Website
1916 Bissonnet St
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 521-2027
Showing posts with label Breakfast/Brunch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Breakfast/Brunch. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Brennan's
5 out of 5 Stars
Website
3300 Smith St
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 522-9711
Website
3300 Smith St
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 522-9711
"Be our guest, be our guest, put our service to the test...."
Remember that awesome scene from Beauty and the Beast, where all the inanimate objects show off their hospitality skills to sweet lil Belle?
That's exactly what dining at Brenna's feels like. This is a perfect celebratory restaurant - as they take care of everything starting with setting the mood....
Come to Brennan's expecting the highest class in service, without feeling like you have to point your nose in the air (you are getting a taste of NOLA after all).
I was welcomed to the restaurant for SUNDAY BRUNCH by the nicest staff of valet drivers EVER and was seated immediately due to our reservation.
The meal kicked off with complimentary, "fresh from the oven" muffins and biscuits (I preferred the fluffy biscuit). I enjoyed my light bites as I perused the "how do you choose - it all looks so good" menu.
When I dine for celebratory purpose, I don't mind splurging a little. You definitely get the best bang for your buck splurging at Brennan's for brunch. You can't walk out of here for less than $50 per person but you WILL walk out with a FULL and satisfied belly.
Their brunch menu is typically 3 courses of your choice: starter, entree and dessert (including tableside banana's foster!) averaging at $35 a meal (plus tax, tip, and a libation if you like to party at brunch like me). Don't be cynical, my fair yelper - each course is of the up-most quality AND quantity - TRUST.
The starters ranged from soups, salads and other NOLA inspired apps. Seeing as though I have commitment issues when it comes to food, I highly recommend the "1-1-1" which is a sampling of every soup on their menu including their famous Turtle Soup. My brother has claimed to almost drive to NOLA for this soup alone before Brennan's reopened post fire.
The turtle soup was delicious and surprisingly reminiscent of a great fire roasted tortilla soup, however I prefered the creamy corn and crab soup. Gumbo was featured as the third soup, which was also fabulous (even though I'm not generally a gumbo gal). Overall, the trio of soup (served in 3 miniature tea cups) was excellent without being overwhelming.
Good luck picking an entree - as they ALL read AMAZING. I finally selected the craw-fish cakes with poached eggs as this seemed the most unique. The dish was served on a bed of chopped sausage and roasted sliced peppers with two cakes (think crab cakes made of craw-fish instead) topped with the most perfectly poached eggs. I wish I took video of me cutting into the poached eggs and watching the yolk dance (yes dance) so elegantly over the cakes. Meanwhile the craw-fish cakes were crispy on the outside and moist, meaty and savory on the inside - a pleasure (although I could only eat half).
I also tasted my mom's shrimp and grits which were awesome and my brother's gulf coast fish encrusted with pecans - perfection. I wanted to try the blue crab scramble with caviar and their egg's benedict dishes that kept appearing at neighboring tables-excellent.
I can't believe I have not even started on the service - what really takes Brennan's to 5 stars - they treat you like royalty. Prime example: when our 5 entrees came out, 5 waiters brought each plate out to us simultaneously. Meanwhile, a NOLA style quartet complete with horns would walk around the dining room playing jazz for the guests - did I wake up in the French Quarter?
There are a number of STUNNING dining rooms to be seated in, each unique with its own decor and design. My table happened to be in the front room to the left donning hard woods, brick walls, dramatic curtains hung around HUGE windows and the most comfortable / plush and gorgeous chairs. I would sleep in this room if I could - BEAUTIFUL.
I hope everyone reading this has a chance to be Brennan's guest for brunch - a delightful experience.
Don't run out to the valet (yes it's mandatory - but what's another $5 when you are swanking it up already) before picking up a few pralines by the door "for someone else". You will get that joke when you read the napkin you fold your pralines in.....
....so make your reservation and go already! You can always find an excuse to celebrate - like reading my 100th review!
Remember that awesome scene from Beauty and the Beast, where all the inanimate objects show off their hospitality skills to sweet lil Belle?
That's exactly what dining at Brenna's feels like. This is a perfect celebratory restaurant - as they take care of everything starting with setting the mood....
Come to Brennan's expecting the highest class in service, without feeling like you have to point your nose in the air (you are getting a taste of NOLA after all).
