January Dining Highlights in Houston: A Culinary Journey
When it comes to exploring Houston’s vibrant food scene, January delivered an impressive mix of culinary experiences ranging from casual comfort foods to exquisite gourmet offerings. This month’s lineup features beloved classics like chicken tenders and pizza, alongside a remarkable omakase experience showcasing over 20 courses crafted by one of Houston’s top chefs.
Diverse Dining Experiences
This month’s dining exploration took me to a variety of establishments, including a bold new barbecue joint, an innovative sushi restaurant helmed by talented chefs, a sophisticated Italian eatery in the Heights, and a beloved seafood spot that has been serving the community for nearly four decades. Each dish offered its own unique flair and flavor, making for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.
Pinkerton’s Barbecue: A Flavorful Showcase
At Pinkerton’s Barbecue, Grant Pinkerton has hit the ground running with a menu that highlights traditional barbecue techniques. The standout barbecue tray features slow-smoked brisket and slightly sweet glazed pork ribs that are nothing short of delicious. Accompanying these meats were a revamped sausage and a pork porterhouse, both smoky and well-seasoned. To complement the meal, I savored beef tallow fries that struck a perfect balance between crispy and fluffy. Although the award-winning cheesecake was sold out, it just means another visit is in order!
Oru: Trout Roe Delight
Located in the Heights, Oru brings together chefs Luis Mercado and Paolo Justo, known for their omakase experience, offering a more casual a la carte menu. One of the must-try items is the trout roe, which is thoughtfully served with taiyaki and smoked hay butter. This dish combines the smokiness of the roe with subtly sweet fish cakes and creamy butter, making it a delightful $25 treat that’s perfect for sharing.
Sushi Horiuchi: Omakase Excellence
While selecting a single dish from Sushi Horiuchi is nearly impossible—thanks to its more than 20-course omakase menu—the crispy-skin tilefish is a highlight worth mentioning. Each dish is meticulously prepared, showcasing chef Manabu Horiuchi’s expertise. With limited seating, this new sushi destination promises an intimate dining experience that is well worth the effort to secure a reservation.
Italian Comfort at Hypsi
Hypsi, located at the Hotel Daphne, presents a comforting Pork Milanese that elevates classic Italian fare. The cutlet is both crispy and juicy, topped with a salad of vibrant dandelion greens and dressed with tangy buttermilk dressing. It’s hearty enough to share, especially when complemented by house-made pasta options.
Kitchen Rumors: A Fusion Favorite
In the former Xin Chao space, Kitchen Rumors offers a playful take on fusion cuisine with its butter chicken ramen. It’s reminiscent of a flavorful tomato soup, featuring chewy ramen noodles, greens, and chili-spiced chicken breast. It can be enjoyed as a standalone entrée or shared, encouraging patrons to explore the restaurant’s diverse menu.
Fresh Flavors at Relish Kitchen & Bar
An ideal salad is one where each bite offers something different, and Relish Kitchen & Bar nails it with their salmon citrus salad. The blend of grilled salmon, citrus fruits, greens, cucumber, dried cranberries, and goat cheese, all tossed in champagne vinaigrette, comes together for a bright and satisfying dish.
Collaborative Culinary Creations
One of the highlights of this month was a special collaboration dinner at 55 Seventy, featuring a pan-roasted halibut dish paired expertly with bacon-tomato consomme. This tantalizing combination beautifully illustrated the straightforward, robust cooking style patrons can expect from chef Josh Sutcliff.
Pizaro’s Knafeh Pizza: A Sweet Twist
At Pizaro’s, chef Raffi Nasr has transformed the popular knafeh dessert into a Neapolitan-style pizza. The mild dough serves as the perfect canvas for crispy phyllo dough, pistachios, akawi cheese, and a drizzle of orange blossom-rose water syrup. This unique creation balances sweetness and creaminess, making it a delightful option for dessert lovers.
Comfort Food at Kokee Kitchen
Kokee Kitchen in the Museum District continues the legacy of Dak & Bop by serving up delicious Korean fried chicken. The oversized tenders, available in a classic sweet and spicy sauce or a soy garlic variety, are served hot and crisp, with a special promotion of 20% off on Thursdays.
Goode Co. Seafood: A Local Tradition
As Goode Co. Seafood approaches its 40th anniversary, there’s no better time to indulge in their legendary campechana extra. This signature seafood cocktail marries tartness and spice, stuffed with succulent shrimp and sweet crab, proving its status as a Houston classic.
Casa Kenji: Unique Vegetable Offerings
Finally, Casa Kenji, the new seafood restaurant, features a roasted cabbage dish that’s garnered attention. Accompanied by a creamy beef fat soubise, the charred cabbage brings a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rich, velvety sauce.
Celebrating Local Flavors
With each outing, January has reaffirmed Houston’s status as a culinary hotspot, highlighting both innovative concepts and cherished local favorites. Whether you’re in the mood for barbecue, sushi, Italian, or seafood, this month’s selection has something to satisfy every palate.
