One weekend a few weeks ago, I was strolling around in Houston, with no actual purpose but to have a meal. I really appreciate the fact that this city is a patch of neighborhoods, as each neighborhood has its little quirks and secrets. There are also times when the best meals come when you are not even thinking of having one in the first place, you are just strolling along a side street and you see the aroma of something being cooked that makes you have to stop.
I recall that once I found myself in a small shop at the back of a row of more conspicuous links. The menu was plain, even handwritten and the people that worked there treated me as though I had been frequenting the place since time immemorial. It was an unforgettable meal not because it was glamorous, but, again, everything seemed to be deliberate, the flavoring, the way the waiters served, even the music in the background. It also made me remember that when people are interested in what they are creating, it is evident.
I have been struggling to come up with a list of my favorite restaurants in Houston since that time though it is not an easy task. The first is the obvious crowd-pleasers that everyone is talking about and the second one is the personal places, such as a friend had recommended. I continue to find locations that surprise me, and I know that best does not necessarily mean ratings or popularity it is the details that add to an experience helping to make it memorable.
I believe that is one of the things that makes Houston so special, because it feels like you are exploring, you are searching something that can be compared to your mood that day. I would be glad of hearing how other people have it--do you always go to the great places, or do you roam about and leave your fancy to guide you to something new?
It is ironical that food can become some sort of map of the city and its inhabitants one meal at a time.
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