If you are looking for a good meal in Houston, you literally have thousands of restaurants to choose from. The large metropolis has a well-deserved reputation as one of the culinary capitals of Texas, but you would be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t sit down for a meal at Radio Milano. The contemporary Italian restaurant and bar opened in October of 2014 with Chef Jose Hernandez as the Executive Chef. A native of Mexico City, Chef Hernandez has worked at award winning restaurants in Mexico City, New York and Houston.

Chef Hernandez’s dishes are as beautiful to look at as they are to taste. They are layered with flavors and unexpected textures that make them a true culinary experience. On my visit, I sat down for a meal that began with a spoonful of gnocchi and grilled octopus served in an overturned wine glass. I knew as soon as it was presented that I was in for a wonderful meal.

The next course was beet ribbons with Texas goat cheese, arugula and walnuts – the flavors and the colors were exquisite. This was followed by foie gras in cremini mushroom cappuccino. If there was ever a liquid version of divinity – cremini mushroom cappuccino would be it. I couldn’t get enough. One of the heartier courses was short ribs with celery root and vegetables served with a bordelaise sauce that will make your mouth sing. Each course was paired with just the right wine and served by the restaurant’s very knowledgeable sommelier pursuant, Joshua Theis.

Chef Hernandez began his career as a pastry chef and his love for the sweet side still shows. The desserts were delectable. Chocolate soufflé and hot chocolate are served everywhere, but the flavors are not elevated to this level. The hot chocolate was heaven in a demitasse cup.

Radio Milano is tucked in the beautifully appointed Hotel Sorella located in CityCentre. The hotel boasts not only the largest penthouse suite in Houston at over 3,000 square feet, but two entire floors of penthouse suites with one or two bedroom options to choose from. On my visit to the hotel, I walked into the room and was greeted by a beautiful view of West Houston, a good bottle of wine and a plate of various cheeses. The rooms are very large and tastefully decorated, but you may easily be lured away by the hotel’s rooftop pool, bar and beautiful lobby. Sorella is perfect for business or pleasure being just steps away from great shopping, live music and restaurants.

If you want a great place to shop and walk around, visit CityCentre. If you need a hotel for business or pleasure, Hotel Sorella more than fits the bill. But if you want a meal to remember, dine at Radio Milano. If it’s not at the top of Houston restaurants, it soon will be.

By Gabi De La Rosa