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

By Jim Ayres It was a beautiful afternoon. The temperature was climbing, but in September the blue sky already had an autumnal cast. Listening to Lana Del Rey’s latest (brilliant), I felt like I was in Austin. Fitting, as I was heading to a late lunch at Tarka Indian Kitchen, a fast-casual Indian-inspired spot on

By Jim Ayres If I’ve ever had better fried chicken than I experienced at Gus’s World Famous Hot and Spicy Fried Chicken, I certainly don’t remember it. And I’m sure I’d remember it, right? Friends, this is fried chicken perfection. It’s served hot from the fryer, flawlessly crisp on the outside, moist and succulent inside.

By Jim Ayres So long my dear, caseoso, borracho, caliente friend. It looks like our 50+ year refried kind of love affair is ending. It’s your fault, of course. I’m just getting older. But you are ageless, like a witch. Blessed with eternal life. Ever ready to pounce on accustomed Texans and unsuspecting Yankees alike