So, I subscribed to Cleverly's Newsletter after the Houston Restaurant Week last fall. And I came across her announcement on the Mockingbird Bistro Wine Dinner. I've heard of it, just didn't know what it entails and been dying to try that out.
I grabbed my friend Steve and off we went. As you arrive, you can see that they kept alot of the Quasimodo's decor but with a new coat of paint and nice carpet. If you recall, the restaurant before the arrival of Mockingbird was Quasimodo, which was owned by the same guy who owns the building. I remembered because I used to live down the street and I would go to the laundromat next door. I would see him go between the restaurant and the laundromat, and we think that he and his wife live upstairs. All I remember was he used to play the 740AM radio and was grumpy. I would put a load of laundry in, eat dinner at Quasimodo and then go back and put my clothes in the dryer. That worked out for me.
Anyway, Mockingbird moved in around 2002 or 2003, because they just opened and shortly after I got married and moved out of the neighborhood. While I envied the diners at the new, chi-chi restaurant. I'm sure they were wondering why some girl carrying her laundry strolling right in front of them while they eat. That has got to be very very odd.
Fast forward to last night, I finally can afford to come as a diner. And it was well worth it. I was going to take a picture of each of the dish, but since we were in a small room that would've been obvious and embarrassing. The menu is as follows:
First Course
Pancetta Wrapped Jumbo Scallop with roasted pear and peach petite salad. Pinot gris/vanilla vinaigrette
Wine pairing: 2007 Belle Vallee Pino Gris
Second Course
Duck 3 Ways
-seared breast with dried fruit compote
-leg confit w/ farro risotto
-torchon of duck foie gras/raspberry aspic
Wine pairing: 2007 Belle Vallee Reserve Pinot Noir
Main Course
Duo of Colorado Lamb
-grilled lamb ribeye with wild mushrooms chevre maitre d'hotel butter
-slow braised lamb shank with peruvian lima beans swiss chard and prune/apricot gremolata
Wine pairing: 2006 Belle Valle Grand Cuvee Pinot Noir
Finale
Wild Berry Cobbler with Belle Vallee Port ice cream
Wine Pairing: 2004 Belle Vallee Pinot Noir Port
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So, first off, I'm not a true wine connoisseur, so I cannot throw out adjectives like robust, fruity, aromatic...etc at a drop of a hat. That part, might be lost on me, but the food doesn't. What they didn't put on the menu was during the reception, they did tuna tartare, grilled lamb chop, and crab leg lollipop in orange sauce; all of them goes very well with their Pinot Gris. (In case you haven't figured out, this is a wine sponsored dinner, that's why all the wine came from the same winery.)
The jumbo scallop was nice and fresh, along w/ the roasted pear and peach, that really brought out the pancetta. However! When you eat it w/ the vinaigrette, it brought out flavors that is excitement. And when you pair it w/ the pinot gris, it really neutralizes the acid and makes everything neutral and happy.
The Duck 3 ways was definitely my favorite part. I was already impressed by the surprising flavors from the risotto, but to add the duck breast, it just builds the yummyness in my mouth. I liked the breast was seared but you can still taste the marinate and the fruit on top of it, made the meat sweeter than it already is. But, the best part of all was the foie gras. I don't care what your view on foie gras is, that foie gras was super awesome and I haven't been able to stop talking about it. It has a thin cracker at the bottom, a small portion of foie gras, and topped w/ a piece of raspberry aspic. What the heck is an aspic? I don't know, but it was good and that's good enough for me. Can I get more????
The main course was the lamb. The lamb w/ wild mushroom, and let me tell you, that sauce and the mushroom really made the lamb ribeye. You don't see lamb ribeye very often so it's definitely a treat to have something so rear. The braised lamb shank was really shredded and mixed w/ the beans and prune and the apricot gremolata mix laid comfortably on a square pastry. It totally made me want to pick it up and devour. Of course, I didn't, but I wanted to.
The dessert was a berry cobbler, but if seems more like a layer of fresh fruit at the bottom, a cookie-like top dusted w/ powder sugar, and the special port ice cream, which I can taste there's cinnamon in it. That was delicious. I'm still gaga over the foie gras, but the ice cream cobbler combo does hit the spot. The port wine that was paired was very strong in terms of alcohol content, so I backed off on that, especially when I don't have a designated driver with me.
