![A cozy, well-furnished room with a large plant in the center and sunlight streaming through the windows. Inset images show a dish of mac and cheese with corn and a plate of fish garnished with herbs.]({"jaw_blog-16_9-small":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/FOODIE_La-Lucha-170x95.png","width":170,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9-middle":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/FOODIE_La-Lucha-270x152.png","width":270,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/FOODIE_La-Lucha-475x267.png","width":475,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9-big":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/FOODIE_La-Lucha-878x494.png","width":878,"filesize":0},"large":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/FOODIE_La-Lucha-1024x362.png","width":1024,"filesize":0}})
Loving La Lucha: Nothing to fight about here
By Jim Ayres Make no mistake. Hunky Dory and Bernadine’s did not flop with critics or the public. Their closing just 18 months after opening reflected shady fiscal mismanagement more
FOODIE DIARIES
![A blue wall with the word "CLASSIC" in large, white, and 3D block letters.]({"jaw_blog-16_9-small":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/FOODIE-170x95.png","width":170,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9-middle":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/FOODIE-270x152.png","width":270,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/FOODIE-475x267.png","width":475,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9-big":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/FOODIE-878x494.png","width":878,"filesize":0},"large":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/FOODIE-1024x362.png","width":1024,"filesize":0}})
‘Classic’ doesn’t mean ‘old fashioned
By Jim Ayers I found a fun online discussion recently: “Which words and expressions from the past do you still like to use today?†I have some favorites and I’m
![Two images side by side: the left shows an uncooked ham with scored skin, while the right shows a cooked, browned ham with charred edges, garnished with rosemary.]({"jaw_blog-16_9-small":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/FOODIE_WatermelonHam-170x95.png","width":170,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9-middle":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/FOODIE_WatermelonHam-270x152.png","width":270,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/FOODIE_WatermelonHam-475x267.png","width":475,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9-big":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/FOODIE_WatermelonHam-878x415.png","width":878,"filesize":0}})
This and That
By Jim Ayres Props to Postino I’m thrilled that Postino is making its second Houston home at the site of the former Montrose Mining Company (805 Pacific). For months the
![The image shows the exterior of a building with the name "Poitan" displayed on a sign. The area around it is illuminated by string lights, and there is a tree on the left side.]({"jaw_blog-16_9-small":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Poitin-xtr-170x95.png","width":170,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9-middle":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Poitin-xtr-270x152.png","width":270,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Poitin-xtr-475x267.png","width":475,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9-big":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Poitin-xtr-878x494.png","width":878,"filesize":0},"large":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Poitin-xtr-1024x361.png","width":1024,"filesize":0}})
Poitin: Sophisticated, but where’s the wow factor?
By Jim Ayres Bread service in American restaurants is different than elsewhere in the world. Here, the bread basket entices famished diners to butter up and chow down before ordering
![A clear plastic bowl contains a mixed salad with tomatoes, leafy greens, sliced mango, and crunchy toppings, garnished with small orange fish roe.]({"jaw_blog-16_9-small":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Poke-in-a-Bowl-170x95.png","width":170,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9-middle":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Poke-in-a-Bowl-270x152.png","width":270,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Poke-in-a-Bowl-475x267.png","width":475,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9-big":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Poke-in-a-Bowl-878x494.png","width":878,"filesize":0},"large":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Poke-in-a-Bowl-1024x361.png","width":1024,"filesize":0}})
Poke in the Bowl: Montrose is getting poked!
By Jim Ayres I’ve been avoiding Poke, Houston’s biggest food trend this year. I’d been turned off by memories of a ghastly “Sushi Salad†at the late Bowl on lower
![Close-up view of a double cheeseburger with bacon, cheese, lettuce, pickles, and tomato, all stacked in a bun.]({"jaw_blog-16_9-small":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Burger-Joint-cheeseburger-170x95.png","width":170,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9-middle":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Burger-Joint-cheeseburger-270x152.png","width":270,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Burger-Joint-cheeseburger-475x267.png","width":475,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9-big":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Burger-Joint-cheeseburger-878x494.png","width":878,"filesize":0},"large":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Burger-Joint-cheeseburger-1024x362.png","width":1024,"filesize":0}})
The Burger Joint: Sinfully good
By Jim Ayres Is there really that much to say about The Burger Joint? It serves burgers, it’s very popular and parking is next to impossible. Yet here I am,
![Front exterior of Golden, a bagels and coffee shop with yellow outdoor chairs and tables on the sidewalk.]({"jaw_blog-16_9-small":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Golden-Exterior-170x95.png","width":170,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9-middle":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Golden-Exterior-270x152.png","width":270,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Golden-Exterior-475x267.png","width":475,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9-big":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Golden-Exterior-878x494.png","width":878,"filesize":0},"large":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Golden-Exterior-1024x364.png","width":1024,"filesize":0}})
Golden Bagels & Coffee brings a little NYC to The Heights
By Jim Ayres Heights denizens are thrilled that authentic, New York style bagels are now being served on White Oak. I am, too, as Golden Bagels & Coffee is right
![Outdoor patio with several empty tables and chairs, featuring closed yellow umbrellas. The area is surrounded by gray brick walls and string lights overhead. The sign reads "Postino.]({"jaw_blog-16_9-small":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Postino-Exterior-170x95.png","width":170,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9-middle":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Postino-Exterior-270x152.png","width":270,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Postino-Exterior-475x267.png","width":475,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9-big":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Postino-Exterior-878x494.png","width":878,"filesize":0},"large":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Postino-Exterior-1024x362.png","width":1024,"filesize":0}})
Postino: An instant success story
By Jim Ayres  So many people have told me how much they love Postino, a new wine café in the Heights Mercantile development on Yale, just north of 6th Street.
![Colorful mural featuring the word "Houston" in large letters with phrases "Inspired Hip-Tasty" below. The background includes vibrant, abstract patterns.]({"jaw_blog-16_9-small":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Foodie-170x95.png","width":170,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9-middle":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Foodie-270x152.png","width":270,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Foodie-475x267.png","width":475,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9-big":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Foodie-878x494.png","width":878,"filesize":0},"large":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Foodie-1024x363.png","width":1024,"filesize":0}})
The Montrose Star 2019 Pride Dining Guide
By Jim Ayres | Happy Pride everyone, and if you’re visiting Houston, welcome! Let’s jump right in to see what’s new in Houston’s dining world. After all, while we’re celebrating,
![A desk layout featuring a laptop, a smartphone, a camera, and a hand drawing on paper labeled "FINANCE" with doodles illustrating "funding," "saving," and "benefit.]({"jaw_blog-16_9-small":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Grads-Money-170x95.png","width":170,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9-middle":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Grads-Money-270x152.png","width":270,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Grads-Money-475x267.png","width":475,"filesize":0},"jaw_blog-16_9-big":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Grads-Money-878x494.png","width":878,"filesize":0},"large":{"file":"https:\/\/montrosestar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Grads-Money-1024x361.png","width":1024,"filesize":0}})
9 Essential Money Tips for New Gay Grads
By Mikey Rox Here’s the good news, new grads: You’re not as financially inept as the media por-trays you. Stash Invest asked grads like you what they plan to do