As a 16-year veteran of the restaurant and bar industry, I’ve seen so many good and not so good restaurants and bars disappear almost overnight it seems, just to be seamlessly replaced by a new, shinier, trendier place. I’ve been fortunate enough to see first-hand the changes that have happened here, and with my monthly blogs, I’d like to re-introduce you to our fair city of Houston and its cuisine.

I know food – good food – and believe me, it’s here in the city all around you. Hopefully I can walk you through the city again and point out some great places to make memories, maybe that perfect proposal spot or that quiet little anniversary place. I’ll also tell you where to find the trendy and luxurious so you can indulge and show off on that first date or special birthday party. To ease you in, I think we will start with what has to me become a Houston staple, Underbelly.

Located at 1100 Westheimer in the heart of the city is Chef Chris Shepherd’s masterpiece. Yeah, yeah there’s cured meats and pork belly, great wines and cocktails, and even a cured beef leg with a twitter handle (@allentheleg ) but this place is Houston on a plate. Trust me there’s Creole, Southern, Asian and even Tex-Mex on the menu, all masterfully executed by Chef Chris to truly demonstrate the diversity of Houston. If you’re out and about and looking to be adventurous, I highly recommend you stop and have a cocktail and some food.

If you’re looking for something a little more low-key and traditional, I recommend heading over to Rice Village to Sud Italia Ristorante. The brainchild of Shanon Scott is located at 2347 University Blvd. and brings you Southern Italian cuisine that will blow you away. Anything on the menu is fabulous but I recommend the Zuppa de Mare for the seafood lovers. This seafood stew of mussels, fish calamari and herbs in a tomato broth will make you question every other Italian place you’ve eaten at recently.

Finally, if you’re looking for a place to party and have some cocktails with the pretty people of Houston, head over to Aura Dynamic Nightlife. Located at 4701 Nett in the space previously occupied by NOX, this beautifully renovated nightclub is the place to celebrate any occasion or just show someone a good time. Amazing music and lights paired with great drinks and large space makes this an ideal hangout out spot for the weekend.

I hope you’ll try some of these spots and check back for more posts, where I’ll continue to bring you the hottest and newest places to eat, drink and have fun in our fair city.