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Oporto Fooding House & Wine with Erika Barrington

Food Culture is back with a brand new episode in the COVID-19 era! Claudia and her culinary companion of the month, Erika Barrington, dined at the rustic and old world-inspired Houston Midtown favorite Oporto Fooding House & Wine.

Erika is the founder of the Louisiana-based group Thick Thighs Dining Club (thick thighs not required – just a healthy appetite). Claudia and Erika have been friends for over a decade, and their mutual love of food and flavors led them to Oporto where they enjoyed delectable dishes from the happy hour AND main menu.

Providing a unique dining experience in the heart of Houston, Oporto has been hosting guests since 2006. An evolution of Oporto Wine Cafe, this food and wine bar concept by Rick Di Virgilio features Portuguese-inspired dishes with an Indian influence in a modern setting.

On the menu this episode:

Drinks

• HOUSE CAVA – sparkling Spanish bubbles

• WHITE SANGRIA

Starters

• BATATAS BRAVAS (V) – crispy potatoes/ spicy tomato piri piri sauce/ garlic aioli

• LULAS FRITAS – crispy rice floured squid/ lemon/ herbs/ grilled baguette/ piri piri aioli

• GRILLED CHORIZO & ROMESCO – spanish- style sausage/ roasted peppers/ romesco

Large Plates

• LAMB RIBS MEDITERRANEO – smoked/ coriander-fennel crusted/ pomegranate molasses/ gigante beans/ chorizo/ faro-radish

• SEAFOOD BALCHÃO CURRY – gulf red snapper/ shrimp/ scallop/ spicy goan curry *served with basmati rice & naan *

• BRUXELAS (V, GF) – roasted brussels sprouts/ candied walnuts// piri piri/ maple/ mozzarella cheese

Oporto Hours

Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Friday – Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Sunday: 3 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Happy Hour/Monday – Friday: 3 p.m to 6:30 p.m

Listen to the episode:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Mein Restaurant with Stacy Kirages

On the latest episode of Food Culture, Claudia is joined by Zine Fest Houston organizer (all-around zine queen, really) and Houston restaurant aficionado, Stacy Kirages.

Their efforts in trying to find the ultimate Chinatown eatery led them to Mein Restaurant, a warm and modern spot with an abundant selection of savory food on the menu.

Mein has become a breakout star amongst the Houston restaurant scene, offering up more than just everyday Cantonese food. Mein introduces us to an entire experience that brings the flavors of authentic Cantonese cuisine to life with hearty, flavorful dishes.

Listen to Claudia and Stacy relive their delectable prawn-eating experience, the challenge of ordering very large plates while sitting at very small tables, and the community’s appetite for this year’s Zine Fest Houston: Zine Cuisine.

A peek at our plates:

Listen to the episode:

On the menu for this episode:

Drinks

Thai Tea

Appetizer

Herb Salmon (Ca Hoi Rau Ram) – seared salmon, peanut, fried garlic, tamarind sauce, thai chili, cucumber, Vietnamese coriander, lime.

Large Plates

Beef Scallion (Bo Xao Gung Hanh) – flank steak beef, mushroom, onions, scallions.

Superior Soy Prawns (Tom Rim Xi Dau) – prawns with head/shell on, basil, garlic black bean, sweet soy.

Vegetables

Garlic Yu Choy (Cai Xin Xao Toi) – yu choy, garlic, sea salt.

Rice

Fu Chow Fried Rice (Com Chien Phuc Chau) – minced pork, chopped shrimp, squid, mushroom sauce over egg fried rice.

Mein Restaurant is located at 9630 Clarewood Dr., Suite A13. Visit www.eatmein.com for updated menus and reservations. 

Hours

Monday: Closed

Tuesday – Thursday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. / 5 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Friday – Saturday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. / 5 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. / 5 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Kitchen 713 with Hudson Rains

On the very first episode of Food Culture, Claudia is joined by local improvisor, aerial performer, and southern food enthusiast Hudson Rains.

Hudson recommended Kitchen 713, a Washington Ave. eatery with a globally-inspired menu and delicious international cuisine. With its laid-back atmosphere, Southern soul flavors come to life in an exhilarating fusion of seasoning, spices, and savory bites that’ll leave you wanting to lick your plate!

Kitchen 713 is Houston at its best – delightful drinks, uniquely inspired dishes, and damn good food.

Join in as they discuss the restaurant’s exotic and eclectic menu, the lamb shank of their dreams, and the music soundtrack that accompanied it all.

 

Listen to the episode:

On the menu for this episode:

Cocktails

Margarita on the rocks

Starter

Shrimp remoulade – boiled shrimp, fried green tomatoes, Belgian endive, celery leaf

Large Plates

Angry Lamb – rack of lamb infused with Cajun spices

Dessert

Tres Leches Cake with seasonal berries

Kitchen 713 is located at 4601 Washington Ave. Visit www.kitchen713.com for updated menus and reservations. Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Services: happy hour — 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, brunch — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, lunch — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, dinner — 5 p.m. to close Tuesday through Sunday.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download