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 Houstonian
Carol J. Rhodes hosted her husband's 80th birthday celebration at their
favorite restaurant: Baroque, 1700 Sunset.
"They expertly handled our group of 65, making sure every detail was
perfect. The food - crab cakes with capellini in a zesty tomato sauce,
Caesar salad, grilled jumbo shrimp and steak au poivre, drizzled with
peppercorn sauce - was incredible. The waitstaff acted as if they were
genuinely glad we were there and acted swiftly to satisfy all requests.
Believe me, this is one of Houston's finest gourmet restaurants. The
unbelievable dessert, a chocolate cake with caramel pecan filling, was
made by Nadine Moon of Who Made the Cake, who created a replica of a Time
magazine cover, complete with a photograph of my husband as Man of the
Year."
Worth checking out
Branch and Haley Sheppard of Houston share their favorite Italian place:
Fred's Italian Corner Restaurant, 2278 W. Holcombe. Branch says it's been
in the same location for 21 years. He says he's been eating there for
almost that long and has never had a bad meal.
The marinara sauce is "thick, smooth and not greasy." The thick, creamy
Alfredo and pesto cream sauces are the "absolute best in town." The pizza,
lasagna, chicken Parmesan, chicken Alfredo and veal Alfredo are "always
excellent." And remodeling has given the restaurant a "new lease on life,"
he says. "The ambience is quaint, with red-and-white-checkered
tablecloths. My family of three dines there for less than $25, with tip."
Great meals, hospitality
When Erin Scott and Kyle Cones moved to The Woodlands, Scott says they
were disappointed by the "absence of original hole-in-the-wall Mexican
restaurants" and the abundance of franchises.
Then they found El Bosque Mexican Restaurant, 112 Shenandoah. She says the
service is "incredible," the menu "affordable" and the food "impressive."
They have brought friends who also share in their "more-than-satisfied
approval."
Dining adventure
Tom Stazer of Houston reports that after a few visits to Red Onion Seafood
y Mas, 12041 Northwest Freeway, he's noticed a pattern: "Whatever I order,
it's not going to look and taste as I expected. In this case, though,
that's a compliment!"
Red Onion prepares fish "in ways I've never imagined, with flavors that
defy description. Even the most tame-sounding menu items turn out to be
innovative and inspired. Devoted Red Onion patrons have come to expect
excellent food beautifully presented and fairly priced."
Customers deserve a break
George Laguros of Katy reports that he and his wife stopped at Fox & Hound
English Pub & Grille, 11470 Westheimer, early one Friday when it wasn't
busy. They ordered beer, an appetizer and dinner.
"We waited 50 minutes for the appetizer. Patrons who came in after us had
been served. The best the manager could offer was to give us our food
to-go. I expected at least a meal voucher. We left and ended up at
McDonald's, where at least they understand the concept of customer
service."
Well chilled
Jan Roberts of Spring agrees with readers who complain about freezing
restaurants. "It's hard to enjoy your food when it's so cold you want to
go outside to warm up. Please get the message out that most people enjoy
temperatures in the 70s while dining."
Ladies who complain about the cold should remember they're not the only
people in the restaurant, Pearland resident Elizabeth Fowler says.
Employees get hot laboring over stoves and rushing around to serve diners.
"Next time you are feeling whiny about being cold, think about the chef
who may be dripping sweat into your dinner."
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