Saturday, July 3, 2010

BRC Gastropub

Gastropub is gaining its popularity in terms of its usage. It's almost like saying we're not quite a pub, but we serve better food. In Big Red's case, that's true. Before we go any further, make all the jokes you want, but yes, BRC does stand for Big Red Cock. To that, they actually do have a big giant cockatoo in the parking lot.

BRC is a brain child of the guys from Glass Wall, Lance Fagen & Shepherd Ross, and Carl Eaves from The Social. To be honest, I've never been able to go to the Social nor have I ever been to the Glass Wall. I'm always intimidated by the wait for the place and rather go somewhere else where the wait is not so horrible.

While BRC isn't exactly wait-free. The place is definitely more welcoming and you wouldn't mind waiting while watching a soccer match. The bar serves a wide range of local beer, something for everyone. The wine list isn't shabby either. When you sit down at the bar, first thing they throw at you is this little book of wine and beer choices... needless to say, it's a very long list.

The place is definitely theme for the crowd that hangs out at the Washington Corridor. But the food is definitely the higher end comfort food.

On to the food:
Dr. Pepper Fried Quail

From what I understand, the guys from Glasswall is famous for their quail. Which explains alot. I liked the quail, it's not game-y and juicy. I'm not too sure about the potato salad that has less flavor, but the quail itself has a very juicy texture and if I can say so myself, it's meaty too.

The potato salad has the look and feel to it, but the taste was lacking a bit. While the quail draws a sweet taste to the meat, the salad has almost no taste. That kinda surprised me, as I'm not sure if they are trying to 'balance' out the main piece or if it is how it's supposed to be. So, will have to go back and try again.

Mac & Cheese du Jour:
I was a tad hesitant at first because I wasn't looking for a heavy side for my quail, but whatever I wanted to get wasn't available. Since the bartender recommended it, why not. The mac & cheese du jour was spread w/ andouille sausage and bacon bits. It's not over empowering with the cheese, but you can still taste the meat. Talk about it's my kind of mac & cheese. It has never been kind to me, but this one worked. So, I'm sticking with it.

Just a quick note about parking, they do have a small parking lot. They also made arrangement w/ the big silver building next door to use their parking in the evenings and the weekend. However, they've also have arranged w/ their neighbors about parking in the evening on weekends. That comes in handy only if there is not a Roller Derby game next door at Kicks. So, I suggest you check the schedule. If not, the big giant parking nightmare would be a clue.

BRC Gastropub
519 Shepherd Dr.
Houston, TX 77007
713-861-2233
http://www.brcgastropub.com/