The hubs and I just got back from a VERY belated honeymoon in California. We saw just about everything -- we flew into San Francisco, stayed a few nights, and then drove south on Highway 1, ending up in Los Angeles. I came away with a new appreciation for red wine, a fascination with Old Hollywood, and a list of definite "dos" (and one complete "don't) for anyone travelling to California.
Places I Loved:
Perbacco (San Francisco): wonderful Italian food in a loud, slightly crowded but very stylish atmosphere. This place taught me the difference between really well-made gnocchi and the stuff I've been eating from the grocery store. Plus their "Ugly But Good" cookies are NOT to be missed.
La Bellasera (Paso Robles): This is a hotel and not a restaurant, but it's a must-do if you're in Paso. A lovely little place, very close to wineries and good food, with incredibly spacious and clean rooms at an stunningly low price.
burger. (Santa Cruz): An amazingly funky little place. Delicious, fresh burgers with fun California names ("The Dude") and a nice bar. This is a great place to stop for lunch on your way down Highway 1.
Dearly Departed Tours (Hollywood): Again, this isn't a place to eat, but it's a lot of fun. We took plenty of tours on our vacation (Hearst Castle, Hollywood Homes, Alcatraz) and this was by far our favorite. It's not for children (or the faint of heart), but it's great for anyone who loves Old Hollywood or true crime stories.
Skooby's (L.A.): Confession time -- I LOVE hot dogs. The ones at Skooby's are perfect, topped with a variety of fun and non-traditional toppings and served in warm buns on the side of Hollywood Boulevard. The lemonade is amazing too.
Place I HATED:
Whale Watcher Cafe (Big Sur): Avoid this place at all costs. It's located in the middle of nowhere, which is the only reason why we stopped -- I was starving. Flies everywhere, only one server, and they still had the nerve to charge almost $20 for a tuna sandwich. We actually walked out without ordering. Turns out, I would rather wait an hour and eat a burger at the Hearst Castle food court than eat at the Fly Watcher.
Showing posts with label American. Show all posts
Showing posts with label American. Show all posts
Monday, October 1, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Shade
I'm not going to lie to you, I am sick today. Seriously. Every time I look at the picture above, I feel like dying. It's not specific to that picture -- looking at, smelling, or even thinking about virtually any food seems to be enough to push me over the edge right now. With that in mind, I'm going to try to write a thoughtful and honest review of what is a pretty good Houston eatery, Shade.
We decided to try Shade at the tail end of Houston Restaurant Weeks. I did the "noble" thing (it's for the food bank!) and selflessly tried the three course restaurant weeks menu. We started with the carpaccio. I have to be honest, I was not impressed. The beef was fine quality, but something was lacking in the flavor for me. Skip it.
Next I had the scallops. Now those were special! Without going into too much detail (because seriously, my body can't handle that right now), they were sweet, succulent, perfectly cooked and paired delightfully with their sides. What more do you need to know?
For dessert we did the sponge cake with strawberry mousse. The mousse was very good, with a lot of real strawberry flavor. I recommend it.
Shade has a very intimate atmosphere and a great service staff. Our waitress and I happened to be using the ladies room at the same time, and she was accosted by a guest IN THE BATHROOM and asked to change an order. That is something I have honestly never seen before, but she handled it a lot better than I would have. Managing to be pleasant while being bugged on the toilet -- that's a true professional!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Branch Water Tavern
The best thing about Branch Water Tavern is the space itself. The place is surprisingly large, with a very nice lounge/bar area in the front, plenty of seating in the middle section, and a large semi-private room in the back. Everything is tastefully if rustically decorated -- hardwood floors and plain white china. As soon as you walk in you feel relaxed and welcome.
The food is standard American fare. We were there for lunch, so I had a rueben sandwich. It was nothing to write home about. I would have liked some sauerkraut on my rueben, but otherwise I have no complaints. There was plenty of good quality meat, cheese and a very nice dressing on a good piece of crusty bread. Fries on the side (a nice surprise, since they weren't mentioned on the menu). Very similar to anything you could get at Laurenzo's, BRC, or any other upscale lunch spot in the same area. Same service and prices too.
I think Branch Water would be an amazing place for a happy hour. The lounge area is large and welcoming, the bar is well stocked, and the atmosphere is laid-back and cool. It's a fine place for a meal, but the mood just says "cocktails" more than "sandwiches" (at least to me).
The food is standard American fare. We were there for lunch, so I had a rueben sandwich. It was nothing to write home about. I would have liked some sauerkraut on my rueben, but otherwise I have no complaints. There was plenty of good quality meat, cheese and a very nice dressing on a good piece of crusty bread. Fries on the side (a nice surprise, since they weren't mentioned on the menu). Very similar to anything you could get at Laurenzo's, BRC, or any other upscale lunch spot in the same area. Same service and prices too.
I think Branch Water would be an amazing place for a happy hour. The lounge area is large and welcoming, the bar is well stocked, and the atmosphere is laid-back and cool. It's a fine place for a meal, but the mood just says "cocktails" more than "sandwiches" (at least to me).
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
The Bird and the Bear
The Bird and the Bear is a new establishment from the people behind Oussie's. It's located in a shopping center, and although attempts have been made to create a cozy space, it's hard to forget that this space is supposed to be a store-front. There are just too many windows that let in too much light.
It's also hard to forget that this is a new restaurant. Little notebooks and pencils are on every table (why I don't know), and they're emblazoned with the name "Oussie's." Things like that make you feel like this restaurant is secondary to to the older one. If they're using leftover notepads, will the recipes be afterthoughts too?
Thankfully, the food is good. The menu feels fresh and different from Oussie's, with lots of fun little touches (ie: a dish called "damn eggplant"). They also have a large selection of vegetarian dishes, which, as a former vegetarian, I appreciate. And they aren't all pastas either! I had the creative vegetable paella.
We also enjoyed an escargot appetizer. This dish was different than other escargot, as it wasn't covered in cream or puff pastry. It was just snails cooked in a savory, garlicky butter sauce, with good bread on the side for dipping. This is not a snail starter dish, since you really get the taste and texture of the snails, but if you like them this is a great way to get an escargot fix.
Dessert is NOT to be missed. We had a chocolate cake with banana filling. It was perfectly done, and worth the extra calories.
Service is good, but green. Our waiter seemed nervous, even though he was doing a great job. He overcompensated by using the same script of quips with every customer. Typical new restaurant stuff, I think. He just needs to find his stride. The whole place does. But once it gets there -- and I think it will -- this place might just outshine its predecessor. It certainly won't be an afterthought.
It's also hard to forget that this is a new restaurant. Little notebooks and pencils are on every table (why I don't know), and they're emblazoned with the name "Oussie's." Things like that make you feel like this restaurant is secondary to to the older one. If they're using leftover notepads, will the recipes be afterthoughts too?
Thankfully, the food is good. The menu feels fresh and different from Oussie's, with lots of fun little touches (ie: a dish called "damn eggplant"). They also have a large selection of vegetarian dishes, which, as a former vegetarian, I appreciate. And they aren't all pastas either! I had the creative vegetable paella.