Dinner was nice, I was a little apprehensive about the open seating. I don't care to be forced into mingling with others, I wanted to have a relax and enjoyable dinner. Luckily, our table were seated w/ cool guests which makes conversations easy and comfortable. To that, I thank my lucky stars that brings people together serendipitously. The cost is $125, gratuity of $25 is tagged on, plus tax you're lookinag at $136 and change. Obviously, this is not something you do every night, nor does Mockingbird offer them 'that' frequently. Maybe once a quarter, so a treat once in a while is ok.
I do look forward to other menu items at Mockingbird, they have superb servers and staff, their chefs are amazing. I'd definitely go back, wine dinner or not.
Mockingbird Bistro
1985 Welch St.
Houston, Texas 77019
Tel. 713.533.0200
Reservations recommended
bring change for valet parking.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Del Frisco Steakhouse
A bunch of friends and I went to Del Frisco for a birthday dinner. They can accommodate dinner for large party for sure. Their downstair bar can be seen as cozy, though the seating for bar wasn't alot. The seating upstairs however, was ample. Just the stairs makes you feel like you're about to experience something important.
As the evening progress, you see the entire restaurant fills up. That was surprising to me because it was a Monday night. But if you look around, you quickly realize why. Most of them were business men out to discuss business over dinner. They are all probably staying at the many nearby hotels and just trying to catch a good steak. Either way, the gorgeous window over look Westhimer street at night was breath-taking. For a mere moment, you may have thought that you've escaped to some exotic city, anywhere but Texas. It was indeed gorgeous.
Let's talk food, shall we?! The first thing we all made fun of was the menu and its giant font. Several of us in the party didn't even need glasses. Haha... I ordered a 8oz filet mignon. That meat was nice and good for me. The others in my party ordered the Governor's Filet which was a 6oz Filet Mignon plus Chateau Potatoes (aka mashed potato), another person got a Peppercorn Steak, that was really full of peppercorn. They have some very yummy sides, but the complain was that they like to serve it all the way around. What happens when the person just want the side dish to his or herself?
Their dessert was good, but nothing so extraordinary that makes me return for more, which was like the steak. Don't get me wrong, it was good, I love my meat. But, nothing makes me want to make that as a destination to return time and again. I will refer people to it, simply because of it's location, which was centralized for businessman and tourist alike. Otherwise, I'm sticking with my steak at Morton's.
Del Frisco's Houston
5061 Westheimer Road (side of Galleria)
Houston, TX 77056
713-355-2600
Del Frisco's Website
As the evening progress, you see the entire restaurant fills up. That was surprising to me because it was a Monday night. But if you look around, you quickly realize why. Most of them were business men out to discuss business over dinner. They are all probably staying at the many nearby hotels and just trying to catch a good steak. Either way, the gorgeous window over look Westhimer street at night was breath-taking. For a mere moment, you may have thought that you've escaped to some exotic city, anywhere but Texas. It was indeed gorgeous.
Let's talk food, shall we?! The first thing we all made fun of was the menu and its giant font. Several of us in the party didn't even need glasses. Haha... I ordered a 8oz filet mignon. That meat was nice and good for me. The others in my party ordered the Governor's Filet which was a 6oz Filet Mignon plus Chateau Potatoes (aka mashed potato), another person got a Peppercorn Steak, that was really full of peppercorn. They have some very yummy sides, but the complain was that they like to serve it all the way around. What happens when the person just want the side dish to his or herself?
Their dessert was good, but nothing so extraordinary that makes me return for more, which was like the steak. Don't get me wrong, it was good, I love my meat. But, nothing makes me want to make that as a destination to return time and again. I will refer people to it, simply because of it's location, which was centralized for businessman and tourist alike. Otherwise, I'm sticking with my steak at Morton's.