I was welcomed to the restaurant for SUNDAY BRUNCH by the nicest staff of valet drivers EVER and was seated immediately due to our reservation.
The meal kicked off with complimentary, "fresh from the oven" muffins and biscuits (I preferred the fluffy biscuit). I enjoyed my light bites as I perused the "how do you choose - it all looks so good" menu.
When I dine for celebratory purpose, I don't mind splurging a little. You definitely get the best bang for your buck splurging at Brennan's for brunch. You can't walk out of here for less than $50 per person but you WILL walk out with a FULL and satisfied belly.
Their brunch menu is typically 3 courses of your choice: starter, entree and dessert (including tableside banana's foster!) averaging at $35 a meal (plus tax, tip, and a libation if you like to party at brunch like me). Don't be cynical, my fair yelper - each course is of the up-most quality AND quantity - TRUST.
The starters ranged from soups, salads and other NOLA inspired apps. Seeing as though I have commitment issues when it comes to food, I highly recommend the "1-1-1" which is a sampling of every soup on their menu including their famous Turtle Soup. My brother has claimed to almost drive to NOLA for this soup alone before Brennan's reopened post fire.
The turtle soup was delicious and surprisingly reminiscent of a great fire roasted tortilla soup, however I prefered the creamy corn and crab soup. Gumbo was featured as the third soup, which was also fabulous (even though I'm not generally a gumbo gal). Overall, the trio of soup (served in 3 miniature tea cups) was excellent without being overwhelming.
Good luck picking an entree - as they ALL read AMAZING. I finally selected the craw-fish cakes with poached eggs as this seemed the most unique. The dish was served on a bed of chopped sausage and roasted sliced peppers with two cakes (think crab cakes made of craw-fish instead) topped with the most perfectly poached eggs. I wish I took video of me cutting into the poached eggs and watching the yolk dance (yes dance) so elegantly over the cakes. Meanwhile the craw-fish cakes were crispy on the outside and moist, meaty and savory on the inside - a pleasure (although I could only eat half).
I also tasted my mom's shrimp and grits which were awesome and my brother's gulf coast fish encrusted with pecans - perfection. I wanted to try the blue crab scramble with caviar and their egg's benedict dishes that kept appearing at neighboring tables-excellent.
I can't believe I have not even started on the service - what really takes Brennan's to 5 stars - they treat you like royalty. Prime example: when our 5 entrees came out, 5 waiters brought each plate out to us simultaneously. Meanwhile, a NOLA style quartet complete with horns would walk around the dining room playing jazz for the guests - did I wake up in the French Quarter?
There are a number of STUNNING dining rooms to be seated in, each unique with its own decor and design. My table happened to be in the front room to the left donning hard woods, brick walls, dramatic curtains hung around HUGE windows and the most comfortable / plush and gorgeous chairs. I would sleep in this room if I could - BEAUTIFUL.
I hope everyone reading this has a chance to be Brennan's guest for brunch - a delightful experience.
Don't run out to the valet (yes it's mandatory - but what's another $5 when you are swanking it up already) before picking up a few pralines by the door "for someone else". You will get that joke when you read the napkin you fold your pralines in.....
....so make your reservation and go already! You can always find an excuse to celebrate - like reading my 100th review!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Seco's
3 out of 5 Stars
2536 Nottingham
Houston, TX 77246
(713) 942-0001
2536 Nottingham
Houston, TX 77246
(713) 942-0001
Was I supposed to come here for brunch???
Whoops...I came here for dinner.
I had a lot riding on this meal as I have been trying to get my picky (love you) girlfriends to come her for months. Upon arrival, I realized parking was a bit tricky - as in there is NONE. Street-side it is!
We were seated immediately and welcomed with a large and varied menu of salads, tacos, enchiladas, chicken, fish and pasta entrees.
Score! We were offered queso as a complimentary app (apparently Seco's offers this till 7pm). Really, who doesn't love free queso?
I settled on the enchiladas vallarta which consisted of spinach and shrimp with black beans and rice on the side. My friends ordered grilled fish with chimichurri sauce and gnocchi (random for a Latin place, right?).
Our consensus on the food? The fish was hands down the winner of this meal (and healthy at that). I found my enchiladas to be a bit dry and the gnocchi was par for course.
