91883 Wed Dec 01 09:48:39 -0800 2004 4 5 Texas 0 504874 This January my mom is going to have a big birthday and wants to go somewhere nice. The family comes back to town and we really do it up every couple of years for her. The last time we did Cafe Annie and the time before that we did Mark's. She is looking for someplace different this year. I don't really know the restaurant scene in Houston anymore. I remember at one time she really like Boulevard Bistro, but that closed down I think. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Wed Dec 01 09:48:39 -0800 2004 0 simply_victoria 1 504875 Though not terribly familiar with Houston myself, I would recommend Damian's Cuciana Italiana near downtown (3011 Smith). Wonderful food and great atmosphere. We went to a birthday dinner there last year and it was wonderful. Wed Dec 01 09:56:26 -0800 2004 504874 0 DFWGuy 1 504876 Blvd Bistro did close but the owner/chef monica pope opened a place called Tafia. Tafia is in a minimalist setting and the menu is focused on local products. I believe there is a website. If you really want to do something different how about sushi at Teppay? Freshest sushi in town. Noe in the Omni Hotel opened recently and although I haven't eaten there yet it sounds like it will be wonderful. Wed Dec 01 11:00:36 -0800 2004 504874 0 John Scar 2 504881 Oh, I love Teppay. I used to go there with my dad a lot. Unfortunately, the mom does not do sushi. Do you think because Noe is in a hotel that it might be a bit formal? Just checking because she wants something nice, but not you have to absolutely behave yourself nice. Wed Dec 01 15:21:03 -0800 2004 504876 0 simply_victoria 3 504883 Noe would probably be as formal as houston gets but that doesn't say much really. Zula is a place downtown where I have had some really good meals. Its been 2 years since I have been. The decor is really cool. Wed Dec 01 16:53:22 -0800 2004 504881 0 John Scar