Del Frisco's Houston
5061 Westheimer Road (side of Galleria)
Houston, TX 77056
713-355-2600
Del Frisco's Website
Monday, February 8, 2010
Celebrity Cupcakes
Well, I've been hearing about the Celebrity Cupcakes in Rice Village Aracade for a while. While I don't bake cupcakes, I've crocheted them, and I'm now learning to craft soap in shape of cupcake... I *heart* cupcake. I would say I'm a connoisseur... I was there when Cookie Jar was around, and had a cupcake cake for my husband. I order frequently from Sugar Baby's. I even travel outside of the Loop to go to Ooh La La in Cinco Ranch. Of course, who can forget about Crave Cupcakes? Which, ahem, where the heck is my Sprinkle cupcakes??? I have to go to Dallas for my Sprinkles.
Anyway, back to Celebrity. The building it's housed is gorgeous, brand new and all around pretty. It's tucked in from the main street which is smart because we all can appreciate parking on site. It's right behind Bistro des Amis on Morningside & University. The decor is nice, dark wood trim with nice eggshell painted walls with gigantic windown pane doors. It's quite lovely.
When you get in, however, you realize how small the place really is. Looks like the kitchen is right open for all to see, which is fine by me, as I'm sure the aroma when fresh cupcakes comes out is wonderful. The display is very chic and very much the type of cupcake display cases you've seen at nicer stores. The lady that was there, I can only assume is the owner, wasn't all that friendly. I wasn't greeted when I walked it, it was just me and her, which also worries me on a good weekend day and a business like that is not busy, when a Crave is sold out. Now, granted, it's on Superbowl Sunday, but don't people eat cupcake at Superbowl parties?
The cupcake itself looks nice. Not messy nor does it look homemade, it's definitely professional looking cupcake. I tried to Chocolate Truffle, it's not really what it sounds like. It's more like a chocolate cupcake with chocolate icing. I would say other than it looks good, the cupcake wasn't anything spectular. They certainly have the good location in their favor, but not sure if the owner's unfriendliness or the ordinary taste of the cupcakes makes the place stagnant, but I fear that when Crave Cupcakes move down the street in Spring would that put a small mom and pop shop like Celebrity out of business. We shall see.
Celebrity Cupcakes
2343 University Blvd. Ste B
Houston, TX 77005
713-667-CAKE (2253)
Anyway, back to Celebrity. The building it's housed is gorgeous, brand new and all around pretty. It's tucked in from the main street which is smart because we all can appreciate parking on site. It's right behind Bistro des Amis on Morningside & University. The decor is nice, dark wood trim with nice eggshell painted walls with gigantic windown pane doors. It's quite lovely.
When you get in, however, you realize how small the place really is. Looks like the kitchen is right open for all to see, which is fine by me, as I'm sure the aroma when fresh cupcakes comes out is wonderful. The display is very chic and very much the type of cupcake display cases you've seen at nicer stores. The lady that was there, I can only assume is the owner, wasn't all that friendly. I wasn't greeted when I walked it, it was just me and her, which also worries me on a good weekend day and a business like that is not busy, when a Crave is sold out. Now, granted, it's on Superbowl Sunday, but don't people eat cupcake at Superbowl parties?
The cupcake itself looks nice. Not messy nor does it look homemade, it's definitely professional looking cupcake. I tried to Chocolate Truffle, it's not really what it sounds like. It's more like a chocolate cupcake with chocolate icing. I would say other than it looks good, the cupcake wasn't anything spectular. They certainly have the good location in their favor, but not sure if the owner's unfriendliness or the ordinary taste of the cupcakes makes the place stagnant, but I fear that when Crave Cupcakes move down the street in Spring would that put a small mom and pop shop like Celebrity out of business. We shall see.
Celebrity Cupcakes
2343 University Blvd. Ste B
Houston, TX 77005
713-667-CAKE (2253)
Monday, January 11, 2010
Jeannine's Bistro
So, I've heard alot about this place from my French teacher and several othe foodies around town. I was sad to know that I will never know what Cafe Montrose was. I know I should've stopped when I've driven by it many of times. Just the getting in and out in that part of Westheimer really deter me. Their old location was near alot of up and coming clothing stores and nifty vintage places. Plus, the tiny 4 lane street presents some challenge navigating the turns on that street.
