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Home , Brazilian cuisine, Carnitas, Peruvian cuisine

DINING GUIDE

IN KATY

Diversify your palate with savory dishes from these fiery Latin eateries

Written by Cherri Northcutt and Kirsten Cornell | Select photography by Anetrius Wallace

Katyites are experiencing more flavors than ever before with the growing number of dining options in the area. From the seasoned steaks of to the delicate desserts K of , these Latin eateries are spicing things up for local foodies.

Premium fajita plate at El Asador Mexican Restaurant

54 • KATY MAGAZINE Aug/sept 2015 Visit KatyMagazine.com for Katy jobs, events, news and more. Fajitas a La Cucos Mexican con dos Colombian at Los Cucos in Old Katy acompañamientos at Mi Pueblito Basic ingredients are corn, chili Styles vary by region but peppers, , and . feature local produce, river The Spanish introduced beef, fish, inland , , , chicken, and . and .

Alegria Brazilian Grill Las Alamedas 24449 Katy Fwy. 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. 281-394-7753 281-347-3030 See ad on page 4 Las Alamedas features truly elegant dining in LaCenterra, “My grandmother influenced most of my style,” shares offering regional Mexican . Owner Jorge Sneider was Arisoteles Alencar who was born and raised in Brazil. “The born and raised in Mexico and brings that culture and cuisine I use in our creations have been used in my family for to his restaurant. “We have so many authentic dishes from generations.” The centerpiece of Alegria is a custom mesquite Mexico, it’s hard to choose,” Sneider says. “I do recommend the rotisserie grill where they slow-cook steak, chicken, sausage, carnitas michoacan and snapper Veracruz.” The carnitas start and . Alencar recommends the picanha. “It’s a black with slow-cooked pork loin with a garnish of cilantro, , with pork rib meat and smoked sausage served with and served with tomatillo . Fish lovers will delight , sautéed greens, and - a yucca - then in the snapper Veracruz with a sauce of tomatoes, capers, olives, garnished with slices.” For dessert, try an aromatic cup of and . “It’s served with our Mexican rice, a recipe from my cafezinho espresso and Pudim de Coco - coconut flan. grandma,” Sneider shares. Don’t forget to end your with the of something sweet. Sopapillas are a traditional Mexican El Asador Mexican Restaurant fried and served with . 3750 S. Mason Rd. 832-321-4954 La Granja El Nido See ad on page 58 3815 N. Fry Rd. An elegant fixture in the Cinco Ranch area, El Asador specializes 281-578-6758 in authentic dishes from Mexico. Suzanne Neff, a Cinco Ranch Located on the south side of Katy, La Granja El Nido provides mother of two enjoys their stuffed chicken avocado. “I love the locals with an authentic taste of El Salvador. The pupusa is a flavor and texture, and the chicken ranchero are handmade from corn or rice flour and stuffed with amazing,” she says. With 16 different dishes, everyone , chicharron, beans, or . Katy native Jon is sure to find something they love. In a tribute to their location, Perryman says, “I love their fajita , the taste their Cinco Ranch special features a quail, beef, or chicken fajita is great.” Another popular dish to try is the pollo with a topped with poblano peppers, bacon, and jack cheese. marinated chicken breast, peppers, and vegetables served with rice, beans, salad, and handmade .

Brazilian Cuban Staples of Common spices include include , yucca, Brazilian combo at Tipiquito platter at , , and collard greens, carrot, rice, Alegria Brazilian Grill Palma de Cera bay leaves. and pineapple.

To advertise, call 281-579-9840 or email [email protected] KATY MAGAZINE Aug/sept 2015 • 55 Los Cucos Original Marini’s House 5831 Highway Blvd. 3522 S. Mason Rd. 281-391-9466 832-391-4273 Among Katyites, the original Los Cucos is still considered one of The Marini family brings a wide variety of traditional Argentine the best Tex-Mex restaurants. Katy ISD teacher Diane Gonzales through Original Marini’s Empanada House. “We says, “I’m an enchilada lover and Los Cucos has me covered. Their have over 70 varieties,” Sergio Marini says. “We cater to a lot of blends add the perfect touch.” Gonzales’ family are also different cultures because you find empanadas in all of South fans of their homemade guacamole dip, prepared table-side. America.” He estimates that about 75% of their menu comes Sean Thompson, father of two, likes the atmosphere at Los from his mother’s recipes. Marini recommends the chicken Cucos. “It’s lively and fun but not overwhelming,” he says. “The Diablo with diced chicken, bell peppers, tomato sauce, and plate is a favorite of mine and we all love their queso.” Try spices. “Try the beef gaucho; it’s amazing. It has hard boiled eggs, something a little different with their stuffed avocado plate. ground beef, onions, olives, and other spices,” he adds. Don’t Accompanied by rice, beans, and a cup of steaming , miss out on feeding your sweet tooth. With dessert empanada the dish can be filled with chicken, beef, or . flavors like pumpkin with , Ghirardelli, s’mores, and a cup, you’ll be begging Marini Mi Pueblito Colombian Restaurant for his secret recipes. 402 W. Grand Pkwy. S. 281-665-8690 Palma de Cera See ad on page 130 2004 S. Mason Rd. Oscar Velasquez, owner of Mi Pueblito, is pleased to offer 281-392-3800 traditional plates from different regions of Colombia. “The Palma de Cera fills their menu with hand-picked dishes from Bandeja Paisa tray is from the Antioquia region, and comes with Latin America featuring flavors from Colombia, Cuba, Brazil, grilled steak, pork belly, pork sausage, a , corn patty, and Chile. Stephanie Teel, a local teacher and mother of four, fried plantain, rice, and beans,” Velasquez says. “It appeals to the enjoys the steak with chimichurri sauce. “It’s delicious and cooked meat lovers.” Other fan favorites are the grilled churrasco, a juicy perfectly,” she says. “I love the fried plantains as well.” There are and flavorful sirloin and the empanadas de carne. Velasquez a variety of steak offerings with ranging from creamy also recommends the Ajiaco Bogotano, a delicious chicken soup mushroom to . Among them is the ropa vieja, a flank prepared with three kinds of potatoes and guasco leaves. “Our steak drizzled with Cuban sauce and served atop rice, beans, and , the décor, and the Latin music gives you the sensation of fried yucca. going back in time to old Colombia,” Velasquez shares.

