Dining Guide

That's amore

If there’s any truth to the Italian proverb that one does not age while seated for a meal, then Sophia Loren is living proof. At 76, the woman known the world over as the Italian Marilyn Monroe credits her killer curves to one lifelong beauty secret: pasta.

“Everything you see, I owe to spaghetti,” Loren once said.

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The Cajun King

Larry Judice has been doing Cajun cuisine a long time.  Nearly 33 years ago, the Texan-born butcher planted his Louisiana roots in Groves when he purchased his father’s Cajun grocery store.  Today, Larry’s French Market and Cajun Restaurant, the “Cajun honky tonk” of Southeast Texas, is known as the site where it all began.

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Twisted Barbecue

Barbecue, barbeque, Bar-B-Que, BBQ — take your pick. Every corner of the country has its own way of doing things, so it’s no surprise that a couple of Southeast Texans would put their own spin on the American dish with a flare unique to the area.

When Boomtown BBQ Company opened on Wednesday, March 5, hungry patrons flocked to the new restaurant at 5555 Calder Ave. ready to devour some serious Texas barbecue, and were introduced to some serious Southeast Texas barbecue.

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Got crawfish? ...Doug Nelson does

Servers at Doug Nelson’s Café have had customers asking the same question every spring for the last five years:

“Doug doin’ crawfish this year?”

Well, it seems the busy Southern gentleman has caught a little bit of that spring fever running rampant here in Southeast Texas because, yes, folks. Doug’s doin’ crawfish this year.

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Got crawfish? ...Doug Nelson does

Servers at Doug Nelson’s Café have had customers asking the same question every spring for the last five years:

“Doug doin' crawfish this year?”

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Geo Burrito

When you walk into Geo Burrito, there’s a lot to take in. From the earth-toned walls with images showcasing the planet’s natural beauty to the inviting menu.With three premium meat options: chicken, beef and pork; and two seafood options: shrimp and fish; three different types of beans; three different types of rice; eight different sauces; and an impressive display of fresh vegetables, Geo Burrito satisfies even the pickiest guest with a quality meal of his or her own creation.

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Beyond the pizza and pasta

About two weeks ago, Gino’s Pizza and Pasta owner Ilir Nikqy started working out.

Coincidentally, at around that same time a few new items appeared on his menu — delicious, as would be expected from Nikqy, but also filling and healthy items.

“I’m always trying to make something new and fresh,” said Nikqy, affectionately known to his customers as “Nicky.” “I like to choose a few ingredients and create a dish out of them.”

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Taste of the Triangle

Mardi Gras ain’t over ’til the fat lady sings.

Tuesday, March 8, marks the day when everyone celebrates rich food, wine, spirits, friends and fellowship before they bid the Mardi Gras festivities farewell. For those who follow the Catholic rituals of the Lenten season, this is also a chance to feast freely before the 40-day fast leading up to Easter. It’s Fat Tuesday, folks.

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Lean, green cuisines

Most Southeast Texans would probably agree with columnist Doug Larson’s comment that “life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon.”

However, they just might settle for a fresh, raw, green vegetable drink that tastes like lemonade.

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