Openings & Closings

News that a new tapas bar is opening in Midtown led to the brief discussion on Twitter this week about pronunciation issues concerning holiday islands in the Mediterranean, and Houstonians' propensity to open restaurants named after them.

Majorca Island Bistro and Tapas, that new tapas restaurant, will open at 207 West Gray in the old This Is It location. It's pronounced "My-or-ca," like a small killer whale that you own. Also in Midtown is Ibiza, which should technically be pronounced "Ee-bee-tha," although Houstonians have long insisted on calling it "Ee-bee-za." Perhaps we'll at least get one of those islands correct when Majorca opens soon.

Also opening very shortly is the new Indian restaurant from Anita Jaisinghani, Pondicheri, at 2800 Kirby in the West Ave development (which is also home to the new Ava Kitchen from Robert Del Grande). Although only open for dinner service starting on March 2, the restaurant will soon be serving breakfast as well starting at 6 a.m. every day. Two amazing chefs at West Ave have made the long wait for the development to open worthwhile.

If you're a fan of drinking, dogs and drinking with dogs, The Boneyard (8150 Washington) should be your new favorite place. The bar not only tolerates but actively welcomes your four-legged friends, and incorporate a full-fledged dog park into the icehouse dynamic. Owner Justin Bardwell says that he plans to hold monthly adoption events in the future, but for now, The Boneyard is simply the perfect place to relax with your dog and a Turbodog. The grand opening is March 8, Fat Tuesday, so get your dog some beads and head out.

Also just in time for Mardi Gras, Bistro Alex -- the younger sister to Brennan's -- will now be serving Sunday brunch starting this weekend on February 27. The "Big Easy Brunch" will feature live music from Yvonne Washington as well as a menu featuring eggs Benedict, chicory coffee duck and butternut waffles, and -- of course -- bananas foster and turtle soup. Brunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and reservations are strongly suggested.

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