The Zigalicious: Courtesy photoMarianna Jayson writes:

“Kenny & Ziggy's is arguably the best and most authentic Jewish deli in Houston. Having migrated to Houston from the N.Y./N.J. area, my husband and I are very critical of delis, so imagine our skepticism when we read about the new burgers on Ziggy’s menu. My husband was not eager to stray from our usual deli fare of pastrami or chopped liver on rye, but I said, “What the heck, it’s not our last meal.”
“I was especially intrigued by the Zigalicious. The thought of a Pat LaFrieda burger enhanced by Ziggy’s moist, perfectly seasoned delicious pastrami, finished off with cheese and coleslaw was too tempting. It arrived piping hot, the juice of the pastrami and the melted cheese oozing down over the perfectly cooked burger. The smell was wonderful. We had started our meal with a pierogi appetizer so we were sharing the burger (I hope our doctor isn’t reading this!).
“The first bite said it all. It was burger nirvana. The burger meat is everything you expect from LaFrieda. How brilliant of Ziggy to go to the purveyor to the great chefs for the foundation to this masterpiece. Each flavor stood out by itself and yet, when combined, it became what my husband proclaimed “The best burger he had ever eaten.” I was too busy eating to make any comments. Usually, I am a purest, preferring to have a simple bacon cheese burger or a pastrami on rye with nothing more than deli mustard as a condiment. However, this marriage of an all-American favorite and a Jewish deli staple is the new standard in burger perfection. Thanks, Ziggy.”

Kenny & Ziggy’s: 2327 Post Oak Blvd., 713-871-8883

Reader follow-up
Last month a Whine & Dine reader expressed disappointment with a visit to buzzy Étoile. This week Susan Axelrod shares what happened following a return visit to Étoile. Axelrod writes:

”I wanted to let you know that we did return to Étoile’ and were treated like royalty, thanks to you!
“While still out on the sidewalk, the doors opened and the hostess was greeting us enthusiastically, holding the doors for us as we entered the fairly crowded restaurant for a 7:30 reservation. We were seated where we should have been the first time. Our server was impeccable, just the right combination of knowledge, warmth, attentiveness and wisdom to know when to respect your privacy.
“The food didn't disappoint, (I enjoyed the thorough Chronicle review last week), from appetizers through entree and dessert, including wine -- all complimentary. Naturally, we generously tipped our server.
“My husband had the coq au vin, lobster bisque, I had escargots, salmon, and we both enjoyed desserts, the apple tart was a dream, the best I've had. Monica came by smiling, more so when she saw us visiting with friends at an adjacent table. I suppose my warning that we would notify friends of our disappointing experience became more credible.
“She has created a lovely country French feel with light fixtures and a casual, warm ambience. No snafus this night and we assured her we would be returning, which we will.”

Étoile: 1101 Uptown Park Blvd., 832-668-5808