This paella is comprised of mushrooms, a variety of peppers, onions and saffron rice. At first I wasn't sure I liked it -- without meat or seafood, paella is inherently a little bland -- but I gave it a second to linger, and I discovered something. It wasn't bland, it was delicate. It was also warm, filling, and very good. We also enjoyed an escargot appetizer. This dish was different than other escargot, as it wasn't covered in cream or puff pastry. It was just snails cooked in a savory, garlicky butter sauce, with good bread on the side for dipping. This is not a snail starter dish, since you really get the taste and texture of the snails, but if you like them this is a great way to get an escargot fix.
Dessert is NOT to be missed. We had a chocolate cake with banana filling. It was perfectly done, and worth the extra calories.
Service is good, but green. Our waiter seemed nervous, even though he was doing a great job. He overcompensated by using the same script of quips with every customer. Typical new restaurant stuff, I think. He just needs to find his stride. The whole place does. But once it gets there -- and I think it will -- this place might just outshine its predecessor. It certainly won't be an afterthought.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Mark's
It's been so long since we ate at Mark's that I'm compelled to keep this review very short and sweet. Overall, the experience was very pleasant, though a little on the pricey side. Let me break it down for you:
1) Atmosphere: Mark's is housed in an old church. The wine is stored where an organ used to be; the floors are rough-hewn wood; stained glass windows are still apparent on the walls. A very welcoming and calming space, and a beautiful repurposing of an old building.
2) Service: Impeccable. Our waiter offered to take pictures for us (it was my birthday) and gave us plenty of time to enjoy our cocktails before offering dinner menus, and our dinner before offering dessert. He also made lots of suggestions. The only thing I didn't like was that he pretty obviously tried to steer us to more expensive selections, even when they didn't really meet our needs. For example, he told us flat-out not to order the assorted chocolates for dessert, and talked us into a much larger (and pricier) item, even though I told him I really wasn't that hungry. If the chocolates are bad they shouldn't be on the menu. I don't want my choices to become a jumping off point for negotiations.
3) Food: expensive, but worth it for special occasions. The foie gras appetizer was delicious, second only to the foie we had at August. For dinner, I had one of the chef's specials (above), and was treated to a platter of fresh seafood and various vegetables. What's interesting is that this dish was almost identical in ingredients to a meal I had at Capital Grille just a few weeks earlier, but it was much better. The seafood was fresher, the side dishes seemed better seasoned, and the whole plate was just a nicer composition than the one at Capital Grille. Little differences that added up to a much better dinner.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Casey's
The hubs and I spent a great day at Galveston State Park and worked up a huge appetite, so we were happy to find a casual sit-down place called Casey's. The promise of 20 beers on tap lured us in -- and yes, we did enjoy some of them -- but we were surprised and delighted by how delicious the food was.
We started with the mozzarella sticks, which were basic but tasty. I had the Gulf Coast burger (also known as a Po Boy burger) with waffle fries. This was a very nice beef patty topped with lettuce, tomato, and fried shrimp and crawfish in a remoulade sauce. If you don't think that sounds appetizing (WEIRDO), take my word for it, and give it a try. The seafood really shown without overpowering the burger, the meat was juicy but didn't make the seafood soggy, and the homemade bun it was served on was still warm and very tasty. A creative, filling sandwich.
For whatever reason, my husband decided we needed to see the desert menu. We ended up sharing a piece of the key lime cheesecake. Like my sandwich, this dessert combined two classics without ruining either of them. Do you like cheesecake? Do you like key lime pie? If so, you'll like this. I did.
Our server was very sweet and attentive. We certainly never wanted for anything while we were there, and honestly -- we're both so full that we're still hating life right now, hours after our meal. Go to Casey's with a big appetite and an open mind. You won't be disappointed.
We started with the mozzarella sticks, which were basic but tasty. I had the Gulf Coast burger (also known as a Po Boy burger) with waffle fries. This was a very nice beef patty topped with lettuce, tomato, and fried shrimp and crawfish in a remoulade sauce. If you don't think that sounds appetizing (WEIRDO), take my word for it, and give it a try. The seafood really shown without overpowering the burger, the meat was juicy but didn't make the seafood soggy, and the homemade bun it was served on was still warm and very tasty. A creative, filling sandwich.
For whatever reason, my husband decided we needed to see the desert menu. We ended up sharing a piece of the key lime cheesecake. Like my sandwich, this dessert combined two classics without ruining either of them. Do you like cheesecake? Do you like key lime pie? If so, you'll like this. I did.
Our server was very sweet and attentive. We certainly never wanted for anything while we were there, and honestly -- we're both so full that we're still hating life right now, hours after our meal. Go to Casey's with a big appetite and an open mind. You won't be disappointed.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Special Out of Town Edition: American Grocery Restaurant
Sorry it's been so long, blog fans. It's been quite a year so far! We're building a house, still working full time, and basically trying to get our feet on the ground after the holidays. We did have some really good sushi at Kubo's and some pretty decent sushi at Sushi Hana but I honestly couldn't bring myself to write about fish again.
Last week, my husband was out of town and had a great meal, and I asked him to guest blog. So, without further ado, here's "The Husband Who Ate Houston" and his review of American Grocery in Greenville, SC. Enjoy!
Once I found out I had to be in SC for work, a co-worker told me that American Grocery was the best food he had eaten in a while. So, after a short (and quite pleasant) walk down Main Street in Greenville, I arrived outside AGR. The outside was fairly non-descript but inside the setting was classy and quite cozy. My waiter was quite helpful and friendly in a way that apparently most people in Greenville are -- which is to say they seem to genuinely enjoy talking with you.
I started off with a Pig on the Porch. This delightful little cocktail consists of bacon-infused bourbon and ginger ale. I had to say this was one of the best cocktails I have had in some time. The bacon flavor in the bourbon made it finish off quite smoothly and with just a hint of bacon on the palate.
For starters, I had the crispy pork belly. I had seen pork belly cooked on Top Chef before but had never had the opportunity to actually taste it. I must say this was the highlight of the meal and one of the best foods I have ever eaten. It was crisp without being tough (I could, and did, cut it with my fork). The pork belly tasted like the most flavorful bacon I could imagine and yet was so tender it was almost like eating a steak. The dish also came with crisp apples, grits, and pecan-bourbon maple syrup. The grits were perfectly cooked -- and I'm not even a huge grits fan -- and the syrup was absolutely amazing. (You might note that AGR loves three things: (1) local meats, vegetables, and beer, (2) bacon, and (3) bourbon. I can get on board with all of these things.)
Next, I had the Split Creek Farms Goat Cheese salad with a mustard vinaigrette. Now, I think mustard is a fine condiment but I wasn't crazy about it being on my salad. It wasn't bad -- but not great either. The pecans in the salad were very well done but, in the end, it was just a salad.
Finally, for the main course, I had a Confit of Local Rabbit with baby carrots and hunters sauce. The rabbit was tender, tasty, and the outer skin just a little crispy. Overall a very good dish. My only complaint on this dish was the farro verde -- which I thought distracted from the simplicity and tastiness of the rabbit more than it added.
If you are ever in Greenville, SC and you want an excellent meal from start to finish, definitely make your way down to AGR -- you won't leave disappointed.
Last week, my husband was out of town and had a great meal, and I asked him to guest blog. So, without further ado, here's "The Husband Who Ate Houston" and his review of American Grocery in Greenville, SC. Enjoy!
