Monthly Archives: October 2017

Oxbow 7

H-town (Houston)

I have noticed that the last couple of restaurants I’ve reviewed, the newly-opened ones, don’t have menus online. Is this a new “thing”? Being a teeny bit OCD when it comes to eating out, this concept is a bit daunting because I really want to know what I’m in for before making reservations.

Oxbow 7 is Bayou Cuisine with Chef Bryan Caswell at its helm. I guess that little nugget info was enough for me to venture into the unknown. As I grew older, I welcome surprises more and more. Although, I would not put it beyond me  NOT  to walk out if the menu is simply underwhelming. Speaking of menu, it was strange that the dishes were grouped in numbers. It was numbered  1 through 6; 1 and 2 seem to be appetizers, 3 and 4 soups and salads, 5 are the entrees, and 6 are the desserts. This wasn’t explained to us, although I’m pretty sure I came to a fair assumption. Why just not label it as such? Again, is this a new “thing” with restaurants that I’ve never heard of?

Like I always said, in every dining experience, good food covers a multitude of sins. And boy, with the food we had, they could have written the menu backwards, I would still have forgiven them. It was THAT good!

Tasso cornbread with preserved fig.

I was never a big fan of cornbread, but this was so good, I actually had two orders of this to-go.

Gulf Crab Gratin – a beautiful dish, cooked perfectly
Longfin Yellowtail with Grilled Watermelon and Lemon Catsup — this is an explosion of flavors. This kind of dish is creativity at its best
Crispy Skin Snapper with Charred Corn and Green Tomato Mache Choux, Roasted and Raw Peach.

All this time, I ate my fish with some sort of sauce or dip. The combination of corn and roasted peach together with the snapper is absolutely delicious.

Dry Aged Strip with Chorizo Dirty Rice

D knows that I love  chorizo so he lovingly picked it all out and gave it to me. Love!

Gooey Cake for dessert. Apple butter pudding with candied apple. Yum yum!
These are the faces of the delightfully surprised.

This was definitely one of our better dinners. D was happy with his Joquet Chinon 2014 as I was with my daiquiri. Sometimes in life, we just have to trust our instincts. I’m glad that we did tonight.

Oxbow 7, 1121 WALKER STREET
HOUSTON, TX 77006

 

 

Quattro

Uncategorized

Last week, I read an interesting article on how men are so exasperated when women in their lives can’t decide where to eat. It’s the total opposite with me. I decide where to eat 99% of the time. I usually book our weekend restaurant reservations on Mondays. I was pretty sure that I booked for BCN this weekend but for some reason, I just didn’t. This threw me off completely, so, for once, I let D decide where to eat.

He chose Quattro because he said that we have been loyal patrons to this restaurant for the last 8 years for a reason— it is always consistent in it’s quality and service. I have good memories of this place. I remember how we always have our Easter Brunch here because Beans loves the egg-hunt and there’s always an Easter bunny handing out treats.

This is B with the Easter Bunny. He’s about 8 years old in this pic. I can’t wait for him to find out I posted this.

This is also our go-to restaurant during New Year’s day when I’m too lazy to cook.

This was 5 years ago. Getting an early buzz courtesy of the amazing bellini is always a good way to start a year.

D’s criteria in choosing a restaurant is based solely on the wine list.

This is the real reason why we are here. He wanted to get this bottle. Luckily, it was really good.
I had Jalapeño Mule.
The server recommended that we start with Padini – they contracted this cheese maker from Italy. It is very similar to Parmesiano-Reggiano without the saltiness
I loved, loved, loved this wild caught octopus. Perfectly cooked and paired with olives and grilled potatoes
D had 30 day dry aged filet
This tiramisu was made table-side and it totally stole the show. The lady fingers are freshly made and soaked in espresso with marsala.

Yesterday, we had a really bad experience in a once-loved restaurant. It has all been settled now. Manager has apologized and all. But for once, it’s nice to dine and have everything the way it should be. That is Quattro. From the time they lead you to your table, to the way they pour the wine, everything is done correctly. D made a great choice.

Quattro, 1300 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77010