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

By Jim Ayres If you work from home (as I do) or have been sick lately (as have I) you may only have a fleeting knowledge that the height of summer is upon us. It’s hot and humid out there, so it’s time to dive into crisp, refreshing salads. Here are five of my favorite

By Jim Ayres Many Houstonians have a favorite spot for oysters, casual seafood, cold beer, and live bands in the bay area, south of town. I’m thinking about Gilhooley’s and Topwater Grill, both in San Leon. Or Tookies in Seabrook. Places you can let your hair down, put on cutoff shorts, make new friends, and

By Jim Ayres “Get yourself a gimmick…and you too can be a star.†Veteran burlesque performers sang this showstopper in Gypsy for a skeptical Louise as she learned the finer points of striptease. But in the restaurant world? Not if you’re spending the kind of money you’ll spend at Ritual, one of the most expensive