Anyway, after they no longer at the Westheimer location, I heard that it was split into two. The Jeannine's Bistro & the Broken Spoke. On this cold Houston night (all of 27 degrees) I'd figured why not, let's give that a try.
When we arrived, I was surprised at how small the place is. Of course, that was magnified by the fact that there were 3 big-ish parties seated, which took up most of the space. They made the 3 side tables for twos seemed cramped. We were in luck, as when we arrived there were 2 seats at the bar. So, the bar it is.
My usual thing at a new restaurant is to ask the waitstaff what is their favorite dish for someone who've never been there nor familiar w/ the food. One recommended the Moules Marinnieres, and the other recommended Moules au Curry. You know I was feeling adventurous, why not?!
Here's my tip to you, large really do mean large. We really should've done 2 smalls and just order the prommes frites separately. The fries are yummy, and I can see that it can be addictive. The Marinnieres mussles come in the whole shell, and boiled in the seafood stalk. It came with some veggies and it's nice and cozy for the cold weather. The Curry version, came on half shell and sauce is all over, which tip from the bartender is that you should dip your frites with it. I can see why, it only makes the fries more addictive.
To top of a nice meal, we ordered the Profiterole. Boy, can I tell you that I still cannot stop talking about it. It is 4 small puff pastry, with whip cream spaced in between and ice cream in the center doused with this Belgian chocolate sauce. Let me tell you, if they are willing to bottle it up and let me take a bath in it, I would. (eww gross, I know, but it's that good.)
Staff are friendly, and keeping an eye on us to make sure we're doing ok. As tiny as the place was, people kept coming in, which is a good sign that their food and their people really make it memorable for people. I've heard that a couple had dinner there, left for a show and came back for dessert. They are 'that' type of place that you feel welcome to come back time and again.
The great news is that they will be expanding to the shop next door, so the expansion will bring on great change. I'm sure all the patrons will appreciate not having to push the chair into each other for their next dining experience at the larger shop. Either way, I will definitely go back and try other items on the menu and of course, the Profiteroles. Yum!
Jeannine's Bistro
106 Westheimer
Houston, Texas 77006
Phone: 713-874-0220
Anyway, after they no longer at the Westheimer location, I heard that it was split into two. The Jeannine's Bistro & the Broken Spoke. On this cold Houston night (all of 27 degrees) I'd figured why not, let's give that a try.
When we arrived, I was surprised at how small the place is. Of course, that was magnified by the fact that there were 3 big-ish parties seated, which took up most of the space. They made the 3 side tables for twos seemed cramped. We were in luck, as when we arrived there were 2 seats at the bar. So, the bar it is.
My usual thing at a new restaurant is to ask the waitstaff what is their favorite dish for someone who've never been there nor familiar w/ the food. One recommended the Moules Marinnieres, and the other recommended Moules au Curry. You know I was feeling adventurous, why not?!
Here's my tip to you, large really do mean large. We really should've done 2 smalls and just order the prommes frites separately. The fries are yummy, and I can see that it can be addictive. The Marinnieres mussles come in the whole shell, and boiled in the seafood stalk. It came with some veggies and it's nice and cozy for the cold weather. The Curry version, came on half shell and sauce is all over, which tip from the bartender is that you should dip your frites with it. I can see why, it only makes the fries more addictive.
To top of a nice meal, we ordered the Profiterole. Boy, can I tell you that I still cannot stop talking about it. It is 4 small puff pastry, with whip cream spaced in between and ice cream in the center doused with this Belgian chocolate sauce. Let me tell you, if they are willing to bottle it up and let me take a bath in it, I would. (eww gross, I know, but it's that good.)
Staff are friendly, and keeping an eye on us to make sure we're doing ok. As tiny as the place was, people kept coming in, which is a good sign that their food and their people really make it memorable for people. I've heard that a couple had dinner there, left for a show and came back for dessert. They are 'that' type of place that you feel welcome to come back time and again.
The great news is that they will be expanding to the shop next door, so the expansion will bring on great change. I'm sure all the patrons will appreciate not having to push the chair into each other for their next dining experience at the larger shop. Either way, I will definitely go back and try other items on the menu and of course, the Profiteroles. Yum!
