Each week we showcase an enterprising Houstonian who shares her favorite things to do in Houston. This week we hear from Chef Kiran Verma, chef and owner of Kiran’s Restaurant and Bar on Westheimer near Highland Village.
My Top 5 Things to Do in Houston
by Chef Kiran Verma
- Dinner at Tony’s – Tony’s is my favorite restaurant in town. I consider Mr. Vallone to be a mentor, as I looked to his restaurant for inspiration when working towards creating a fine-dining Indian restaurant. Tony’s is the place I make my family take me to when I want to feel pampered. The staff chooses the menu and wine for us, and I can sit back and take it all in.
- Rice University – My daughter just graduated with her MBA from Rice, so I feel an even stronger connection to this world-class institution which we are fortunate to have in our backyard. I like walking the grounds of the campus and observing students, or having a cup of coffee at the Brochstein Pavilion. The Pavilion is right next to the business school, and it is an all-glass structure, which fills the space with abundant natural light.
- Neiman Marcus – I consider this store to be my one-stop shop for shoes, make-up, handbags and clothes. I don’t think you can find that level of quality and service anywhere else. I do not shop a lot, so I invest in a few nice things for my family and me.
- Grotto and Seasons 52 – Both of the restaurants are in my neighborhood and my go-to places for al fresco dining on Sundays. I can’t get enough of the margherita pizza at Grotto’s and the flatbread at Seasons 52.
- Biking – I bought a bicycle a couple of years ago, and I love riding my bike around my neighborhood on weekday mornings when I have some extra time. I admire the unique aesthetic of the homes in my area and try to get a feel of the place that future generations of my family will call home.
About Chef Kiran Verma
Chef Kiran Verma runs her namesake Kiran’s Restaurant and Bar, which is located immediately west of Highland Village and features traditional Indian cuisine with a modern sensibility. Verma was born in Orissa in northern India and raised in New Delhi. She moved to Houston in 1973 to be with her husband, who was completing a Masters degree at the University of Houston. She started in the restaurant industry in 1998, as chef/owner of Ashiana. She opened her eponymous restaurant in 2005. She has two children.
