The September Hit List: Uchi, Lucille’s, Ixim, and More

This Austin import, newly on Resy, from James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole has been satisfying Houstonians’ sushi cravings since taking over the former historic Felix Mexican Restaurant space in Montrose in 2012. The best part: guests don’t have to pay full price to enjoy popular dishes from the restaurant’s innovative, Japanese-inspired menu. Simply pop in for the sake social happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily to indulge in Uchi favorites like the bluefin tuna flight, wagyu hot rock, and oak-grilled escolar with candied citrus.

In 2019, Food & Wine proclaimed that the Sunday brunch menu put forth by then chef de cuisine Nick Wong at UB Preserv (a.k.a. the second coming of Chris Shepherd’s acclaimed Underbelly) was probably “the most interesting brunch in America.” And they weren’t wrong. Two years later, Wong — elevated to executive chef in May — and sous chef Leila Frink continue to experiment with rotating brunch offerings with mouthwatering success. Recent specials included smoked boudin siu mai, crawfish and dan dan noodles, and a butter-chicken fried sandwich, aptly described as if chicken tikka masala and a sandwich had “a really delicious baby.” Really delicious, indeed.

This Heights-area gem made its name off menu mainstays like the juicy French cheeseburger oozing with melty raclette and the wonderfully plump marinated mussels served atop grilled bread with “calico” beans and bonito aioli. But really, there’s little not to like on the inviting menu of “European fare with American touches.” May we suggest: the fragrant, tender beef short ribs served in a brodo made with aromatic herbs, tucked in with some fresh spring vegetables, and seasoned with a spicy schug? Or the marinated tomatoes with tender slices of albacore tuna, served in a sauce gribiche with slices of pickled cucumber and finished off with fresh chervil and Texas tarragon? No wrong answers here.

Because we rather like being able to order flavor-packed dishes like the Brazilian shrimp moqueca (seafood stew), spicy Caribbean braised oxtails, and Vietnamese turmeric-dill grilled fish — all from the same globally curated menu. Pro tip: don’t skip out on dessert, which includes sweet offerings like Hawaiian haupia coconut pudding, mango lassi panna cotta, and a rich Mexican-spiced chocolate cake.

Nestled inside downtown’s Bravery Chef Hall, this exciting new spot focuses on contemporary regional Mexican cuisine and has quickly won praise from critics and customers alike since soft opening in late July. Jonathan Gallardo (Secret Garden HTX), former Caracol executive chef Tim Reading, and Rebecca Aguirre, also a Caracol alumnus, lead the charge at Ixim, which occupies the space formerly held by Cherry Block Craft Butcher & Kitchen. Guests can look forward gorgeous plates of ceviche featuring the day’s catch to start, before moving on to heartier entrees like fried Berkshire pork belly with achiote, corn puree, confit pineapple, and agave.

The Midtown favorite recently announced that owner-chef Chris Williams, along with “Top Chef” finalist Dawn Burrell, have been selected to take part in this year’s James Beard Foundation Award’s Stories of Resilience and Leadership event, set for live stream on September 27. The occasion replaces the typical awards ceremony and instead will showcase organizations, leaders, and independent restaurant businesses that have made an impact in their communities during the pandemic. Williams and Burrell will host and prepare dinner at Lucille’s for the Houston watch party, one of four intimate satellite celebrations taking place across the nation. The choice is fitting: last year, Williams founded Lucille’s 1913, a non-profit that serves meals to Houstonians in need. Keep an eye out for details regarding a public after-party closer to the event.

This location, which takes over the former 10,288 square-foot Yauatcha space in the Galleria area, marks the casual Canadian chain’s much-anticipated debut in Texas. The globally inspired menu features a wide range of offerings, from savory small bites like the Korean fried cauliflower made with sweet and spicy Korean chile miso paste, to the sake-glazed Chilean seabass with wok-fired vegetables, gold potatoes, and dashi broth. Be sure to reserve a seat on the lush green climate-controlled patio with retractable roof.

Summer’s just about over, and that means diners who want to catch chef-owner Justin Yu and chef de cuisine Kaitlin Steets’ current menu at the convivial downtown destination should make a Resy ASAP, before the season turns. Trust us: you don’t want to miss out on the meaty boiled dumplings — stuffed with grass-fed beef, Parm, ricotta, and celery — or the roast chicken leg in French curry. The famous tomato toast, forever an instant crowd-pleaser, also awaits.

Come for the myriad eats, stay for the family park, beer garden, and local art shops. This new food-court market-style concept from Nomad Hospitality, the group behind Bravery Chef Hall, offers not only dining, but also shopping and entertainment experiences for your whole brood too. At the food court, swing by Samosa Haus for their perfectly flaky Masala tots, Pierogi Queen for their famed stuffed cabbage, or BOH Slice (set to open in the market this month) for an umami-rich fungi pizza slice.

This forward-thinking self-serve concept developed by industry vet Kevin Floyd (formerly of Anvil and Underbelly Hospitality) features a wall of 80 taps from which guests can pour their own beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits. Simply swipe a credit card at the check-in counter to receive an access card, and serve yourself when ready. Chef-partner Dax McAnear, who’s worked in such kitchens as Beavers and Hay Merchant, has also developed an extensive food menu featuring specialty pizzas, small plates and entrees. Those following gluten-free, Whole 30, vegan, and paleo lifestyles will also appreciate options like the confit chicken thighs with cherry-apricot chipotle compote or the shrimp and cauliflower grits with housemade sausage.