Eating and drinking recommendations for your next brunch visit to the new Hungry's Upstairs space.
Cardigan: Ellison via Miles of Style | Blouse: Peter Nygard (old), similar | Jeans: Levi's (old), similar | Shoes (old): similar | Necklace (old): similar | Earrings: Tory Burch (sold out), similar | Lippie: Milani (shade: Devoted)
First things first, I have a quick bone to pick with Apple. My iPhone has been unexpectedly powering off and giving me shady battery readings since I updated my iOS a couple of months back. According to support, the battery has been consumed in two years. Uhhh...what?! Needless to say, I'm a little aggravated. How is this related to Houston's newest brunch spot, you ask? Keep reading, friend. Keep reading. A couple of weeks ago I ventured out to Rice Village, which is an area adjacent to Rice University in Houston, for brunch at Hungry's Upstairs. We were on the balcony in the newly-finished space known as "Upstairs" because it's up a flight of stairs from the original Hungry's restaurant. It's December in Texas, so you know the weather was...unpredictable as usual, haha! December in Texas doesn't mean anything in particular for weather.
The day of the brunch happened to be quite breezy and warm, which was perfect because we ate out on the balcony and took in beautiful views. In the event it had been cold, there are huge heaters everywhere that I mistook for TV screens. The very next day, though, I was shaking in my boots on the walk to church. Temperatures had dropped overnight. But back to Upstairs, the drinks were flowing, the food was eclectic and yummy, and I was in the presence of a great mix of blogger friends who focus on everything from fashion to food to fitness! It was such a nice time. As you can see from the photos above, the fabulous Pei Chen captured all the fun. And I'm so thankful for her because I didn't bring my camera along and my iPhone battery is not reliable per my little opening rant. I was able to snap a shot of my plate with it though (with trembling hands due to a 10% battery reading, which wound up lasting for two hours!) and win a photo contest happy hour for me and my friends! I had a little help from some fellow foodies so they're coming along with me to celebrate my triumph over this dang battery. #firstworldproblems Here's the winning shot from my Instagram.
I thought I'd share the details of this event with y'all because Upstairs is having it's grand opening on New Year's Eve and a brunch party on New Year's Day! If you'll be in Houston, I highly recommend it. Start with the the spicy shrimp tacos and a mimosa flight. You won't regret it. I also loved the strawberry frosé, which the bar manager is super passionate about. She tried frozen rose at different spots in and out of Houston and said she felt like Goldilocks trying the Three Bears' porridge--it was never quite right so she perfected it herself. This frosé gives my recipe a run for its money. There are other typical brunch fare items such as chicken & waffles and Bloody Marys but I wasn't too jazzed by those. The more unique dishes like the tacos I mentioned and the mushroom wood stone pizza (both pictured below) were my favorites.
Tickets to the NYE grand opening celebration can be purchased here. Let me know if you have any questions or want to grab a cocktail with me Upstairs some time!
This is my last post of the year. I'll be back in 2017 with lots of fun and tasty things to share. Thank you so much for reading and have a blessed new year!
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Krysten says
I lived in Texas for almost my whole life, up until a few years ago when I moved to San Francisco. I had friends that went to rice and I love that little area of Houston. I really want to visit this restaurant when I go back to visit family! That bloody mary, yum!
Corsica Nambiar says
I will try this out, frose's are soooooooo good mmmmm!!
Rebecca Hicks says
Uhh YUM! That brunch looks amazing. I love the beautiful setting too. Gorgeous!!
bitesofflavor says
I grew up in Houston and Rice Village is the place to be! Your brunch looks fabulous! Great food and love those bloody mary's :)!
Amber says
It looks like you ladies had a blast! That place looks amazing. Will definitely check out if I am in that area.
Xoxo Amber
Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons says
I lived in Houston for 4 years in the early 2000s. I didn't miss it all AT ALL...until you mentioned Rice Village. That cute little quaint area was where I used to walk for hours with my newborn. Ahh...memories!