by Sandra Crittenden

In my latest in Houston Food Finder , I share my first visit to the newly opened Mahesh's Kitchen in Sugar Land Town Square where a full bar complements the beautifully prepared Indian cuisine. This is a unique and welcome addition to the area. Read about it at  https://houstonfoodfinder.com/foodfinds/first-bite-sugar-land-restaurant-brings-elegant-indian-cuisine-to-town-square/?fbclid=IwAR3_iMybGus77TisATHmaO_eg56UN_xY0ISm909cSxPF3FHjq-fGcbJUPM0

My latest in Houston Food Finder is a list of Sugar Land's best restaurants. Read my top choices for eating out in the sweetest suburb of Houston at  https://houstonfoodfinder.com/foodfinds/best-restaurants-in-sugar-land-by-a-longtime-resident/ .

 I wrote a follow up article for Houston Food Finder focusing on the safe and shaded patios in Sugar Land, a small suburb city outside of Houston on the southwest side. Follow the link to read more. Although I was born and raised in Houston and still spend a great deal of my time enjoying all that the big city has to offer, I have now lived in Sugar Land for over 20 years. During that time, I’ve eaten at many area restaurants — including those with excellent patio dining. Featured restaurants are Aling's, Beck's Prime, Churrascos, Corelli's, Escalante's, Guru Enlightened Burgers and Bowls, Keeper's, Pappasito's, and State Fare. Watching the sunset from the terrace patio at Churrascos Lake Pointe location in Sugar Land.

Last night, my husband and I enjoyed an early dinner on the patio at  Aura Brasserie in Sugar Land. We split the jumbo lump gulf crab beignets, the mac & cheese and the Wagyu carpaccio, all from the appetizer menu, served up with Willamette Pinot Noir by the glass. These three items were perfect for splitting and quite tasty, as well. Aura Brasserie is run by chef/owner Frédéric Perrier from Lyon, France. He refers to his cooking style as "innovative American with an inch of French".  Check out the delicious offerings at Aura Brasserie the next time you are in Sugar Land, it is a highly recommended restaurant and, unquestionably, one of area's best. Edit: This restaurant has closed as the chef has moved onto other projects. Check out his fast and casual homestyle restaurant, also located in Sugar Land, Live Oak Grill .

Sarah Ali was working hard to get her new shop ready for the Grand Opening when I stopped by the new Moroccan themed establishment tucked away down Highway 6 in Sugar Land’s Highlands Square. In this small storefront I found an enthusiastic woman excited about her diverse interests and her store’s unique offerings. Upon entering Chamak , you find custom blended organic mineral cosmetics on one side of the store and a glass case housing an array of confections on the other side. You aren’t sure whether you have entered the workspace of an artist or a mad scientist. After tasting the chocolates, you realize that she may be a bit of both. Sarah’s chocolates feature the exotic Indian-Pakistani and South Korean flavors of her own mother’s cooking which originally inspired the love of the culinary arts in her. Her gourmet confections are handcrafted from high quality chocolate which she sources from multiple origins and then pairs with a variety of delectable south Asian and Medit...

Japaneiro's in Sugar Land is one of my favorite restaurants so when they opened  Jupiter Pizza and Waffles , I had to give it a try. I arrived at opening on a Sunday morning to check out their brunch offerings. I ordered the chicken and waffles to see how they present this classic southern combination. I had a hibiscus, a sparkling wine and cranberry juice cocktail, to go along with it. The restaurant was very busy but the service was still good and my meal was delicious. It will be interesting to see how this restaurant evolves. I would like to see more sparkling wine options on the menu and a wider assortment of brunch cocktails. The beer menu is more extensive and ready to be served up with Jupiter's fresh pizza.