Summer is officially here in Houston, and we have the best climate for fizzy drinks, sparkling cocktails, and cold brews. In our city, we have so many choices for dining that we don’t even have to leave our neighborhoods. However, if your area does not have an Eddie V’s, this writer recommends an Uber ride to City Centre or Kirby Drive to experience the classy but relaxed ambiance, the live music, and of course, the food.

On a recent trip to The Queensbury location, we sampled a few libations and some delicious appetizers from their cocktail menu. The restaurant features such drink combinations called “Sparkling Duet Pairings”, which is a pairing of champagnes, served in two flutes. Others include the “French Monsieur and a Madame” described as “A classic male and female performance: Champagne created by a young widow carrying on her husband’s legacy. Brut Rosé built on the renowned Champagne from Benedictine monk Dom Pérignon. Tasting Notes: The brighter, Chardonnay-driven Veuve dances alongside Moët’s darker flavors and richness.”

We skipped down to the sparkling cocktails and started with a Melon Sparkler consisting of: “Ketel One Vodka, Roederer Brut, Cold-Pressed Watermelon Juice, Fresh Orange Juice, Mint Sugar Rim.” This drink was crisp and refreshing on the tongue and did not linger on the palette. It paired well with the Kung-Pao Calamari and the fish tacos. We moved on to The Starstruck, which was a combination of Ketel One Vodka, Roederer Brut, Lychee Syrup, White Cranberry Juice, and Starfruit. This was another hit at our table, it was light, smooth going down, and paired well with our appetizers.

The tasty bites of calamari and fish tacos were flavor-packed combinations of heat, ocean brine, and fresh seafood that was not “fishy”. We devoured every bite while we enjoyed the live music, the chatter of the crowd, and the top-notch service from the staff at Eddie V's.

We finished our evening with a taste of blueberry cobbler, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in addition to a delicious cup of hot, fresh, and robust, coffee. My guest described the cobbler as “awesome, the filling was the perfect balance of sweet and tart.”

Plan a date night or happy hour after work, check out all of the offerings of Eddie V's by visiting their website: www.eddiev.com.