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Eater
4 days ago
- Business
- Eater
Houston's Newest Seed Oil-Free Steakhouse Sells a ‘Texas Strip'
A new steakhouse in Houston is flipping the script on tradition with a menu that ditches seed oils, embraces beef tallow, and even renames the iconic New York strip — calling it the 'Texas strip,' instead. King Steak opened in the Galleria area at the end of May, offering what chef Eric Aldis says is 'healthier' steakhouse that's free from seed oils — a new trend cropping up in restaurants across the country in an attempt to appear more health-conscious. Instead, King Steak uses beef tallow, olive oil, or butter to cook and fry its food and strives to cater to all dietary needs. 'We have something for everybody,' says Aldis, adding that the menu is largely gluten-free, aside from the bread used in the French dip and cheeseburger, and includes a vegan bolognese. So far, the steaks are unsurprisingly the top seller at King Steak, with the New York strip noticeably labeled a 'Texas strip.' Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick launched a controversial initiative earlier this year to completely rename the cut of steak in the Lone Star State. He received pushback from several restaurants, particularly those in New York, with one threatening to sue Texas for $1 million. In Texas, opinions seemed to be mixed, with some restaurateurs and chefs saying renaming the New York strip, the 'Texas strip,' was pointless and confusing for diners, while steakhouses like Taste of Texas thought the new branding could be advantageous for Texas-proud businesses. Aldis, a seventh-generation Texan, says he didn't know there was any controversy surrounding the Texas strip. 'I cut the strips, so I name the strips,' Aldis says, adding that King Steak implements an underlying 'finer' Texas theme. 'It's not your traditional steakhouse,' Aldis says, noting the lineup of inventive shareable plates and appetizers not usually found on steakhouse menus, including a vegetable charcuterie made up of a variety of cured and marinated vegetables, guacamole served with bacon chips or gluten-free bread, and a beef and pork meatball baked in 'nonna's pomodoro' sauce. Sides also go far beyond the standard steak pairings of asparagus and mashed potatoes, with accompaniments like mushrooms cooked to order, pesto cauliflower rice, jalapeño hash browns, creamed spinach artichoke, foie gras, and beef tallow fries. King Steak's set-up is also fairly unique. The glassed-in restaurant features 30 tons of compressed air-conditioning, Aldis says, but anytime it's 85 degrees or cooler, the restaurant intends to open up its windows and turn the dining room into a full patio with an indoor and outdoor area. 'It's like a convertible,' he says. The restaurant offers three private dining rooms that can be transformed into five separate rooms, including two smaller spaces that can seat up to 12. The chef, formerly the culinary director of Federal American Grill, partnered with restaurateur Johnny Vassallo, co-owner of Mo's Irish Pubs, to open King Steak following a decade of working together at the now-closed Mo's A Place for Steak, where Aldis was chef. As with most of the other restaurants he's worked at, Aldis says King Steak is focused on the diner experience. 'We're not trying to win a Michelin star. We're not trying to win awards,' he says. 'We're trying to make sure our guests are happy.' See More: Houston Restaurant Openings
Eater
21-05-2025
- Eater
How to Spend the Ultimate Weekend Dining and Drinking in Fredericksburg, Texas
Fredericksburg draws more than 3 million visitors a year — and not just for the wine. While this Hill Country gem ranks as the second most popular wine destination in the U.S. behind Napa Valley, it's also one of the best spots in Texas for a romantic weekend, group getaway, or a solo retreat. Think cozy bed and breakfasts, bluebonnet blooms, Champagne flights with caviar, brisket tacos and peach-picking at roadside orchards, Downtown karaoke bars where the wine flows late, and other stops to soak in its rich history. Whether planning a Hill Country getaway or searching for the ultimate wine tasting in Fredericksburg, this town delivers. Use this guide to help navigate you through Fredericksburg's best restaurants, must-visit wineries, cultural landmarks, and hidden gems that make this part of Texas a standout destination year-round. 