Jeannine's Bistro
106 Westheimer
Houston, Texas 77006
Phone: 713-874-0220
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Movies: Time Traveler's Wife
Patty Said:
Ok, I know I've been on a food kick, so now it's time to go back to the movie bucket of this blog.
Recently, we rented Time Traveler's Wife from iTunes. As David call it, it's a full time chick-flick, despite the fact that I thought it was intriging to see the science aspect of it. But, I'm a chick, I *heart* Eric Bana, so what the hey.
I find the idea of time traveling very intriguing, everyone from the middle ages to now have been trying to find a way to do it. The only way possible is via science fiction movies and fictional novels. Perhaps that is why it's so much more reaching of the movie to the audience that the book/movie is set in today's time. I didn't get to read the book the movie is based on, but perhaps I will in the future. Just to see if there are any gaps between book and movie.
While you find out early on that little Henry has this generic disorder that cause him to involuntary time travel. You also get the perspective of little Claire, how she grew up knowing this man name Henry. Can you imagine as a little girl, you have this man that you have a crush on that spends time w/ you and play with you all your life, to become the love of your life? It was very touch to me that she is so understanding because she knew of his 'problem' all along. Only if dating in real life is that tolerable. She understands that he will come and go as he can, but no matter what, he will come back to her. I find that very sweet to know no matter what they belong to each other.
From Henry's perspective, he thinks it's odd that this girl came up to him all googly eyed and crushing hard on him. Must feel weird, especially when you've never met her before. Yet, this person knows more about you than you've ever known. On top of all that, she knows your future before you've even experienced it. When Henry told his dad about his bethroth, the father was bitter and just know this is not going to work. Yet, Henry with all his confidence know that she will understand and she will be there, and she is his mate. (yes, this is a chick-flick) His conviction changed his dad, and even the wedding was a time-traveling experience. The future Henry married the current Claire, but it's the current Henry that got to dance w/ his wife for the first time at the reception. While at times confusing, both actors deliver what the plot calls for. The Love, the Hate, the Resentment, the Understanding... and all the emotions in between.
You wanted to be Henry because that allows you to know your future, but yet you don't want to experience the problems he's been thru. He knows what he knows (i.e. picking locks, how to steal, and how to break into places) out of necessity. Unlike Claire who grew up from this picture perfect estate to the picture perfect family. The only thing that was not picture perfect is her mate. Yet, she's willing to be there no matter what.
Both Eric Bana & Rachel McAdams are my favorite actors, so I know it's hard to find fault on them. The delivery of emotion, of all that needed for the characters are flawless. I do find that Eric Bana seems to be always intense, I wish I get to see the lighter side of his acting. We shall see.
Ok, I know I've been on a food kick, so now it's time to go back to the movie bucket of this blog.
Recently, we rented Time Traveler's Wife from iTunes. As David call it, it's a full time chick-flick, despite the fact that I thought it was intriging to see the science aspect of it. But, I'm a chick, I *heart* Eric Bana, so what the hey.
I find the idea of time traveling very intriguing, everyone from the middle ages to now have been trying to find a way to do it. The only way possible is via science fiction movies and fictional novels. Perhaps that is why it's so much more reaching of the movie to the audience that the book/movie is set in today's time. I didn't get to read the book the movie is based on, but perhaps I will in the future. Just to see if there are any gaps between book and movie.
While you find out early on that little Henry has this generic disorder that cause him to involuntary time travel. You also get the perspective of little Claire, how she grew up knowing this man name Henry. Can you imagine as a little girl, you have this man that you have a crush on that spends time w/ you and play with you all your life, to become the love of your life? It was very touch to me that she is so understanding because she knew of his 'problem' all along. Only if dating in real life is that tolerable. She understands that he will come and go as he can, but no matter what, he will come back to her. I find that very sweet to know no matter what they belong to each other.
