Burger
Roznovsky's
The cheeseburger at this longtime Houston institution achieves a remarkable harmony of component parts. Other burgers may be meatier, crustier, smokier; but Roznovsky's inspired ratio of fixings, together with a gloriously griddle-crisped bun, is a balancing act of true Texas greatness.
3401 West T.C. Jester
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713-957-1100
Burger hybrid
Speedyburger
Cross a torta with a hamburger and what do you get? The improbably delicious "Mexican Burger" at a tidy little northside eatery called the Speedyburger. Maybe it's the thin slice of ham inserted into the mix; or the way ripe avocado slices slide together with grated jack cheese and a slather of mayo. The optimum go-with is a cinnamon-dusted banana licuado, a milkshake's more virtuous cousin.
6303 Irvington
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713-692-4435
Pancakes
Fountainview Grill
The deal-maker on the short stack at this well-loved spot is the lacy crunch of the edges (the mark of a generously oiled griddle) and flavor so rich that syrup is all but irrelevant. A side of crisp bacon and a steaming cup of joe makes the composition perfect. So does the fact that pancakes are served all day. How very civilized.
1842 Fountainview
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713-785-9060
1842
Fountainview Houston, TX
Refried black beans
Durango's Mexican
Restaurant
Salty, seasoned and slightly dry, Durango's refried black beans delight the palate. These aren't the typical runny refried beans that spread across the plate into your enchiladas and rice. These refried black beans are the consistency of thick mashed potatoes. A hefty scoop is served with cochinita pibil and other Central-American-style entrees.
939 NASA Road 1
Webster
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281-218-6992
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Fries
Fleming's
Funk begone: the perfectly seasoned, wonderfully skinny little matchstick fried potatoes at this popular new steakhouse are strictly uptown stuff. Served hot and crisp from the fryer, in a big paper cone, they're the sort of dish friends duel over at the table. Strange fact: You can take the leftovers home, refrigerate them overnight, and (drumroll, please) they're still worth eating the next morning. Honestly.
2405 W. Alabama
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713-520-5959
Ice cream
The Chocolate Bar
No contest. The most opulent and outrageous scoop shop in town is hidden away in a high-end chocolate boutique. That's why the ingredients for the chocolate and white-chocolate-based flavors are so stellar. Melted chocolate poured directly into the freezing mixture yields a jillion candy splinters for a texture way more interesting than chunks or chips would produce. Then flavormeister Gilbert Johnson adds fresh fruits and acres of nuts for an effect that is thrillingly intense. Check out his Orange Sunrise (with ground-up Valencia oranges) to see what makes these ice creams so special.
1835 West Alabama
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713-520-8599
Place to pop the
question
Japanese Garden in
Hermann Park
When it comes to romance, few places in the
city top the Japanese Garden. Imagine you and that special someone standing on
the wooden footbridge with carp playing in the water below, breezes rustling
overhead through lush oaks and pines, water rippling over stones and cascading
down chiseled waterfalls. The park was designed to inspire serenity and harmony
-- two important elements of any successful merger.
6001 Fannin
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713-284-1989
Place to canoodle
Shark train at the
Aquarium
Some may call it the "shark
tunnel" because the train stops in a tunnellike area so passengers can
watch the sharks swimming in overhead glass tanks. But the creative will agree
it's a tunnel of love, particularly if you are dating a lawyer.
410 Bagby
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713-223-3474
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Place to take a tourist
Houston Ship Channel
Hey, we're not kidding. It sure beats the
obvious, obligatory trip to The Galleria for a day of conspicuous consumption
of Chanel and cheesecake. Instead, get on board the 95-foot M/V Sam Houston for
a tour of the Houston Ship Channel. The air-conditioned boat takes passengers
on a 90-minute tour of the Ship Channel, where the air -- contrary to what
snippy neighbors may say -- smells like money. Your guests will marvel at the
50-mile-long channel lined with huge cargo vessels and sprawling industrial
plants as a chatty guide boasts of the port's accomplishments. You'll also save
yourself lots of cash because the tour, including refreshments, is free,
courtesy of the Port of Houston and your tax dollars.
713-670-2416
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Tiny building
Extra-Small House
In a city where bigger is viewed as better,
architecture students with the Rice Building Project decided to think small.
Their result is the Extra-Small House, a 500-square-foot jewel of a structure
that provides a residence for visiting artists in the Project Row Houses art
program. The recently completed home is larger than it seems, featuring a porch
with wide overhangs, translucent material in the bathroom that reflects light
into other rooms, and a high ceiling. The cost: around $30,000, plus a lot of
volunteer labor.
2304 Stuart
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713-526-7662
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