Russian in Houston

Chef Johann Schuster has been serving an always-stunning blend of European cuisines at Charivari for the last decade; the name of the Midtown restaurant — which means "beautiful, good mix" in French – doesn't lie. You'll find everything from Italian bucatini and Austrian schnitzel to Romanian goulash and German spaetzle on his standard menu, but seasonal favorites include white asparagus and black bear. Yes, bear. Desserts are made in-house like everything else, and the fully stocked bar makes a great happy-hour destination if busy bars aren't your cup of tea. The service here is old-school to go along with the Continental atmosphere, but everything about Charivari is warm and friendly.

Located in Rice Village, Rosinka offers wines mostly from France and Italy, but a few from the Americas, made by small producers; these are not the kinds of wines you will find in big grocery-store chains or liquor stores. It also sells high-quality teas from China with no blends or added flavors, as well as French Cafe, Jamaican-style and organic Colombian coffee. There is food as well, which Rosinka describes as a Russian, French and Italian fusion; meat and chicken pies are among the favorites. Sweets sold here include lemon cream cheesecake and apple turnovers; join the wine and tea club to receive retail discounts and attend member-exclusive events like wine tastings.