Lorretta Ruggiero

Houston

Writer at Freelance

Freelance Food and Lifestyle Writer at Houston Press

Mom and Freelance Writer

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Articles

Openings and Closings : Good God, Nadine's is open, Botonica Tonight

1 week ago | houstonpress.com | Lorretta Ruggiero |Houston Press

Good God, Nadine's, 33 Waugh, opened May 27. Part cocktail lounge, part Southern eatery, it's bringing all the vibes of a spirited garden party with a little irreverence throw in for fun. It comes from Billy Trainor and Kyle Wiebe, owners of Verdegreens Farms. Inspired by the eccentric aunt that every Southern family seems to have, the ambiance is welcoming and unpretentious, where the door is always open and the drinks are always full.
Openings and Closings: Hudson House Rice Village Opens, B.B. Lemon Washington Departs Soon

2 weeks ago | houstonpress.com | Lorretta Ruggiero |Houston Press

Hudson House, 2414 University Boulevard, opened May 21 in Rice Village. It's the second Houston location for the concept from Vandelay Hospitality. Founded in 2012 by Hunter Pond, the hospitality group operates eateries like East Hampton Sandwich Co. and Drake's Hollywood. Hudson House originated in the Dallas area in 2017 and opened its first Houston restaurant in River Oaks in November 2023. click to enlarge Hudson House has only two desserts: chocolate silk pie and Key lime pie.
Openings and Closings: Succulent Sweeps In Soon, King Steak Next Week

3 weeks ago | houstonpress.com | Lorretta Ruggiero |Houston Press

Succulent, 1180 Dunlavy, opens May 19 in Regent Square. The Napa Valley-inspired restaurant is bringing West Coast style and California wine country flavors to the River Oaks area thanks to restaurateur Shawn Virene and his executive chef David Buckley. click to enlarge An oasis awaits at Succulent. Photo by Caroline LeGates Virene, known for local concepts such as the champagne-focused a'Bouzy restaurant, is a veteran of the hospitality industry.
Mac Haik's Kirkwood is Coming, Pickleball and Cocktails at Solarium

4 weeks ago | houstonpress.com | Lorretta Ruggiero |Houston Press

Kirkwood, 11720 Katy Freeway, is under construction and is slated to open in Fall 2025. It comes from Mac Haik Restaurant Group, owners of Slapfish, Original ChopShop and Due Cocina. It's also the largest franchisee of First Watch Restaurants. Many Houstonians will recognize Mac Haik as the name behind the successful auto dealerships across the city, though the entrepreneur now has much of his holdings in the real estate business.
Openings and Closings: Ichijiku Debuts, Aperitivo Pops Up, Trill Expands

1 month ago | houstonpress.com | Lorretta Ruggiero |Houston Press

Ichijiku, 9393 Bellaire Boulevard, opened April 29 in Houston's Chinatown. First established in August 2020 in Los Angeles, California, this sushi hotspot offers an authentic Edomae sushi experience using traditional Japanese techniques while adding contemporary touches and modern flair. It was founded by Russell Malixi and Wade McElroy who also operate Jethro's Cocktail Lounge in Montrose, along with partner Ross Leedy. Leedy is also a third partner at the Houston Ichijiku.
Openings and Closings: De Fortune Debuts, Hopdoddy Expands

1 month ago | houstonpress.com | Lorretta Ruggiero |Houston Press

De Fortune, 3515 Dallas, dances onto the Houston cocktail stage April 25. Located at Regent Square, it's the first concept for MAKE Investments, a hospitality group founded by Mayur Desai, Atik Mistry, Kinjai Desai and Emish Patel. The name is an acronym of each of the partners' first name.
The Best Tex-Mex Restaurants in Houston

1 month ago | houston.diningout.com | Lorretta Ruggiero

It’s no secret that Texas has great Mexican food, but few cities can beat Houston when it comes to Tex-Mex. From Mama Ninfa’s introduction of fajitas to the Bayou City in the early 1970s to the near obsession locals have with melty cheese enchiladas and brisket nachos, the fusion flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine are well engrained in Houston culture. From corner to corner of the sprawling metropolis, there are countless places to experience Tex-Mex food in all of its glory.
Openings and Closings: Agnes and Sherman Debuts, Jane and the Lion is Roaring

1 month ago | houstonpress.com | Lorretta Ruggiero |Houston Press

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Tony's 60th Anniversary: The Party Continues

1 month ago | houstonpress.com | Lorretta Ruggiero

Whether or not you have had the pleasure of dining at the storied Tony's Restaurant, you've more than likely heard tales of presidential visits and celebrity sightings. First founded in 1965 by famed restaurateur Tony Vallone, it has served as a hub for socialites and oil barons who enjoy its upscale vibe and classic Italian cuisine. For 60 years it has weathered the ups and downs of recessions, hurricanes, the COVID pandemic and the loss of its namesake in September 2020.
Openings and Closings: JUN Surprise, Detroit Pizza Coming to Pearland

1 month ago | houstonpress.com | Lorretta Ruggiero

JUN, 420 E. 20th, is launching its daytime cafe, Third Place, April 14. The 'New American' restaurant has earned owners and chefs Evelyn Garcia and Henry Liu plenty of critical acclaim including two James Beard Award semifinalist nods in 2024 and 2025. The duo draw on their different cultural heritages to create a menu that seamlessly blends Asian ingredients with Mexican and Salvadoran flavors for unique dishes that have propelled them to the top of the Houston restaurant scene.