James Harden Thinks Vic & Anthony’s Is Houston’s Best Restaurant

— In an interview over the weekend, Houston Rockets guard James Harden dished on Vic & Anthony’s, his favorite restaurant in Space City. Harden is a self-described regular at the Downtown steakhouse, and considers the “pan roasted chicken with mashed potatoes” his favorite dish. He’s also a fan of the restaurant’s Atlantic salmon, king crab legs, and brussels sprouts. [Hot New Hip Hop]

— The owners of Nobi Public House will open a second restaurant in Webster, and it’s going to be decidedly different than its Vietnamese sibling. Called Hyde Park Wood Fired Kitchen, the restaurant is set to open at 247 East NASA Parkway and will serve a menu of dishes cooked in a wood-burning oven, ranging from pizzas to braised meats. No word yet on when it’s set to open. [Chron]

— Over the weekend, Spring tiki bar Howie’s served its final mai tais and announced plans to revamp as an Irish pub called the Wet Leprechaun Tavern. Owner Mark “Howie” Voros has reportedly sold the bar to husband-and-wife duo Warren Broderick and Chanda Chaney, who will oversee the swap from tiki cocktails to Irish pints, after “lagging sales.” [Houston Food Finder]