Special occasion restaurants in Houston? non-bb

[astrojo]

Your favorite?  Celebrating 14th anniversary and need ideas. 

[Bench]

Da Marco's.

[hostros7]

mark's, for sure.

[MusicMan]

1.  Mark's
2.  Tony's

[Andyzipp]

Tony's
Mark's
Whatever the Rainbow Lodge is called now.

[pravata]

Ruggles in the Galleria or Artista in the Hobby Center of the Performing Arts

[astrojo]

Tony's
Mark's
Whatever the Rainbow Lodge is called now.

Are you talking about Brenner's on the Bayou?  The original location was actually on my list of places to try. 

Also, I have been to Mark's recently to celebrate a friend's anniversary.  I thought it was good, but I didn't find it that memorable (except for the bill, of course).

[Andyzipp]

Are you talking about Brenner's on the Bayou?  The original location was actually on my list of places to try. 

Also, I have been to Mark's recently to celebrate a friend's anniversary.  I thought it was good, but I didn't find it that memorable (except for the bill, of course).

Nope...

http://www.rainbow-lodge.com/

I thought it had changed names when they moved locations.  Evidently not.

[astrojo]

Nope...

http://www.rainbow-lodge.com/

I thought it had changed names when they moved locations.  Evidently not.

is the new location where La Tour d'Argent was located?

[Andyzipp]

I believe so.  Ella and TC Jester.

[Dobro]

Anyone been to the Rainbow Lodge since it relocated?

Mark's would be good, but it's a bit noisy for me for an anniversary dinner.

Had dinner at Ruggles Galleria about 2 weeks ago.  Terrible food and service.  First bad experience I've ever had there, but the manager appeared to be new.

[Andyzipp]

Anyone been to the Rainbow Lodge since it relocated?

Mark's would be good, but it's a bit noisy for me for an anniversary dinner.

Had dinner at Ruggles Galleria about 2 weeks ago.  Terrible food and service.  First bad experience I've ever had there, but the manager appeared to be new.

I've always preferred the Ruggles in Montrose to the one in the Galleria.

[pravata]

I've always preferred the Ruggles in Montrose to the one in the Galleria.

I feel cramped there.  The tables are too close together.  Also the Ruggles in the Galleria is almost pitch black.  The only lighting is the candle on the table.

[Andyzipp]

I feel cramped there.  The tables are too close together.  Also the Ruggles in the Galleria is almost pitch black.  The only lighting is the candle on the table.

Depending on your companion, this can be a excellent thing.

[Frobie]

Damian's is our regular special-occasion place.

[pravata]

Depending on your companion, this can be a excellent thing.

I'm just saying.

[Dobro]

Ruggles Galleria is definitely the better "anniversary dinner" atmosphere, but food and service are better at Montrose, as of late.

[Andyzipp]

Ruggles Galleria is definitely the better "anniversary dinner" atmosphere, but food and service are better at Montrose, as of late.

As you can tell from the pictures JackAstro keeps circulating, I enjoy being served food.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Anyone been to the Rainbow Lodge since it relocated?

Went a couple of weeks ago.  Food was great, and the setting was nice after you get past the fact that you're overlooking a drainage ditch.

I'd go with Gravitas, but that's my answer to just about any restaurant question.

[Dobro]

Went a couple of weeks ago.  Food was great, and the setting was nice after you get past the fact that you're overlooking a drainage ditch.

Why did they relocate?

[Dobro]

Anyone been to Quattro at the Four Seasons?

[Andyzipp]

Why did they relocate?

Lease/Rent, as I recall.

[Bench]

Damian's is our regular special-occasion place.

Damian's is terrific. Won't break the bank either.

[astrox]

Chez Nous in Humble is outstanding.

I know what you're thinking....French food....in Humble???

But trust me.  It's worth the trip and the price.  Reservations and coat/tie required.  Yes...in Humble, Texas.

[Dobro]

Chez Nous in Humble is outstanding.

I know what you're thinking....French food....in Humble???

But trust me.  It's worth the trip and the price.  Reservations and coat/tie required.  Yes...in Humble, Texas.

Thanks.  I was going to ask for French recommendations.  I've heard good things about Chez Nous.

Another outstanding, but less formal French restaurant is Bistro Provence out west on Memorial, around Memorial and Kirkwood, I think.

[Bench]

Thanks.  I was going to ask for French recommendations.  I've heard good things about Chez Nous.

Another outstanding, but less formal French restaurant is Bistro Provence out west on Memorial, around Memorial and Kirkwood, I think.

Bistro Vino (Roseland & Alabama) is a very nice setting and the food is quite good as well.

[Arky Vaughan]

Your favorite?  Celebrating 14th anniversary and need ideas.

Artista (downtown) or Oceanaire (Galleria) if you want seafood.

[Arky Vaughan]

Thanks.  I was going to ask for French recommendations.  I've heard good things about Chez Nous.

Another outstanding, but less formal French restaurant is Bistro Provence out west on Memorial, around Memorial and Kirkwood, I think.

