The Skinny: We were there for over an hour and we left hungry.
The Fat: I'm a Houston gal, but we drove into the Bastrop for the weekend to attend a friend's graduation. On Sunday, six of us headed downtown to grab some breakfast. Were were actually on our way to Maxine's when we ran into some friends that suggested we try Wildflower. They said it was less crowded and less expensive so we thought we'd give it a go.
When we walked in the door the place was about 50% full and there were three servers standing up by the register. No one greeted us, so we looked around for a place to sit and just assumed we could choose for ourselves. Just then one of the waitresses nodded for us to take any table.
Our dull waitress took about 10 minutes to even greet us and give us menus, then another 5 minutes to take our drink order. We knew this was going nowhere fast so as soon as we got our beverages, we made sure to order our food.
We chatted and waited, took pictures and waited, watched people come in- waited, watched people leave-waited... Finally, I took my friend's 8 year old son out for a walk downtown while we waited. If I was getting bored, I knew this poor kid must have been.
After about 45 minutes we went up to our server and asked how much longer it would take to get our food. She said we were next in line. This place had 3 servers and and only about 7 tables occupied...what, exactly, was the problem?
About 10 minutes later she burst out of the kitchen with steaming plates of food. We all sat up straight in our chairs, moving napkins and drinks to make way for our feast. Too bad that food was for a table that had arrived AFTER us! When our wait hit the 60 MINUTE MARK, we politely asked to pay for our beverages and we left.
P.S.: Good Service and basic communication can go a long way. Had our waitress said "sorry, the kitchen was backed up", offered some bread, offered some friendly service, or (after more than 50 minutes) even offered to comp our meals - we may have been more empathetic and toughed it out.
Instead we walked right out the door, right across the street to (the very busy) Maxine's and were seated & eating our meals in under 15 minutes.
Showing posts with label Brunch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brunch. Show all posts
Sophia - Give it a Try
The Skinny: BYOB can appear on invitations to any number of delights; potlucks, frat parties, tailgating - or in this case - one of the best little restaurants in the Montrose.
The Fat: Do you ever crave a great meal without all the hoopla? I absolutely do. I love to get all dolled up for a night on the town just as much as I enjoy walking down the street in sandals for a casual meal. For those precious moments in between, Sophia reigns supreme.
A sloppy little coffee house where I used to lug my laptop and law books when I wanted to study away from the depressing library or the bustling neighborhood Starbucks, is the reincarnated home of a dining gem mere paces away from the Menil.
While under new ownership, this off-the-main-drive location has maintained the simple vibe that originally drew me there, but instead of free wi-fi and stale muffins, we have twinkling lights and fine food.
On my most recent visit, I teamed up with four of my friends for a casual end of week dinner. Once our party of five was complete, we opened some wine and feasted on the soft bread and luscious olive oil dip that awaited our arrival; simplicity at its finest.
As we all studied the menu, I could see that there were eight starters to choose from, four of which were calling my name. I'd been to Sophia before, but my on my first visit with a group, I arrived late after work and missed the spread of appetizers altogether. Needless to say I was teeming with excitement over this fresh opportunity, so I immediately suggested that we order a few appetizers for all of us to share.
We chose the Mussels, the Spicy Sauteed Calamari and the Spinach and Goat Cheese Dip.
The Mussels are a sure bet; fat and plump. These meaty morsels were steamed and flavored with rough chunks of apple smoked bacon, bits of fresh apple and an apple brandy sauce. There were enough for each of us to have 2-3 a piece and plenty of sauce left over for us to sop up with bread - a hit to say the least.
The "Spicy" Sauteed Calamari, while not remotely spicy, were tender and lovely nonetheless. The delicate pile of calamari was tossed with thin slices of Spanish Chorizo, topped with crispy Leek shavings and bathing in a shallow pool of light Habanero broth.
