NEW YORK – The acclaimed Greek restaurant Ousia hosted Wine Enthusiast’s celebration of America’s 100 best wine restaurants, featured in the magazine’s August issue. Over 300 guests attended the party including sommeliers, chefs, industry experts, and the media. Ousia is on the Top 100 list for a second time, Wine Enthusiast reported, noting that this year’s winners were from a wider geographic area than ever. Restaurants in Boston, Chicago, Detroit, New Orleans, Los Alamos, CA, Fredericksburg, TX, and Charlottesville, VA were among the honored establishments.

Also on the list, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse in Houston, TX which traces its roots back to H.D. Pappas who immigrated to the United States from Greece in 1897 and opened many restaurants in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Texas. Grandsons Jim and Pete opened the first Pappas Bros. Steakhouse in 1976, and the business grew into a chain of restaurants.

Prior to the celebration at Ousia, a panel discussion took place at the Landmark at 57 West with moderator Susan Kostrzewa- Wine Enthusiast Executive Editor, and panelists including Lauren Friel- wine director at Dirt Candy in New York, Alexandra Cherniavsky- beverage manager at The Love in Philadelphia, and Christopher Gross- chef at Geordie’s at the Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix. The latest trends in food and wine as well as the importance of diversity in the industry were among the topics discussed.

“Passed appetizers from Ousia’s Executive Chef Carlos Carreto included such Greek-inspired Mediterranean dishes as beet ravioli with kale and myzithra cheese, grilled octopus with fava puree, and loukanikopita,” Wine Enthusiast reported.

More information about Ousia is available online: ousianyc.com.

For more information on Pappas Bros. Steakhouse: pappasbros.com.

The full list of America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants is available on the Wine Enthusiast’s website.