56 • KATY MAGAZINE Aug/sept 2015 Visit KatyMagazine.com for Katy jobs, events, news and more. To advertise, call 281-579-9840 or email [email protected] KATY MAGAZINE Aug/sept 2015 • 57 Gaucho and chicken Diablo Amarillo at empanadas at The Original Sur Latin Marini’s Empanada House

Argentinian Peruvian Most dishes include red Typical ingredients include meat. Empanadas and shrimp, potatoes, and local were like , citrus, Pollo Bravo developed in Argentina. Sur Latin Peruvian Cuisine and pineapple. 890 S. Mason Rd. 19901 Kingsland Blvd. 281-392-0030 Houston More than just a great place for rotisserie chicken, Pollo Bravo 281-385-9778 serves a hybrid of Peruvian and Mexican cooking. Recent See ad on page 56 additions to the menu are tallarines verdes and papa a la Stop in at this neighborhood eatery for a unique South huacaina. “These are very traditional Peruvian dishes with fried American experience. Valeria Lescano, manager of Sur, is proud , avocado salad, and ,” says manager Javier Gil. of their authentic Peruvian cuisine. “Our is a favorite with There are a few secret recipes on the menu as well. “Our famous customers and it’s traditional to our area,” Lescano says. Another creamy bravo hot sauce comes from an old family recipe,” Gil popular dish is the , a succulent beef tenderloin shares. “Our house dressing will knock your socks off.” Their sautéed with tomatoes and red onions. “We offer Latin amigable house menu contains several flavorful dishes including the service, that’s Spanish for friendly and harmonious,” Lescano camarones a la brava, which coats shrimp in a creamy chipotle explains. “It’s the taste of Peru in a bite.” Warm up this fall with sauce and accompanies it with avocado salad and Mexican salad. a bowl of sopa de mariscos – a spicy seafood soup made with shrimp, scallops, fish, and mussels.KM

58 • KATY MAGAZINE Aug/sept 2015 Visit KatyMagazine.com for Katy jobs, events, news and more. More Latin to Love El Jarrito Café Cuba 21724 Highland Knolls 60778 N Fry Rd. Type of Spice Columbian Empanadas Ruthies Mexicana 21926 Kingsland Blvd 1315 West Grand = Argentinian Parkway S Lupe Tortilla = Brazilian 703 West Grand Parkway La Olla Restaurant 3616 N Fry Rd = Cilantros Arepa Grill 1775BOLD N Mason Rd flavor.Sabor Venezolano FRESH ingredients.= Columbian Restaurante La Finca 2340 N Fry Rd = Cuban Multiple Locations HOMEMADE . Tropical Diner = Mexican Super Pollo Rico Latin 3111 N Fry Rd Grill & Bar = Peruvian 1109 S Mason Rd6. Alicia’s Mexican Grille = Salvadorian Itali25725 Katyyummm. Fwy Las Mananitas = Venezuelan 9825 S Mason Rd Budare Arepa Express 402 W Grand Pkwy S

Serving the Houston Area for 40 years Located in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch (parking garage located across the street)

BLVD CH N A R 2643 Commercial Center Blvd. O C N I C

LaCenterra 281.769.9682 at Cinco Ranch

damico-cafe.com GRAND PARKWAY

COMMERCIAL CENTER BLVD IMER PKWY THE Follow us on Facebook WES 60 • KATY MAGAZINE Aug/sept 2015 Visit KatyMagazine.com for Katy jobs, events, news and more. Alicia’s Mexican Grille La Finca 25725 Katy Fwy. Multiple locations Restaurant Type Key Budare Arepa Express La Olla Restaurant 402 W. Grand Pkwy. S. 3616 N. Fry Rd. = Argentinian Café Cuba Las Mañanitas = Brazilian 6078 N. Fry Rd. 803 S. Mason Rd. = Caribbean Cilantro’s Arepa Grill Lupe Tortilla 1775 N. Mason Rd. 703 W. Grand Pkwy. = Colombian Colombian Empanadas Ruthies Mexicana = Cuban 21926 Kingsland Blvd. 1315 W. Grand Pkwy. S. = Mexican Deli’s Cafe Super Pollo Rico Latin 2950 S. Mason Rd. Bar & Grill = Peruvian 1109 S. Mason Rd. El Jarrito = Salvadorian 21724 Highland Knolls Dr. Tropical Diner = Venezuelan 3111 N. Fry Rd.

To advertise, call 281-579-9840 or email [email protected] KATY MAGAZINE Aug/sept 2015 • 61