Brennan's of Houston   

The Brennan family has been setting the standard for elegant dining for more than 30 years. Set in an old brick mansion, Brennan's features Louisiana classics with a Texas twist, such as chili-fried oysters. Insiders order the turtle soup for starters and then have the Louisiana pecan crusted fish or the Gulf of Mexico crabcakes. At lunch, take your choice of smoked chicken and spinach salad or the pan-roasted chicken breast. The New Orleans Jazz Brunch offers great food paired with great music, crabmeat and asparagus omelets and eggs Brennan accompanied by a live jazz band on the patio. Top off any Brennan's visit with a special off-the-menu treat, the "Spoons." Sinfully decadent and rich, the Spoons is a sampler of five desserts surrounding a flambe. And if you can't get enough of your favorite Brennan's dishes, pick up a copy of the 'Brennan's of Houston in Your Kitchen' cookbook, with in-house secrets by Head chef Carl Walker. Remember, some dishes require advance notice and reservations are always strongly suggested. -- Olivia Flores Alvarez