Tastemakers 2015

Houston's best new restaurants: Big surprises in Tastemakers Final Four

Just as it did in the process of winnowing 16 to eight, the second round of the CultureMap Tastemaker Awards Best New Restaurant bracket produced some surprising results.

Mark Holley may be a local legend, but his Midtown seafood restaurant lost a close matchup with downtown hotspot Prohibition. Korean fried chicken restaurant Dak & Bop prevailed over Bernie's Burger Bus even though Bernie's promised free burgers if it won the whole tournament.

In the battle of flexible spaces with bakeries and savory food, Tout Suite edged out Weights + Measures by fewer than 100 votes in a battle that came down to the final hours. Meanwhile, BCN Taste & Tradition has proven to be the bracket's most surprising contender, as it crushed Table 57.

The final two matchups have been underway since Tuesday, and they're both going to come down to the end. Time may be running out, but fans still have a chance to vote for their favorites and swing the outcome as voting end tonight (Thursday, May 7) just before midnight.

Dak & Bop vs Prohibition Supperclub & Bar

We're past the point where the bracket pits restaurants that have something in common against each other. Dak & Bop is casual, inexpensive and focused on serving really great Korean fried chicken. Prohibition is a little more formal, but not stuffy, with a menu that elevates classic Southern comfort food. Diners are getting a good meal and solid cocktails either way.

BCN Taste & Tradition vs Tout Suite

Once again, BCN has jumped out to a lead over its opponent, but don't count Tout Suite out. The cafe that's become a destination in the rapidly growing intersection of EaDo and the Second Ward has proven surprisingly resilient in this competition. Maybe Tout Suite should offer $1 macaroons to anyone who votes for them. Then BCN could respond with $5 gin & tonics, and we'd really have a party.

Dak & Bop's crispy Korean fried chicken has been a hit in the Museum District.

Courtesy photo

Dak & Bop's crispy Korean fried chicken has been a hit in the Museum District.

unspecified series568795486

there's the rub

Restaurant known for 'new Houston cuisine' now open in Cypress

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.

A restaurant known for its eclectic “new Houston cuisine” has opened in Cypress. The fourth location of Jonathan’s the Rub is now open for dinner in Bridgeland (20215 Bridgeland Creek Parkway).

First announced last year, the new Jonathan’s is located in Village Green, a 70-acre mixed-use development within the 925-acre Bridgeland Central district. The 5,500-square-foot restaurant includes two patios totaling 2,600 square feet, giving the restaurant plenty of room for private dining rooms, a bar area, and indoor-outdoor areas with fire pits and greenery.

“We were looking for the next frontier — a community with a booming population and a clear vision for growth that aligns with our brand,” chef-owner Jonathan Levine said in a statement. “When we discovered Bridgeland and learned it was a Howard Hughes development, we were immediately impressed. With their reputation for developing generational communities, we felt confident that Bridgeland was the right place for our family and for Jonathan’s the Rub.”

Like Jonathan’s three other locations, the menu at Bridgeland is built around Levine’s signature “new Houston cuisine,” a kicked-up take on comfort food that includes everything from lobster tacos and blackened shrimp and grits to Italian American classics and steakhouse fare.

Village Green is also home to H-E-B and restaurants such as Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café and Crust Pizza Co. Austin-based burger joint P. Terry’s will open there next year.

“Jonathan’s the Rub’s arrival in Bridgeland Central brings a distinguished addition to the culinary scene in both the community and northwest Houston,” said Jim Carman, president of the Texas region, for Bridgeland developer Howard Hughes Communities. “We’re proud to partner with exceptional restaurateurs like Chef Jonathan Levine to bring elevated dining experiences that enhance the lifestyle offerings for our residents and neighbors.”

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.