Once I found out I had to be in SC for work, a co-worker told me that American Grocery was the best food he had eaten in a while. So, after a short (and quite pleasant) walk down Main Street in Greenville, I arrived outside AGR. The outside was fairly non-descript but inside the setting was classy and quite cozy. My waiter was quite helpful and friendly in a way that apparently most people in Greenville are -- which is to say they seem to genuinely enjoy talking with you.
I started off with a Pig on the Porch. This delightful little cocktail consists of bacon-infused bourbon and ginger ale. I had to say this was one of the best cocktails I have had in some time. The bacon flavor in the bourbon made it finish off quite smoothly and with just a hint of bacon on the palate.
For starters, I had the crispy pork belly. I had seen pork belly cooked on Top Chef before but had never had the opportunity to actually taste it. I must say this was the highlight of the meal and one of the best foods I have ever eaten. It was crisp without being tough (I could, and did, cut it with my fork). The pork belly tasted like the most flavorful bacon I could imagine and yet was so tender it was almost like eating a steak. The dish also came with crisp apples, grits, and pecan-bourbon maple syrup. The grits were perfectly cooked -- and I'm not even a huge grits fan -- and the syrup was absolutely amazing. (You might note that AGR loves three things: (1) local meats, vegetables, and beer, (2) bacon, and (3) bourbon. I can get on board with all of these things.)
Next, I had the Split Creek Farms Goat Cheese salad with a mustard vinaigrette. Now, I think mustard is a fine condiment but I wasn't crazy about it being on my salad. It wasn't bad -- but not great either. The pecans in the salad were very well done but, in the end, it was just a salad.
Finally, for the main course, I had a Confit of Local Rabbit with baby carrots and hunters sauce. The rabbit was tender, tasty, and the outer skin just a little crispy. Overall a very good dish. My only complaint on this dish was the farro verde -- which I thought distracted from the simplicity and tastiness of the rabbit more than it added.
If you are ever in Greenville, SC and you want an excellent meal from start to finish, definitely make your way down to AGR -- you won't leave disappointed.
Friday, November 11, 2011
RDG + Bar Annie
We went to RDG+Bar Annie with a large group of my coworkers. One of them recently started a new job, and this place was his choice. I have to say, it wasn't a bad one. RDG is great for celebrations, with its luxe interior and very large drinks menu. But, as should be obvious from the website, it's a nice place. It lends itself to a quiet, adult type of celebration only -- something we understood, but some other patrons did not (more on that later).
We started with the Bar Annie nachos with red chile beef. These nachos looked a lot prettier than your standard bar fare, but they still offered all the meaty satisfaction of regular nachos. They were fun to eat and there were plenty for everyone at the table to enjoy. Recommended.
For dinner, I had the chef's special snapper. This was also a very pretty and satisfying dish. The fish was perfectly cooked and arrived with very good mashed potatoes and green beans. No complaints here.
Service was standout. Our waiter was polite, friendly and extremely professional. He had lots of helpful suggestions and obviously knew his menu well. Check-plus-smiley-face for that.
So with good food, nice decor and impeccable service, you might wonder why I'm not more excited about RDG+Bar Annie. The truth is, it's not really the restaurant's fault. It's that the people at the table next to us were EXTREMELY intoxicated. I'm talking loud speeches, ladies-falling-out-of-their-shirts, men-yelling-curse-words intoxicated ... and they arrived that way. The problem was, no one at the restaurant seemed to want to do anything about that, and there's where they lost me.
RDG+Bar Annie is decorated and staffed like a fine dining restaurant. Their prices certainly are on-par with other fine dining restaurants. So, I think, patrons have the right to expect a fine dining atmosphere. A fine dining atmosphere usually doesn't include loud drunk people making announcements to the entire dining room. If RDG wants to be a "fun" bar and allow people to act like that, that's fine, but they should market themselves that way (and drop the prices considerably). If they want to be "The Best Steakhouse in Houston" then this kind of behavior should not be tolerated.
We started with the Bar Annie nachos with red chile beef. These nachos looked a lot prettier than your standard bar fare, but they still offered all the meaty satisfaction of regular nachos. They were fun to eat and there were plenty for everyone at the table to enjoy. Recommended.
For dinner, I had the chef's special snapper. This was also a very pretty and satisfying dish. The fish was perfectly cooked and arrived with very good mashed potatoes and green beans. No complaints here.
Service was standout. Our waiter was polite, friendly and extremely professional. He had lots of helpful suggestions and obviously knew his menu well. Check-plus-smiley-face for that.
So with good food, nice decor and impeccable service, you might wonder why I'm not more excited about RDG+Bar Annie. The truth is, it's not really the restaurant's fault. It's that the people at the table next to us were EXTREMELY intoxicated. I'm talking loud speeches, ladies-falling-out-of-their-shirts, men-yelling-curse-words intoxicated ... and they arrived that way. The problem was, no one at the restaurant seemed to want to do anything about that, and there's where they lost me.
RDG+Bar Annie is decorated and staffed like a fine dining restaurant. Their prices certainly are on-par with other fine dining restaurants. So, I think, patrons have the right to expect a fine dining atmosphere. A fine dining atmosphere usually doesn't include loud drunk people making announcements to the entire dining room. If RDG wants to be a "fun" bar and allow people to act like that, that's fine, but they should market themselves that way (and drop the prices considerably). If they want to be "The Best Steakhouse in Houston" then this kind of behavior should not be tolerated.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
360 Sports Lounge
FOOTBALL SEASON!! My husband lives for it, and I live with it. Thankfully there are cool places like 360 Sports Lounge to watch football. 360 has everything you could ask for in a sports bar: lots of (big) TVs, friendly staff, plenty of beer, and of course good food.
My husband, some friends and I stopped in to watch the Cowboys play on a Sunday afternoon. The place was packed, as there was also a Texans game on, but the doorman let us have a "reserved" table by the door. We ordered a round of beers and some classic football snacks: sliders, onion rings and the above-pictured buffalo wings. Nothing was amazing in a this-is-where-I-want-to-have-my-last-meal way, but nothing was bad either. I did think that the onion slaw on the sliders was a little too sweet, but I really liked the breading on the onion wings, and the wings were perfectly spicy and very large.
I think I can best "review" 360 by saying this: we're going back this Sunday to watch whatever game is on. If it's too crowded, we'll go somewhere else, and no one will complain. But if we can fit, then we'll eat at 360 -- and we'll have a good time.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
The Yardhouse
We've been to The Yardhouse in San Antonio and we really enjoyed it, so we decided to give the one in Houston's City Centre a try. We were with a relatively large group (7 people -- one less than we needed for Yardhouse to accept a reservation) on a beautiful Saturday night, so I was surprised at how short the wait was for an outdoor table. I was also pleasantly surprised that our waitress immediately offered to split the check for us. So far, so good.
Our table started with a round of beers from the huge and ecclectic list and a serving of truffle fries. There were enough of these crispy little shoestrings for everyone to get a try, and they really tasted like truffles. That's great if you like truffles, but I don't.* Everyone else seemed to enjoy them though.
For dinner I got a house favorite, the Mac and Cheese (squared).
A HUGE dish of campanelli pasta arrived, smothered in cheese, mushrooms, chicked and bacon. The menu also claimed that the dish includes truffle oil, but luckily for me, I couldn't taste that.* What I did taste was the tangy cheese blend and the smoky bacon. It was dressed-up comfort food at its very best and there was enough to take home for lunch on Monday.
