Submitted by Jonathan Nassar

E2 = Excellent Eats

Usually around mid-July, the Houston Restaurant Weeks (HRW) folks release their list of restaurants participating in the August-long food event. As many readers know, this is a month when several Houston area restaurants offer fixed menus at set prices, with some of the proceeds going to benefit the Houston Food Bank.

HRW offers a chance to try different options around town - and to splurge a little by getting three courses. I thought it might be a good idea to highlight some local places that I thought had good options from last year, and which I will be watching this year.

One place is Cavatore. I know they’re good and well known in the area, but never have I tried their escargot, which last year they included as an option for the first course. I would try snails for charity - as well as finishing off the meal with the cannoli or tiramisu.

Crisp was a good example of a restaurant offering its better dishes during HRW, such as the short rib and the handmade gnocchi. I think that comes out to a good deal as part of a three course fixed menu.

Are you a fan of delicious cheeses? A visit to Karbach may sound like a treat, with baked brie available as a starter and the cheese plate as a finishing course. Each course was paired with a Karbach beer.

Rainbow Lodge was one of the pricier options, but the restaurant gives you the opportunity to try some good game meat options - how about rabbit loin, pheasant breast, or venison loin?

Houston Restaurant Weeks tends to be a very busy time for Houston restaurants, so you may need to think about reservations earlier than normal. I hope you get some good meals and discover new gems, but don’t forget about our local gems too!