By Jim Ayres Costco, you’re better than this “Effective March 16, 2020, an active Costco membership card will be required to purchase items from our food court,” the sign reads. “You can join today. Please see our membership counter for details.” Yes, Costco’s food court, the home of cheap and decent hot dogs and cheap

By Jim Ayres I was late to the party, but I’m glad I went. After all, it wasn’t – and never will be – “on my diet.” But I couldn’t resist temptation, and finally tried Popeyes Chicken Sandwich! And I can recommend it to you wholeheartedly. I think. Read on. You know the backstory. Popeyes

| Has Houston Gone MAD? By Jim Ayres Tucked into the darker, backside of River Oaks District, the asylum awaits. Once inside, you need a minute to prepare yourself. The velvet curtain opens, and it hits you: the lunatics have taken over. And you go MAD. MAD is a delicious mix of over the top

By Jim Ayres A while back, on a cold winters’ eve, I stopped into Weights + Measures for dessert and an after-dinner drink. It hadn’t been open long, and the PR was still in high gear: This was the hippest place in town! Shag carpet, vinyl playing on a vintage Marantz, and classic cocktails reminded

By Jim Ayres “Low-Carb and Loving It!” I think that was the name of the Food Network show that aired about 15 years ago. Well, I’m resurrecting it in 2020! Not on TV, but as part of my lifestyle (I mean “diet”). So, this year Foodie Diaries will try to spotlight tasty lower-carb dishes as

By Jim Ayres Happy holidays, MONTROSE STAR readers! Every year, around this time, I tell you about an extraordinary Houston dining experience. This year is no exception! In the last few years, Houston’s James Beard Award-winning Chef Chris Shepherd has done a lot of moving around. One-Fifth, his one-theme-per-year restaurant in the former Mark’s space,

By Jim Ayres There’s a lot to love about Austin. A blue oasis in the heart of Texas (though I think the oasis is expanding this way, too). And, of course, the food. So, when an Austin-based restaurant sets up shop here, expect Houstonians — whether actual Austin ex-pats or not — to line up

By Jim Ayres Anyone who’s ever known me, and many who don’t, know my lament by heart. I am tied to my desk during July, August, and September. The third quarter is the busiest time at work, with 12-hour days not uncommon. But most importantly, during those hectic days, do I find time to eat?

By Jim Ayres Of course, it wasn’t my fault. Dinner invites happen, and I’m never one to decline simply because of venue. A few columns back, I mentioned that I was done with Tex-Mex. But a couple of high-profile spots have opened recently, and aside from spending quality time with friends, I felt it my

By Jim Ayres I was always curious about Seasons 52, a local outpost of the upscale “low calorie” chain. It’s part of the restaurant group that includes Eddie V’s and Capital Grille, so I had high hopes when I met friends on a recent Tuesday night. According to its marketers, “Seasons 52 is your destination