Hi, Joe! We're so excited that you are playing Houston's Free Press Summerfest. If you’re hungry for lunch or dinner as well as an authentic “Houstonian” experience, here are some of my favorite places to take out of town visitors …

If you just want an awesome sandwich…
Sorry, Disney: Spec’s Liquor Warehouse on Smith Street may be the happiest place on Earth. (http://www.specsonline.com/cgi-bin/showpage?pageid=delimenu, http://www.yelp.com/biz/specs-liquor-warehouse-houston) Those of us who make it past the mind-boggling booze selection know there’s a fabulous specialty grocery and deli in the back. My husband loves the Reuben to Die for, and though he swears that it’s worthy of that name I’m thankful that it’s never actually come to that. I swear by the Grand Cru (roast beef, brie, and Dijon mustard on a French roll) and the California Dreamin’ (turkey, havarti, avocado, cucumber, and sprouts). Stop in for a sandwich, stock up on snacks and adult beverages.

If you’re craving something from south of the border…
Houstonians love our Tex-Mex and my favorite place to get it is Ninfa’s on Navigation (http://www.ninfas.com/, http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-original-ninfas-on-navigation-houston). Mama Ninfa branched out after the Navigation location became a local institution, but none of the franchises has the charm or quite frankly the flavors of the original. My husband says that all Texican dishes are the same ingredients (meat, rice, beans, cheese, tortilla, veggies), just in different shapes. My favorite form factor is the fajita. Try those with a “frozen with salt” (does anyone really need to say “margarita”?), followed by the sopapillas for dessert.

If you want to try a real Texas barbeque…
Putting a stake in the ground for a BBQ recommendation in Houston is as like to start a brawl as anything I know. I’m willing to risk it, though. I like Goode Company for its brisket, spicy sausage, tangy Texas-style sauce, and sinful pecan pie. (http://www.goodecompany.com/, http://www.yelp.com/biz/goode-company-barbeque-houston). The Yelpers aren’t wrong that the sides aren’t exciting, but that’s not why you go. You go for the smoky meat and to hang out on the patio’s picnic benches with a few beers and a few friends.

If you want barbeque but have a different opinion of what that means from us Texans…
Houston chef and locavore advocate Monica Pope (of Top Chef Masters, Season 2) opened Beaver’s Ice House (http://beavershouston.com/, http://www.yelp.com/biz/beavers-houston). The Sloppy Sandwiches are juicy North Carolina-style wonders: Monica made this Texan believe in the miracle that is pulled pork. Beaver’s gets extra points for serving a wide selection of Houston- and Texas-based microbrewers: Shiner, St. Arnold’s, Southern Star, and Karbach.

If you want Italian with a Texas twist…
Spaghetti Western Italian Café is a culinary homage to films from that genre: Italian forms with Southwestern flavors, served in a low-key space (http://www.spagwesthouston.com/, http://www.yelp.com/biz/spaghetti-western-italian-cafe-houston). My husband loves the Grilled Chicken Chipotle for the subtle heat of its alfredo sauce. I love the Italian Enchiladas, which are really cannelloni stuffed with chicken, ricotta, sub-dried tomatoes, and spinach. The Fried Ravioli starter is a fun twist on fried cheese.

Wherever you end up eating, we hope that you enjoy your time in Houston!

Cheers, Amy