Years ago I abandoned Midtown Houston for less trendy establishments with more parking options. This was a hot spot for young and dumb college me, but now I work downtown and live way out in the burbs, so I let the next generation have it, and I enjoy an earlier bed time. But then I was invited to a blogger dinner at Russo’s New York Pizzeria across the street from where I used to frequently enjoy fish tacos at Cyclone Anaya’s, and I decided to reconsider Midtown. After all, I work within a 5 minute walking distance of their other location downtown. For science (and my coworkers), I attended the New Fall Recipes dinner at Russo’s…and loved it!
I parked in the garage behind Russo’s, happy to even have that option. I was then greeted by Russo’s staff with glass of Chianti (which is the fastest way to become my friend) and a surprisingly long list of dishes we would be trying that evening. Russo’s reminded me of a pizzeria I visited in New York, but this one in Midtown is more cozy (it’s our southern hospitality, y’all). I sat at a table with other Houston bloggers as we dined family style.
First course was a Charcuteri Plate with cured meats, burrata cheese, and fig jam that rivals my own, Sun-Dried Tomato Crostini, and Cauliflower Fritti. Everything was fantastic, especially the fried cauliflower.
Second course was Butternut Squash Gnocchi. Let’s be honest…if I wasn’t in public, I very well would’ve picked up the bowl and poured the whole thing down my throat. But I graciously and sheepishly shared, and hopefully with some semblance of manners.
Third course was pizza. Oh god, the pizza! We tried Greek (above, upper left), Mulberry (the gorgeous meat lover’s pizza above, lower left), and Prosciutto & Fig (above, right). There’s kale in the crust, which I couldn’t taste, probably to make you not hate yourself…but I hated myself anyway, and it was worth every calorie. Russo’s also brought out a gluten free crust for us to try, and it was just as delicious.
Getting fat and tired, I got my New York style cheesecake to-go. I thanked Russo’s darling social media manager for the invitation and lovely dinner, and I went home to put on my stretchy pants. I’ll happily visit Russo’s near my building downtown for lunch soon, and will be returning to the midtown location for happy hour with my husband (who was very happy to see cheesecake walk in the door that night).
For more, read my Houston Top Picks for Locals and Tourists here and Reconsidering Midtown: Jack & Ginger’s here.