Pappasito's Cantina - Best of Tex-Mex

Pappasito's Cantina

Houston, TX

Lunch

March 19, 2010

The Set-Up - Heading back to Baton Rouge from a medical appointment in Houston, we stopped at one of our favorite Tex-Mex places, knowing they'd have tasty food and TVs on which we could watch the some March Madness action. We sat in the bar for the latter.

The Meal - We made a great menu choice - the mixed grill. For $16.95 we got a skewer of beef, chicken, shrimp and vegetables along with side orders of rice and pineapple pico de gallo. Fabulous! We probably could have eaten two orders, but we stopped at one. Fresh chips and salsa and drinks - a margarita for Kay and iced tea for me made for an outstanding lunch. The food looked even better hanging on its skewer, but I was too hungry to remember to take a picture. Maybe next time.

Drinks - Pappasito's margaritas have been delicious for all 25 years I've been drinking them, but on this day I had to drink iced tea and get back on the road.

Ambience - With one large room, Pappasito's is busy and noisy, but in a good-spirited way.

Service - Efficient, friendly and accurate.

The Check - With tax and tip, just $33.


The Scoreboard (one-to-five scale)

Food - Five - today's food was typical. Nobody grills it better than Pappasito's

Drinks - Four - margaritas are good, but a little pricey


Ambience - Four - Probably better for a larger group, but being able to sit at tables in the bar to watch basketball was a big plus.

Service - Five - Excellent. For such a large restaurant, Pappasito's always manages to provide personal service.

Price/Value - Five for this meal. Four to five for most of our meals there.


Overall Assessment

Special Occasion

Favorite - We've eaten at least ten lunches and dinners at one or another Pappasito's (there are 13 locations in the Houston area) over the years. I don't think we've ever been disappointed.

Very Good

Good Enough

If Hungry Enough

Keep Driving and Looking


Other Info -

11831 I-10 East
Houston, TX 77029
(713) 455-8378

Hours:

Sun.- Thurs. 11:00 am-10:00 pm
Fri. & Sat. 11:00 am-11:00 pm


Pappasito's Cantina

Cafe Adobe - Houston, TX - Great Tex-Mex With Ex-tras

Cafe Adobe

Location - Houston, TX

Meal - Dinner

Date - February 15, 2010

The Set-Up - We found Cafe Adobe early on our trips to Houston and return often for a quick, tasty and inexpensive Tex-Mex meal. Upon arriving in Houston on February 15, we had just enough time for dinner before heading to the nearby McGonigel's Mucky Duck for a 9:30 show.

The Meal - Kay went with the reliable Tacos al Carbon. I'm glad I ventured from my usual order pattern as the Fish Tacos were wonderful. The broiled tilapia pieces were marinated in chipotle cilantro and garlic butter sauce. The tacos were the soft kind and filled with red cabbage, so I had to deconstruct the dish to eat it, but no problem. They offer a plate of the same fish, Tilapia Cozumel, which I'll definitely consider next time.


Drinks - It was margarita time. We inquired about happy hour and to our happiness, the half-priced drink special was still on. More later on this part of the meal, but drinks were delicious.

Ambience - We like the area nearest the door for a number of reasons. Less walking in a big restaurant, near the rest rooms, and the area seems a little more open and brighter than the back of the restaurant.

Service - Always cheerful and efficient. The staff was especially helpful when our bill came with the margaritas at full price. We pointed this out and instead of correcting the price, which would have saved us $6.25, they gave me my fish tacos for free ($8.99 value), saying that it was too difficult in their system to correct the drink price.

The Check - With the credit, we got out of Cafe Adobe full of food and drink for an amazing $30, including tax and a nice tip.

The Scoreboard (one-to-five scale)

Food - Five - I think I found a new favorite dish.

Drinks - Five - Hard to beat frozen margaritas in a good Tex-Mex place.

Ambience - Four - Our preferred seating area also includes the stairs to the club on the second floor.