From Henry's perspective, he thinks it's odd that this girl came up to him all googly eyed and crushing hard on him. Must feel weird, especially when you've never met her before. Yet, this person knows more about you than you've ever known. On top of all that, she knows your future before you've even experienced it. When Henry told his dad about his bethroth, the father was bitter and just know this is not going to work. Yet, Henry with all his confidence know that she will understand and she will be there, and she is his mate. (yes, this is a chick-flick) His conviction changed his dad, and even the wedding was a time-traveling experience. The future Henry married the current Claire, but it's the current Henry that got to dance w/ his wife for the first time at the reception. While at times confusing, both actors deliver what the plot calls for. The Love, the Hate, the Resentment, the Understanding... and all the emotions in between.
You wanted to be Henry because that allows you to know your future, but yet you don't want to experience the problems he's been thru. He knows what he knows (i.e. picking locks, how to steal, and how to break into places) out of necessity. Unlike Claire who grew up from this picture perfect estate to the picture perfect family. The only thing that was not picture perfect is her mate. Yet, she's willing to be there no matter what.
Both Eric Bana & Rachel McAdams are my favorite actors, so I know it's hard to find fault on them. The delivery of emotion, of all that needed for the characters are flawless. I do find that Eric Bana seems to be always intense, I wish I get to see the lighter side of his acting. We shall see.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Haven Houston
Several friends and I went to dinner at the newest greenest restaurant in town. Haven is a partnership of Randy Evans (executive chef), Debbie Jaramillo and Rhea Wheeler. Evans was the Executive Chef at Brennan's since 2003.
I think you will be surprised to find that even though Evans came from a famed steakhouse, steak is not a prominent feature of the menu. Everything in the menu is fresh from a local farm, if it's not fresh, they won't buy it. I can appreciate that tremendously, given that there's alot of bad news regarding how they forced feed animals by using bad chicken feed or grass that's been sprayed w/ pesticide. This going back to basic movement I can definitely appreicate.
As I said, the menu is all organic and local farmed goods. So, the items may change without notice, but you can see their menu on their website. Their appetizers also called Enticement, for me, it wasn't very enticing the day I visited. They had deviled eggs, seared Berkshire belly, shrimp corn dogs, and artisan meat and cheese. While I think it's very unique to have shrimp corn dogs, at a restaurant this caliber, I expected something fancier. Just as the deviled eggs, I know the Grove is trying to bring it back, but to me, its' still an item featured at Tupperware Parties and Baby Showers. I think I would've gone for the meat and cheese had I had to choose, but let's see what else is there.
Their soup and greens featured a Squash Bisque, torn greens, and tomato and mozzarella. Hmmm... nothing shakes me.
The main course, ah huh, something I like... They featured free ranged chicken with the bacon spaetzel, wood grilled loin, shrimp, tuna, and free ranged eggs (again). I think my husband would've been thrilled to see eggs featured as a main entree, but I'm sure the chef would have a clever twist to it.
I chose the free ranged chicken. They cooked it w/ the skin, and it was nice and juicy yet favorful, not a bit that's dried. It is laid on top of a bed of bacon spaetzel. I've never had that before, and for those of you who don't know, it is like a very finely diced potato and the texture is even softer if that's possible, and it's cooked w/ bacon which reminds me alot of ham hock. Along side was crispy brussels sprouts leaves. Let me tell you, if my mom and all moms cooked brussels sprouts like that, no kid will ever turn their nose up on the vegetable again. It was nice and crispy, like a chip, and who doesn't like their vegetable smell and taste like a chip?
Then comes dessert... all of us at the table all chose one of the dessert. They featured, pecan pie, layered chocolate cake, banana split, and cheesecake. Both the cheesecake and the pecan pie doesn't look anything out of the ordinary. The banana split is kinda cute, they have the ice cream and the corresponding sauce that goes along w/ it, but they presented it on a plate that has different compartment for each of the ice cream and the banana. So, they are splitted, and no co-mingling occur in the ice cream. I got the layered cake, it wasn't as I'd pictured it to be. In my mind, it'd be moised chocolate cake layered and have nice buttercream in between. The cake was dried, much like a biscotti texture. If you put some of the malted ice cream on top of the cake, which moisen it and added w/ the buttercream that would be acceptable, but for the first few bites, that was a surprise to me that it was so dry.
