Opening Report: Sud Italia, Akaushi Steaks, Filipino Food, and More

[Photo: Sud Italia/Facebook]

RICE VILLAGE—Sud Italia has arrived to fill the void left by Bistro des Amis, which shuttered earlier this year. The place has gotten a bit of a facelift, but the biggest change is of course the menu: Expect dishes like rigatoni with wild boar, strozzapreti with calamari and pesto, and fritto misto. A sunny patio is primed for Sunday brunching. Status: Certified open. 2347 University Blvd., (713) 664-7571, sud-italia.com.

RIVER OAKS—60 Degrees Mastercrafted has been transformed into Harwood Grill, which owner Raymond Gibson describes to CultureMap as a "family-friendly, neighborhood restaurant that still produces quality products." Expect approachable fare like crabcakes, free-range fried chicken, steaks, and a cheddar-pancetta burger from chef Craig Bianco, with a heavy emphasis on Akaushi beef. Status: Certified open. 2300 Westheimer Rd., (713) 360-7757, harwoodgrill.com.

CHINATOWN—Kamalan Bakery is Houston's newest Taiwanese-style bakery, and pastry junkies will want to go investigate post-haste. Yelpers are already raving about the baked goods, from savory bacon and cheese buns and garlic bread to sweet egg tarts, plus more unusual items like a bamboo charcoal and black sesame bread. Status: Certified open. 9889 Bellaire Blvd. #E219, (713) 449-8398.

NORTHSIDE—Filipino food fans, take notice: Kalesa Kitchen specializes in house-baked desserts and pastries (hello, ube and pandan cupcakes), boba tea, and halo halo, as well as variety of traditional Filipino foods that are frozen and intended to be reheated at home: Think lumpia, pansit, pork asado, and more. Status: Certified open. 13480 Veterans Memorial Dr., kalesakitchen.com.