The atmoshpere could not have been more pleasant. The football game was on the outdoor TV, but the sound was off and the company was interesting enough that we didn't completely lose the men in our group. Our waitress did a good job managing all of us without being over-bearing, and as far as I know, everyone left happy. In my book that's enough to earn Yardhouse a recommendation from me.
*No, I don't know why I don't like truffles. Yes, I know they're a delicacy and everyone with half a palate loves them. No, I don't think my disliking truffles makes me unfit to write about food.
Our table started with a round of beers from the huge and ecclectic list and a serving of truffle fries. There were enough of these crispy little shoestrings for everyone to get a try, and they really tasted like truffles. That's great if you like truffles, but I don't.* Everyone else seemed to enjoy them though.
For dinner I got a house favorite, the Mac and Cheese (squared).
A HUGE dish of campanelli pasta arrived, smothered in cheese, mushrooms, chicked and bacon. The menu also claimed that the dish includes truffle oil, but luckily for me, I couldn't taste that.* What I did taste was the tangy cheese blend and the smoky bacon. It was dressed-up comfort food at its very best and there was enough to take home for lunch on Monday.
The atmoshpere could not have been more pleasant. The football game was on the outdoor TV, but the sound was off and the company was interesting enough that we didn't completely lose the men in our group. Our waitress did a good job managing all of us without being over-bearing, and as far as I know, everyone left happy. In my book that's enough to earn Yardhouse a recommendation from me.
*No, I don't know why I don't like truffles. Yes, I know they're a delicacy and everyone with half a palate loves them. No, I don't think my disliking truffles makes me unfit to write about food.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Special Out of Town Edition: Garrett's
I want to preface this post by saying that I love Waco Texas. It's where I went to law school, where I met my husband, and where some of my best friends (the folks we ate with at Garrett's) live. I love the idea of a "Waco Renaissance" and I love supporting new businesses -- especially small businesses -- that move to Downtown Waco.
All that said, I didn't love Garrett's.
Garrett's motto is that "fine dining is finally affordable." And Garrett's was affordable. It's whether it was truly "fine dining" that's disputable.
Our table started with a plate of hummus. What arrived was a very, very orange scoop of dip with pita chips. It tasted fine, but it didn't look like any kind of hummus that I've ever seen before. It wasn't enough to make discourage me (yet), and I ordered the seared ahi tuna for dinner.
That is where things got bad. Look, I understand that Waco is nowhere near the ocean, and that therefore fish has to be shipped in frozen sometimes. That's fine. Unfortunately, this fish did not taste like it had been properly defrosted, probably because it was sliced so thickly. That's not fine. The texture of the tuna was completely off. It was hard to cut and even harder to eat. The rice served with the tuna had a wonderful flavor, but was overwhelmed by the slightly-odd sauce beneath it. Overall, I just can't say that I enjoyed this dish.
For dessert we tried the "chocolate peanut butter lasagna" (really just a chocolate-peanut butter layer cake), which was similarly unbalanced. The flavors were good, but the layers were stacked so high that it was hard to eat it without tipping it onto it's side, and the peanut butter filling was so rich that it would be impossible to finish. In this instance a smaller portion would have actually been better.
Service was friendly, but green. Our server accidentally removed our knives after the appetizer and didn't replace them, leaving us to steal knives from the empty table behind us. There were many employees gathered around the bar area with seemingly nothing to do, and they could -- and should -- have helped our server to ensure those kind of minor snafus didn't happen. Oh, and there was a fruit fly in my water. Not exactly the kind of fine dining experience I was hoping for.
The real pity here is that downtown Waco is in desperate need of cool new gathering spots. Garrett's might come around in time, but if it doesn't improve, I just can't see it lasting long. Until and unless it gets better, I suggest trying a less-fancy but delicious alternative while in Waco: get yourself a burger.
All that said, I didn't love Garrett's.
Garrett's motto is that "fine dining is finally affordable." And Garrett's was affordable. It's whether it was truly "fine dining" that's disputable.
Our table started with a plate of hummus. What arrived was a very, very orange scoop of dip with pita chips. It tasted fine, but it didn't look like any kind of hummus that I've ever seen before. It wasn't enough to make discourage me (yet), and I ordered the seared ahi tuna for dinner.
That is where things got bad. Look, I understand that Waco is nowhere near the ocean, and that therefore fish has to be shipped in frozen sometimes. That's fine. Unfortunately, this fish did not taste like it had been properly defrosted, probably because it was sliced so thickly. That's not fine. The texture of the tuna was completely off. It was hard to cut and even harder to eat. The rice served with the tuna had a wonderful flavor, but was overwhelmed by the slightly-odd sauce beneath it. Overall, I just can't say that I enjoyed this dish.
For dessert we tried the "chocolate peanut butter lasagna" (really just a chocolate-peanut butter layer cake), which was similarly unbalanced. The flavors were good, but the layers were stacked so high that it was hard to eat it without tipping it onto it's side, and the peanut butter filling was so rich that it would be impossible to finish. In this instance a smaller portion would have actually been better.
Service was friendly, but green. Our server accidentally removed our knives after the appetizer and didn't replace them, leaving us to steal knives from the empty table behind us. There were many employees gathered around the bar area with seemingly nothing to do, and they could -- and should -- have helped our server to ensure those kind of minor snafus didn't happen. Oh, and there was a fruit fly in my water. Not exactly the kind of fine dining experience I was hoping for.
The real pity here is that downtown Waco is in desperate need of cool new gathering spots. Garrett's might come around in time, but if it doesn't improve, I just can't see it lasting long. Until and unless it gets better, I suggest trying a less-fancy but delicious alternative while in Waco: get yourself a burger.
Gravitas
Like last week, this week's restaurant can be summed up in one word, but it's not disappointing. For Gravitas, I'm going to have to go with cool. The decor is cool. Our server was cool. And the menu is most certainly very cool.
We started with the goat cheese tart with red onion jam and fennel slaw. What arrived was akin to a little pizza filled with a warm and savory goat cheese mixture. When eaten together, the three elements combined to create something crispy, satisfying and fun to eat. Highly recommended.
For dinner I had the mussels cooked in Stella Artois. These babies were quality, meaty and fresh. It was a very simple meal, but simple is good, as long as it's done well. And this was done very well.
On the side I had a HUGE bowl of fries (nothing special) served with a variety of dipping sauces (fun, though overwhelming). Obviously portion control is not a priority at Gravitas. You get a lot for your money -- bring friends who like to share.
I also have to mention the talented staff at the bar. I had a signature cocktail, the blood orange whiskey smash. Though it was a little pricey, this drink was just about perfect. The bartender at Gravitas is giving the staff at TQLA a run for their money, and that's saying a lot.
Overall, Gravitas is a sophisticated, hip little place with a creative chef and fabulous mixed drinks. This is the perfect place for date night, girls night, or a mommy-and-daddy-need-grown-up-time night. Try it -- you won't be disappointed, and you won't leave hungry.
We started with the goat cheese tart with red onion jam and fennel slaw. What arrived was akin to a little pizza filled with a warm and savory goat cheese mixture. When eaten together, the three elements combined to create something crispy, satisfying and fun to eat. Highly recommended.
