Don’t be a snob – break from your comfort zone and discover these gems outside the Loop. Say salud to Spanish tapas and merci for authentic French. Then hurry back home.

Forget what you know about tapas, because not many small plates in Houston can rival the very authentic Capriccio on the northwest side. Settle into a cozy booth for to-die $8 dishes like lamb chops, deep-fried crab, gorgeous grilled octopus and plenty of vegetarian options, and then dive into a fab paella.

Ask about how the husband-and-wife chefs at Chez Nous in Humble met in the kitchen, fell in love and then traveled the world learning to cook. The story is almost as romantic as the atmosphere in this Country French set-up, formerly a Pentecostal church, that’s been serving a real deal menu for 25 years. Don’t you dare leave without trying the escargot.