Fresh, flavorful Vietnamese cuisine served in a pleasant, modern setting is what’s on the menu at Datpho. Go there to take your taste buds on a culinary tour of Vietnamese cuisine. Get your appetite primed with a starter like Spring Rolls, Vietnamese Egg Rolls, or Grilled Chicken Rolls.

A bowl of steaming Pho, the popular soup of Vietnamese cuisine chock full of herbs, veggies and spices, is always a great choice. Banh Mi – flavorful sandwiches served on French bread, also makes a great meal, piled high with veggies and your choice of grilled beef, chicken, pork or tofu. Vermicelli Noodles come with your choice of Grilled Chicken, Grilled Pork, Char-Broiled Shrimp, Grilled Beef, or Tofu. Rice dishes are also on the menu. You can also try an authentic drink like Thai Tea or Salty Plum.

Just a short trip from Avana Grogan’s Mill in Spring, Texas, Datpho is open Thursday through Tuesday.

Datpho
523 E. Louetta Road
Spring, TX 77373
(281) 528-8989
http://www.datphospring.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/datpho-spring

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/cyclonebill

If you’re looking for a healthier, more flavorful alternative to the usual takeout fare, pop in to Zoës Kitchen. This national chain of Mediterranean eateries has a convenient location in the heart of The Woodlands, and it makes a great choice for a quick weekday lunch, a grab-and-go snack, or a takeout dinner when you’re too tired to cook. On the menu, you’ll find grilled chicken platters served with fresh, healthy salads, flavorful hummus, and warm naan bread on the side, plus a great selection of sandwiches and kabobs.

Everything is made using premium ingredients and quality spices, and if you choose to take your food to-go, the friendly employees will happily box it up for your convenience. With ample seating, a clean, colorful decor style and an atmosphere that is more upscale than the usual fast food spots, Zoës Kitchen is a great addition to restaurant selection in The Woodlands.

Zoës Kitchen
9595 Six Pines Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(832) 585-0430
www.zoeskitchen.com

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr Devika_smile

When it comes to the holidays, the desserts are the truly standout dishes. Everyone has their go-to pie recipe, their favorite seasonal cookies and that tasty twist on hot chocolate, but it’s always fun to experiment with creative new desserts. Here are three great dessert recipes that are sure to impress the guests at all of your holiday parties.

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Brownies [myrecipes.com]
Combine two of the most popular seasonal flavors—chocolate and peppermint—into one delicious dessert with this gourmet brownie recipe. The rich, dense brownie portion is incredibly decadent, while the crunchy peppermint topping adds a festive flair that you won’t find from traditional versions.

Holiday Biscotti [foodnetwork.com]
Coffee lovers and dessert fans alike love the classic Italian biscotti cookie, but this unique recipe gives it a festive holiday spin. The biscotti itself has a slight lemon taste that is accented by chopped pistachios and dried cranberries, while the white chocolate coating features red and green sugar crystals for a festive flair.

Cream Puff Tower [realsimple.com]
Instead of the usual pie or cake, create a tower of cream puffs that looks just as elegant. This classic pastry is puffy on the outside with a sweet, creamy filling, and when you place each puff in a metallic wrapper, the tower looks even more shiny and festive.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Valters Krontals