Haute Houston: from its founding days, Houston has had an affinity for doing business with Latin America. For visiting Latin Americans, it remains Texas' most sophisticated metropolis

Latin CEO: Executive Strategies for the Americas, March, 2000 by Ray Viator

INFLUENCED INITIALLY by both its heritage and its geographic proximity to Mexico, Houston today embraces Latin America as a natural and comfortable extension of its business, trade, economic and cultural interests. More than 1,800 Houston-area companies trade with the countries of Latin America, while 23 Latin American countries maintain consulate and/or trade offices in the city.

In its early days, Houston's trade with Latin America was dominated by agriculture--primarily cotton and livestock--and then later by the oil and gas industry. Today the mix of business and trade relationships is more diversified, reflecting growth in high-tech firms and Houston's seaport/airport infrastructure. The resulting business--whether it involves PCs from Houston-based Compaq Computer Corporation or fruits and vegetables from Chile--means that more Latin CEOs are traveling to Houston than ever before.

And when CEOs come to Houston--whether for business, medical care or vacation--chances are they will spend at least part of their time in The Galleria and Uptown Houston area. That's because The Galleria is "the" destination for Latin American visitors. Last year more than one million Latin Americans shopped in The Galleria's 300-plus stores. The surrounding area is also a magnet for other upscale stores, fine restaurants, nightclubs and hotels.

DINING OUT IN HOUSTON

Houston is a melting pot of cultures and nationalities, echoed in its cuisine. The international flavor of Houston's restaurants is partly the result of all the miles of international travel Houstonians have done over the years in their search for oil and gas. When they return home from extended business trips or overseas assignments, they bring back a greater appreciation for food from different countries and regions.

While there is a strong culinary influence from Mexico, there has been an increase over the past few years in the number of new restaurants featuring the foods and flavors of Central America, the Caribbean and South America. Local restaurant critic Theresa Byrne-Dodge notes that Houston's food scene has been influenced not only by its links to Latin America, however, but also by the influx of other cultures, especially Asian. "The Vietnamese population in Houston, for example, is bigger than it is in Los Angeles. You find accents of Asian flavors and ingredients throughout the Houston area."

Despite the influence of other cultures, however, Texas is still cattle country, and Houstonians have a strong affinity for beef. "Steakhouses have always been big in Houston and Texas, but they're even bigger now," Byrne-Dodge says, noting the arrival of national restaurants such as The Capital Grille and Morton's of Chicago, along with local steakhouses such as Pappas.

AMERICAS

1800 Post Oak Boulevard, 713-961-1492

Since being named "Restaurant of the Year" by Esquire in 1993, Americas has continued to craft a menu rooted in the foods of North, Central and South America. Owner and chef Michael Cordua, a native of Nicaragua, says creating his innovative dishes is similar to weaving a blanket, "The threads retain their identity but lend their color and texture to the finished piece," he says. As distinctive and adventurous as its cuisine, the restaurant's bold decor borrows design elements from ancient Incan artifacts and mythology.

BISTRO LANCASTER

701 Texas Avenue, 713-228-9500

Tommy Child showcases his talent as the executive chef of this cozy street-level restaurant and bar ensconced in the Lancaster Hotel in the heart of Houston's theater district downtown. The restaurant offers a unique menu of contemporary American bistro cuisine highlighting dishes from across the United States. The Bistro is a favorite gathering spot for theater-goers and for entertaining by Houston's business leaders.

BRENNAN'S OF HOUSTON

3300 Smith Street, 713-522-9711

Rich in the New Orleans Cajun tradition of its parentage, Brennan's of Houston has become a local bastion of true Southern hospitality Its setting is equally gracious, from the elegant main dining room to the charming tree-shaded brick patio. Not to be missed is the restaurant's signature turtle soup.

CAFE ANNIE

1728 Post Oak Boulevard, 713-840-1111

Sparring for the top spot among Houston's high-end restaurants, Cafe Annie is a contender in both food and atmosphere. Featuring regional American cuisine with a Southwestern bent, Cafe Annie walked away with the title of Houston's Most Popular restaurant by voters in the most recent Zagat Guide. Zagat notes that chef Robert Del Grande presents "cuisine that's world-class on all counts in richly paneled rooms reminiscent of dining on a fine luxury liner."

DAMIAN'S CUCINA ITALIANA

3011 Smith Street, 713-522-0439

Described as the "grande dame" on the southern edge of downtown Houston, Damian's has earned "top-notch" from Zagat's for preserving a "Euro-feel with a touch of class" as well as for its superb food and professional service. A perennial favorite of the downtown business crowd.

DEVILLE, FOUR SEASONS HOTEL