Service - Five - Three cheers for their makeup on the mispriced drinks.

Price/Value - A big Five on this occasion - pretty close every time out.


Overall Assessment

Special Occasion

Favorite - Definitely merits Favorite status with its combination of tasty food and drinks, reasonable prices and extended happy hour. We'll be back!

Very Good

Good Enough

If Hungry Enough

Keep Driving and Looking


Other Info -

2111 Westheimer, Houston, Texas 77098 ... Phone: 713.528.1468 ... Fax: 713.528.5127

There are three other Cafe Adobe locations in the Houston area (Sugar Land, Spring Branch and The Woodlands) and one opening soon in Clear Lake.

Hours:

Call for hours. I know they're open Monday through Saturday for both lunch and dinner. They're probably open Sunday as well.

Cafe Adobe

Fu's Garden - Houston, TX - Modestly and Mostly Good

Fu's Garden Restaurant

Houston, TX

Dinner

January 21, 2010

The Set-Up - After spending all morning on the road from Baton Rouge to Houston, and all afternoon at Texas Medical Center getting a CT scan (complete with barium contrast fluid), I was ready for a quick meal nearby featuring relatively bland food. McGonigel's Mucky Duck, complete with live music beckoned, but Fu's Garden, several blocks closer, at least two hours quicker (no concert), and $20 per head cheaper (the cover charge for the music) won out. We'd driven past it several times during our trips to Houston and often said that we'd try it someday. Thursday was the day.

The restaurant seemed to be struggling a bit with its marketing. In almost passive-aggressive style, their takeout menu and the plaques on the wall noted Houston Metropolitan Magazine's modest claim - "One of the most popular Hunan restaurants in Houston", while the Houston Press's claim almost screamed in comparison, "Best Chinese Food."

Though Fu's Garden was more than adequate for our Thursday night dinner, I didn't see convincing evidence to support either claim. At 7 p.m, you'd think prime dinner hour with nearby Rice University in session, we were one of just five or six parties seated in a restaurant with a least thirty tables. Maybe it's the bad economy in action. As for the food, I'll get to that right now.

The Meal - We got off to an auspicious start. Both the special won ton soup ($1.75) and the spring rolls (two for $2.60) were excellent. The won tons were served on the side. The soup featured a dumpling along with shrimp and chicken. A bowl of this soup ($5.00) with a spring roll or two would have made a good light meal.


For entrees, Kay ordered the Sauteed Shrimp and Chicken in Pepper Corn Sauce ($11.50), while, looking to avoid a lot of spice, I went with the usually reliable Combination Fried Rice ($7.50).

Kay's food was hot, spicy and yummy. We could have gotten by sharing it. My fried rice was average at best. Trying to hold down the salt and fat content (I guess), Fu's underworked the dish with too little soy sauce and butter. The pork, shrimp and chicken were all fine, but the whole dish was a little too white. The dish also lacked vegetables, which I expected given that it was called "combination."


Drinks - Kay had a glass of wine ($5). I had iced tea. Both were good, but unremarkable.

Ambience - Fu's basically had one large dining room with a smaller room that looked like it could be closed off for private parties. The furnishings were very nice, but not fussy. A substantial mosaic adorned one wall. My photo doesn't do it justice, nor does my other photo of a floral painting. Both were beautiful. Fu's avoided the overdecorated style that hampers some Asian restaurants. Lighting was also adequate. I've eaten in some Chinese restaurants that were just too dark to see the menu. I wished I'd gotten a photo of the two "thrones" in the foyer. They were a unique touch.



Service - As you would expect, service was quietly efficient. Both of the waiters on staff helped us and a third gentleman kept both tea and water glasses full. The waiters did a particularly good job of clearing used plates and bowls without being pushy.

The Check - With tax and tip, the bill for two was less than $40. Very reasonable, particularly since we both left with half a plate of food in a to-go container.