The real downfall to this meal was the kitchen. They managed to REALLY mess up 2 out of the 4 orders. 2 of us were halfway through our meals before the other 2 got new plates. The staff was apologetic, but sadly the bill was not (we were still fully charged).
Seco's resides in a quaint old West U house - which I truly enjoyed until the floors started shaking. Did we just survive a mini earthquake?
To wrap up, the majority of Yelp says we should have come here for brunch.
For dinner again? Me thinks not.
Whoops...I came here for dinner.
I had a lot riding on this meal as I have been trying to get my picky (love you) girlfriends to come her for months. Upon arrival, I realized parking was a bit tricky - as in there is NONE. Street-side it is!
We were seated immediately and welcomed with a large and varied menu of salads, tacos, enchiladas, chicken, fish and pasta entrees.
Score! We were offered queso as a complimentary app (apparently Seco's offers this till 7pm). Really, who doesn't love free queso?
I settled on the enchiladas vallarta which consisted of spinach and shrimp with black beans and rice on the side. My friends ordered grilled fish with chimichurri sauce and gnocchi (random for a Latin place, right?).
Our consensus on the food? The fish was hands down the winner of this meal (and healthy at that). I found my enchiladas to be a bit dry and the gnocchi was par for course.
The real downfall to this meal was the kitchen. They managed to REALLY mess up 2 out of the 4 orders. 2 of us were halfway through our meals before the other 2 got new plates. The staff was apologetic, but sadly the bill was not (we were still fully charged).
Seco's resides in a quaint old West U house - which I truly enjoyed until the floors started shaking. Did we just survive a mini earthquake?
To wrap up, the majority of Yelp says we should have come here for brunch.
For dinner again? Me thinks not.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Kolache Shoppe
5 out of 5 Stars
Greenway Plaza:
3945 Richmond Ave
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 626-4580
Downtown Tunnels:
1001 Fannin St.
Houston, TX 77002
For all those Kolache fans out there, these lil stuffed buns of heaven give those old school Kolache bakeries on the way to Austin (Hruska's) a run for their money! In fact, Kolache Shoppe IS an old school bakery, it just happens to be on the Richmond/Weslayan strip center.
I have been enjoying kolaches from Kolache Shoppe since 2005 when it was around the corner from my first post graduate job. When running late, two dozen of these saved me some grief from my fellow coworkers.
Unlike Kolache Factory kolaches (just down the street), KS kolaches are baked with the sweetest, smooshiest and doughiest bread on earth.
They are so fresh that the bakers are constantly baking all morning to keep up with the high demand of sausage, jalapeno and cheese (my personal favorite).
Bonus! The price is right here as 2 kolaches are just over $2. Recession friendly high fives!!
Kolache Shoppe is definitely one sweet way to get you through those Monday morning blues.
FYI - for those downtown tunnel peeps: Kolache Shoppe is also located in the tunnels on Fannin next to BAO-Z Dumplings!
Greenway Plaza:
3945 Richmond Ave
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 626-4580
Downtown Tunnels:
1001 Fannin St.
Houston, TX 77002
For all those Kolache fans out there, these lil stuffed buns of heaven give those old school Kolache bakeries on the way to Austin (Hruska's) a run for their money! In fact, Kolache Shoppe IS an old school bakery, it just happens to be on the Richmond/Weslayan strip center.
I have been enjoying kolaches from Kolache Shoppe since 2005 when it was around the corner from my first post graduate job. When running late, two dozen of these saved me some grief from my fellow coworkers.
Unlike Kolache Factory kolaches (just down the street), KS kolaches are baked with the sweetest, smooshiest and doughiest bread on earth.
They are so fresh that the bakers are constantly baking all morning to keep up with the high demand of sausage, jalapeno and cheese (my personal favorite).
Bonus! The price is right here as 2 kolaches are just over $2. Recession friendly high fives!!
Kolache Shoppe is definitely one sweet way to get you through those Monday morning blues.
FYI - for those downtown tunnel peeps: Kolache Shoppe is also located in the tunnels on Fannin next to BAO-Z Dumplings!
Baby Barnaby's
5 out of 5 Stars
Website
602 Fairview St
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 522-4229
I try not to review something that has already been reviewed 93 times, but I know I am going to want to add this to a Yelp list one day so here is my 2 cents on Baby B's.
BEST BRUNCH IN HOUSTON.