For dinner I had the mussels cooked in Stella Artois. These babies were quality, meaty and fresh. It was a very simple meal, but simple is good, as long as it's done well. And this was done very well.
On the side I had a HUGE bowl of fries (nothing special) served with a variety of dipping sauces (fun, though overwhelming). Obviously portion control is not a priority at Gravitas. You get a lot for your money -- bring friends who like to share.
I also have to mention the talented staff at the bar. I had a signature cocktail, the blood orange whiskey smash. Though it was a little pricey, this drink was just about perfect. The bartender at Gravitas is giving the staff at TQLA a run for their money, and that's saying a lot.
Overall, Gravitas is a sophisticated, hip little place with a creative chef and fabulous mixed drinks. This is the perfect place for date night, girls night, or a mommy-and-daddy-need-grown-up-time night. Try it -- you won't be disappointed, and you won't leave hungry.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Mama's Cafe
Mama's Cafe is housed in a funky little building on Westheimer Avenue. Outside, an old-fashioned Coke sign advertises steak and beer. The cement floor and walkway is speckled with a dog's footprints. The place has a great ambiance, but unfortunately there's a strange sewage/sulfur smell that hangs around the front door, which is probably no fault of the restaurant but doesn't exactly inspire you to eat much.
Inside, the building is much larger than it looks from the street, and thankfully smells better too. The menu is comprised of simple, Southern-inspired foods. I went with a chicken fried steak salad, which was served with very good homemade cornbread and butter.
I'm not going to lie, the salad wasn't anything special. That's probably because of what I ordered. As my husband pointed out, there's not much you can do to mess up some greens with fried chicken on top -- and there's not much you can do to make it great either. It was fresh, filling, tasty and cheap. There's not much more I can say besides that.
Service was friendly and competent. I would -- and will -- definitely go back to Mama's, if only because it's a fun, casual place that wasn't too crowded on a Saturday. If you're looking to eat at a local joint with a great atmosphere, give Mama's a try -- but maybe hold your breath for a second on the way in.
Inside, the building is much larger than it looks from the street, and thankfully smells better too. The menu is comprised of simple, Southern-inspired foods. I went with a chicken fried steak salad, which was served with very good homemade cornbread and butter.
I'm not going to lie, the salad wasn't anything special. That's probably because of what I ordered. As my husband pointed out, there's not much you can do to mess up some greens with fried chicken on top -- and there's not much you can do to make it great either. It was fresh, filling, tasty and cheap. There's not much more I can say besides that.
Service was friendly and competent. I would -- and will -- definitely go back to Mama's, if only because it's a fun, casual place that wasn't too crowded on a Saturday. If you're looking to eat at a local joint with a great atmosphere, give Mama's a try -- but maybe hold your breath for a second on the way in.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Special Out of Town Edition: August
My husband is doing a training in New Orleans this week, and I decided to tag along. I'm a huge John Besh fan from Top Chef, so going to Restaurant August felt natural. It turned out to be an excellent choice.
August is housed in a neat little building that was built in the 1860s. I got to check the place out while I wandered around looking for the bathroom (word to the wise: it's on the second floor. If you reach a point where the air conditioning shuts off, you've missed the bathroom and you're in the attic). It's a cool place, and serves as a perfect backdrop for the food.
The meal started with an amuse that consisted of some kind of fishy-egg custard, served with caviar inside an egg shell. Of course, the waiter explained it in much more detail, but too quickly for me to comprehend anything but "don't let your husband eat this, since he's allergic to seafood." I had to eat both of them (darn!) and although they were pretty to look at, I found them to be a little salty, and not necessarily something I'd want to try again.
Our appetizer was foie gras three ways. What a nice presentation!
The striped one is foie with oxtail (the least successful of the three), the middle is served with sausage and champagne gelee (YUM) and the last, and best, was plain old foie with a wonderful raspberry jam. All three were great, but they paled in comparison to the best foie of the night, which was still to come ...
For dinner, I ordered my favorite fish, red snapper, with Meyer lemon aioli and a warm salad of artichoke, potatoes and tomato. I like how Chef Besh treats his fish like a protein, and the seasoning on the potatoes was wonderful. Another pretty and delicious dish.
However, the best thing I ate all night was actually on my husband's plate. He ordered the sugar-and-spice-rub duckling with grits and foie, served with fresh strawberry jam. I don't like duck, but I LOVED his foie. He was kind enough to allow me two small bites, which is actually quite generous, considering it was probably the best thing either of us has ever eaten (and no, I'm not exaggerating). Paired with the jam, this foie managed to be savory, meaty, and sweet. It literally melted in my mouth.
For dessert we had a very good banana and rum cake with white chocolate icing and coffee. My husband mentioned that it was the first time his meal has ever been richer than dessert. It was still tasty though.
Service was exemplary, which is exactly what you would expect at a restaurant like this. Several servers worked with us, and all of them seemed very knowledgeable about and proud of the products they were serving. It was nice to see so many people working together as a team.
Everything at August was predictably wonderful, with one exception: the foie gras on my husband's plate. That was ridiculously wonderful. Like the creamed corn at Capital Grille or the creme brulee at Pappa's, that foie is something we'll be talking about and trying to replicate for years.
August is housed in a neat little building that was built in the 1860s. I got to check the place out while I wandered around looking for the bathroom (word to the wise: it's on the second floor. If you reach a point where the air conditioning shuts off, you've missed the bathroom and you're in the attic). It's a cool place, and serves as a perfect backdrop for the food.
The meal started with an amuse that consisted of some kind of fishy-egg custard, served with caviar inside an egg shell. Of course, the waiter explained it in much more detail, but too quickly for me to comprehend anything but "don't let your husband eat this, since he's allergic to seafood." I had to eat both of them (darn!) and although they were pretty to look at, I found them to be a little salty, and not necessarily something I'd want to try again.
Our appetizer was foie gras three ways. What a nice presentation!
The striped one is foie with oxtail (the least successful of the three), the middle is served with sausage and champagne gelee (YUM) and the last, and best, was plain old foie with a wonderful raspberry jam. All three were great, but they paled in comparison to the best foie of the night, which was still to come ...
For dinner, I ordered my favorite fish, red snapper, with Meyer lemon aioli and a warm salad of artichoke, potatoes and tomato. I like how Chef Besh treats his fish like a protein, and the seasoning on the potatoes was wonderful. Another pretty and delicious dish.
However, the best thing I ate all night was actually on my husband's plate. He ordered the sugar-and-spice-rub duckling with grits and foie, served with fresh strawberry jam. I don't like duck, but I LOVED his foie. He was kind enough to allow me two small bites, which is actually quite generous, considering it was probably the best thing either of us has ever eaten (and no, I'm not exaggerating). Paired with the jam, this foie managed to be savory, meaty, and sweet. It literally melted in my mouth.
For dessert we had a very good banana and rum cake with white chocolate icing and coffee. My husband mentioned that it was the first time his meal has ever been richer than dessert. It was still tasty though.
Service was exemplary, which is exactly what you would expect at a restaurant like this. Several servers worked with us, and all of them seemed very knowledgeable about and proud of the products they were serving. It was nice to see so many people working together as a team.
