Bootsie’s Heritage Cafe is not exactly in Houston; it’s in Tomball — about a 45-minute drive, but Bootsie’s focus on playful locavore cuisine is worth the trek. The tasting menu is just $35, and a great way to experience Bootsie’s philosophy — using fresh ingredients from within 15 miles of the restaurant, and playing with mother nature’s gift using sheer creativity. Two of my favorite dishes were the goat cheese with watermelon crisps and pickled watermelon juice (photo above), and the fresh vegetable boudin-stuffed squash blossoms (picked just two hours prior to dinner), tempura-fried with spicy Sriracha mayo.