finally, fadi's!

Flavorful Mediterranean restaurant serves up big Westheimer return

Finally, Fadi Dimassi has come back to Westheimer. Dimassi, the chef-owner of Fadi's Mediterranean Cuisine, has opened his newest location at 6365 Westheimer Rd. in Briargrove.

That's only a short drive east from the original Fadi's at Westheimer and Dunvale that closed in 2017. The opening gives Fadi's six Houston-area locations, joining restaurants in Meyerland, Memorial, Katy, Sugar Land, and the Museum District.

Fadi's first opened in 1997 and quickly became known for its fresh, flavorful Mediterranean fare that offers diners a diverse array of choices at affordable prices. Its menu features kebabs and wraps (beef, chicken, lamb, etc.) alongside a wide array of vegetables sides, dips, and breads. Chef Dimassi is a Lebanese immigrant who started at his family's restaurant, Mediterranean favorite Dimassi's, before going out on his own.

Along with the new location, Fadi's has changed its ordering procedure by eliminating set combinations in favor of a la carte ordering. The change makes the restaurant even more affordable and allows for better portion control, according to a press release.

In addition, all Fadi's locations are participating in Houston Restaurant Weeks for the first time. The restaurant's $20 lunch menu includes a choice of kebab, four different half-portion sides, and choice of dessert (pro tip: get the baklava).

Fadi's celebrated its grand opening on Monday, August 23. The Westheimer location opens daily at 11 am.

Fadi's has returned to Westheimer.

Photo by Duc Hoang

Fadi's has returned to Westheimer.

news-you-can-eat openings

WINE NEWS

Fredericksburg winery uncorks new ranch-inspired tasting room

Photo courtesy of Formando Vineyards

Formando Vineyards will open its tasting room on October 1.

A new tasting room is giving Houstonians another reason to take a trip to the Hill Country. Formando Vineyards, a family owned winery shaped by six generations of Texas ranching, will open at 11835 N. State Highway 16 in Fredericksburg on October 1.

Ceci McBride and her nephew, Henry Johnson, founded the brand in 2019, choosing a name that paid homage to the vaquero traditions of the family’s Chaparrosa Ranch. The Spanish “formando” translates to “forming,” and the family likens the winemaking process to the care and patience ranchers use to develop a horse for riding.

All of the label’s fruit, sourced from select Hill Country growers and the family’s estate in Gillespie County, is painstakingly harvested by hand. The family says their goal is to leave the land better than they found it.

"We wanted Formando to feel inseparable from the land and our family's history," Johnson said in a release. "At the same time, we want guests to discover just how expressive and exciting Texas-grown wine can be."

"For six generations, our family has gathered around the land, the table and the traditions of ranch life," McBride added. "Formando is our opportunity to welcome people into that story."

Co-owners Ceci McBride (l) and Henry Johnson pose with wine club coordinator Estella Winton.Photo courtesy of Formando Vineyards

The portfolio includes whites like Picpoul Blanc and Grenache Blanc and reds like Sangiovese and Montepulciano. But the flagship blend is more personal. Harry's Red is named for McBride's late son and “honors the love, connection, and family memories that helped shape Formando.”

Guests can drop in to Formando to order wine by the glass and bites such as house-made focaccia, Texas charcuterie, sandwiches, and pizzas. But for the full experience, the winery recommends a guided tasting. The three options — red-only, mixed wines, and a food pairing — run 60-90 minutes.

The winery also offers the Señor Pico Wine Club, which has three membership tiers with benefits ranging from member discounts and first dibs on new releases to complimentary tastings and exclusive invitations to private events.

Following the debut, Formando’s tasting room will be open Thursday through Sunday, 11 am-5 pm. Reservations can be made online.

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