Are you in search of traditional flavors with a Japanese twist, a chic lounge with a live DJ, bowling lanes, exotic hookah, a nightclub, and unlimited J. Harden Wine prosecco all under one roof? Look no further than Thirteen Houston, the newest restaurant venture by James Harden.
As the sole wine critic daring enough to review and taste the J. Harden cab sav, I am eager to indulge in a tasting menu featuring the Beard’s Far East-inspired culinary creations.
Just take a look at this excerpt from the website:
“Thirteen Houston seamlessly combines traditional flavors with a Japanese influence, upscale dining, and entertainment into one. From our modern restaurant and patio to our elegant lounge with a live DJ, exotic hookah, and innovative drinks, Thirteen promises a delightful experience. We also boast a unique Night Club known as ‘The Basement’ with ample seating and a private section featuring a two-lane bowling alley and private bar. We have redefined the concept of upscale dining; #TheThirteenExperience.”
Setting aside the unnecessary semicolon, one of my favorite things to do at celebrity-endorsed eateries is speculate about which dishes the celebrity demands. In this case, it’s definitely the Thirteen wings, served in a portion of six, coated with jerk sauce, jerk seasoning, and pineapple pico. The other standout is the Millionaire’s Sando: Braised beef, Hudson Valley seared foie gras, shokupam, truffle mayo, caviar, and shaved black truffles.
The wings are a standout amidst the hot appetizers. Dumplings, bao buns, wings? It’s like playing “Which one is different”.
The Millionaire’s Sando is a dish added to the menu for sheer extravagance. It’s akin to the Michael Scott loaded pretzel of fine dining experiences. I’m genuinely surprised lobster wasn’t thrown in there.
I would love to comment on the ambience, but I can’t ascertain how close the live DJ and exotic hookah are to the dining area. Nothing says sophistication like enjoying a salmon tiradito with flavored hookah smoke and house music. Perhaps G/O Media will have to send me to Houston for the complete #ThirteenExperience.
The original night-night celebration
Former UFC heavyweight champ Francis Ngannou decided to test his luck against Anthony Joshua in the boxing ring after facing Tyson Fury in his boxing debut. The outcome this time around was less favorable for Francis.
Wee! If only every aspiring boxer could be exposed like this against a seasoned professional.
