Retrospective

I didn't pick a restaurant to review this weekend--feeling a bit under the weather and didn't think I could be fair to a new place.  I went to one of my old favorites, Laredo Taco Company at the Stripes at 99 and Kuykendall.  Not quite as good as the first time, but that may be because I was not as hungry--the carnitas bravas taco was still excellent.

So far I have visited 135 restaurants in the immediate area of Northampton.  I have yet to venture more than 2.5 miles from my house to do this.  That's a big number, and it indicates the growth in the area.  Of these, 21 have closed, which is about average as far as I know.  There is a statistic floating around that's even been cited in an American Express commercial that 90% of restaurants close in the first year.  That's not true--it's closer to 17%, which is about average, or maybe a little better, than for many service businesses.  And a restaurant closing might not mean it was unsuccessful--sometimes the owners just want to do something else and can't find a buyer.

So far my favorites in the area remain Tony's Street Tacos and The Butler House. Tony Gomez continues to turn out great food in an out-of-the-way location.  I'm a bit concerned that the neighborhood will lose him.  And I just got a recommendation for the Butler House for Sunday Brunch.  It's the only upscale eatery I have been to so far and a great addition to our area.

I estimate that I'll try another 50 places before I get 3 miles out, and start to leave the immediate area.  There are some great places I'm looking forward to trying.  Hopdoddy Burger Bar and Burgerim are fast-growing burger chains.  La Casa de Roberto won the Woodlands Foodies new restaurant of the year award in 2018.  Bluewater Seafood is a neighborhood institution, as is Original Neal's.  Craft Grill is operated by the same folks that run the Butler House.  Many good meals ahead.