Faking it: Gourmet Foods to Go

by Andrea_Loera - 0 Reviews - 17 Lists

Updated: July 21, 2008

Houston has its share of fine dining establishments, but four-star fare is possible at home with just a quick stop at one of these gourmet takeout spots. And if you're the guest and not the host, a well-chosen bottle of wine and a sinfully rich bakery treat is the perfect thank you gift.

On this page:Dinner Host, Dinner Guest.

Dinner Host

  1. 1 4 Star Rating: Recommended Ruggles Cafe Bakery
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    2365A Rice Blvd, Houston, TX 77005 (map)

    Call ahead and order dinner to go including the baked goat cheese salad and whole wheat pasta with grilled salmon. Splurge on a cookie tray.

  2. 2 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Palazzo's Trattoria
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    2300 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098 (map)

    Order from the restaurant's party pan menu that includes an antipasto platter, baked pastas (with eight to 10 servings per pan), salads and Italian appetizers.

  3. 3 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Whole Foods Market
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    2955 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098 (map)

    Only the best for your dinner guests: Prepared foods in the deli case, pre-marinated meats and other convenience items with an all natural, organic origins.

  4. 4 Ttr Gourmet
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    1101-18 Uptown Park Blvd, Houston, TX 77056 (map)

    Buy your wine at The Tasting Room and head next door to their specialty food store for gourmet fare from homemade soups and entrees to artisan breads and imported charcuterie.

  5. 5 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Central Market
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    3815 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77027 (map)

    Pick up a fresh baguette, creamy Love Dip and olives from the bulk bar for starters. The Cafe on the Run always has varied to-go entrees. Don't forget the wine.

  6. 6 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Phoenicia Deli
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    12116 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77077 (map)

    Host a Mediterranean-themed party and pick up some imported olives and feta, homemade hummus and pita bread plus falafel, roasted chicken and tabouli salad for dinner.

Dinner Guest

  1. 7 4 Star Rating: Recommended Spec's Wines Spirits & Finer
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    2410 Smith St, Houston, TX 77006 (map)

    Find a hostess gift or stock up on last-minute produce, wine and cheese if you're doing the cooking.

  2. 8 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Houston Wine Merchant
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    2646 S Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77098 (map)

    Attend one of the shop's Friday and Saturday wine tastings to find a unique vintage for your hosts.

  3. 9 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Chocolate Bar
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    1835 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77098 (map)

    Swing by Montrose for one of their kooky novelty items like a chocolate pizza, chocolate-covered popcorn or a variety of chocolate-dipped fruits.

  4. 10 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Penzey's Spices
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    516 W 19TH St, Houston, TX 77008 (map)

    For the host who has everything, bring them a spice gift box or hard-to-find specialty spice from this aromatic shop.

  5. 11 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Dessert Gallery Bakery & Cafe
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    3600 Kirby Dr , Houston, TX 77098 (map)

    Bring one of the pre-wrapped cookie baskets or a three-tiered tower of cupcakes for a real show stopper.

  6. 12 4 Star Rating: Recommended Cova Hand Selected Wines
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    5555 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007 (map)

    Each of the 1,200 hand-selected wines would make for a guaranteed second invite.