The August Hit List: Mimo, Elro Pizza + Crudo, Citizens of Montrose, and More

Chef Fernando Rios and beverage guru Mike Sammons — who ran together at Da Marco, Weights & Measures, and Dolce Vita — have partnered on Mimo (Italian for “Mockingbird”), a casual East End spot that aims to serve classic dishes from Italy that are not typically found at trattorias in the U.S.

Hidden away inside the colorful Tlaquepaque Market strip mall, the restaurant has consistently won raves since quietly opening its doors in the spring. Go for lunch to sample the tantalizing selection of paninis starring Sicilian beef, mortadella, eggplant, and chicken Parm. Then come back for dinner for a larger menu of antipasti, pastas, and mains — for something different, try the mozzarella in carrozza, a fried mozzarella sandwich with anchovy, basil, and marinara; or the fettuccine tossed with ricotta, mortadella, romanesco, pistachio, and lemon. Keep an eye out for news of their Sunday Feasts, too.

Houstonians don’t need “Good Morning America” to tell them that Dandelion Cafe (owned by husband-and-wife team chef JC Ricks and Sarah Lieberman) serves one of the best breakfasts in town. After all, it’s hard enough as it is to find a table at the charming, family-friendly, counter-service restaurant in Houston’s Bellaire neighborhood. But the national recognition is well deserved all the same. In June, Dandelion’s sweet and spicy chicken and buttermilk cornbread waffles beat out the legendary Breakfast Klub’s classic wings and waffles in round one of the “GMA” United States of Breakfast competition. The winning factor: Dandelion’s chicken thighs are marinated for 24 hours in a house-blended chorizo and Creole spice mix, then breaded, fried, and served atop buttermilk cornbread waffles with heaping dollops of whipped spicy maple butter. Although the dish ultimately didn’t take home the mantle of best breakfast in the country, the restaurant is already tops in our book.

Call 832-988-9210 for more info.

This homey neighborhood pizzeria and crudo bar brings veteran chef Terrence Gallivan of the late, great Pass and Provisions back into Houston’s culinary spotlight. But why pizza and crudo? As Gallivan himself explained in a statement, most people love pizza — he’s not wrong — and with the soaring temps in H-town, featuring some light, cold seafood dishes on the menu makes for a perfectly irresistible combo. The restaurant, which takes its name from Gallivan’s children Eleanor and Ronan, is housed in a vintage bungalow where Midtown and Montrose meet. Diners can expect thoughtfully prepared pizzas such as the mortadella with pistachio pesto, balsamic onions, and Parmesan; and the mushroom pie with smoked maitake, tomato, scamorza (a soft Southern Italian cheese), and rosemary; alongside beautiful crudo such as snapper with pickled mango, olives, and chiles; and smoked kampachi with shiso, pumpkin seeds, and yuzu chile paste.

It only makes sense that after chef “G” Benchawan Jabthong Painter won the James Beard Award for best chef in Texas that she would need a larger space to accommodate all the customers flocking to try the “unapologetically authentic Thai food” she and husband Graham Painter serve at their East End gem, Street to Kitchen. In November the restaurant — which currently shares a wall with a gas station at 6501 Harrisburg Blvd. — will relocate up the street to a 2,800-square-foot space at 3401 Harrisburg Blvd. (part of The Plant at Second Ward) that can seat 100 customers, nearly triple its capacity now. In addition to its signature curries and saucy noodles, the new Street to Kitchen will also offer an expanded beverage program (including cocktails) and chef G’s famous Thai omelets out of the walk-up window. Until then, diners can continue to enjoy lunch and dinner at the original location.

Call 281-501-3435 for more info.

An import from New York City, this Aussie-inspired breakfast, brunch and lunch cafe is the first location outside the Big Apple. Citizens co-founders Justin Giuffrida (who hails from Melbourne) and Andrew Geisel (who grew up on the shores of the Gold Coast) met and bonded over Australia’s sunny cafe culture while working at a coffee shop in NYC. Eventually, their vision of opening an authentic Aussie cafe of their own came to fruition, with the Montrose outpost being their fourth shop. Brekkie and lunch bowls and egg dishes abound on the menu, and yes, there’s a smashing avocado toast, too. Sip on a flat white or a “wellness” latte infused with superfoods such as beetroot power, turmeric, ginger, or matcha.

Blink and you might miss this little mom and pop Lao-Thai restaurant tucked away in a North Houston shopping strip — though, trust us when we say you don’t want to miss it. The restaurant may be tiny, but the kitchen serves up big, bold flavors. The slightly sweet, umami-laden Thai boat noodles are popular for a reason and come with super tender slices of beef swimming in either dark or light broth, and thin or thick noodles. The papaya salad is a favorite too, with cooling strands of papaya in a tangy-spicy vinaigrette. But truly not-to-be-missed is the nam khao, a savory crispy rice salad that’s been flavored with red curry, deep fried, and served with peanuts and fresh lettuce to wrap it in. Pro tip: Don’t order above a spice level of two if you can’t take the heat.

Call 281-630-1319 for more info.

Even if you haven’t heard of the Kirby Group, you’ve likely heard of its concepts: Heights Bier Garten, Bayou Heights Biergarten, Wooster’s Garden, and Holman Draft Hall. Verde Garden is the latest dining and drinking establishment from the group, this time with a vibrant Tex-Mex theme with a food menu designed by Kirby Group culinary director and chef Teddy Lopez (think tacos, tortas, enchiladas, ceviche, and more) served alongside a beverage selections that include a dozen made-to-order frozen margaritas, 20 house cocktails, 60 classic cocktails, 50-plus brews, and other thirst-quenching offerings.

The omakase game is incredibly strong in Houston, and Uwa brings yet another exciting experience to the city. “Uwa” means “wow” in Japanese and Korean, and that’s exactly what executive chef Mike Lim, executive sous chef John Hui, and chef de partie Danny Nguyen aim to do with each 12-15 course seating. The focus here is traditional meets modern, with a touch of molecular gastronomy. Proteins are sourced according to season from Japan’s Toyosu Market and other international locales, while produce comes from local farmers to support small businesses. The next collaboration will be with the Asian-inspired Heights speakeasy Mèo Bar, which will prepare special cocktails to complement the chef tastings in August, on Tuesday the 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th. A Saturday tasting on August 19 at The Oliver at Sawyer Yards is also open for reservations.

Follow Uwa on Instagram to learn how to book.

The Summer Winemaker’s Series continues at Mutiny Wine Room on August 19 with a journey to Santa Barbara, led by resident winemaker Mark Ellenberger. The event will explore the diversity of the region’s grapes with an opportunity to taste four exclusive wines. Each glass will be paired with a small tasting from chef Eduardo Alcayaga. The cost is $84 per person, with only 20 seats available per session at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Book your resys here!

It’s always a good time to visit this retro-inspired Rice Village speakeasy from Benjy Levit (of Local Foods and Eau Tour). Guests come for the rotating assortment of unique wines (sourced everywhere from Oregon to Japan) but stay for the excellent and creative seasonal bar bites and desserts. Must-try items on the menu now: Japanese milk bread with European butter and smoked trout roe; a Vietnamese-style tartare made with 44 Farms beef, herbs, candied peanuts, and calamansi dressing; and a Japanese rose syrup shaved ice with yellow watermelon, mango, golden pineapple, strawberries, dragon fruit, black sesame ice cream, and coconut condensed milk.