Inside My Table #40 | Restaurant listings
Downtown Update
Back in Issue #18 (April-May 1997), our Listings recommended 14 downtown restaurants. Wow, has the eating-out landscape changed since then! The long-time institutions—Brennan’s, Damian’s, Clive’s, et al—have been been joined by dozens of newcomers: hordes from Dallas and Austin, clones from the suburbs, trendy young things that erupt overnight. Here are a few of the new kids on the block.
FARRAGO, 318 Gray at Bagby, 713-523-6404. The name comes from the Italian and means “mixture” or “hodgepodge.” Chuck Russell, who was at Solero, has partnered with Todd Stevens (formerly with the Ritz Carlton in Aspen) to create this corner cafe. The menu takes its inspiration from the restaurant name and includes mussels in Thai coconut curry, pizzas, roasted chicken with mashed potatoes, even fish and chips. $-$$
IRMA’S SOUTHWEST GRILL, 1314 Texas Avenue at Austin, 713-247-9651. Irma Galvan’s son Louis is owner and manager of this offspring of the original Irma’s on N. Chenevert. The kitchen sends out many of Irma’s signature dishes (such as spinach enchiladas), as well as rainbow trout, herb roasted chicken, stuffed pork chops and such. $-$$
MASSA’S SEAFOOD GRILL, 1331 Lamar between Austin & Caroline, 713-655-9100. Like so many other new downtowners, this is the second edition of a well-established restaurant. Seasoned restaurateur Joseph Massa oversees this operation, while brother Michael handles the original Massa’s on Smith Street. Cordon Bleu grad Jamie MacDonald oversees the menu and kitchen at both spots. $$-$$$
MIA BELLA TRATTORIA, 320 Main at Preston, 713-537-0505. Featuring an Italian menu, including some unusual pastas and plenty of seafood, this airy, charming space on the ground floor of the Kiam Building has become one of downtown’s most successful operations. Expect to wait for a table at peak hours. It’s owned by Youssef Nafaa, who also has Mi Luna in The Village. $$
MINGALONE ITALIAN BAR & GRILL, 500 Texas Avenue at Smith Street, 713-223-0088. This is the architectural centerpiece for Bayou Place, formerly the Albert Thomas Convention Center. The gorgeous setting includes an open kitchen, wood-burning grill and pizza oven, and a panoramic view of Wortham Center. It’s owned by Antonio Mingalone, who once had Montesano. $$
SAKE LOUNGE, 500 Texas Street in Bayou Place, 713-228-SAKE. This innovative Japanese restaurant, now under the direction of chef Jimmy Mitchell, is nestled between the Angelika Film Center and Mingalone. It features sushi, sashimi and cooked Japanese food. $$
SAMBUCA JAZZ CAFE, 909 Texas Avenue at Travis, 713-224-5299. As much a nightclub as restaurant, this Dallas-based chain has begun to focus more attention on the food. Meanwhile, the mating dance continues among the cell-phone-packing trendetti who occasionally seem to be actually listening to the music. Located within the The Rice, it’s owned by siblings Kim and Holly Forsythe. $$
