THE daily chronicle SHOW

in the past few months, a few new restaurants and boutiques opened their doors to houston. perfect for weekend adventures, these establishments rise up to the insatiable curious crowd. catering to a few loyal bunch, the following have not been disappointments :

* BICE RISTORANTE : after a strong opening a few months back, the italian restaurant sitting in a very strategic corner in the galleria mall has been a steady favorite for major events and parties. started as a neighborhood trattoria in milan, this fancy restaurant’s interior is an impressive sleek architectural display with a cool minimalistic aura obviously far from it’s original state back then. with a private club upstairs, it’s available for members only who has extended it’s exclusivity to the few who can afford it’s access. excellent choices in the menu are - the first time we stopped by, we had a myriad of antipasti selections - such as steamed clams and mussels in tomato and butter sauce, carpaccio which are thinly-sliced beef with mayonnaise and topped with fresh parmigiano-reggiano, prosciutto with melon and parmesan insalata - the rustic taste is evidently good!

* VALOBRA : a noted favorite tourist stop at the french quarter in new orleans and originally from turin italy, this gem of an antique and jewelry store flung their doors open wide to embrace the good ole texan consumer hospitality just a few days before valentine’s day and coincided as the torino olympics kicked off. still maintaining both stores in new orleans and turin, the family-owned shop will entice antique and jewelry lovers of all ages. carrying classic italian designs from buccellati, murano and the valobra family original designs from all four generations, the store has an old world feel and warmth. it adds that a hands-on service from the charming valobra family is at hand!

* RA SUSHI : soon to open at highland village, this chain sushi fusion restaurant will lend a slice of it’s upbeat fun eating experience to the food-loving town of houston. set to open in spring, the anticipation is cooking literally!

be it the week’s happy hours, hump day outing or the exciting weekend ahead - let these new doors escort you in to a new dining or shopping entertainment!