OPEN |
OPEN |
By Brian Tagtmeier
GREEN LANE CO .
CUISINE : Açaí bowls and other healthy choices 10455 Briar Forest Dr . # 170 | 713.497.5551 | www . greenlaneco . com cp juices
TOULOUSE new menu CUISINE : French Bistro 4444 Westheimer Rd ., Ste . E 100 | 713 . 871.0768 | www . toulousecafeandbar . com
Since opening a little more than a year ago in the fast-expanding River Oaks District , Toulouse Café and Bar has provided an excellent French dining experience . From the inviting café décor , impeccable service and French cuisine it is easy to imagine yourself in Toulouse .
Starting with cocktails might seem decadent . For me , it was a given with the traditional and seasonal offerings . The French 77 ( gin , wildflower liqueur , grapefruit , lemon , simple syrup , raspberry , champagne ) was perfect to battle the summer heat . My favorite was the Blueberry Mule . The muddled blueberries accentuated the tangy ginger beer . The cold , brass mug kept the drink as cold as it first came out .
The menu provided plenty of starting options . Ultimately , I chose the Moules Marinières ( white wine , lemon , shallots ). Tender and flavorful with plenty of fresh bread to dip into the sauce , with a portion large enough for two or three . Next time , the nontraditional Green Room with jalapenos , ginger and shitake mushrooms will still be waiting for me .
For entrées , the lunch menu had the tempting classics – beef bourguignon , crispy duck leg confit . I chose the steak frites . The steak ( medium rare +) was fork tender . And who doesn ’ t love frites , especially with béarnaise to dip . After hearing the specials , I sampled the gnocchi -- potato gnocchi with shrimp in a roasted tomato / olive sauce . The gnocchi were square
FM KITCHEN + BAR
CUISINE : American 1112 Shepherd Dr . 832.804.6006 | www . www . fmkitchenandbar . com
Photo by Goodspero
FM Kitchen + Bar , the new restaurant from Ryan Hildebrand , is clearly a departure from the haute cuisine offered at Triniti , his former concept in the foothills of River Oaks . The new place is an updated ice house like you ‘ d find in the 1960s . With picnic tables and games , it ’ s perfect to enjoy a good burger with the kids . Also : live music on the weekends and a full bar with draft beer and wine for the bigger kids .
FM Burger and Tots
28 LOCAL | july 17