CTCBear said:

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Where in Sicily are. you going?

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Taormina and Porto Empedocle

Awesome. I lived in Syracuse for a summer and love that area.

Got an email from AOC, looks like they are finishing their expansion.

GoBearsGo said:

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Got an email from AOC, looks like they are finishing their expansion.

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yeah, they told me before end of year should have it ready.

I'm actually going to buy a home 150 bottle wine fridge and downsize my locker to a small. I'm trying to have more at home. Going to be a challenge to get all my stuff in the new smaller locker!

I sent the email back with small but changed my mind to a medium.

GoBearsGo said:

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I sent the email back with small but changed my mind to a medium.

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we'll have some drink dates at the lounge!

bularry said:

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GoBearsGo said:

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I sent the email back with small but changed my mind to a medium.

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we'll have some drink dates at the lounge!

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Paid my deposit.

Got takeout from Kata Robota last night. Great as always. The waygu sandwiches are amazing. It's not cheap but it's so good.

Finally trying Trattoria Sofia tomorrow. Interested in recommendations on what to order.

Haven't been in a while. Not my jam

I saw that Houston led the way with Michelin starred restaurants. Not a shock. What was impressive to me was how many Austin received. LOL at Dallas - largest metro in the State and not holding a candle to Htown or Austin.

Anniversary dinner this Saturday 11/16. Have res at Pappas Bros but we've been there a lot over the years. Looked at mastros but they don't have anything until 9:30. Any other new'ish steakhouses we should look at?

FranchiseBear said:

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Anniversary dinner this Saturday 11/16. Have res at Pappas Bros but we've been there a lot over the years. Looked at mastros but they don't have anything until 9:30. Any other new'ish steakhouses we should look at?

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I like Pappas Bros more than Mastros. Mastros crowd is the crowd that takes selfies for ticktock with their food and friends. Pappas crowd is there with a cocktail listening to the pianist.

Only been to Mastro's in Houston once - agree completely.

FranchiseBear said:

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Only been to Mastro's in Houston once - agree completely.

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I would like to try Doris Metropolitan. Israeli steakhouse with some variety.

It is good - and a different experience but it's not Pappas Bros.

Thoughts on Michelin Stars in Houston?

GoBearsGo said:

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Thoughts on Michelin Stars in Houston?

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I have many thoughts.....but I'll admit I'm not well informed on all topics even though I still have opinions!


I'm fine with the heavy lean into BBQ places for all of Texas. I think the stars awarded are debatable, but happy for Corkscrew and puzzled by Goldie's and Franklin's. I think Michelin is written from the perspective of a global traveler and such a person would want to visit a place that is uniquely Texan, and smoked meats fits that bill.

What I don't understand is the snub in the 'recommended' category for the ethnic places in Houston. No real pho places and no Aga or Himalaya or other hole in the wall places serving Indian and Vietnamese food was pretty surprising. Same for sushi.

I looked at Atlanta and they have like 6 omakase style sushi restaurants get stars. Atl is a good foodie town, but they have 6 to our zero? And no tex mex? The cuisine invented in south texas?

and the flood of Austin recommended places bugs me, but whatever...

CammoTX said:

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FranchiseBear said:

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Only been to Mastro's in Houston once - agree completely.

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I would like to try Doris Metropolitan. Israeli steakhouse with some variety.

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I like Doris, definitely some different flavors to accompany the steaks and chops. Food is great, but the Pappa's on westheimer is just so well done for food and wine.

If you are open to something other than steaks, go to March for anniversary. Or at a minimum go to their lounge for a cocktail and 'snacks' and then go to dinner.

For "newish" place, Turner's Cut is steak place from Ben Berg. I don't like any of his restaurants, so haven't been, but heard it is good.

bularry said:

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CammoTX said:

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FranchiseBear said:

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Only been to Mastro's in Houston once - agree completely.

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I would like to try Doris Metropolitan. Israeli steakhouse with some variety.

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I like Doris, definitely some different flavors to accompany the steaks and chops. Food is great, but the Pappa's on westheimer is just so well done for food and wine.

If you are open to something other than steaks, go to March for anniversary. Or at a minimum go to their lounge for a cocktail and 'snacks' and then go to dinner.

For "newish" place, Turner's Cut is steak place from Ben Berg. I don't like any of his restaurants, so haven't been, but heard it is good.

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I just looked at the Turner's Cut menu. $51 for a chicken dish. Wow.

CammoTX said:

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bularry said:

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CammoTX said:

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FranchiseBear said:

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Only been to Mastro's in Houston once - agree completely.

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I would like to try Doris Metropolitan. Israeli steakhouse with some variety.

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I like Doris, definitely some different flavors to accompany the steaks and chops. Food is great, but the Pappa's on westheimer is just so well done for food and wine.

If you are open to something other than steaks, go to March for anniversary. Or at a minimum go to their lounge for a cocktail and 'snacks' and then go to dinner.

For "newish" place, Turner's Cut is steak place from Ben Berg. I don't like any of his restaurants, so haven't been, but heard it is good.

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I just looked at the Turner's Cut menu. $51 for a chicken dish. Wow.

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yeah, I'm not saying there is any value there, LOL. Pappa's ain't cheap, though, but I agree it is more in line with expectations on quality steak place.

RE: Steakhouses - has anyone been to Guard and Grace? Any good?

First, great W this afternoon! We ended up going to Bar Bludorn for anniversary dinner. Pretty cool what they did with the old Jonathan's space. I think JTR made a mistake moving into the new spot across the freeway - too bland with zero character in the new space.

Bar Bludorn was very good and a cool neighborhood spot. We had a late lunch so split the ribeye and got mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. Fried oyster app and was very good. Def will go back.

FranchiseBear said:

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First, great W this afternoon! We ended up going to Bar Bludorn for anniversary dinner. Pretty cool what they did with the old Jonathan's space. I think JTR made a mistake moving into the new spot across the freeway - too bland with zero character in the new space.

Bar Bludorn was very good and a cool neighborhood spot. We had a late lunch so split the ribeye and got mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. Fried oyster app and was very good. Def will go back.

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have heard great things about this spot. I've been to Bludorn a few times, and like it, but seems to have costs in excess of what I think you get, but maybe I'm too critical.

Reviews on Creedence from anyone?

Wife is going next week for girls dinner. I am curious as well.