Even better than Bistro Provence on Memorial is Bistro Le Cep, Westheimer near Kirkwood.

[Arky Vaughan]

Went a couple of weeks ago.  Food was great, and the setting was nice after you get past the fact that you're overlooking a drainage ditch.

I'd go with Gravitas, but that's my answer to just about any restaurant question.

Gravitas's prices are so reasonable, I almost don't consider it a special occasion place. It's very good, although a bit noisy and not in any way cozy.

[Dobro]

Even better than Bistro Provence on Memorial is Bistro Le Cep, Westheimer near Kirkwood.

Yes, I eat at Le Cep frequently.  A lot of the items on the menu are extremely heavy though; much heavier than the usual French country.  You can get a pretty good deal at Le Cep on Sunday evenings with their all-inclusive dinner special. 

I prefer the style of food at Provence, but both are excellent.

[Colt 45]

http://www.tommys.com/

[Dobro]

Oceanaire (Galleria) if you want seafood.

I agree, Oceanaire is great.  Have you tried Danton's?  Their oysters and gumbo are second to none.

[HudsonHawk]

Rainbow Lodge was always one of my favorites.  Didn't know it moved.

Had my anniversary dinner downtown a few times, once at Bank in the Hotel Icon, and once at the Skyline Grill in the Hilton Americas.  The Skyline was fabulous.  Phenomenal steak, best carpaccio I've ever had and the mousse was excellent too.  Good wine selection and best view in the city. 

[MusicMan]

Bank was great, but the chef left.  I haven't tried it since.

[NeilT]

Thanks.  I was going to ask for French recommendations.  I've heard good things about Chez Nous.

Another outstanding, but less formal French restaurant is Bistro Provence out west on Memorial, around Memorial and Kirkwood, I think.

We go to Cafe Rabelais in Rice Village on Times a lot, and the food is very good and it's a great atmosphere--it's got more of a neighborhood feel than most places of its quality.  It's got the best French wine list in town, and the owner is a great guy.  No reservations, so you have to get there at 6:30 or 8 unless you don't mind waiting. 

The owner also opened a new place on Montrose, Brasserie Max & Julie.  If you've seen Ratatoullie, it looks just like the cafe at the end of the movie.  The menu is very French bourgeoisie, so you may not like it, but it's very fun.  We took my daughter there for her 21st birthday, and I'm taking my wife there for her -0th.  Order the seafood tray and a couple of bottles of champagne.  It's not La Coupole, but it's really fun.

[hostros7]

Bank was great, but the chef left.  I haven't tried it since.

I think he started Mockingbird Bistro which is also a very good spot. 

[Trey]

I love Churrasco's.  But I haven't lived in Houston in almost ten years and was a poor college student then.

[Randy Watson]

Mark's on Westheimer
Michelangelo's on Westheimer (Montrose area)

[Andyzipp]

We took my daughter there for her 21st birthday,

Post a pic!

[Limey]

Taco Cabana.  Mrs Limey is a lucky lady!

[NeilT]

Post a pic!

She is a really pretty girl.  I don't know what happened.  I don't think I have a picture.

She was at a softball game when, 8 years ago?

[NeilT]

Anyone been to Quattro at the Four Seasons?

It's next to our office, and it's good.  Cafe Annie is always good. 

[Froback]

Taco Cabana.  Mrs Limey is a lucky lady!

[digress]Don't laugh, I have a friend who doesn't do much more for his wife.  But then they have some super tight budget they run in the hopes of retiring at an early age.

And since he is the only one working, eating out is something they do almost never.

I think I recall saying he brought take-out Chinese home this last year.[/digress]

I have not lived in Houston in a number of years, but I know in Dallas I go to a place called "The Melting Pot".  Not sure if Houston has one, but if it is just a celebration with just the two of you, it is a nice place because it is different than typical restaurants.  My wife and I use it as our anniversary only place, to try to keep it special.

[Bench]

And since he is the only one working, eating out is something they do almost never.

NTTAWWT

I have not lived in Houston in a number of years, but I know in Dallas I go to a place called "The Melting Pot".  Not sure if Houston has one, but if it is just a celebration with just the two of you, it is a nice place because it is different than typical restaurants.  My wife and I use it as our anniversary only place, to try to keep it special.

There is one out Westheimer. Pricey but tasty fondue.

[Froback]

There is one out Westheimer. Pricey but tasty fondue.

That is another reason to keep it to anniversaries only too.  But the uniqueness of it (since most people I know don't do much fondue), makes it fitting for special occasions like that, IMO.

[T. J.]

That is another reason to keep it to anniversaries only too.  But the uniqueness of it (since most people I know don't do much fondue), makes it fitting for special occasions like that, IMO.

If you like ruining pieces of meat in boiling oil and dipping stale bread in mediocre cheese, knock yourself out. 

My vote:  Cafe Annie, but it really depends on what you want to eat and how much you want to spend.  You can't go wrong with any of the suggestions above (except this fondue place, IMO).

[Bench]

mediocre cheese

There is no such thing.

[Froback]

If you like ruining pieces of meat in boiling oil and dipping stale bread in mediocre cheese, knock yourself out. 