There I said it. I feel better too.
Dr. Seuss may have come up with the idea of "green eggs" but, Baby B's champed it. Their green eggs essentially are creamy artichoke heaven with the best chicken apple sausage on the side (and an accompaniment of some of the most crispy breakfast potatoes I've ever had).
Did I mention they have the the most buttery biscuits I've ever tasted????
I can't even deduct for the ridiculous wait to get seated and to get your meal, because by the time you leave (even if it is 2 hours later) your stomach and taste buds simply wont allow for it
After all, they can't help that they are Houston's BEST brunch spot. I've said it again, people. I don't know how to lie.
Website
602 Fairview St
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 522-4229
I try not to review something that has already been reviewed 93 times, but I know I am going to want to add this to a Yelp list one day so here is my 2 cents on Baby B's.
BEST BRUNCH IN HOUSTON.
There I said it. I feel better too.
Dr. Seuss may have come up with the idea of "green eggs" but, Baby B's champed it. Their green eggs essentially are creamy artichoke heaven with the best chicken apple sausage on the side (and an accompaniment of some of the most crispy breakfast potatoes I've ever had).
Did I mention they have the the most buttery biscuits I've ever tasted????
I can't even deduct for the ridiculous wait to get seated and to get your meal, because by the time you leave (even if it is 2 hours later) your stomach and taste buds simply wont allow for it
After all, they can't help that they are Houston's BEST brunch spot. I've said it again, people. I don't know how to lie.
NY Bagels and Coffe Shop
5 out of 5 Stars
9724 Hillcroft St
Houston, TX 77096
(713) 723-5879
NY BAGEL SHOP IS ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
-An institution for all Jews from SW Houston (and those that are friends with Jews from SW Houston)
-The home of cheapest / most delicious breakfast special in 713
-THE ONLY PLACE I get bagels from in the H - hands down
NY Bagel Shop is a no frills, Jewish diner with a bakery attached next door. I know of people that come here DAILY (including my father). They specialize in fresh bagels (obviously) and traditional Jewish cuisine like matzoh ball soup and corned beef sammies.
Waitresses are old school; you are likely to be referred to as "sweetie".
If I have a friend in town, at least one brunch is spent here dining on ET bagels toasted with strawberry cream cheese (no judgement), 2 eggs over medium and EXTRA crispy home fries with EXTRA crispy onions (trust me) for under $5.
Before you leave, make sure to pick up a dozen salt bagels and freeze them. A week later, place them in the oven till they are super crispy, top them off with cream cheese and have yourself a NY moment in the heart of Houston.
But my fave part of NY Bagels? The owner, "ED da Bagel" IE - the ultimate schmoozer in Houston. If he's there - you know it, because he goes to every table making sure his customers are pleased.
PS -They have not redone the decor since I was just a wee tot so get pumped for mauve booths with sea-foam green accents!
Know before you go:
-They are BUSY on weekend mornings, so expect a 15 minute wait (on average)
-They are only open for b-fast and lunch
-This is not to be confused with the Hot Bagel Shop
9724 Hillcroft St
Houston, TX 77096
(713) 723-5879
NY BAGEL SHOP IS ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
-An institution for all Jews from SW Houston (and those that are friends with Jews from SW Houston)
-The home of cheapest / most delicious breakfast special in 713
-THE ONLY PLACE I get bagels from in the H - hands down
NY Bagel Shop is a no frills, Jewish diner with a bakery attached next door. I know of people that come here DAILY (including my father). They specialize in fresh bagels (obviously) and traditional Jewish cuisine like matzoh ball soup and corned beef sammies.
Waitresses are old school; you are likely to be referred to as "sweetie".
If I have a friend in town, at least one brunch is spent here dining on ET bagels toasted with strawberry cream cheese (no judgement), 2 eggs over medium and EXTRA crispy home fries with EXTRA crispy onions (trust me) for under $5.
Before you leave, make sure to pick up a dozen salt bagels and freeze them. A week later, place them in the oven till they are super crispy, top them off with cream cheese and have yourself a NY moment in the heart of Houston.
But my fave part of NY Bagels? The owner, "ED da Bagel" IE - the ultimate schmoozer in Houston. If he's there - you know it, because he goes to every table making sure his customers are pleased.
PS -They have not redone the decor since I was just a wee tot so get pumped for mauve booths with sea-foam green accents!
