LOCAL Houston | The City Guide May 2017 | Page 31

FOOD | ARTS | COMMUNITY | STYLE+LEISURE SUD ITALIA CUISINE: Italian 2347 University Blvd. | 713.664.7571 | www.sud-italia.com Mon–Fri: Lunch 11am–3pm; Mon–Tue:Dinner 5–9:30pm; Wed–Sat: Dinner 5–10pm; Sat Brunch–11am–3pm; Sun–Closed Sud provides a high-end Italian meal in a comfortable space. The patio (yes, I love patios this time of year) has enough seating that you can enjoy your meal without be- ing on top of your neighbors. Making regional cuisines that are authentic is a difficult task. I recently had Southern Italian food that made me feel like I was in Puglia. Shanon Scott and his team at Sud Italia have a true Southern gem. Located in the Rice Village, Shanon’s menu is as authentic as it gets. Like many, Shanon took advantage of the fresh produce to create an incredible Primavera Menu. My eye was immediately drawn to the Octopus Carpaccio. Marinat- ed, baked, then frozen before being shaved into paper thin slices, the dish was a beautiful as it was delicious. The light vinaigrette and tender octopus were unlike any- thing I had ever had. And will definitely have again. The paccheri pasta with shrimp and asparagus was a lighter dish than I had anticipated. The lobster base added a nice depth. The true star though was an entrée on the main menu. Lamb chops, but not just any lamb chops. Shanon has them flown from Colorado twice a week. These aren’t your typical lamb pops. They were substantial cuts of meat – two double bone-in chops with a red wine reduction cooked to a perfect medium rare. The best part? The price is only $36.00. Yes, $36.00. If you go for only one thing, the lamb would be it. With a well-rounded wine list, there were plenty of options for pairing. Again, at very reasonable prices. For those who don’t have the money or time to travel to Puglia, don’t fear. You can eat at Sud Italia as if you were on the Italian coast. So, save the money and eat well. To Shanon and his team, all I can say is “grazie mille.” Grigliata di Verdure Photo by Rebekah Flores melts in your mouth. The lamb keema is always a great choice to take home. A traditional Gujurati style curry, the minced lamb served over basmati rice, has just enough heat without overpowering the dish. And the next morning, it was even better. The draught selection alone makes Red Lion a destination pub. Smithwick’s, Fullers, Newcastle, Belhaven, just to name a few. A pint of the Strong- bow Cider on a hot Houston day hit the spot. With the red leather booths, and football on the TVs, anyone can feel like an ex-pat being treated to a bit of home. Come to Red Lion for the tradi- tion. Stay for the comfort. Oh, and a pint or two. Guinness Beef Stew may 17 | L O C A L 31