8 a.m. Breakfast and coffee at Caliches Coffee 338 West Main Street Stop into this quaint coffee shop and roaster for an espresso drink made with its selection of beans, featuring a flagship blend from Colombia's Huila and Tolima regions. Caliches is also home to what might be one of the tallest avocado toasts in town: the best-selling dish features a slice of toasted sourdough piled high with avocado, a jammy soft-boiled egg, kale, pickled onions, pepitas, and blistered tomato confit. If interested in checking out another coffee shop in the area, Java Ranch Coffee & Provisions (114 E Main Street) is another worthy stop, offering coffee drinks, frozen sangria, and canned alcoholic beverages. 10 a.m. Shop on Main Street Once properly caffeinated, it's time to hit the heart of Fredericksburg: Main Street. Fredericksburg's Main Street is a gift giver's dream, with dozens of shops filled with goodies, including one-of-a-kind and customizable hats, boots, T-shirts with cheeky designs, and plenty of edible souvenirs that will make your recipient eager to take their own trip to the 'burg. Stopping into Lock, Stock, & Barrel (132 East Main Street) is non-negotiable for those who love food. Here, you can stock up on kitchen staples, Texas-proud kitchenware, ready-made snacks, fresh coffee beans in various flavors, and plenty of flavorful non-perishables, including olive oils, sauces, and maple syrups that come in more than a dozen flavors. The multi-room, Der Küchen-Laden (258 East Main Street), commonly known as the kitchen store, is where you can stock up on kitchen essentials, including adorable mugs and aprons, kitchen towels, cookbooks, fresh coffee beans, an assortment of teas, and ever-clever onion goggles — designed to keep your eyes dry while chopping onions. 11:30 a.m. Sweet treat at Piccolina 301 East Main Street You'll likely need some refreshments while running up and down Main Street. Pop into Piccolina for some Italian ice in refreshing flavors like lemon, mango, basil-lime, and orange-vanilla bean. If looking for something boozy, try the Proseccolina ($15). Served in a coupe glass, this combination of Italian ice topped with prosecco has gone viral on TikTok. 1 p.m. Lunch After some browsing and a sweet pick-me-up, it's time to settle in for a midday meal. The best bet is to grab a seat at one of the restaurants off Main Street. Mosey into Vaudeville ( 230 East Main Street) , where you'll be entranced by its boutique's assortment of glassware, cocktail gear, and artsy decanters. Then, head downstairs to its bistro, which serves charcuterie boards, wood-fired pizzas, salads, and a stellar duck confit. Finish with something sweet, like a white chocolate blackberry cashew macaron or pistachio tiramisu. If you want to keep lunch simple in favor of an activity, head to the family-owned Jenschke Orchards (8301 US-290) where you can pick fruits like strawberries, blackberries, peaches, and pumpkins, depending on the season, and enjoy Tex-Mex style barbecue, margaritas, and tacos at the on-site restaurant Leroy's Tex Mex BBQ. Must-orders include the nachos and the brisket taco. Be warned: Peach-picking at Jenschke comes in high demand. Visitors must buy $5 tickets to reserve their spots, so plan ahead. Jenschke also features a range of family-friendly activities, including live music and a 5-acre corn maze in the fall. 3 p.m. Sip at a winery or two Since Fredericksburg is known for its wine, visiting at least a couple of wineries is almost a prerequisite to any trip in the region. Becker Vineyards, one of the town's first-ever wineries, provides traditional tastings on a sprawling estate surrounded by fragrant lavender in bloom during spring and early summer. Favorite sips include its best-selling Viognier, a refreshing white, or the Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. Signor Winery (362 Livesay Lane), another favorite, hosts a more refined, design-forward experience, allowing visitors to sip while traversing its manicured lawns or sampling different varieties in a tasting room built from reclaimed wood. Try their Signor Cuvée, a sparkling blend perfect for a sunny afternoon, or the Sangiovese Rosé, and visit on weekends to enjoy with live music. For a vineyard that's newer to the area, visit Meierstone Vineyards