Pondicheri - Houston, TX

Restaurant:
Pondicheri 

Location:  
2800 Kirby Dr B132
Houston, TX 77098

Hours:  
M-Th 7a-10p
F 7a-11p
Sa 8a-11p
Su 8a-9p

Ambiance: 
Pondicheri is a modern, casual Indian restaurant and bake shop located in the West Avenue shopping center on Kirby and Westheimer. The restaurant 's menu features authentic foods inspired by the indian subcontinent. The environment and aesthetic of this restaurant is vibrant, fresh, and hip, just like their food. Pondicheri hosts pop-up dinners, cooking classes and also sells some of the unique spices used in the meals.

What I Ate:
Pondicheri is one of my favorite spots. I finally made it out there for dinner and conversation. I ordered the Butter Chicken, which came with a side of Turmeric rice. I'm totally used to chicken sauce with rice, but this dish was so lively. For starters, the colors of everything just screamed life, and the flavors were earthy. Our meals were accompanied by Naan, which I used to dip into the Funereek tomato sauce. Eating at Pondicheri is really unique as it reminds me of eating with hands in Africa, and the benefits of being present while eating.

Ruggles Black - Houston, TX

Restaurant:
Ruggles Black

 Location:
3963 Kirby Dr.
Houston, TX 77098

 Hours:
M-W 11a-10p
Th 11a-1a
Fr-Sat 11a-11p
Sun Closed

 Ambiance:
Ruggles Black is a little hidden gem, located on Kirby and The Southwest Freeway. You literally have to go find it because, it is hidden behind some trees in the Twin Peaks and Taco Cabana parking lot. Ruggles Black was crafted by Chef Bruce Molzan (former chef at Ruggles Green and Corner Table) and Neera Patida(former owner of now closed, Nosh Bistro). The two partnered to bring to Houston a new restaurant mixing Asian, Indian and American flavors to introduce a brand new eating concept. The environment is simple, modern and hip and its aesthetic is topped with a friendly, courteous staff. After having one of the craziest work weeks, I felt I needed to treat myself- So I took myself out for lunch. You can get a more vivid idea of Ruggles Black by watching my Tastemade appisode here.

 What I Ate:
I ordered the "Tandoori Chicken" also know as flat bread or pizza. Normally you would think eh, I can find pizza anywhere, but this one was unique. Topped with chicken, red onion, cilantro and their house-blended Tandoori spice to bring out a very unique taste. The serving was very generous, so I obviously took the rest to go(tasted 10x better the next day). Their menu also includes Paleo dishes, so I might try those next time.