Everything at August was predictably wonderful, with one exception: the foie gras on my husband's plate. That was ridiculously wonderful. Like the creamed corn at Capital Grille or the creme brulee at Pappa's, that foie is something we'll be talking about and trying to replicate for years.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Central Market Cafe Meals to Go
We didn't go to a restaurant this week. The weather has been terrible (for Houston) and so has my husband's work schedule. We did get a meal-to-go from Central Market last night, so I'm going to blog about that.
Before anyone stops reading, you should know that this isn't just a regular grocery store. Central Market purports to offer restaurant-quality meals for two, and even has an attached cafe for those who would prefer to eat in. So it's kind of like a restaurant; enough so that I don't feel completely ridiculous writing this.
The menu at Central Market changes daily. Last night was honey garlic flank steak with mashed potatoes, Asian slaw and dinner rolls. The food is prepackaged in paper bags with insanely simple reheating instructions. For around $20 you buy a bag and get everything you need for dinner in one fell swoop.
The steak was good, but tough. The meat had been cut into little 1 X 3" strips, which made reheating easier but sucked most of the moisture out of the beef. The flavoring was good, and had it been a little more tender (perhaps by including instructions on rehydrating the meat with a wet paper towel, a trick I thought of too late) it would have been restaurant quality.
The mashed potatoes were serviceable and heated up well in the microwave. The dinner rolls were a throw-away, added simply because many people don't believe you can have a meal without bread. The real stand-out side dish was the Asian slaw. The vegetables (carrot, daikon, lettuce) were still crispy, despite being bathed in a very tasty spicy dressing. I was worried that the salad wouldn't pair well with the meat and potatoes, but surprisingly nothing looked or tasted out-of-place on the plate.
Portions were VERY generous. This is supposed to be a meal for two, but you could easily feed three or even four out of the bag. We actually ate the leftover steak this morning with scrambled eggs, meaning we really got two meals for the price of one. This is a very economical option for couples or small families who want well-balanced, nutritious food but don't have the time to shop and cook. Is it a substitute for a restaurant meal? No. Is it a really good substitute for (or even a step-up from) homecooking for busy people who care about eating well? Absolutely.
Before anyone stops reading, you should know that this isn't just a regular grocery store. Central Market purports to offer restaurant-quality meals for two, and even has an attached cafe for those who would prefer to eat in. So it's kind of like a restaurant; enough so that I don't feel completely ridiculous writing this.
The menu at Central Market changes daily. Last night was honey garlic flank steak with mashed potatoes, Asian slaw and dinner rolls. The food is prepackaged in paper bags with insanely simple reheating instructions. For around $20 you buy a bag and get everything you need for dinner in one fell swoop.
The steak was good, but tough. The meat had been cut into little 1 X 3" strips, which made reheating easier but sucked most of the moisture out of the beef. The flavoring was good, and had it been a little more tender (perhaps by including instructions on rehydrating the meat with a wet paper towel, a trick I thought of too late) it would have been restaurant quality.
The mashed potatoes were serviceable and heated up well in the microwave. The dinner rolls were a throw-away, added simply because many people don't believe you can have a meal without bread. The real stand-out side dish was the Asian slaw. The vegetables (carrot, daikon, lettuce) were still crispy, despite being bathed in a very tasty spicy dressing. I was worried that the salad wouldn't pair well with the meat and potatoes, but surprisingly nothing looked or tasted out-of-place on the plate.
Portions were VERY generous. This is supposed to be a meal for two, but you could easily feed three or even four out of the bag. We actually ate the leftover steak this morning with scrambled eggs, meaning we really got two meals for the price of one. This is a very economical option for couples or small families who want well-balanced, nutritious food but don't have the time to shop and cook. Is it a substitute for a restaurant meal? No. Is it a really good substitute for (or even a step-up from) homecooking for busy people who care about eating well? Absolutely.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Ruggles Green
I'm a huge supporter of green living. My husband and I recycle, we use only natural cleaning products, and we fully intend to compost (once we have a yard). I'm also a firm believer that just because something is natural and healthy doesn't mean it has to taste bad or be very expensive or difficult to procur. Unfortunately, the "first certified green restaurant" in Houston doesn't seem to agree with my philosophy. While the food was alright, getting in was quite an ordeal and the overall experience was not very pleasant.
My husband and I decided to check out the Ruggles in River Oaks for lunch on a Wednesday. The parking lot in front of the restaurant is tiny, and most of the spots are designated "20 minute parking only"* or reserved for the medical spa next door. The lot across the street is also reserved for other businesses, with a sign specifically warning Ruggles customers not to park there. We finally gave up and parked on the road about a block away.
Things didn't get better once we were inside. Ruggles is very small, and though there is some outdoor seating available, they didn't seem prepared to handle the lunch rush. After waiting on line to place our order, we managed to find a booth -- but we were lucky. Plenty of people came in after us and were forced to wait for a seat, or wander around the (crowded, noisy) restaurant aimlessly until they found one. A few customers walked out.
Ruggles was very busy and very noisy. There was absolutely nothing relaxing about the atmosphere at all. I felt rushed and even a tad bit guilty watching other patrons look for a place to sit, and I could barely hear my husband over all of the noise. Not a good place to be if you have jangled nerves, or are susceptible to other people's nervous energy.
Our food was actually pretty decent. I had a vegetable sourdough panini. I don't know if I loved the way the sourdough paired with the goat cheese spread. However, the serving of vegetables (onions, mushrooms and zuchini) on the sandwich was generous and very satisfying. The accompanying fries were also very good. The meal cost $8.95, which is not bad for a filling lunch.
My husband had the cuban pork sandwich, which is a dollar more, and he said that he felt like he didn't quite get enough for what he paid. He was also disappointed that he ordered sweet potato fries but was served regular fries instead. I think any problems with the order were probably due to the pace of the place; it's so extremely hectic in the dining room that I shudder to think what the kitchen is like.
Overall, I would recommend Ruggles for take-out. The food is actually very tasty, and I feel like I need to support anything or anybody who is trying to make Houston greener. I would not recommend going for a sit-down meal, especially around lunchtime. If you're in the mood for a sandwich in a less stressful atmosphere, there are other places available to meet that need.
*We spent about 45 minutes in Ruggles for lunch. When we left the restaurant, we noticed that the same cars were parked in the 20 minute spots as when we got there. If the restaurant is not going to enforce its own parking rules, the signs should come down. That would open up a lot more space in the lot.
My husband and I decided to check out the Ruggles in River Oaks for lunch on a Wednesday. The parking lot in front of the restaurant is tiny, and most of the spots are designated "20 minute parking only"* or reserved for the medical spa next door. The lot across the street is also reserved for other businesses, with a sign specifically warning Ruggles customers not to park there. We finally gave up and parked on the road about a block away.
Things didn't get better once we were inside. Ruggles is very small, and though there is some outdoor seating available, they didn't seem prepared to handle the lunch rush. After waiting on line to place our order, we managed to find a booth -- but we were lucky. Plenty of people came in after us and were forced to wait for a seat, or wander around the (crowded, noisy) restaurant aimlessly until they found one. A few customers walked out.
Ruggles was very busy and very noisy. There was absolutely nothing relaxing about the atmosphere at all. I felt rushed and even a tad bit guilty watching other patrons look for a place to sit, and I could barely hear my husband over all of the noise. Not a good place to be if you have jangled nerves, or are susceptible to other people's nervous energy.