I wanted to point out how our waitstaff was awesome. He came from Captial Grille, which as I understood, alot of the staff came from well known places from the city, so the service is top notched and attentive doesn't even begin to described how well served we were. They made sure coffee was poured the correct way, which by the way, the coffee was french pressed. The tea choices, all 12 of them, were displayed nicely, brewed fresh on the spot, and no tea leaves was poured into the cup. That was just A+ all around.
The building was a certified green building, the wood was made of recycled wood, and the a/c is delievered thru a cloth 'pipe' with holes to make sure all areas get the same temperature. If they need to, all they have to do is unzip the cloth and throw it into the washer to avoid mold. Not only that, they have a rain gutter that catches the rain and that serves as reserve water for their own garden in the back of the restaurant.
The draw back is their location. Becuase they are hidden behind 3 other restaurants (Cafe Japon, Mai Thai, and Taco Cabana), it's not the easiest to find, even though it's easily accessible via the freeway, you just need to know where it is. The other thing is their parking, because they are located at the curve of the backway, they highly encourage valet parking. I find that alot of people chose to park at the abandoned Bennigan's parking lot and just walk. Some even parked over by Mucky Duck, couple streets over. So, that's something to consider.
Haven
2502 Algerian Way
Houston, TX, 77098
713-581-6101
I think you will be surprised to find that even though Evans came from a famed steakhouse, steak is not a prominent feature of the menu. Everything in the menu is fresh from a local farm, if it's not fresh, they won't buy it. I can appreciate that tremendously, given that there's alot of bad news regarding how they forced feed animals by using bad chicken feed or grass that's been sprayed w/ pesticide. This going back to basic movement I can definitely appreicate.
As I said, the menu is all organic and local farmed goods. So, the items may change without notice, but you can see their menu on their website. Their appetizers also called Enticement, for me, it wasn't very enticing the day I visited. They had deviled eggs, seared Berkshire belly, shrimp corn dogs, and artisan meat and cheese. While I think it's very unique to have shrimp corn dogs, at a restaurant this caliber, I expected something fancier. Just as the deviled eggs, I know the Grove is trying to bring it back, but to me, its' still an item featured at Tupperware Parties and Baby Showers. I think I would've gone for the meat and cheese had I had to choose, but let's see what else is there.
Their soup and greens featured a Squash Bisque, torn greens, and tomato and mozzarella. Hmmm... nothing shakes me.
The main course, ah huh, something I like... They featured free ranged chicken with the bacon spaetzel, wood grilled loin, shrimp, tuna, and free ranged eggs (again). I think my husband would've been thrilled to see eggs featured as a main entree, but I'm sure the chef would have a clever twist to it.
I chose the free ranged chicken. They cooked it w/ the skin, and it was nice and juicy yet favorful, not a bit that's dried. It is laid on top of a bed of bacon spaetzel. I've never had that before, and for those of you who don't know, it is like a very finely diced potato and the texture is even softer if that's possible, and it's cooked w/ bacon which reminds me alot of ham hock. Along side was crispy brussels sprouts leaves. Let me tell you, if my mom and all moms cooked brussels sprouts like that, no kid will ever turn their nose up on the vegetable again. It was nice and crispy, like a chip, and who doesn't like their vegetable smell and taste like a chip?
Then comes dessert... all of us at the table all chose one of the dessert. They featured, pecan pie, layered chocolate cake, banana split, and cheesecake. Both the cheesecake and the pecan pie doesn't look anything out of the ordinary. The banana split is kinda cute, they have the ice cream and the corresponding sauce that goes along w/ it, but they presented it on a plate that has different compartment for each of the ice cream and the banana. So, they are splitted, and no co-mingling occur in the ice cream. I got the layered cake, it wasn't as I'd pictured it to be. In my mind, it'd be moised chocolate cake layered and have nice buttercream in between. The cake was dried, much like a biscotti texture. If you put some of the malted ice cream on top of the cake, which moisen it and added w/ the buttercream that would be acceptable, but for the first few bites, that was a surprise to me that it was so dry.
I wanted to point out how our waitstaff was awesome. He came from Captial Grille, which as I understood, alot of the staff came from well known places from the city, so the service is top notched and attentive doesn't even begin to described how well served we were. They made sure coffee was poured the correct way, which by the way, the coffee was french pressed. The tea choices, all 12 of them, were displayed nicely, brewed fresh on the spot, and no tea leaves was poured into the cup. That was just A+ all around.