in Stonewall (573 Meier-Stone Road) for a refreshing sparkling wine and a stellar cabernet, or Grape Creek Vineyards (10587 US-290) for what feels like a slice of Tuscany with its sweeping architecture, guided tastings, member-only patios, and a tour of its winemaking operations. Try the crowd-pleasing Bellissimo, a Super Tuscan-style red, and pair it with wood-fired pizzas from the on-site trattoria Stout's Signature. Those needing a reprieve from the Texas sun can book a tour at Slate Theory (10915 US-290) , an underground cellar featuring a unique, immersive tasting experience. Wine flights are paired with moody lighting and curated soundtracks. 6:30 p.m. Dinner: Decisions, Decisions Though Fredericksburg has undoubtedly earned its reputation as a travelers' destination from its wineries, the small town brims with worthy dining options that might take you by surprise. Housed on the same grounds as Cotton Gin Village resort, Cabernet Grill (2805 South State Highway 16) serves a creative blend of Southern, Texan, and upscale comfort fare. There's chicken-fried chicken topped with lobster and a creamy green chile gravy, honey butter drop biscuits with spiced Cabernet jam and whipped caramelized onion butter, fried lion's mane mushrooms topped with a Gorgonzola compound butter, and sous-vide bacon-wrapped quail with strawberry puree and candied jalapeño. Don't skip dessert — the butterscotch walnut bread pudding with salted caramel deserves space on the table. For a restaurant with a lively atmosphere and inventive cocktails, dine at Hill & Vine (210 South Adams Street) , which has an outstanding chicken sandwich, steaks, crispy coconut shrimp tacos, and a mocha tres leches. The restaurant doesn't take reservations (apparently, only George Strait can book a spot), so put your name on the list, head to the bar for a drink, and sit outside in its charming outdoor patio area while you wait for your table. Those searching for German cuisine are in for a treat at Otto's German Bistro (316 East Austin Street), which serves reinvented German staples like duck schnitzel and homemade späetzle. Unwind at the wine and chocolate bar in Ocotillo, where silky drinking chocolates are sourced from Colombia, Madagascar, Mexico, and Vietnam and served by flight. 425 East Main Street Unwind at the wine and chocolate bar in Ocotillo, where silky drinking chocolates are sourced from Colombia, Madagascar, Mexico, and Vietnam and served by flight ($14) or in a mug for $8, with the option to add espresso. Pair your drinking chocolate with the decadent double chocolate chip cookie with Texas pecans and finish with a glass from one of its self-pour machines. If you have time, dip into its sister lounge, Six Twists. The Champagne bar offers a unique selection of sparkling wines and is currently the only establishment in Texas to import and serve N.V. Paul Dethune Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut. At Six Twists, visitors can choose between four types of Champagne flights, including a sampling of rosé or its Wild Card flight, a lineup of eccentric sparkling wines featuring pours from India and Slovenia. Take the experience up a notch by adding a single bump of caviar or a flight of three different caviars, curated by owner and caviar sommelier Melissa Humphries. 10 p.m. Late night at Velvet Lounge or the Emigrant Boutique Hotel's speakeasy, Maggie's Most places in Fredericksburg's Main Street close early, but if you're in the mood to keep the night going, sing your heart out at Velvet Lounge (401 East Main Street), the town's bustling karaoke bar (cover is $10 for cash and $15 with credit card), or the nearby Hive Patio Bar and Meadery, which has a lively outdoor patio; live DJs on weekends; and an extensive selection of beer, mead, and cocktails. Step inside Maggie's (341 East Main Street) for a more refined, after-hours atmosphere. The recently opened basement speakeasy in the Emigrant hotel hosts live music and plenty of booth and table seating. Bargoers can make song requests with tips through Venmo. Lodging: For the full Fredericksburg experience, especially for first-timers, staying at a bed and breakfast is essential. The Hoffman Haus (608 East Creek Street) is a charming, family-owned and -operated inn that offers a quaint retreat in cabin and house-style room options. It's just a short walk from