The Scoreboard (one-to-five scale)

Food - four (pulled down by the fried rice)

Drinks - four (good but not special)

Ambience - four (a near five - quietly elegant)

Service - five (unspectacularly excellent - the best kind)

Price/Value - four (five possible with better selection off the menu)


Overall Assessment

Special Occasion

Favorite

Very Good - Except for the fried rice, everything about Fu's met our needs. However, a restaurant that bills itself "Best Chinese Food" should handle a staple dish like fried rice better than Fu's did.

Good Enough

If Hungry Enough

Keep Driving and Looking

Fu's Garden Restaurant

2539 University Blvd.

Houston, TX 77005

713.520.7422 phone

713.522.6190 fax
713.520.7422 delivery

Yes, Fu's Garden offers free delivery for dinner within a five mile radius.

Leftover Report - The fried rice and spicy chicken and shrimp worked great together heated in the microwave the next day.

Hours:

Monday - Thursday 11:00 am til 10:00 pm
Friday 11:00 am til 10:30 pm
Saturday 11:30 am til 10:30 pm
Sunday 11:30 am til 10:00 pm

http://fus-garden.com

Lupe Tortilla - Houston, TX - Happy Enchiladas

Lupe Tortilla

Houston, TX

Dinner

January 4, 2010

The Set-Up - Our first trip to this Houston-based restaurant chain came in June 2009 at the suggestion of a hotel clerk, who said it was good, reasonable and close by. Our GPS didn't realize there was more than one location (or maybe we didn't) so we drove around awhile before finding the one nearby. Everything else the man told us was right on and we've returned many times to Lupe Tortilla's downtown Houston location.

This visit came at the end of a five-hour drive from Baton Rouge for a medical appointment the next day.


The Meal - A meal at Lupe Tortilla always begins with their fresh chips and salsa. The chips are hot so they must be baked on site and the salsa is chunky and tasty with lots of cilantro. I've gotten stuck on the combination enchilada plate ($10.50) which includes three enchiladas, beans and rice. Not being a bean person, I asked for extra rice and no beans. Even with three enchiladas to consume, I can usually work my way through most of a double helping of rice. They offer four kinds of sauce to go with the enchiladas. My favorite (I think) is the Ancho chili con carne sauce, which is dark, rich and spicy. Kay got the chicken flautas, which she enjoyed. I'd eaten too much other food to offer a reliable opinion.

Drinks - We stuck with non-alcoholic drinks on this visit, but my recollection is that the margaritas are outstanding. I'll update based on a future visit.


Ambience - The rambling wood structure, though no doubt designed by an architect, gives the homey feeling of having been expanded room by room as the business grew. The sombrero hat lampshades are a comical touch.

Service - Diners are well cared for at Lupe Tortilla. In addition to efficient and friendly waiters, a manager tours the dining room on a regular basis to ask if all your needs are being met. On one trip I told him that my only need that was not being met was for a Lupe Tortilla in Baton Rouge. He replied that they're still working on expanding in Texas (San Antonio in particular).

The Check - With no appetizers, margaritas or dessert, the tab for two came to a slim $28.50 including tax and tip.


The Scoreboard (one-to-five scale)

Food - five (assuming that everything else is as yummy as the enchiladas)

Drinks - four (could be a five - will have to revisit the margaritas and report back)

Ambience - five (busy, friendly, fun)

Service - five (unobtrusive manager visits are a nice touch)

Price/Value - five (enchiladas are a bargain; other food seems to be priced below Pappasito's, which serves similar food)


Overall Assessment

Special Occasion

Favorite - could be a special occasion place for a large group that likes Tex-Mex food. Not so much for a romantic dinner.

Very Good

Good Enough

If Hungry Enough

Keep Driving and Looking


Other Issues - There are eight Houston-area locations. Make sure your GPS is taking you to the one you want. San Antonio and Austin are in Lupe Tortilla's expansion plans. Maybe Louisiana after that? Or maybe I'll move to Houston.