The building was a certified green building, the wood was made of recycled wood, and the a/c is delievered thru a cloth 'pipe' with holes to make sure all areas get the same temperature. If they need to, all they have to do is unzip the cloth and throw it into the washer to avoid mold. Not only that, they have a rain gutter that catches the rain and that serves as reserve water for their own garden in the back of the restaurant.
The draw back is their location. Becuase they are hidden behind 3 other restaurants (Cafe Japon, Mai Thai, and Taco Cabana), it's not the easiest to find, even though it's easily accessible via the freeway, you just need to know where it is. The other thing is their parking, because they are located at the curve of the backway, they highly encourage valet parking. I find that alot of people chose to park at the abandoned Bennigan's parking lot and just walk. Some even parked over by Mucky Duck, couple streets over. So, that's something to consider.
Haven
2502 Algerian Way
Houston, TX, 77098
713-581-6101
Friday, December 4, 2009
Ouisie's Table
If you've never been to Ouisie's Table you're truly missing a neat place for gourmet food. My first recollection of the place was my first job. The district manager loves that place, so inevitably we'll always have our annual luncheon there. Trust me, there's no complaint from me. The place is nice, tucked away, yet have ample rooms for different occasions. The food, of course is no comparison to anything I've ever had. Fast forward years later, I've been back there for an occasion or two. This past Xmas, I got a gift certificate to go back, and you don't need to ask me twice.
This time I went with couple of friends and all of us, self-proclaimed foodie-wannabes, had dinner there. First off, they serve you cute little bread as you wade thru pages up of wine menu. Watch out for the jalapeno roll, it does have a kick to it! My disappointment on their wine list is that they aren't as well rounded as I thought. I know not everyone likes to drink what I drink, but I expected there to be a representative from the category. But alas, they were catering to the Shraz and Merlot drinkers. They don't even have a cocktail menu.
I had the veal and my friends had the steak. I've never had anything bad there, so nothing bad to write about. Plus, it's been a few weeks, so details are a tad fuzzy. I do remember that the dessert was great and the waitstaff attmpted to be formal, but there were points that were lacking. First off, ladies should always be served first, and the coffee should be hot instead of warm.
My advise about going to Ouisie, always check out the Blackboard Special. The chef shines on dishes he can play up the seasonal anything. If you go there, make sure you leave ample time for traffic, they are at the edge of the Galleria traffic. Don't let the bar intimidate you, they serve full everything and also a full menu. Don't feel bad if you want to ask for a tour of the restaurant, they do have different rooms with different personalities. They also grow alot of the herbs they use right there at their garden.
Ouisie's Table
3939 San Felipe Dr.
Houston, TX 77027
713-528-2264
Reservations highly recommended. $4 valet
This time I went with couple of friends and all of us, self-proclaimed foodie-wannabes, had dinner there. First off, they serve you cute little bread as you wade thru pages up of wine menu. Watch out for the jalapeno roll, it does have a kick to it! My disappointment on their wine list is that they aren't as well rounded as I thought. I know not everyone likes to drink what I drink, but I expected there to be a representative from the category. But alas, they were catering to the Shraz and Merlot drinkers. They don't even have a cocktail menu.
I had the veal and my friends had the steak. I've never had anything bad there, so nothing bad to write about. Plus, it's been a few weeks, so details are a tad fuzzy. I do remember that the dessert was great and the waitstaff attmpted to be formal, but there were points that were lacking. First off, ladies should always be served first, and the coffee should be hot instead of warm.
My advise about going to Ouisie, always check out the Blackboard Special. The chef shines on dishes he can play up the seasonal anything. If you go there, make sure you leave ample time for traffic, they are at the edge of the Galleria traffic. Don't let the bar intimidate you, they serve full everything and also a full menu. Don't feel bad if you want to ask for a tour of the restaurant, they do have different rooms with different personalities. They also grow alot of the herbs they use right there at their garden.
Ouisie's Table
3939 San Felipe Dr.
Houston, TX 77027
713-528-2264
Reservations highly recommended. $4 valet
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