Delicious Houston

We loved our time in Houston. Besides the wonderful Haven (see prior review), our favorites were: the Samba Grille, a modern South American grill. Lunch one day was just wonderful. The prix- fixe 3 course lunch is a great bargain and includes the jade soup, the sunfish, the coconut rice, the steak and all were out of this world.

One evening we sampled their churrascaria: a parade of fire roasted meats cut off skewers by their friendly staff/carvers with sides of veggies and more of their heavenly coconut rice. (Other sides are offered along with soup and salad.) Don’t miss the fabulous cheese rolls!

Samba Salad:

We had a lovely dinner at the local Smith & Wollensky. We were treated like royalty and that’s important when dinner costs an arm and a leg. Started off with a perfect dry Belvedere Martini and tasty appetizers. The aged prime bone-in ribeyes were cooked to perfection and went well with their truffled mac & cheese and the seasonal brussel sprouts with lardons. (Okay, I still pine for the lobster mac and cheese at the Capitol Grill but this one is yummy.) The wine list is extensive (and expensive) and we enjoyed a beautiful cabernet with our meal. We finished the meal with a sky high chocolate layer cake and a fine 20 year old tawny port. (Sorry, it’s dark and too formal for pictures.)

Po’Boys are everywhere in Houston and we ate them all over town during our visit here. Our favorites: the oyster ones at Calliope’s (and their rich gumbo) and the shrimp at BB’s. The boudin at BB’s was excellent too.

Calliope’s Oyster Po’boy with sweet potato fries:

Huge shrimp Po’boy at BB’s:

We recommend not missing the fried dill pickles at the Fish City Grill!

We are off again but the great weather and people here in Houston were pluses; the crazy traffic the only minus!