I don’t often get down to Sugar Land, as that isn’t my stomping ground. I live out on the West Side across from CityCentre, which — to some — is way out there. Yes, Innerloopers, many Houstonians technically live in the suburbs of the greater Houston area, including The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Cypress, Kingwood, Katy, Pearland and Clear Lake. For a long time, a common complaint was that the suburbs were filled with only chain restaurants. That finally seems to be changing as the ‘burbs reach a critical mass of population and businesses.
Case in point: Nestled in the Town Square development just off Highway 6 in Sugar Land, Blu sits alongside neighbors The Flying Saucer and soon-to-open Ruggles Green. Husband-and-wife chefs Junnajet (Jett) Hurapan and Jiraporn Hurapan — he’s the savory chef, she focuses on desserts — are well known in Houston for their Chinese culinary skills. Both Hurapans were previously at Gigi’s Asian Bistro in The Galleria. At Blu, they have expanded their repertoire to include a wider range of flavors, from Thai to Mexican to Indian to Mediterranean.
At a recent lunch tasting, we tried several offerings from the soft-opening menu. Blu has been in service since early December, but hasn’t had an official opening yet. The grand opening is tentatively set for mid-March.
A few items we’d definitely return to Sugar Land to try again: tiny, tightly-folded triangles of dough stuffed with lamb and bright spices (samosas); a fresh, chopped lettuce Asian chicken salad that had buttery, silky flavors thanks to a miso dressing; snugly wrapped little tapioca dumplings delicately stuffed with edamame and drizzled with truffle butter; and fall-from-the-bone massaman beef short ribs.
Blu took over the spot formally occupied by Loggia, an upscale sportsbar. With an open patio (doors and windows open up to the patio so that diners have access to the patio without losing the effects of air conditioning) and large flat screen TVs, the restaurant very much has a club look to it. The interior design was inspired by owners Amy and Jiten Karnani’s travels to lively coastal cities, such as Miami.
Speaking of Miami: Around 10 pm Blu transforms into an actual club, with a long, sleek bar serving more cocktails than you’d expect and fun “street food,” such as tacos being served from carts out on the patio. The atmosphere is sexy and fun. (No mom jeans.)
Do you live outside the Loop? If you’re like many of us, you’re tired of being told there are no good restaurants to recommend to Innerloopers in your neck of the woods. A few of my other personal favorites are Mezzanotte (in Cypress, 13215 Grant Road), Hollister Grill (in “rustic” Spring Branch, 1741 Hollister Road), Chez Nous (in Humble, 217 S Avenue G), Killen’s Steakhouse (in Pearland, 2804 South Main Street) as well as The Barbed Rose (in Alvin, 113 E. Sealy). I’m compiling a list of reader raves for outside-the-Loop restaurants. Tell me your recommendations here.
BLU 2248 Texas Drive blusugarland.com, 281-903-7324 lunch & dinner