The Old Town Spring eatery now serves dinner five nights a week.[/caption]

What we reported: The cafe celebrated its first year under the ownership of Jessica and Matthew Lynn in May. It offers American cuisine including soups, salads, sandwiches, five kinds of quiche and 21 kinds of fudge. The restaurant began offering weekend breakfast and dinner options to its daily lunches.

The latest: The cafe has expanded its hours and its dinner service, which is now offered Wednesdays through Sundays. The new dinner menu includes “designer plates,” Jessica said. “We allow you to choose from a list of proteins, starches, vegetables and sauces to create your own plate,” she said.

What’s next: Ellen’s Cafe will change its dinner menu seasonally to reflect local offerings and seasonal ingredients, such as local Akaushi cattle. The breed of cattle is known for its tender meat. Chef Matthew experiments with new dinner specials incorporating a variety of international cuisines such as a Mexican enchilada dish featuring green and red sauces during the Christmas season.

307 Gentry St. Spring • 281-353-9229 www.facebook.com/ellenscafeots This story is one update from The January Issue. View the full list of 6 notable dining openings here.