Food-o-file

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A Busy Food Week

Parallel Modern Market (4700 Burnet Rd., 371-7000) opened on Monday morning in the new Rosedale Village Center. The attractive space offers cases loaded with an inviting assortment of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items, all individually packaged and ready to take home. Shoppers can grab a smoothie, a coffee drink, or a glass of wine while perusing the select gourmet pantry and gift items. Longtime Rosedale residents Forrest Preece and Linda Ball report that they're "really excited to see this place within walking distance" after attending the soft opening cocktail party last week... No sooner had last week's issue hit the stands than we got more good suggestions for Super Bowl party foods from local restaurants. However, we still haven't found a local clambake or any lobster rolls for homesick New Englanders. Call Santa Rita Tex Mex Cantina (1206 W. 38th, 419-7482) Feb. 4-6 to order their Super Bowl Party Pack, with 16 oz. containers of queso, pico de gallo, salsa, and guacamole plus two bags of fresh tostada chips for $35. The friendly transplanted Philadelphians at Hog Island Deli (1612 Lavaca, 482-9090) will whip up a 24-inch Philly Cheesesteak, some hoagies and meatball subs, or a big deli tray for Saturday afternoon pickup, regardless of which team you're actually supporting. Rounders Pizzeria (1203 W. Sixth, 477-0404) has added a delivery service just in time for the big game, so you can enjoy their delicious thin-crust pizza with all the comforts of home... If you're still contemplating where to celebrate Mardi Gras on Tuesday, Feb. 8, how about Evangeline Cafe (8106 Brodie Ln. #110, 282-2586)? Owner Curtis Clarke's folks are bringing authentic king cakes from Louisiana, and Clarke has several new mouth-watering menu items that are sure to please. The new Oysters Contraband (homemade potato chips topped with spicy house remoulade and plump fried gulf oysters) are so good they should probably be illegal, and the decadent little Praline Pistolettes (fried bread balls filled with pecan praline served in a pool of caramel sauce) could easily become an addiction. The celebration will include live music and plenty of beads.

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Event Menu: Feb. 4-10

• If you prefer a South American flair to your pre-Lenten parties, check out the Noche de Carnaval 2005 at Do–a Emilia's South American Bar & Grill (101 San Jacinto, 478-2520). Put on your most outrageous disguise, sip traditional caipirinhas, and dance to the world beat of Nelson Saga & Arma del Alma. Tickets are $10 and reservations are a good idea; 8pm, Tuesday, Feb. 8.

• Les bon temps will certainly rouler at the Z'Tejas Bayou Bash fundraiser for Share Our Strength. The Soiree of the Season will feature chef Jack "Big Daddy" Gilmore's signature Cajun and Creole menu specials, plenty of Hurricanes, live New Orleans-style music, slices of a giant king cake, entertainment from roving jugglers, fortune tellers, and face painters, plus a selection of door prizes, all at the Z'Tejas Sixth Street Annex location (1110 W. Sixth, 478-5355). Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at either Z'Tejas outlet; 7pm, Tuesday, Feb. 8.