Convenience Big Store: Our guide to finding the best king cakes in Houston

NEW YEAR SALE: Only 99¢ for Access!
Act Now

What's cooking?

Barbecue was much on my mind over the past week. First and foremost because I got the story of distinguished pitmaster Willow Villarreal's return to the scene in the New Year.

Villarreal and his life and business partner, Jasmine Barela, had just started to make a definitive Texas mark at the big-bucks J-Bar-M barbecue when a series of bizarre managerial moves sent them packing. I still consider the episode one of the biggest unforced errors I've witnessed in Houston restaurantdom.

The prospect of Willow and Jasmine taking over space in an exciting new Eastwood renovation project is especially intriguing because they'll be pushing the barbecue boundaries into neighborhood restaurant territory. They're brainstorming burgers, sandwiches, new applications of smoked meats in the spirit of cutting-edge Houston barbecue. Barela's genius at sides and vegetables will have a broader stage on which to shine. Anyone who has tasted her roasted cauliflower au gratin knows why I'm looking forward to that.

And speaking of looking forward: Bao Ong compiled his master list of anticipated Houston restaurant openings for 2024. The still unnamed Willow project may not be on it, but plenty of other interesting projects are in the offing.

Most anticipated by me? Mayahuel, a regional Mexican restaurant from Comalito's co-chefs; and Molihua, an ambitious dim sum and sushi (!) project from highly regarded chef Ho Chee Boon in the Blossom Hotel.

My barbecue bookend to the week? Chris Reid's piece about the new Beckman's weekend pop-up in The Woodlands, which operates out of what must be the world's most adorable barbecue trailer.

Alison Cook, Restaurant Critic

Alison.Cook@houstonchronicle.com

King cake at The Acadian Bakers in Houston.

Photo by: Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle

Where to find Houston's favorite king cakes ahead of Mardi Gras this year

This festive dessert and its traditions are celebrated across the city ahead of Mardi Gras each year. Here are our picks.

Local eats

Cyclone Anaya's seventh location of popular Tex-Mex restaurant will open summer 2023 The Houston Tex-Mex favorite will launch its seventh opening summer 2023 at 3736 Westheimer.

Photo by: Michael Ma

Houston's top restaurants

Gulf Shrimp, aguachile, avocado, taro, and shrimp oil photographed at Jun on Thursday, July 13, 2023 in Houston.

Photo by: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer

Houston Chronicle's Top 100 Restaurants of 2023

From tasting menus to world-class banh mi shops, this is our carefully vetted guide to the best dining in Houston.

Aprons on

Starfruit sprout salad by Anita Jaisinghani

Photo by: Carolina Ayala, Contributor

This star fruit salad with no added fat is inspired by Delhi street food

During a trip to India, Houston chef Anita Jaisinghani tried this salad from a street vendor and now has recreated it at home.

Enchilada Queen Sylvia Caseres' cheese enchiladas with chili gravy are among nearly two dozen enchiladas available at Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen.

Photo by: Paula Murphy

42 iconic Houston recipes you can make at home

To celebrate Houston's favorite foods, we compiled a cookbook of dishes and drinks from the city's favorite chefs and restaurants.

Barbecue

Photo by: J.C. Reid, Contributor

Beckman's in The Woodlands is a blueprint for getting started in BBQ

The Beckmans deftly execute an ambitious menu: brisket, pork ribs and house-made sausage along with pork belly burnt ends, pulled pork and turkey.

The 30 best places to get barbecue around Houston: Greater Houston is enjoying a new era of smoked meat supremacy, making it, perhaps, the new capital of Texas barbecue. Here are some of the best BBQ places in Houston.