Most people we know either love okra or hate it. As okra season is in full effect, we thought a little ode to the okra will convince the haters to give it a second chance. The okra, a relative to the hibiscus and cotton plant, is a little tubular vegetable with fuzzy, tender casing and round, edible white seeds. Okra also has a sticky core that causes the up-turned noses and looks of disgust among......

Those who know it love it. And those who don’t know it don’t know they love it. Kraftsmen Baking not only serves preservative-free bread, pastries, sandwiches, salads and soups, they also provide many Houston restaurants with carbo-loaded delights as well. The owners of Kraftsmen have a wonderful collaboration that unites the Houston culinary community and places priority on quality, organic and local ingredients. Located in an adorable nook on Montrose where the buildings are covered......

Tossed is a New York based fast casual rabbit food salad eatery on the west side of town. Having only been open in Houston for a couple of weeks, and despite the awkward name, there was quite a big crowd at Tossed when we tried it out for lunch recently. Located in an odd shaped shopping center at Briar Forest and Eldridge Parkway, we couldn’t help but wonder if this location would have any resemblance,......

There are some restaurants we go to because we love the food and others because we like the décor and atmosphere. Jenni’s Noodle House is neither but we love going here because we like how it makes us feel. This popular downtown lunch hot spot is quirky and personable. Devoted patrons almost seem to carry a badge of honor after a meal at Jenni’s. Owners Scott and Jenni imprint their personality throughout their humble restaurant.......

Houstonist is excited about the cold snap. Now that the mercury has dipped below sixty degrees, it is perfect weather for those winter one-pot wonders we love. Hearty soups, stews, gumbo, chili and our beloved chicken & dumplin's. Nothing warms the cockles of one's heart like serious "down home" comfort food, and this recipe is easy to make and delicious. Whether we get iced in, or just complain bitterly about being cold for a few......

Houstonist had to get our "burger on" after our first birthday party - had to. So, we phoned in some bacon cheeseburgers and rings for ourself and a co-worker from Pete's Fine Meats on Richmond Avenue. Normally, a "go burger" is kinda listless by the time you get to where you're going with it - this one was not super hot, but still warm enough and juicy. The onion rings were not homemade, however, they......

A recent venture to our closest Cafe Express resulted in our sampling the Bleu Cheese Bacon Burger, to which we added avocado (nice addition and enough to share with our lunch companion). Albeit we are not fond of chains, Cafe Express has never let us down for quality and quantity - it is pricey-ish, however. Falling into our "gucci burger" category, along with Pappa's Burgers, but also worth the price, is this particular specimen.......

Have we been remiss, or what? …Promising burger information – working diligently toward that end – only to be distracted by the holiday. We do apologize for the burger review delay. Houstonist was unpleasantly surprised by a recent trip to Jax Grill in Bellaire – shocked, actually. We got our bacon cheeseburger and rings – the ole usual. The burger was juicy but over-grilled upon arrival and cooled to downright dry meat with a......

The sportsfan in us loves Two Rows (2400 University). This small chain offers friendly atmosphere, big TVs, and microbrewed beer of every conceivable color, flavor, and sort. The selection of handcrafted brews changes daily, so you never know what you're going to get, but try the Osage Golden Wheat (light, refreshing, and served with a slice of lemon) or for something a little heartier, the supersmooth Route 66 Amber Ale. Kick back with your beer......