LOCAL Houston | The City Guide NOVEMBER 2015 | Page 28

OPEN TARAKAAN Cuisine: Pan-Asian Executive Chef: Micah Rideout 2301 Main | 832.487.9096 | www.tarakaan.com Wed 4pm–11pm; Thurs–Sat: 4pm–2am; Sunday Brunch: 11am–3pm Weekday Lunch: 11-2 (beginning in November) The son of American missionaries, Executive Chef Micah Rideout was born in Bangkok and spent his childhood immersed in the cuisine and culture of northern Thailand. Prior to being selected for his role at Tarakaan, he worked under Erin Smith at Main Kitchen, and before that at The Inn at Dos Brisas under the mentorship of Zachary Ladwig. The effect is cuisine best defined as clever, Pan-Asian shared plates, with influences beyond Rideout’s native land to include those from China, India and beyond, with the use of seasonal/local ingredients. Cocktail lovers will appreciate offerings like the Blue Blushing Dragon cocktail – Alylesbury Duck vodka, Patron Citronge Mango, lavender syrup, lemon and blueberries along with extensive sake and whisky lists. Photography by Andrew Hemingway Inspired by the original Buddha-Bar in Paris, industry veteran Piran Esfahana has re-purposed the 1920’s Midtown structure on Main to create the sexy restaurant/lounge and private party spaces of Tarakaan, taken from the words “Tara” – a tantric meditation deity, and “Kaan” – for “king.” The result is a sensory-stunning hot spot for Midtown. As the moon rises, lights dim as state-of-the-art electronics create a candle-lit Buddha “wall of sound” via deejay. Begin with the addictive “Papadom” – essentially Asianinspired chips and salsa and also consider the curried cauliflower, served with spiced cashews, pickled raisins and a luscious sprinkling of powdered brown butter. Rideout’s version of “Steak Frites” features strip steak from 44 Farms alongside a Thai crispy noodle salad. It’s all about big flavors, and high style. –Jodie Eisenhardt | @foodiehouston RICO’S morning+noon+night Cuisine: American fare with quality ingredients + local products Executive Chef: Jason Gould 401 Gray in Bagby Park in Midtown | 713.750.0050 | www.ricosmnn.com Mon–Wed, 7am–9pm; Thur 7am–12am; Fri 7–3am; Sat 9am–3am: Sun 9am–9pm Chef Jason Gould oversees the location as well as the carefully crafted menu. From the food, to the signage, to the beers on tap and the local products he proudly carries, Gould seems to have every single detail covered. (Even the recycled green cups, silverware and paper.) On our particular tasting, Chef David Cordua happened to be making a stop at the CVS and got to sit in on the action, which was a good thing since our array of menu items was impressive and it was hard to pick one thing over another. The cheeseburger is perfection and features 44 Farms meat. (Full disclosure: I don’t eat meat and I ate half that burger.) It’s simply a grilled beef burger with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, mustard and ketchup on a bun for $6.25. And of course, a Cyclone Anaya’s restaurant couldn’t miss the opportunity for a Tex-Mex Burger. Chiles con queso, guacamole, jalapenos and spicy salsa make this burger a must. There’s also the option to add a fried egg to any burger (the ultimate hangover cure or deterrent, 28 L O C A L | november 15 Photography by Julie Soefer One of the wonderful qualities of Houston is the quantity and quality of public parks. The team behind Cyclone Anaya’s Mexican Kitchen recognized this and honed in on a tiny corner in the newly revitalized Bagby Park conveniently located across the street from Cyclone’s Midtown location. The 400sf kiosk with seating areas totaling 1,400sf may look tiny – but it’s not lacking in flavor or options. depending on the time you go). The H-Town Dog is a bacon-wrapped, all-beef hotdog with onion jam and ketchup on a pretzel bun. Pair any of those bad boys with a draft 8th Wonder Dome Faux’m, a nice patch of grass on a perfect Houston day, and it just may be the perfect lunch. The fries are stellar and come in a bevy of options: spicy, truffle and chili cheese. There are breakfast tacos in addition to salads, shakes, a kids menu, wine, beer and cocktail options. I love it when there’s something for everyone. –Carla Valencia de Martinez