The Spinach and Goat Cheese dip was our last choice, something I thought would be a crowd pleaser, but surely not take center stage. Was I ever wrong...well, half wrong. It was a crowd pleaser alright, but the traditionally ordinary ingredients held their own against the mussels and calamari.
The tangy goat cheese and delicate spinach were folded together into a creamy mix drizzled with, none other than (my fave) truffle oil! Honestly, I had overlooked that ingredient on the menu and just agreed to order the dish because it sounded like something all five of us would enjoy.
When I took the first bite I actually said, "Oh my gosh, this is awesome. It tastes like...like...like there's a little bit of truffle oil in it" and there was. Fabulous Truffle Oil to the rescue! Once again, it proved to be the perfect addition to elevate an otherwise commonplace combination. It was so good, in fact, that once the crisp bread bowl that it had been served in was scraped clean, it was promptly cut apart and devoured as well.
Another round of the same would have served me well, but we sipped on our wine and eagerly went back to the menu to select our entrees.
Sophia offers a limited, but beautiful selection of entrees. You'll find about six menu items and maybe a couple of nightly specials. You won't feel deprived, however, because the short list includes all the essentials like chicken, pork, fish and beef. Just pick your poison and you'll find something there that fits the bill.
The last time I went, I ordered the Grilled Rib Eye, medium rare...yum. It's served with a heavenly pat of Cold Mushroom Compound butter, an amazing side of Blue Cheese Macaroni and steamed broccoli. Fantastic!
I did have to send my steak back for a quick flash. It was incredibly undercooked, but in my opinion, a "rare" mistake is better because it takes a far shorter time to rectify than a "well done" one!
Sometimes my friends and I will order one entree each and share so that we can try it all. Sadly, most of the group ordered the same thing so my sharing options were limited. One friend did branch out and order the Oven Roasted Half Chicken with Rosemary Pan Sauce. Luckily, I pried his hands away from his plate long enough to steal a bite.
I don't typically order basic chicken at a restaurant that offers things like Bacon Stuffed Pork Chops and Grilled Salmon with Tomato Caper Sauce, but this chicken was moist, tender and so delicious.
A party of five or more can have multiple effects on a small place like this. On my third visit, we were the first large party to arrive after two quiet couples had clearly made their way through wine and apps. We were a jovial bunch (not rowdy by any means, but spirited) and so, it was clear that we were changing the mood from "quiet and intimate" to "lively and energetic".
I'm not ashamed of the shift and we weren't made to feel bad about it, but be prepared for either experience. A restaurant with an open floor plan, concrete floors and bare walls ensures that the vibe and noise level will be determined by its patrons.
The service is friendly and the decor is clean and simple. There are booths for parties of two and four, and tables for four or more. The chairs are a bit stiff and wobbly and the tables sit a little too low, but you'll adjust without any long term discomfort.
A great feature about Sophia is that it's BYOB. That's a hard sell to a number of customers, but I am always shocked by that fact. Why a person wouldn't want to pick out their own wine, at their own price and bring it for dinner is beyond me. Each guest in my party was able to bring a unique selection and share it with the table - an amusing option for any dining experience.
I've been to Sophia several times now and each time I brought a great bottle of wine, partook in an array of appetizers, enjoyed an entree and shared a dessert or two - all for $25 to $40. If you love fine dining and are mindful of your budget, it's the best of both worlds!
Location: 1601 W Main St - 713.942.7970
P.S. Although it seemed that reservations were unnecessary on all of my visits, I cannot advise you on whether or not to make them. I always do on the weekends, just to be safe. But if you forget to make them, don't count this place out for a great weekend dinner. Even if it's a last minute idea...swing by and give it a try.
The Fat: Do you ever crave a great meal without all the hoopla? I absolutely do. I love to get all dolled up for a night on the town just as much as I enjoy walking down the street in sandals for a casual meal. For those precious moments in between, Sophia reigns supreme.
A sloppy little coffee house where I used to lug my laptop and law books when I wanted to study away from the depressing library or the bustling neighborhood Starbucks, is the reincarnated home of a dining gem mere paces away from the Menil.
