Have you checked out  Trenza?  It’s  the new, trendy dining spot  among the cluster of eateries at West Ave.  Hip, outgoing, vivacious and oozing with all kinds of talent– just a few of the adjectives that aptly describe chef/owner Susie Jimenez.

If her name isn’t familiar, her winning smile just might be. Susie was a runner up in season 7 on the Food Network Star program.  She also hosts Sabores de Familia, a cooking program in Spanish on FOX Life TV.

Trenza is on the second level at West Ave. directly across from my friends at Tootsie’s.  The food is a modern fusion of Latin and Asian with the emphasis on Latin. Susie’s family hails from Mexico originally.

The restaurant is trés chic with a striking crimson and metallic colored decor and its large stainless kitchen that opens to the dining room.  After all, Trenza is located in one of the hottest spots in Uptown.  But, the prices don’t reflect the Uptown address…a nice surprise.

The items are served tapas-style, and there are plenty of tempting choices.  The Chicken Tikka Masala Empanadas were outstanding and come served on a bed of lettuce spiced with curry and dotted with a creamy blue cheese.  These empanadas rivaled any I had in Argentina.

The Ceviche del Mar (pictured at top) was fresh and tasty with its ripe cherry tomatoes, crispy cucumbers and bits of mandarin orange.  It’s served with a very spicy, creamy jalapeno mousse on the side.

If you like spice, you’ll enjoy the Lemon Crusted Jalapenos filled with creamy ricotta, blue cheese and bacon.

The Duck Confit Wraps didn’t disappoint, and the Seared Scallops served atop a ginger cauliflower puree were delicious.  So fabulous that I asked the chef if I could share the recipe with all of you, and she said yes!  It’s right here. http://goodtaste.tv/recipes/showrecipe/display/trenza-pan-seared-scallops-with-ginger-cauliflower-purée\

This article was orginally posted over on the chron.com blog. Go have a look for more things to do around Houston.