Our food was actually pretty decent. I had a vegetable sourdough panini. I don't know if I loved the way the sourdough paired with the goat cheese spread. However, the serving of vegetables (onions, mushrooms and zuchini) on the sandwich was generous and very satisfying. The accompanying fries were also very good. The meal cost $8.95, which is not bad for a filling lunch.
My husband had the cuban pork sandwich, which is a dollar more, and he said that he felt like he didn't quite get enough for what he paid. He was also disappointed that he ordered sweet potato fries but was served regular fries instead. I think any problems with the order were probably due to the pace of the place; it's so extremely hectic in the dining room that I shudder to think what the kitchen is like.
Overall, I would recommend Ruggles for take-out. The food is actually very tasty, and I feel like I need to support anything or anybody who is trying to make Houston greener. I would not recommend going for a sit-down meal, especially around lunchtime. If you're in the mood for a sandwich in a less stressful atmosphere, there are other places available to meet that need.
*We spent about 45 minutes in Ruggles for lunch. When we left the restaurant, we noticed that the same cars were parked in the 20 minute spots as when we got there. If the restaurant is not going to enforce its own parking rules, the signs should come down. That would open up a lot more space in the lot.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Mockingbird Bistro
Occasionally, you find a place that is so comforting, so cozy, just such a great space to occupy that the food seems almost secondary. Mockingbird Bistro is such a place. Tucked inside a tiny little brick building on the corner of Welch and McDuffie, Mockingbird beckons with a beautiful hardwood bar, gold and brick walls, and a sweet little upstairs dining room that almost encourages quiet conversation.
When I say the food is secondary to the atmosphere, I mean that in a very literal sense: the food follows the decor, so that just by looking at the restaurant you can tell what kind of meal to expect. It's going to be high-quality, expensive (but not pretentious), satisfying and comforting. I'm happy to report that the food at Mockingbird was all of those things.
I didn't take pictures (it just felt wrong to disturb the mood with a flash), but I had the onion soup and a warm spinach salad, as well as a glass of the house white. My husband went with the chef's special, kobe beef short ribs. My meal was good; quality ingredients, prepared simply. My husband's meal was truly a thing of beauty. The ribs were so incredibly tender, they pretty much dwarf any other beef dish I've ever had. Ever.
For dessert we shared apple bread pudding with cinnamon ice-cream. This was a very creative take on the traditional apple pie a la mode. The texture of the bread pudding was perfectly dense, and the ice cream had a light cinnamon flavor that tasted great paired with the pudding and alone. Another truly wonderful dish, and worth saving room for.
Service at Mockingbird was attentive. My husband commented that we didn't seem like our waiter's first priority, but I didn't get that impression. We never needed anything for very long before he appeared, usually with a smile, suggestion or joke. His demeanor fit the atmosphere -- laid-back but professional. I feel that if he had checked in on us any more than he did it would have disturbed our conversation and the experience as a whole.
Chef John Sheely has created a very special little bistro on the corner of Welch and McDuffie. From the moment you arrive, you feel like you belong to a special club. A club full of hip, friendly and upscale people who know how to relax and how to eat. Go once, and you'll want to go back.
When I say the food is secondary to the atmosphere, I mean that in a very literal sense: the food follows the decor, so that just by looking at the restaurant you can tell what kind of meal to expect. It's going to be high-quality, expensive (but not pretentious), satisfying and comforting. I'm happy to report that the food at Mockingbird was all of those things.
I didn't take pictures (it just felt wrong to disturb the mood with a flash), but I had the onion soup and a warm spinach salad, as well as a glass of the house white. My husband went with the chef's special, kobe beef short ribs. My meal was good; quality ingredients, prepared simply. My husband's meal was truly a thing of beauty. The ribs were so incredibly tender, they pretty much dwarf any other beef dish I've ever had. Ever.
For dessert we shared apple bread pudding with cinnamon ice-cream. This was a very creative take on the traditional apple pie a la mode. The texture of the bread pudding was perfectly dense, and the ice cream had a light cinnamon flavor that tasted great paired with the pudding and alone. Another truly wonderful dish, and worth saving room for.
Service at Mockingbird was attentive. My husband commented that we didn't seem like our waiter's first priority, but I didn't get that impression. We never needed anything for very long before he appeared, usually with a smile, suggestion or joke. His demeanor fit the atmosphere -- laid-back but professional. I feel that if he had checked in on us any more than he did it would have disturbed our conversation and the experience as a whole.
Chef John Sheely has created a very special little bistro on the corner of Welch and McDuffie. From the moment you arrive, you feel like you belong to a special club. A club full of hip, friendly and upscale people who know how to relax and how to eat. Go once, and you'll want to go back.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Table Seven
My husband and I hit up Table Seven on a Tuesday night. Turns out that was a great decision, because all bottles of wine are half price on Mondays and Tuesdays. Yes, you read that right. That's an amazing deal, and I have no idea why this place wasn't packed, but it wasn't.
The atmosphere at Table Seven can best be described as jazzy -- cranberry red walls, modern art, and pretty chandeliers. Our server was competent and sweet, though very young and a little green. He made good suggestions, though, particularly on the dessert (but more about that later).
We started with the Spinach and Artichoke dip, which was 1/2 price during happy hour. The dip itself was pretty standard stuff, but the little toasted squares of naan it was served with elevated it from a TGI Friday's quality appetizer to something much better. The portion was perfect for an appetizer too -- it was enough to get us excited about eating more, but not enough to leave us full.
Since the flatbread was so tasty with the appetizer, I decided to make a meal out of it and ordered a buffalo flatbread. Patties of ground buffalo meat, lettuce, onion and some kind of sauce arrived stuffed into the very good bread. Although it was all yummy, it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. For some reason I thought it would taste more like a gyro than a burger, so I was a little disappointed. The ingredients were all good individually, and the fries on the side were nice, but it isn't something I would likely order again, if for no other reason than it wasn't exactly what I wanted in that moment.
Our waiter suggested we have a brownie with caramel ice cream for dessert. I liked the idea of caramel ice cream. Turns out, I also liked the way it tasted. The brownie was nothing special, but the ice cream made the dessert. I would eat a pint of this stuff, right now. Seriously.
Our entire meal, including our amazing half-price bottle of wine, was only $68. That is an exceptional value considering the amount and quality of the food we ate. I simply cannot understand why the restaurant was less than half full with prices like that. My husband has been to Table Seven for lunch before and said that service was slow, but that wasn't an issue the night we had dinner; everything was delivered promptly and our waiter was friendly as could be. PLEASE go to Table Seven. I do not want to see this place go under, if for no other reason than the caramel ice cream.
Please people. Think of the ice cream.
The atmosphere at Table Seven can best be described as jazzy -- cranberry red walls, modern art, and pretty chandeliers. Our server was competent and sweet, though very young and a little green. He made good suggestions, though, particularly on the dessert (but more about that later).
We started with the Spinach and Artichoke dip, which was 1/2 price during happy hour. The dip itself was pretty standard stuff, but the little toasted squares of naan it was served with elevated it from a TGI Friday's quality appetizer to something much better. The portion was perfect for an appetizer too -- it was enough to get us excited about eating more, but not enough to leave us full.