Hours of Operation
Sunday - Thursday - 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday - Saturday - 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

2414 Southwest Freeway (near Kirby)
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 522-4420

LupeTortilla.com

To Go Menu

Palazzo's Trattoria, Houston, TX - High End Value

Palazzo's Trattoria

Houston, TX
Dinner
December 17, 2009

The Set-Up - We found this charming and reasonably-priced Italian restaurant in the tony River Oaks section of Houston while were staying in town for awhile in early 2009.

You can spend somewhat more money (Frank's Chop House) to a lot more money (Morton's) and not get a significantly better meal in nicer surroundings.

The Meal - I ordered grilled rainbow trout from the 3-course fixed price menu ($19.95). With it came a choice of soup or salad. I chose the tomato-basil soup. It was hot and tasty. The submerged croutons were a particular treat.

Palazzo's does bread very well. Their garlic breadsticks were outstanding. I had control myself so as not to eat too many before the main food came. We think they are made out of pizza crust - making a note to order pizza on one trip.

Kay had her usual - the filet mignon with a brandy shallot demiglace ($21.95), though sometimes we get an extra side and split this dish. It comes with garlic mashed potatoes and spinach, also drenched in garlic. All delicious. I got leftovers on everything but the steak, which Kay saved for our daughter back in Louisiana.

My rainbow trout was also outstanding - perfectly grilled with no bones. With it came grilled vegetables (squash, zucchini, tomato and roasted red pepper). They even included a half-lemon, so I didn't have to ask. I didn't leave a single bite.

Wine was a bargain at $13 for a half-liter of a nice chianti. This allowed me one glass (my limit) and rest for Kay at a very reasonable price - maybe $4 per glass.

Dessert was the meal's only disappointment. I ordered the tiramisu, but switched to banana carrot cake, thinking that I'd seen it on a past visit. I wish I'd stuck with tiramisu. The bananas made the carrot cake too gluey and the banana flavor didn't add much. I suggested that they try a pecan carrot cake like the one I get in Baton Rouge. But with all the value I'd gotten from the breadsticks, soup, fish and vegetables, the dessert seemed like a freebie.

Ambience - Atmosphere-wise, Palazzo's Trattoria is nothing spectacular - just comfortable and quiet. There's a single TV in the bar if you need to keep up with a game. There was a decent-sized crowd on Thursday night, but we had no trouble getting a table at 7:30 p.m.

The Check - Our bill for two for dinner was about $75 with tax and tip.

The Scoreboard (one-to-five scale)

Food - five (all but dessert excellent)

Dessert - two (carrot cake disappointing)

Drinks - five (reasonably-priced wine)

Ambience - four (comfortable, unpretentious)

Service - five (friendly - server chatted with us about crummy Houston weather)

Price/Value - five (particularly given the location)

Overall Assessment

Special Occasion

Favorite - This was at least our sixth visit to Palazzo's Trattoria. We've brought both family and friends there and always had a good meal. You will too.

Very Good

Good Enough

If Hungry Enough

Keep Driving and Looking

More good news - Palazzo's Trattoria is open seven days a week.

Hours of Operation

Sunday - 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Monday to Thursday - 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Friday and Saturday - 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

There are two other Palazzo locations in Houston. This review refers to Palazzo's Trattoria at 2300 Westheimer Drive.

713.522.6777

www.palazzoscafe.com

Welcome to Restaurant Rouge

Living in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and receiving routine medical treatment and followup in Houston, Texas makes for a lot of time on the road, eating out in both cities and in between.

In Restaurant Rouge, I'll share my thoughts on various dining experiences along that path and wherever my family's travels take us.

Please let me know your thoughts about any of these restaurants, and about other favorites and disappointments.

I'll be back soon with reports from two of my wife's and my favorites - Cafe Des Amis in Breaux Bridge, LA and 's Palazzo's Trattoria in Houston, TX.