OPEN |
OPEN |
By Brian Tagtmeier
NOBIE ' S
CUISINE : Seafood 2048 Colquitt St | 346.319.5919 | www . nobieshtx . com Tue – Wed : 5 – 11pm ; Thur – Sat : 5pm – midnight
There is no question that for many , food is a passion . For Martin Stayer , Executive Chef of Nobie ’ s , his passion is clearly present in his Montrose restaurant . It all starts with the name . Nobie is Stayer ’ s grandmother . She gave him his first cooking lessons , encouraged him to attend culinary school and fueled his desire to run his own restaurant . After more than ten years working in Michelin-starred kitchens in Chicago , Stayer moved back to Houston to open a place to make her proud .
The focus at Nobie ’ s is on local ingredients , especially seafood . As such , the menu changes daily . Sharing is also a big part of Nobie ’ s menu . A variety of small plates and appetizers and entrées with portions large enough for two or three make it easy . I started with the Texas Tartare featuring smoked jalapeno and deviled egg . I was worried that the jalapenos would overpower the beef .
Photo by Jack Thompson
Fish with Seasonal Sides
I was wrong . The smokiness and heat were a perfect match . Another winner was the fried artichokes . Marinated before being flash fried , the artichokes were light and paired well with the roasted tomato aioli . Following my waiter Dylan ’ s recommendation , I went with the grilled octopus as an entrée . Marinated , braised and grilled , the octopus was fork tender . It was as good as any I have ever had . My second choice ? The cauliflower piccata . Before you revoke my carnivore card , try it yourself . The lemon sauce and creamy polenta made me forget there was no meat .
With Nobie ’ s , Stayer has created an exceptional dining experience . Best of all , he has done it at very reasonable prices . Adding in a lively bar and a beautiful deck / patio , Nobie ’ s is a true gem .
One thing I know for sure . Nobie has every reason to be proud . Her inspiration shines bright . We ’ re just lucky to share it with Stayer .
COWBOYS AND INDIANS
CUISINE : Texas & India fusion cuisine 1901 Taft St . | 713.485.6724 | www . facebook . com / cni713
Tue – Thur : 11am – 9pm ; Fri – Sat : 11am – 10pm ; Sun 11am – 9pm
The latest fusion concept in Montrose , Cowboys and Indians , is unique as it provides comfort food from Texas and India . The brainchild of Has Vazir , Mahreen Vazir and Imran Khan , the original concept centered on organic American dishes . Fortunately , Vazir ’ s friends convinced him to use his grandmother ’ s Indian recipes as well . Needing a new name for this fusion , his sister suggested Cowboys and Indians , a Tex-In Restaurant . A play on words that fits well with the casual atmosphere , the food and their cultural heritage .
I took my family along , as I knew I would focus on the Indian and the kids Texan . We started off with the samosas , meat and vegan with homemade chutneys . Even my picky eater enjoyed them . Lightly fried , the fillings were flavorful , and the chutneys added a nice brightness .
Photo by Cowboys and Indians
30 LOCAL | april 17