring/summer: Rag & Bone, Taylor Supply, Hamilton x MORTAR (lower price point than regular Hamilton 1883), Property Of bags, more Billykirk, new stuff from Raleigh, J.W. Brine, etc.

 

[Rosenberg]

Originally Posted by dsoren

Yeah - also in line for spring/summer: Rag & Bone, Taylor Supply, Hamilton x MORTAR (lower price point than regular Hamilton 1883), Property Of bags, more Billykirk, new stuff from Raleigh, J.W. Brine, etc.

Seems like a cool idea. I'd really like to check some Hamilton shirts.

 

[dsoren]

Originally Posted by Rosenberg

Seems like a cool idea. I'd really like to check some Hamilton shirts.

Yeah, they're made in the Hamilton factory, just in a couple of exclusive prints. Price is also in the $180 range (I believe) as opposed to usual $225 for Hamilton.

 

[Rosenberg]

Are their (Hamilton) shirts are handsewn?

 

[dsoren]

Yeah - handcut and sewn. You should go by the factory/store on Richmond sometime, it's really cool and worth checking out. Nice people there. It's amazing to me how people are so unaware of the brand and it's quality - they do all the MTM shirts for the Barney's flagship in NY.

 

[TC (Houston)]

I can't comment as to the Hamilton x MORTAR shirts, but Hamilton is my bespoke shirtmaker and I can attest to their world-class quality. It's such a bonus that they are located here.

 

[Cary Grant]

Originally Posted by TC (Houston)

I can't comment as to the Hamilton x MORTAR shirts, but Hamilton is my bespoke shirtmaker and I can attest to their world-class quality. It's such a bonus that they are located here.

Because if you keep eating out 6 meals a week, you'll want them nearby for adjustments.

just sayin' (holmes)

 

[coolpapa]

Originally Posted by dsoren

Yeah - handcut and sewn. You should go by the factory/store on Richmond sometime, it's really cool and worth checking out. Nice people there. It's amazing to me how people are so unaware of the brand and it's quality - they do all the MTM shirts for the Barney's flagship in NY.
They aren't hand sewn.

 

[dsoren]

Originally Posted by coolpapaboze

They aren't hand sewn.

From the Hamilton website:

Like all Hamilton shirts, 1883 shirts are hand cut and sewn in our Houston workshop.

 

[coolpapa]

Originally Posted by dsoren

From the Hamilton website:
I've seen the quote and it's just poorly written. The cloth is hand cut, and the shirts are sewn in their workshop, by machine. I have a closet full of their shirts and I can assure you, there is no handwork on them.

 

[TC (Houston)]

Originally Posted by Cary Grant

Because if you keep eating out 6 meals a week, you'll want them nearby for adjustments.

just sayin' (holmes)

LOL, actually, I have a ton of weight to gain back. Severe stress and a battle with the flu last month has me about 7 lbs. shy of my tailored weight. It's nice to be eating again.