Chinese Houston: Fung's Kitchen

Fung's Kitchen serves Dim Sum daily.

A huge dining area is inside, and traditional Dim Sum dishes abound.

However, I did have a new dish. Here's my first taste of grapefruit ceviche! Pretty dish, no?

French Houston: Croissant Brioche Bakery & Cafe

Croissant Brioche French Bakery & Cafe in Rice Village, Houston is a cozy little cafe, complete with a quaint decor and friendly staff.

Excellent selection of sandwiches (this is the open-faced veggie). Don't forget the onion soup!

Divine desserts (oh so delicious!)

And of course, try the cafe. Look at how big the cup is!

Address: Croissant Brioche French Bakery & Cafe, 2435 Rice Blvd., Houston, TX 77005

Italian Houston: D'Amico's Market Cafe

Photo credit: Jules, January 2009

D'Amico's Italian Market Cafe in Rice Village is cute, cozy, and full of delightful cuisine at a cost one cannot resist. Per the D'Amico website, they specialize in "authentic Northern and Southern Sicilian cuisine". No matter the region, this is delicious Italian food at a great price.

My recommendation: Go during lunch. You can get an excellent deal of $6.95 for three mini entrees. It's a great way to sample several things. Plus, they have a cozy little outdoor courtyard or you can choose to dine inside in the equally quaint cafe. Don't forget to browse the market shelves for cooking supplies (e.g., olive oils, sauces) to bring home.

Each weekday has a different list of mini entrees to pick from, so you can create a unique, individualized lunch special every weekday. Each time I've eaten at D'Amico's, I've come up with a different combination. Never have I been disappointed.

Buon Appetito!