What kind of restaurants is Houston lacking in? (inside the loop) (Pearland: organic, prices)

[Ace_TX]

Originally Posted by elnina

I agree with LocalPlanner. Authentic and traditional Russian and former Russian southern republics - their food is really very delicious! In the past, Houston had some good Russian restaurants. Currently - none. Why?

Polish restaurant - Polonia isn't good, sadly. And perhaps traditional Jewish? (What's happened to Alfred's?)

There are only two German restaurants, and neither is great. Not a real Eastern European cuisine. OK - Charivari (Romanian), and Cafe Pita (Bosnia) - but for a city our size, we should have more.
No Hungarian (goulash - yum!!), Bulgarian (Tarator - so good for Summer!) or Croatian (Cevapcici - drooling!), either

And really good delis! I understand that we have many places that claim to be delis. But good delis? New York-quality delis? Hardly.

I know, its a strange question - but have you heard about molecular gastronomy? I guess, most Houstonians haven't, because we don't have any.
What is Molecular Gastronomy? | Molecular Recipes

It was a cat from houston on masterchef a few years ago

ironically, his molecular cooking was a disaster

[elnina]

Originally Posted by Ace_TX

It was a cat from houston on masterchef a few years ago

ironically, his molecular cooking was a disaster

I had some in Chicago and it was FANTASTIC!!

[ToyYot]

Originally Posted by LocalPlanner

Not sure why you're focusing just inside the Loop, but it does seem the variety in Asian cuisines generally is much greater in the suburban parts of the city. Other than the high-end place in West Ave, how many Korean restaurants are inside the Loop?

Also either missing, or I'm unaware of them:

• German (not counting Charivari)
• Polish / East European / Russian
• Peruvian
• Colombian

Plus there's surprisingly few French restaurants (only a couple of which I'm aware) inside the Loop.

And only one Belgian restaurant! An underappreciated cuisine that we need more of around here.

I thought this was strange too.

For French I love Le Mistral on Eldridge, but its not in the loop...oh well. Latin Bites is good Peruvian (not that I would know!), but again, outside of the loop. Why does this matter?

[swopoe]

Originally Posted by Spartacus713

What is the difference between an East Coast (Jersey) diner and someplace like the 59 Diner?

They aren't even in the same league. Jersey diners are open 24 hrs. The 59 diner may be; I am not sure. The menu size at a Jersey diner is much larger and (usually) the food is better, especially breakfast. I can't even explain it. If you have been to a Jersey diner, you would know what I mean.

[Spartacus713]

Originally Posted by swopoe

They aren't even in the same league. Jersey diners are open 24 hrs. The 59 diner may be; I am not sure. The menu size at a Jersey diner is much larger and (usually) the food is better, especially breakfast. I can't even explain it. If you have been to a Jersey diner, you would know what I mean.

Have you been to the 59 Diner?

[Oskar_Z28]

Originally Posted by elnina

I agree with LocalPlanner. Authentic and traditional Russian and former Russian southern republics - their food is really very delicious! In the past, Houston had some good Russian restaurants. Currently - none. Why?

Polish restaurant - Polonia isn't good, sadly. And perhaps traditional Jewish? (What's happened to Alfred's?)

There are only two German restaurants, and neither is great. Not a real Eastern European cuisine. OK - Charivari (Romanian), and Cafe Pita (Bosnia) - but for a city our size, we should have more.
No Hungarian (goulash - yum!!), Bulgarian (Tarator - so good for Summer!) or Croatian (Cevapcici - drooling!), either

And really good delis! I understand that we have many places that claim to be delis. But good delis? New York-quality delis? Hardly.

I know, its a strange question - but have you heard about molecular gastronomy? I guess, most Houstonians haven't, because we don't have any.
What is Molecular Gastronomy? | Molecular Recipes

Agree, we need more Eastern / Southern European restaurants. But I may be biased since I'm Polish. However my wife, who is Brazilian enjoys that kind of cuisine and so do my kids.

[Gunion Powder]

When it comes to variety Houston is already leagues ahead of most. Innovation and creativity are what the city needs work on.

[suz1023]

I'm looking for good Jewish, Polish and Italian delis somewhere, anywhere!

[txdemo]

Originally Posted by suz1023

I'm looking for good Jewish, Polish and Italian delis somewhere, anywhere!

Try New York Coffeeshop - 9720 Hillcroft. They have a bagel shop next door as well - best bagels in town. Open 6 am to 3 pm.

[Spartacus713]

Originally Posted by suz1023

I'm looking for good Jewish, Polish and Italian delis somewhere, anywhere!

Kenny and Ziggy's deli off of Post Oak (Galleria) is a good Jewish deli.