Main Street, and the breakfast delivered each morning in an adorable picnic basket is enough motivation alone to book. If you prefer to be in the middle of the action, try the recently opened Albert Hotel (213 East Austin Street) , Fredericksburg's first full-service hotel, complete with a pool that's perfect for an afternoon dip. Those looking for their zen might be able to find it at the Hill Country Herb Garden Restaurant and Spa (405 Whitney Street) , whether it be at its garden area or its on-site spa that offers a range of treatments, including massages and facials. The on-site gift shop, the Marigold Club, is a charming spot for take-home souvenirs, ranging from adorable scarves, clothes, and jewelry to candles and seeds to plant flowers that attract pollinators back home. Transportation: Some areas of Fredericksburg are walkable, from lodging accommodations to nearby shops and restaurants on Main Street. Otherwise, driving or taking a rideshare, especially when drinking, is highly suggested. For the history buff: Texas history abounds in Fredericksburg, focusing particularly on the history and contributions of the German community that first landed in Fredericksburg in 1846. Book a tour at the Pioneer Museum (325 West Main Street) , where visitors can learn about the original German settlers and see some of the first homes they built. Not far away is the National Museum of the Pacific War (311 East Austin Street) , a haven of artifacts and a detailed account of World War II in the Pacific following the attack on Pearl Harbor and Admiral Chester W. Nimitz's leadership as Commander-in-Chief. History fans can visit and tour the LBJ Ranch, the former dwelling of President Lyndon B. Johnson. Visitors can tour the space at their own pace by driving to the different sites, including Johnson's birthplace, his first school, and the Johnson family cemetery. Consider booking with Fredericksburg Tours for an engaging tour through the city by trolley. For animal lovers: Visitors who are really into animals can visit the Preserve (650 Doublehorn Road) , an elephant sanctuary offering intimate, educational encounters with a small herd of Asian elephants rescued from private ownership. Guests can observe bathing rituals, assist in feeding sessions, and learn about conservation efforts. The Preserve also cares for several exotic birds and tortoises, making it a rewarding stop for animal lovers of all ages. One of the more niche experiences — the Rhinory ( 13112 US-290) , offers tastings, a wide-ranging wine list, and up-close views of its resident rhino. For beer enthusiasts: Wineries seem to get all the shine, but Fredericksburg's beer scene is just as impressive. Fredericksburg Brewing Company (245 East Main Street), the oldest brewpub in Texas, or Altstadt Brewery (6120 East, US-290), which brews beers in the centuries-old German style, including Kölsch, Hefeweizen, and Lager, in a castle-like facility with a biergarten. For people who love to cook: Pair your culinary and dining experiences in Fredericksburg with some lessons from Fischer & Weiser's Cooking School, which is housed at the back of Das Peach Haus (1406 S US Highway 87) . Diners can learn how to cook recipes they'll want to bring back home and find some flavor-packed condiments, including its signature roasted raspberry sauce (great over cream cheese), jalapeño peach preserves, and peach wine right there in the shop. For those who love nature and adventure: Plan your trip in the cooler months, or mid-March to late April, when wildflowers like bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes are abloom throughout the Texas Hill Country. Looking to get some exercise in with a view? Head to the Lone Star State's massive pink granite dome known as Enchanted Rock. The area boasts 11 miles of trails, all of which, aside from the Loop Trail, close 30 minutes after sunset. For those on the hunt for antiques: Though it might not be as renowned as Round Top for its antiques, Fredericksburg has its fair share of unique finds. Pop into Carol Hicks Bolton Antiques (301 South Lincoln Street) , for the most eclectic selection of antiques, furniture, and home goods from around the world, including everything from tabletop books and one-of-a-kind couches to insect collections and a set of teeth (yes, you read that right). Sign up for our newsletter.
