As it does every July 15, Houston Restaurant Weeks released its much-anticipated list of participants on Monday.
Now in its 11th iteration, the 2013 lineup includes nearly 200 area eateries helping raise funds for the Houston Food Bank. The region-wide benefit kicks off Aug. 1 and runs through Sept. 2 with special lunch, brunch and dinner menus ranging from $20 to $45.
Click here to see the complete menu list, which will be finalized July 31.
"I can't believe how far we've come and how many restaurants we have taking part," says Houston food expert and radio personality Cleverley Stone, who launched the event in 2003.
"What started as a small benefit a little more than a decade ago has turned into the largest single annual fundraiser for the largest food bank in the nation."
"I can't believe how far we've come and how many restaurants we have taking part."
Houston Restaurant Weeks — or HRW for those who like abbreviations — had a personal best in 2012, raising $1.22 million in donations from more than 250,000 meals. With a dozen new participating restaurants joining evergreen stalwarts like Hugo's and Indika, Stone is hoping for another record-breaking year.
Here's a quick look at some of the fresh faces:
The Peruvian hotspot make its inaugural appearance with a $35 prix fixe dinner menu highlighting the cafe's trademark cebiche. Also featured will be a reasonably-priced weekend brunch menu with unique options such as lucuma French toast and dulce de leche crepes.
Chef Philippe Verpiand's Etoile rolls out the Provencal-style cuisine with a $45 dinner that includes choices like Maine lobster bisque with aged brandy and braised short ribs with butternut squash mousseline. Be sure not to miss the $35 brunch menu as well for housemade beignets and diver scallops with fresh herb scrambled eggs
For just $20, the southern comfort food experts at Lucille's will whip you up some fried green tomatoes and a BLT with oysters. For dinner ($35), don't skip over the shrimp and grits or Great Grandma Lucille's bread pudding.
Located just off Market Square in downtown, new tapas hangout Batanga has a three-course dinner menu for $35 that features restaurant specialties like roasted suckling pig and steak in chimichurri rojo.
Bellaire newcomer Costa Brava is promoting a $45 dinner menu jam packed with Old World charm from France and Spain. In one meal, you can start with gazpacho, move onto duck confit and end with a hazelnut-mocha mousse crepe.
Considering the popularity of the yearly summer event, reservations are recommended. Mention Houston Restaurant Weeks when making your reservation to ensure part of your meal cost is donated.
Houston Restaurant Weeks announced its official line-up Monday, offering nearly 200 eatery options.
