by Sandra Crittenden

I first got to feast at Star Fish  in June when a media friend made me her +1 to an early evening tasting event. Due to travel, I hadn't had time to write about that experience yet or return for another visit but I had not forgotten how delicious it had been. When my husband said he wanted seafood on Saturday evening, I quickly recommended this Heights area restaurant. Planning a last minute dinner meant that we were not able to get a reservation for a table but we were able to secure two seats at the oyster bar. This dinner was part of a weeklong celebration of my husband's birthday so we started with a bottle of Ruinart Rosé Champagne, a smoking deal on the Star Fish wine list at $84 especially when you consider that Spec's retails it for $86 . We started off with some of the Raw Bar offerings, oysters on the half-shell from Prince Edward Island and a salmon crudo with sushi bar inspired seasonings. Due to our seats and our interest, we also were given some small samp...

I went to Lucille's  last week for a wine dinner which featured Austrian and Balkan wines. Executive Chef, Chris Williams, was the U.S. Culinary Cultural Ambassador during a 25 day tour of the Balkans in 2015 and he has wanted to showcase what he learned during his travels ever since. Finding available Balkan wines in our market proved to be somewhat difficult which caused the year long delay on this dinner. Certified Sommelier, Rodney Willis, was on hand to introduce each wine to the full house and to provide diners with the opportunity to purchase their favorites that evening. The Menu: Guests were welcomed with a glass of Austrian Loimer "Lois" Gruner Veltliner and 3 Day Feta with pumpkin oil and fresh bread. 1st Course - Scallop crudo with citrus oil, dried petals and sumac paired with Szigeti Sparkling Brut Gruner Veltliner also from Austria. 2nd Course - Braised pork belly with arugula, compressed melon and smoked paprika vinaigrette served with Loim...

I've eaten at State of Grace  in Houston for dinner and Happy Hour numerous times, I was surprised when I realized that I had not written about them before today. My husband and I went to their Sunday Brunch for the first time two weeks ago and then we went back again the following Sunday because we had enjoyed it that much. I'm including my video of those two brunch visits here, you can check out the pictures of everything we ate without having to click through! The Berlucchi Franciacorta is our usual sparkling wine choice when we come here for Happy Hour, which is the best or most affordable time to get the raw oysters. We splurged on oysters from Prince Edward Island that are not part of the Happy Hour deal on this morning so sparkling wine seemed a good way to go. The Soter Rosé was our choice at an afternoon brunch, it is not as pricy as the Franciacorta but equally delicious with the menu. Other recommended brunch items seen in the video include: Chilled swe...

During my visit to Paso Robles, I didn't just taste wine, I also went for a tour and tasting at Pasolivo   Olive Oil Ranch . Located in the heart of Paso Robles' western hills, the scenic 45 acre ranch has 6,000 trees planted, mostly Tuscan varieties. I was interested to learn more about olive oil production. I've read numerous articles in recent years about mislabeled and counterfeit oils that are imported and sold in America. I had not realized that neither the FDA nor the USDA enforces labeling rules for extra virgin olive oil. Since learning this, I have been purchasing California olive oil that has the California Olive Oil Council or COOC seal on it. Pasolivo Olive Oil Ranch carries that seal and is in the process of becoming certified organic. After the tour of the orchards, the mill and the production line, I went into the shop for a full tasting of their oils, vinegars and seasoning. The olive oils were all big and bold, some were more peppery, some fruitier an...

If you read this then you know I am a fan of La Table on Post Oak near the Galleria in Houston. Last week, I went there for a media event where they were showcasing their newly renovated patio. I can assure you that they are ready for the season, not that it ever really ends, in Houston. They have opened up the downstairs indoor space by adding large windows which look out onto the patio making the bar brighter and more airy feeling. The patio itself was strategically designed to offer adequate afternoon shade, which, along with large fans and cooling greenery makes for a pleasant place to enjoy an evening drink or wile away an afternoon with friends. Check out pictures of some of the light and delicious dining options that La Table is now offering. From the crudités plate pictured above through the sweet madeleines and macarons on the bottom, everything you see pictured is flavorful and truly patio-worthy!