While under new ownership, this off-the-main-drive location has maintained the simple vibe that originally drew me there, but instead of free wi-fi and stale muffins, we have twinkling lights and fine food.
On my most recent visit, I teamed up with four of my friends for a casual end of week dinner. Once our party of five was complete, we opened some wine and feasted on the soft bread and luscious olive oil dip that awaited our arrival; simplicity at its finest.
As we all studied the menu, I could see that there were eight starters to choose from, four of which were calling my name. I'd been to Sophia before, but my on my first visit with a group, I arrived late after work and missed the spread of appetizers altogether. Needless to say I was teeming with excitement over this fresh opportunity, so I immediately suggested that we order a few appetizers for all of us to share.
We chose the Mussels, the Spicy Sauteed Calamari and the Spinach and Goat Cheese Dip.
The Mussels are a sure bet; fat and plump. These meaty morsels were steamed and flavored with rough chunks of apple smoked bacon, bits of fresh apple and an apple brandy sauce. There were enough for each of us to have 2-3 a piece and plenty of sauce left over for us to sop up with bread - a hit to say the least.
The "Spicy" Sauteed Calamari, while not remotely spicy, were tender and lovely nonetheless. The delicate pile of calamari was tossed with thin slices of Spanish Chorizo, topped with crispy Leek shavings and bathing in a shallow pool of light Habanero broth.
The Spinach and Goat Cheese dip was our last choice, something I thought would be a crowd pleaser, but surely not take center stage. Was I ever wrong...well, half wrong. It was a crowd pleaser alright, but the traditionally ordinary ingredients held their own against the mussels and calamari.
The tangy goat cheese and delicate spinach were folded together into a creamy mix drizzled with, none other than (my fave) truffle oil! Honestly, I had overlooked that ingredient on the menu and just agreed to order the dish because it sounded like something all five of us would enjoy.
When I took the first bite I actually said, "Oh my gosh, this is awesome. It tastes like...like...like there's a little bit of truffle oil in it" and there was. Fabulous Truffle Oil to the rescue! Once again, it proved to be the perfect addition to elevate an otherwise commonplace combination. It was so good, in fact, that once the crisp bread bowl that it had been served in was scraped clean, it was promptly cut apart and devoured as well.
Another round of the same would have served me well, but we sipped on our wine and eagerly went back to the menu to select our entrees.
Sophia offers a limited, but beautiful selection of entrees. You'll find about six menu items and maybe a couple of nightly specials. You won't feel deprived, however, because the short list includes all the essentials like chicken, pork, fish and beef. Just pick your poison and you'll find something there that fits the bill.
The last time I went, I ordered the Grilled Rib Eye, medium rare...yum. It's served with a heavenly pat of Cold Mushroom Compound butter, an amazing side of Blue Cheese Macaroni and steamed broccoli. Fantastic!
I did have to send my steak back for a quick flash. It was incredibly undercooked, but in my opinion, a "rare" mistake is better because it takes a far shorter time to rectify than a "well done" one!
Sometimes my friends and I will order one entree each and share so that we can try it all. Sadly, most of the group ordered the same thing so my sharing options were limited. One friend did branch out and order the Oven Roasted Half Chicken with Rosemary Pan Sauce. Luckily, I pried his hands away from his plate long enough to steal a bite.
I don't typically order basic chicken at a restaurant that offers things like Bacon Stuffed Pork Chops and Grilled Salmon with Tomato Caper Sauce, but this chicken was moist, tender and so delicious.
A party of five or more can have multiple effects on a small place like this. On my third visit, we were the first large party to arrive after two quiet couples had clearly made their way through wine and apps. We were a jovial bunch (not rowdy by any means, but spirited) and so, it was clear that we were changing the mood from "quiet and intimate" to "lively and energetic".
I'm not ashamed of the shift and we weren't made to feel bad about it, but be prepared for either experience. A restaurant with an open floor plan, concrete floors and bare walls ensures that the vibe and noise level will be determined by its patrons.