Since the flatbread was so tasty with the appetizer, I decided to make a meal out of it and ordered a buffalo flatbread. Patties of ground buffalo meat, lettuce, onion and some kind of sauce arrived stuffed into the very good bread. Although it was all yummy, it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. For some reason I thought it would taste more like a gyro than a burger, so I was a little disappointed. The ingredients were all good individually, and the fries on the side were nice, but it isn't something I would likely order again, if for no other reason than it wasn't exactly what I wanted in that moment.
Our waiter suggested we have a brownie with caramel ice cream for dessert. I liked the idea of caramel ice cream. Turns out, I also liked the way it tasted. The brownie was nothing special, but the ice cream made the dessert. I would eat a pint of this stuff, right now. Seriously.
Our entire meal, including our amazing half-price bottle of wine, was only $68. That is an exceptional value considering the amount and quality of the food we ate. I simply cannot understand why the restaurant was less than half full with prices like that. My husband has been to Table Seven for lunch before and said that service was slow, but that wasn't an issue the night we had dinner; everything was delivered promptly and our waiter was friendly as could be. PLEASE go to Table Seven. I do not want to see this place go under, if for no other reason than the caramel ice cream.
Please people. Think of the ice cream.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Special Out-of-Town Edition: Cowboy Chow
Cowboy Chow in Dallas, Texas is an amazing place. Its decor is best summed up as "modern Western fun." Above the bar/"wedding chapel" there are a pair of stuffed buffalo heads, appropriately dressed as a bride and groom. The check is delivered to the table folded into an empty playing card box. Even the bathroom sports some Old West charm: there's a hog's head in the ladies room that looks cool, but is a little uncomfortable to urinate next to.
I have been to Cowboy Chow a handful of times, and every time I get the same thing. This meal is perfect so I don't feel the need to experiment. I always start with a carafe of watermelon sweet tea, which is not-too-sweet and delicately flavored, like the end of a perfect summer's day. Then I move on to a Navajo fry bread appetizer.
The spicy and piping-hot fried tortilla is served with sweet honey and mashed black beans for dipping. The contrast between the saltiness of the bread and beans and the sweetness of the honey is very appealing, and there is always more than enough bread to share. This is a very unique appetizer that should not be missed.
For my meal, I always get a cowboy parfait. The parfait is layers of mashed potatoes, brisket, corn, tortilla strips and shredded cheese, all served in a glass jar. Meaty, savory, satisfying and fun, this is the kind of food that will fill you up for the trail ahead -- even if that trail is just a highway headed back to Houston.
Cowboy Chow is a fun, funky little place in the Deep Ellum section of Dallas. There's really no way to categorize the food and the experience except as enjoyable. If you are travelling to or through Dallas for Thanksgiving, or any time of the year, try it. You won't be disappointed.
I have been to Cowboy Chow a handful of times, and every time I get the same thing. This meal is perfect so I don't feel the need to experiment. I always start with a carafe of watermelon sweet tea, which is not-too-sweet and delicately flavored, like the end of a perfect summer's day. Then I move on to a Navajo fry bread appetizer.
The spicy and piping-hot fried tortilla is served with sweet honey and mashed black beans for dipping. The contrast between the saltiness of the bread and beans and the sweetness of the honey is very appealing, and there is always more than enough bread to share. This is a very unique appetizer that should not be missed.
For my meal, I always get a cowboy parfait. The parfait is layers of mashed potatoes, brisket, corn, tortilla strips and shredded cheese, all served in a glass jar. Meaty, savory, satisfying and fun, this is the kind of food that will fill you up for the trail ahead -- even if that trail is just a highway headed back to Houston.
Cowboy Chow is a fun, funky little place in the Deep Ellum section of Dallas. There's really no way to categorize the food and the experience except as enjoyable. If you are travelling to or through Dallas for Thanksgiving, or any time of the year, try it. You won't be disappointed.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Daily Grill
I didn't really want to have dinner at The Daily Grill. We were in the Houston Galleria on a Tuesday night, and the restaurant I wanted to eat at was empty. For some reason, being the only person in a restaurant makes me uncomfortable, so we sought out food elsewhere and kind of stumbled upon Daily Grill.
I started my meal with a pomegranate martini. My drink tasted more like juice than alcohol, but it must be loaded with it, since it cost $13. To pay that much for a mixed drink you have to be a little tipsy. Fine drink, but not worth it.
My meal was far better. I was craving fish, so I got the fish and chips.
The fish was lightly breaded and fork-tender. It was served with lemon wedges and vinegar (which I didn't even have to ask for) and serviceable french fries. Very satisfying meal. My husband had a ribeye and he was very happy with it as well.
We decided to have a dessert at our waiter's suggestion. We shared the strawberry shortcake. The chef was very generous with his strawberries and real, fresh whipped cream, but the real standout of the dish was the extremely flavorful strawberry syrup that lined the bottom of the bowl. Truly heavenly, it more than made up for the fact that the biscuit was a little too thick and too dry.
Service at The Daily Grill is exemplary. Our server was attentive and helpful without being pushy. There were a lot of little touches we weren't expecting: the server scraped bread crumbs off of our table with a knife, the manager came by to check on how we were doing, the bus boys quickly moved used and empty plates almost as soon as we were done with them. As far as service was concerned, The Daily Grill is more like a fine dining restaurant than a place in a mall.
Unfortunately, The Daily Grill also forgets that it's in a mall when it comes to prices. Everything was just a little too expensive (except, of course, for my $13 drink, which was MUCH too expensive). Don't get me wrong -- the food here is good. I just don't think that The Daily Grill will be my first choice from now on when I'm shopping and need something to eat. Chances are, if I'm in the mall, I've probably spent too much already to afford a pricey meal. And at $13 a pop, I'll NEVER be able to drink enough to justify it to myself.
I started my meal with a pomegranate martini. My drink tasted more like juice than alcohol, but it must be loaded with it, since it cost $13. To pay that much for a mixed drink you have to be a little tipsy. Fine drink, but not worth it.
My meal was far better. I was craving fish, so I got the fish and chips.
The fish was lightly breaded and fork-tender. It was served with lemon wedges and vinegar (which I didn't even have to ask for) and serviceable french fries. Very satisfying meal. My husband had a ribeye and he was very happy with it as well.
We decided to have a dessert at our waiter's suggestion. We shared the strawberry shortcake. The chef was very generous with his strawberries and real, fresh whipped cream, but the real standout of the dish was the extremely flavorful strawberry syrup that lined the bottom of the bowl. Truly heavenly, it more than made up for the fact that the biscuit was a little too thick and too dry.
Service at The Daily Grill is exemplary. Our server was attentive and helpful without being pushy. There were a lot of little touches we weren't expecting: the server scraped bread crumbs off of our table with a knife, the manager came by to check on how we were doing, the bus boys quickly moved used and empty plates almost as soon as we were done with them. As far as service was concerned, The Daily Grill is more like a fine dining restaurant than a place in a mall.
Unfortunately, The Daily Grill also forgets that it's in a mall when it comes to prices. Everything was just a little too expensive (except, of course, for my $13 drink, which was MUCH too expensive). Don't get me wrong -- the food here is good. I just don't think that The Daily Grill will be my first choice from now on when I'm shopping and need something to eat. Chances are, if I'm in the mall, I've probably spent too much already to afford a pricey meal. And at $13 a pop, I'll NEVER be able to drink enough to justify it to myself.
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