d'Alba Craft Kitchen & Cocktails

3715 Alba (just north of 610 between Ella and N. Shepherd) Houston 77018 346.319.5790 dalbahtx.com

“A good restaurant is hard to find”.  This delightful discovery in the heart of Garden Oaks sports a large dog-friendly patio and an inviting, modern interior, tastefully fitted out.  Chef-driven, the menu jumps out at you for its innovative selections and the freshness of the food.  The kitchen has a pedigree which includes Benjy’s and Local Foods, two long time Houston favorites.  Traditionally mundane items jump off the menu here in exciting new ways, and the staff is young, attractive, and attentive. Convenient free parking next to the restaurant.  Shareables  * Balloon bread, pesto, garlic, truffle honey * Cannellini bean hummus, herb evoo, olives, lemon zest, pine nuts, Alba bread  * Chile & lime roasted cauliflower, crispy quinoa, tahini dill yogurt  * Spinach & artichoke dip, peppadew peppers, green onion, chile-lime tortilla chips  * Charcuterie board, chef’s rotating selection of meats & cheeses  *  Half dozen raw oysters  * Oysters char-grilled, parmesan pecorino, brown butter, charred lemon  * Wood fired pizza  * Prosciutto bechamel, five cheese blend, rosemary, figs, herb evoo  * Pepperoni, five cheese blend, jalapeno & chile honey  * Greenery  * Romaine, grilled hearts of palm, parmesan, croutons, fresh citrus, Caesar dressing  * Radicchio, cauliflower, romaine, crispy Brussels sprouts, watermelon radish, toasted sunflower seeds, avocado vinaigrette  *  Hand made pasta  * Campanelle, basil pesto, parmesan, English peas, cherry tomatoes, basil summer squash  * Wide bucatini, marinara, mushroom & quinoa ‘meat’ balls, nutritional yeast, herbed breadcrumbs  * Big plates  * Blackened salmon, watermelon, cucumber, shallot, smashed avocado  * Chef’s cut steak, Italian salsa verde, crispy medallion grits, creamed spinach  * Grilled Texas quail, cherry olive tapenade, rapini, crispy quinoa, summer squash  * Sweet hearts  * Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies  * Organic raspberry sorbet  * Luv ‘em leches

Loro Asian Smokehouse

1001 W. 11th The Heights Houston 77008 713.930.2326 www.loroeats.com

This brilliant new restaurant housed in a converted church is a joint venture of the owners of Franklin BBQ and Uchi! The result is an exciting menu with lots of (tasty) surprises. Dine inside or on the patio. Order at the bar and your meal will be brought to your table. Dishes made for sharing. Bar food * candied kettle corn * wonton chips & dip * smoked salmon dip * Snacks & veggies * crunchy sweet corn fritters * oak grilled snap peas * kale & Asian pear salad * crunch cabbage salad * coconut scented rice * curried brisket rice * tomato & cucumber salad * oak grilled zucchini * sesame rice noodles * chicken karaage * Meats * Malaysian chicken bo ssam * smoked prime bavette * smoked turkey breast * smoked baby back duroc pork ribs * smoked beef brisket * oak smoked salmon * char siew pork belly * Sandwiches-made from the above meats * Rice bowls: crispy Szechuan tofu * char siew pork belly * curry marinate shrimp * Malaysian chicken curry * oak smoked salmon * Sweets * chocolate chip cookie