The service is friendly and the decor is clean and simple. There are booths for parties of two and four, and tables for four or more. The chairs are a bit stiff and wobbly and the tables sit a little too low, but you'll adjust without any long term discomfort.
A great feature about Sophia is that it's BYOB. That's a hard sell to a number of customers, but I am always shocked by that fact. Why a person wouldn't want to pick out their own wine, at their own price and bring it for dinner is beyond me. Each guest in my party was able to bring a unique selection and share it with the table - an amusing option for any dining experience.
I've been to Sophia several times now and each time I brought a great bottle of wine, partook in an array of appetizers, enjoyed an entree and shared a dessert or two - all for $25 to $40. If you love fine dining and are mindful of your budget, it's the best of both worlds!
Location: 1601 W Main St - 713.942.7970
P.S. Although it seemed that reservations were unnecessary on all of my visits, I cannot advise you on whether or not to make them. I always do on the weekends, just to be safe. But if you forget to make them, don't count this place out for a great weekend dinner. Even if it's a last minute idea...swing by and give it a try.
1308 Cantina - Give it a Try
The Skinny: The killer Margaritas are kin to the ones from their mother ship, El Tiempo. After two, you won't know who's who.
The Fat: Mexican food is Mexican food, some will say. This place is no better than the best, but better than most and that means a lot in a sea of Mexican restaurants.
While I'm a huge lover of the cultural fare that infiltrates the Houston area, back in my hometown of Tampa, Florida, I always despised the sorry attempts the local restaurants made to serve Mexican food. But after a few years of H-town living and after reconfiguring my taste buds' likes and dislikes, Tex Mex has moved near the top of my list of culinary cravings. What can I say? I'm a fan!
First of all, I love to take my time when I dine. If I want to eat something on the fly, I'll whip up a grilled cheese and a side salad in the comfort of my own home. So - Mexican restaurant or not - if I'm out, I'm in it for the long haul; the drinks, the apps, and the conversation between courses. And so we started, ever so slowly, with their Margaritas. Yowza!
Well, one drink later, I was fully prepared to skip my sentimental yearning for leisurely dining and head out to the bars. Still, with my dining companion as the sole voice of reason, we managed to get ourselves together and order some food. We were going to see a friend's band play later that night and wanted to be "vertical" for the event.
The chips are crisp and the salsas (green and red) are tasty and fresh. We decided on a few apps to share. The Seared Tuna appetizer was a bit of a let down; a little overpriced for the portion size, but perfectly cooked and delicious nonetheless. If you want seared tuna, I'd save my fresh fish craving for another spot.
We also ordered the 7 Cheese, Crab, Artichoke & Spinach Dip. This masterful pot-o-heart attack was out of this world. A side of warm tortillas is served with a bowl of a gazillion cheeses (seven, to be exact) melted together with bits of crab and -you guessed it- Spinach and Artichoke. It was hard to distinguish the flavors from one another, but yummy just the same. It's a dip. That's how they work.
The shrimp cocktail is fantastic; a huge sundae glass filled with shrimp & fresh avocado drenched in a perfectly spiced red sauce and served with toast points. Then get ready for the Cannonball. This thing could kill a village. It's a full avocado stuffed with cheese and chicken and then (get this) deep fried. Sure it's a heart attack waiting to happen, but you'll be done eating it long before that becomes an issue.
I'd take a pass on the Jicama and Mango Salad. While it sounds exotic and delectable (don't worry , we were fooled too), the careless cuts of jicama and mango were little more than an unflattering duo plopped on a plate and drenched in a flavorless lime dressing. The whole dish proved to be messy and quite unappetizing.
I love their classics, like quesadillas, with any filling of chicken, beef or shrimp. Their enchiladas are pretty great too.
If you're looking to be floored by ingenious preparations, have another drink. This place is major Mexican and good at...the basics. But that's what we all love about Mexican food anyway, isn't it? The basics. At 1308 Cantina, you really can't go wrong. Just stick to the things you love about Tex Mex and you'll be happy.
