We started with the escargot. I love snails and I like to eat them wherever and whenever I can. These little babies were easily the best I have ever had. It all comes down to the garlic butter sauce, which was so delicious that we soaked up whatever we could with the complimentary bread. My snail ordering days are probably over now, since I don't think I'll be able to find better escargot anywhere else.
We also snacked on plaintain chips and huge house salads while we waited for our entrees. Luckily we saved room, because dinner was wonderful. I had one of the specials, softshell crab. They were fried and served with lump crab meat and capers. On the side were au gratin potatoes, carrots and asparagus.
The crab was perfect: savory, crunchy and satisfying. I particularly loved pulling off the crunchy little legs and popping them into my mouth. The potatoes were also very well done, although a little dry for my taste. My husband had one of their many snapper dishes on my suggestion; snapper is my favorite fish, and he could see why. His plate was completely clean.
Our waitress treated me to a piece of chocolate cake as a special surprise. It was very rich, but not overly sweet. We managed to eat most of it, but it was a team effort. And it even paired well with the wine!
Of course, the real treat was when the bill came. We paid $138 for an appetizer, two salads, two entrees, dessert, and a bottle of Spanish red wine. That is an amazing value! And all of it came with great service and a very nice atmosphere. Paco even came out and said hello to every table -- and from the handshakes and hugs we saw being tossed around, he obviously recognized many customers. Rudy and Paco's may be small, but it easily competes with the best restaurants in Houston -- or anywhere else, for that matter.
