Bludorn

What is sexier than Baked Alaska set aflame before your eyes? Hopefully your date, but either way, chef Aaron Bludorn’s restaurant is a stunner. Vamping up the old Pass & Provisions space on Taft, the moodily lit interior makes for an intimate experience, while the breezy outdoor canopy brings the charm with verdant greenery and twinkling cafe lights. Both are swoon-worthy settings for taking down Bludorn’s refined, satisfying fare, from Seafood Towers and Black Truffle Risotto to the must-have Lobster Pot Pie for two.

Two years in and chef Aaron Bludorn’s namesake New American restaurant remains a reliable stunner. It’s the first solo project for the former Café Boulud chef, who is married to Victoria Pappas of the local Pappas restaurant empire. Set in the former Pass & Provisions space on Taft, it’s where Bludorn and co. show off skillful European technique alongside a much-welcomed punch of Gulf Coast love. Next level dishes include a rotating Foie Gras and pastry, Lobster Pot Pie, and Short Rib Ravioli, as well as a Baked Alaska you never knew you needed.

Chef Aaron Bludorn’s namesake stunner is probably Houston’s top culinary addition of the past few years, and the always-excellent Sunday brunch makes that ring even truer. Start with the famous Oysters Everyway (i.e. raw, fried, and roasted) alongside a rotating Foie Gras selection that is sure to leave you swooning, then treat yourself to leveled up Steak & Eggs featuring short rib hash in veal jus, Smoked Salmon Benedict with everything crust, last but definitely not least, a giant Sticky Bun for the table because, well, duh. Or keep it to yourself, because also… duh.