Nom Noir HTX is a culinary tour curated to highlight the delicious and diverse cuisine of Houston’s Historic Third Ward. Lovingly named “The Tre,” the Third Ward is the center of Houston’s African American Community. Tour guests will enjoy delicious “family-style” cuisine from five Black-owned restaurants, each representing a specific facet of Houston’s culinary landscape. Each stop will give guests a chance to experience the restaurant’s venue, atmosphere, and interact with some of Houston’s top chefs. Nom Noir HTX pairs the dining experience with a guided, shuttle led tour highlighting some of Third Ward’s historical landmarks. Nom Noir HTX is set to offer locals and visitors a deeper appreciation for the city.
Over the weekend, I embarked on a historical and culinary journey through Houston’s Historic Third Ward. Eating my way around and through one of Houston’s most dynamic neighborhoods. In addition to the sensational cuisine produced in this area, its history is just as rich. The tour was kicked into the gear with a lovely champagne toast and greetings from the host – Chef Vicky V of Tha Fat Girl Food Chronicles. Given that this was the “soft launch” of her curated tour, we only visited four locations: Reggae Hut, Wing Quarter Daiquiris & Creole Kitchen, Ray’s BBQ Shack, and Crumbville.
Read on for a little more about each stop.
THE REGGAE HUT | 4814 Almeda
The Reggae Hut‘s guiding principle is Ujamaa. One of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, meaning cooperative economics and sharing. Their Caribbean cuisine has been tantalizing Houstonian’s tastebuds for almost 15 years! Menu items like their meat pies, cocoa bread, and curry dishes are famous. Additionally, the rice & peas and jerk shrimp are two uber-popular standouts.
WING QUARTER DAIQUIRIS and CREOLE KITCHEN | 3929 OST
Wing Quarter is a local, family-owned establishment with Lousiana roots. Their main goals are to provide the best hot wings and Cajun and Creole Cuisine while offering a unique experience that blends the sounds, the food, the art, and the hospitality of the French Quarter without having to leave the neighborhood. Their cornmeal catfish nuggets and daiquiris are legit!
RAY’S BBQ SHACK | 3929 OST
Y’all know Ray’s BBQ Shack is one of my favorite Houston BBQ joints. It’s truly the only place I’ve enjoyed the BBQ and sauce. That being said, when I heard it was a part of the tour, I was instantly sold. Ray’s is such a local gem that will easily be a favorite stop along the Nom Noir HTX Tour. Although this is an “omakase” styled tour (meaning the menu is at the discretion of the chef), I’d purchase some of Ray’s fried corn. You won’t be sorry.
CRUMBVILLE | 2316 ELGIN ST.
The final stop on the soft launch of Houston’s first Black Culinary tour was a sweet one. Crumbville is THE place for vegan and gluten-free cookies, brownies, and stuffed cups. Since my dietary restrictions have almost forced me to wholly cut out baked goods, I.m reflecting on my previous experiences. A few cult favorites are the Niki Minaj cookie and the Netflix and Chill brownie. Everything here is $5. I’m confident you will want to purchase extra treats at the end of your tour.
THE WRAP-UP
Taking part in this historical tour is a great way to celebrate Black Excellence. I highly recommend that you purchase your tickets, support Houston’s historic Third Ward, and the talent represented here.
Click here to learn more about what this event is all about.
