Dinner Close to Jones Hall?

[geegeeTX]

I'm looking for a place to eat, close to Jones Hall. Any recs (I am not interested in Hard Rock Cafe or Mingalone - ate at both several years ago, and have no desire to go back. ever). I like all types of food. :) Was thinking of trying the new sushi place, The Blue Fish - but wanted to know if there was anything else good around there. TIA.

[Lambowner]

So I read in my B4-U-Eat newsletter this morning that Mingalone finally closed. Maybe something good will move in. The theater district desperately needs it.

[foodcrawl]

Does it need to be within walking distance? There's Azuma sushi at 909 Texas Street. Artista inside the Hobby Center is a good pre-theater place as well.

Hillary
@HTownFoodCrawl on Twitter
Facebook.com/HoustonFoodCrawl

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Artista
800 Bagby Street, Suite 400, Houston, TX 77002

[geegeeTX]

Preferably within walking distance, as I'll be short on time. I had a really bad experience at Artista several months ago. Service was great, until a larger party arrived and my husband and I were basically ignored for the rest of our meal. I do like their food, though - the crawfish taquitos were fantastic.

[foodcrawl]

They do get quite packed, every single night. Ya know, I actually had a great experience last week at VOICE, inside Hotel ICON before the symphony. Arrive for 6:30 reservations, it wasn't overcrowded, and everything came out in a timely manner. Scallops were amazing!

Hillary
@HTownFoodCrawl on Twitter
Facebook.com/HoustonFoodCrawl

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Hotel ICON
220 Main St., Houston, TX 77002

[geegeeTX]

I will have to check out Voice - thanks for the info. We did end up at The Blue Fish, and it was excellent. Rainforest roll was superb, softshell crab was nice and lightly fried. I can also recommend the ahi tower - a lot of fun to eat. Cool patio, and nice service. The manager was very friendly.

[Lambowner]

I can't imagine how Mingalone has outlasted its neighbors there. Terrible food and service. Last time I was there, it was empty on a weekday at lunch. Hmmm. That whole center has been a model of mediocrity. Thanks for the report back on Blue Fish. Encouraging news!

The Lancaster has a little Bistro that we've stopped in both before and after the show. I took my grandmother there sometime in the 1990s and she spotted Olivia de Haviland there. Made her day.

[James Cristinian]

It's called The Bistro, go figure.

http://www.thelancaster.com/dining/in...

I was sure Olivia was no longer with us, but she's stillkicking at 94. I sat next to George Lopez at Ninfa's on Navigation, back when it was still good. I think it would be fun to start a celebrity/restaurant sightiings, but I'm sure the mods would kill it.

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Ninfa's
3601 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098

[girlfriday125]

I agree, Artista used to be my pre-theater place but the last three times I have gone the service has been horrid. Food is always good though

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Artista
800 Bagby Street, Suite 400, Houston, TX 77002