P.S. The service is fantastic! Your chip bowl never runneth dry. Many of the servers won't be able to describe the menu items to you, I think it's because there are about 1000 items on the menu, so stick with what you know.
Oh, and my favorite waiter goes by the name of Larry. He's Mexican, but says that his hippy parents just loved the name "Larry." It's a funny story, ask for him and ask him about it. Then ask him what his middle name is. Then, after your second Margarita, ask him what a "Jose Conseco" is. Good times!
Location: 1308 Montrose Blvd. 713.807.8996
The Fat: Mexican food is Mexican food, some will say. This place is no better than the best, but better than most and that means a lot in a sea of Mexican restaurants.
While I'm a huge lover of the cultural fare that infiltrates the Houston area, back in my hometown of Tampa, Florida, I always despised the sorry attempts the local restaurants made to serve Mexican food. But after a few years of H-town living and after reconfiguring my taste buds' likes and dislikes, Tex Mex has moved near the top of my list of culinary cravings. What can I say? I'm a fan!
First of all, I love to take my time when I dine. If I want to eat something on the fly, I'll whip up a grilled cheese and a side salad in the comfort of my own home. So - Mexican restaurant or not - if I'm out, I'm in it for the long haul; the drinks, the apps, and the conversation between courses. And so we started, ever so slowly, with their Margaritas. Yowza!
Well, one drink later, I was fully prepared to skip my sentimental yearning for leisurely dining and head out to the bars. Still, with my dining companion as the sole voice of reason, we managed to get ourselves together and order some food. We were going to see a friend's band play later that night and wanted to be "vertical" for the event.
The chips are crisp and the salsas (green and red) are tasty and fresh. We decided on a few apps to share. The Seared Tuna appetizer was a bit of a let down; a little overpriced for the portion size, but perfectly cooked and delicious nonetheless. If you want seared tuna, I'd save my fresh fish craving for another spot.
We also ordered the 7 Cheese, Crab, Artichoke & Spinach Dip. This masterful pot-o-heart attack was out of this world. A side of warm tortillas is served with a bowl of a gazillion cheeses (seven, to be exact) melted together with bits of crab and -you guessed it- Spinach and Artichoke. It was hard to distinguish the flavors from one another, but yummy just the same. It's a dip. That's how they work.
The shrimp cocktail is fantastic; a huge sundae glass filled with shrimp & fresh avocado drenched in a perfectly spiced red sauce and served with toast points. Then get ready for the Cannonball. This thing could kill a village. It's a full avocado stuffed with cheese and chicken and then (get this) deep fried. Sure it's a heart attack waiting to happen, but you'll be done eating it long before that becomes an issue.
I'd take a pass on the Jicama and Mango Salad. While it sounds exotic and delectable (don't worry , we were fooled too), the careless cuts of jicama and mango were little more than an unflattering duo plopped on a plate and drenched in a flavorless lime dressing. The whole dish proved to be messy and quite unappetizing.
I love their classics, like quesadillas, with any filling of chicken, beef or shrimp. Their enchiladas are pretty great too.
If you're looking to be floored by ingenious preparations, have another drink. This place is major Mexican and good at...the basics. But that's what we all love about Mexican food anyway, isn't it? The basics. At 1308 Cantina, you really can't go wrong. Just stick to the things you love about Tex Mex and you'll be happy.
P.S. The service is fantastic! Your chip bowl never runneth dry. Many of the servers won't be able to describe the menu items to you, I think it's because there are about 1000 items on the menu, so stick with what you know.
Oh, and my favorite waiter goes by the name of Larry. He's Mexican, but says that his hippy parents just loved the name "Larry." It's a funny story, ask for him and ask him about it. Then ask him what his middle name is. Then, after your second Margarita, ask him what a "Jose Conseco" is. Good times!
Location: 1308 Montrose Blvd. 713.807.8996
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