Know before you go:
-They are BUSY on weekend mornings, so expect a 15 minute wait (on average)
-They are only open for b-fast and lunch
-This is not to be confused with the Hot Bagel Shop
Chiloso's Taco House
4 out of 5 Stars
701 E 20th St
Houston, TX 77246
(713) 868-2273
I am glad we met, Chilosos!
You are adorable and I can picture you in Austin. Perhaps you are run by one family? I hope so.
Chilosos is a cute lil bungalow serving breakfast and lunch, primarily in taco form.
I came for breakfast and was impressed with my options, especially the 3 different types of sausage. I went with a potato and egg and Chapel Hill sausage and egg. Both came STUFFED in a thick and doughy flour tortilla (no messy taco situation here).
It's hard to mess up a b-fast taco, so I am not going to rave about the flavor. All you need to know is, Chilosos fits the bill! And at $1.75 a taco (while supporting a local business) you aren't going to find a better deal.
The house is small, so you are lucky to snag a table. Service is wonderful - especially the sweet lady taking orders.
BONUS - They serve Mexican Coca-Cola (the best kind of coke) which helps wash down the fire from the green salsa I poured on my tacos (watch out).
TIP - This is not a dinner stop, they usually close around 3 and on Sundays 1:30!
701 E 20th St
Houston, TX 77246
(713) 868-2273
I am glad we met, Chilosos!
You are adorable and I can picture you in Austin. Perhaps you are run by one family? I hope so.
Chilosos is a cute lil bungalow serving breakfast and lunch, primarily in taco form.
I came for breakfast and was impressed with my options, especially the 3 different types of sausage. I went with a potato and egg and Chapel Hill sausage and egg. Both came STUFFED in a thick and doughy flour tortilla (no messy taco situation here).
It's hard to mess up a b-fast taco, so I am not going to rave about the flavor. All you need to know is, Chilosos fits the bill! And at $1.75 a taco (while supporting a local business) you aren't going to find a better deal.
The house is small, so you are lucky to snag a table. Service is wonderful - especially the sweet lady taking orders.
BONUS - They serve Mexican Coca-Cola (the best kind of coke) which helps wash down the fire from the green salsa I poured on my tacos (watch out).
TIP - This is not a dinner stop, they usually close around 3 and on Sundays 1:30!
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30 minutes later, Neil K. and I arrived at Raven Grill, the restaurant that boasts this accolade.
I had not visited this American meets Southwest bistro in several years and completely forgot how sweet it is. If Pottery Barn and West Elm got together and had a restaurant baby, this would be it...weird analogy...but hopefully you get that this place is understated chic and 100% soothing.
We were seated in a small booth immediately and reviewed the short but smart and affordable brunch menu. It had eggs benedict for the egg fanatics, french toast for the carb fanatics, and breakfast enchiladas for the tex mex fanatics, among a few other dishes.
As I nibbled on the delicious cranberry nut bread at the table, I settled on the MARGHERITA GRILLED CHEESE off the lunch side of the menu, while Neil obviously went for the breakfast enchilada.
Enter Bloody Mary.
Our morning beverages were clearly lacking in vodka, so while they were indeed refreshing, the title of "Houston's Best" is a wee bit presumptuous.
Then came our brunch orders. Hello, best grilled cheese ever! My Margherita grilled cheese was filled with ooey - gooey mozzarella, tomato, and garlic heaven pesto on beautifully grilled sourdough. The burnt cheese that leaked through to the other side of the bread only contributed to the excellent texture and flavor of this meal. The waiter claimed it's all he ate the first three months working at Raven and I don't blame him.
Neil was just as enthusiastic about his southwest breakfast enchiladas filled with grilled chicken inside of a corn tortilla topped with a delectable fried egg.
The only real fail for both of our meals was the side of green chili cheese grits. Being a cheese grits enthusiast, I was indeed pleased with my first forkful - cheap lust. Then came the second and the final third bite which put an end to our initial spark. It just didn't work for either of us and the spice had nothing to do with it.
Hey, Raven Grill - don't worry about it. With both of our meals coming in below $10 each and $5 drinks, you are still a winner to me in the brunch department.
Bottom Line - You'll already be impressed with it's understated beauty and charm, and then you get the meal and the bill and you too will fall in love.