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Restaurant Columnist

Bao Ong

Bao Ong is a restaurant columnist for the Houston Chronicle.

He previously worked on staff at Eater New York, Bon Appétit and Time Out New York. While his background is in journalism, he also graduated from the French Culinary Institute. He moved to Houston in summer 2022 and writes about the city's food scene. Follow his culinary adventures on Instagram: @baohaus

Stories By Bao Ong

Popular pizza pop-up Angie’s will have a permanent home in EaDo

The brother-sister team behind Louie’s Italian American will rebrand (again) as they bring back the pizzas from Angie’s. Bao Ong

Parmesan espresso martinis are the latest trend to hit Houston

The TikTok cocktail craze finds a home in Houston bars. Bao Ong

Where to celebrate Easter brunch in Houston

Easter brunch menus across the Houston area are teeming with traditional and creativity. Bao Ong

Three Houston restaurants named James Beard Awards finalists

The James Beard Foundation announced finalists for its top culinary awards, which includes Houston restaurants Tatemó, Nancy’s Hustle and Street to Kitchen. Bao Ong, Greg Morago

Top barbecue spots inside the Loop for Final Four fans

The best of barbecue and college basketball converge in Houston during March Madness. Bao Ong

Taste testing H-E-B’s Texas-themed coffee flavors

Does Houston beat other Texas cities when it comes to the state’s favorite supermarket’s specialty coffee series? Bao Ong

Nationally-acclaimed Houston bar debuts expanded food menu

Shaken and stirred cocktails can now be paired with burgers, green gumbo with mussels and even bread pudding. Bao Ong

Chef Christine Ha’s Blind Goat revisits (and reinvents) classics

The MasterChef and hometown favorite’s first restaurant gets a reboot in Spring Branch. Bao Ong

Best new restaurants to enjoy in Greater Houston in 2023

The newest restaurants to check out now, from a beloved barbecue restaurant’s expansion to a “Top Chef” finalist’s solo debut. Greg Morago, Bao Ong

Opulent Asian-Mediterranean restaurant opens in Upper Kirby

Se7en’s flashy opening aims to bring together serious food and entertainment. Bao Ong

Vintage Pyrex’s ‘grandma chic’ appeal proves popular in Houston

Antique collectors love them. Home cooks and chefs do, too. Now vintage Pyrex is even a TikTok trend. Bao Ong

Rattlesnake nachos? The wackiest Rodeo carnival foods we tasted.

Over-the-top carnival foods to eat at RodeoHouston this year. Bao Ong

The top 25 restaurants in Houston to dine at in spring 2023

The best restaurants to dine at in Houston for spring include Burger Bodega, James Beard-nominated Vietnamese Nam Giao and affordable omakase Sushi by Hidden. Bao Ong, Greg Morago

Shake Shack picks Houston for fine-dining experiment

It’s a truffle love fest as the popular fast-food chain jumps into fine dining. Bao Ong

Bludorn team debuts fried chicken concept, sells out in minutes

Chicky Boy sold out of its sandwiches, biscuits and tater tot waffles to Hypebeast-like demand. Bao Ong

Houston restaurants jump into Turkey-Syria earthquake relief

Local restaurants are organizing ways to get aid to earthquake victims. Bao Ong

How ex-lunch lady opened one of year's most exciting restaurants

Beatriz Martines, an alum of Hugo Ortega’s restaurants, is opening a modern Mexican restaurant in The Woodlands. Bao Ong

A groundbreaking micro winery is set to open in Missouri City

Three women are behind a Black-owned micro winery seeking to make wine more approachable. Bao Ong

‘Top Chef’ fan favorite Evelyn Garcia is ready to open Jun

Chefs and co-owners Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu's “new Asian American” restaurant opens Feb. 7 Bao Ong

Popular ice cream-and-boba dessert shop heads to The Woodlands

Surreal Creamery will join a growing field of Asian-inspired desserts in the Houston area. Bao Ong