Cook's Tour Blog

Burger Friday: Gratifi Kitchen & Bar

Alison Cook — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:57:54 +0000

El Gaucho burger with onion rings at Gratifi. Photo by Alison Cook

The vintage Montrose quirks start at the gate to the patio at Gratifi. Photo by Alisoo Cook

First things first: "Gratifi" is pronounced like the verb "to gratify" rather than like the noun "graffiti." Until last fall this useful, earnest neighborhood restaurant was called Ziggy's Bar + Grill; and in an even earlier incarnation, it was Ziggy's Healthy Foods.

Burger Friday: Cafe Adel

Alison Cook — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:55:08 +0000

Pljeskavica plate at Cafe Adel Bosnian restaurant. Photo by Alison Cook

Cafe Adel Bosnian restaurant. Photo by Alison Cook

F&W names Chris Shepherd one of best new chefs for 2013

Alison Cook — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:09:44 +0000

Chris Shepherd in the kitchen at Underbelly.: Michael Paulsen : 29-95
Food & Wine magazine has named Houstonian Chris Shepherd as one of 10 Best New Chefs for 2013. Shepherd, whose Underbelly restaurant recently celebrated its first birthday, gathered with other honorees in New York City for today's announcement and a round of parties and appearances.

Sommelier Justin Vann leaves Oxheart

Alison Cook — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 23:19:58 +0000

Justin Vann at Oxheart during construction, in spring 2012. Photo by Alison Cook
Justin Vann, whose unexpected wine and beer pairings at Oxheart earned him a nod as one of Food & Wine magazine's 10 top sommeliers in the nation for 2012, worked his final day at the pacesetting tasting-menu restaurant last week.

Burger Friday: Sparrow

Alison Cook — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 23:28:43 +0000

Sparrow's Longhorn burger with cheddar, hot dog onions and Sparrow special sauce. Photo by Alison Cook

Light fixture made of pizza pans at Sparrow. Photo by Alison Cook