If you can’t pass up a croissant, opt for one filled with sensuous passion fruit, or dusky Nutella, both of which outclass the somewhat flabby pastry. There is also a very good all-American breakfast plate and a soft, kolache-like sweet roll called a cachito. If you love breakfast, Mastrantos is the place to go!
Mastrantos just felt right to me the moment I walked in. Ancient Bob Dylan sneared over the sound system, nasal and urgent, warning “Watch out, kid, it’s something you did.” Mari Godoy, the stylish Venezuelan who owns the Heights neighborhood café with her Spanish-born husband, Xavier, offered a warm welcome.
Mastrantos specializes in shareworthy global cuisine and co-owner Xavier Godoy keeps apologizing for leaving the table. On this night, the place is humming, so Godoy, a 30-something Venezuelan man with an impressively thick blond beard, is darting from one place to another. He greets guests, works with servers and chats with his cooks.
Named for a verbena plant, the restaurant, after all, has “Global Tastes” as its tagline. Given the former-corporate world couple’s Venezuelan background, you’ll find arepas on the menu for sure.The bull-themed wallpaper in the restrooms is a hit as well.
High school lovers from Venezuela have both had the great opportunity of dreaming and sharing each other’s passion to a greater deal. After moving to the U.S they met again in Houston. Thank to Tenis they went to the same school for a couple of years in college. After an impactful and life changing journey, they decided to pursue their dreams and the concept of Mastratnos was created.
The Heights restaurant, already a source for global flavors, has introduced new weekend brunch options that tip to Venezuelan, Mexican, Spanish Italian, and distinctly Houston foodways.
Tony Castillo has become one of the most exciting young chefs in the Houston food scene.