My vote:  Cafe Annie, but it really depends on what you want to eat and how much you want to spend.  You can't go wrong with any of the suggestions above (except this fondue place, IMO).

WOW, you must have had a bad experience.  When I go we cook in a chicken broth type thing (with some wine, I think) and the bread is never stale, and the cheese is freshly melted in your pot.  It is really good stuff.

Get fresh veggies, Fruit and choice of beef, chicken, shrimp and lobster.  Also I typically get the banannas foster desert (not ussually on the menu, but my place still will make it for you).

Also the wines at the one in Dallas are some of the best in the city (or at least they win awards from local high-tone rags).

[MusicMan]

There is also one in the Woodlands.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

The owner also opened a new place on Montrose, Brasserie Max & Julie.  If you've seen Ratatoullie, it looks just like the cafe at the end of the movie.  The menu is very French bourgeoisie, so you may not like it, but it's very fun.  We took my daughter there for her 21st birthday, and I'm taking my wife there for her -0th.  Order the seafood tray and a couple of bottles of champagne.  It's not La Coupole, but it's really fun.

Went there for lunch about a month ago, and the atmosphere was great, the food was French comfort (if that makes sense).  The sauces were great, and the prices were reasonable.  Good wine list, too.

[BudGirl]

If nice weather, I'd recommend Daily Review Cafe.

[Dobro]

I think he started Mockingbird Bistro which is also a very good spot. 

That's good to know.  I was going to ask about a few other restaurants that I've been wanting to try and Mockingbird was one of them.  Anyone have first-hand experience with The Remington or *17?

[MusicMan]

*17: over-rated

[astrojo]

Wow, thanks for all the replies!  We still haven't picked a place yet.  Has anyone tried Monarch at Hotel ZaZa? 

[BizidyDizidy]

Wow, thanks for all the replies!  We still haven't picked a place yet.  Has anyone tried Monarch at Hotel ZaZa? 

The food at Monarch is good, but in my opinion overpriced - it is possible the most expensive restaurant in the city.

[hostros7]

That's good to know.  I was going to ask about a few other restaurants that I've been wanting to try and Mockingbird was one of them.  Anyone have first-hand experience with The Remington or *17?

I've been to the Remington a couple of times.  If you are someone who goes out to dinner all the time, I recommend giving it a shot because it's pretty good.  however, if you just go out to a nice place on a special occasion I would look elsewhere. Menu is pretty standard and the dishes themselves aren't very complex.  The bar is pretty good there and they have live music on the weekends so you could go dancing after dinner if you were so inclined.

[Lumpus]

I really like these two places for special occasions.

Fogo de Chao Churrascaria   
    8250 Westheimer Rd    Houston TX   77063   713.978.6500   

Nelore Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse   
    4412 Montrose Blvd    Houston TX   77006   713.395.1050

Both are Brazilian/Argentine Steak Houses that feature all-you-can-eat superb quality meat.  Fogo has been around longer and is a bit more upscale, but I really enjoy Nelore just as much and they're a little less expensive.

[Noe]

Wow, thanks for all the replies!  We still haven't picked a place yet.  Has anyone tried Monarch at Hotel ZaZa? 

*All*?  Including Taco Cabana?

[DVauthrin]

Fogo de Chao is great if your significant other loves meat/poultry, but if not, Churrascos is a better compromise.  Both are outstanding.

As far as italian goes, Ciros by memorial city mall is very good and has a nice ambience.  Josephines in downtown is also a good choice.  I'd also add Americas(part of the churrascos/artista family) if you like seafood.

[Astroholic]

Fogo de Chao is great if your significant other loves meat/poultry, but if not, Churrascos is a better compromise.  Both are outstanding.

As far as italian goes, Ciros by memorial city mall is very good and has a nice ambience.  Josephines in downtown is also a good choice.  I'd also add Americas(part of the churrascos/artista family) if you like seafood.

Is DQ's new resturant open?

[MikeyBoy]

Is DQ's new resturant open?

Fauxgo de Chao?

[Noe]

Is DQ's new resturant open?

Yeah, I hear they have juicers in there.

[DVauthrin]

Yeah, I hear they have juicers in there.

Also injectors for the meat/poultry.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Also injectors for the meat/poultry.

Try the rump roast.

[MusicMan]

Is DQ's new resturant open?

Yes, but don't look for any organic food.  Lots of hormones in that place.  Also, if you don't like the appetizer, the chef will claim that he is violently ill and refuse to serve the rest of your meal.

[Noe]

Try the rump roast.

And Clemens even has his own wine.  It's called "I didn't do it".

[DVauthrin]

And Clemens even has his own wine.  It's called "I didn't do it".

And if you pay 20 bucks extra, you can get a demonstration of the injection process by Clemens himself right at your table.   

[Bench]

And if you pay 20 bucks extra, you can get a demonstration of the injection process by Clemens himself.   

Actually, that'll cost you $22.22. The man has standards.

[DVauthrin]

Actually, that'll cost you $22.22. The man has standards.

Andy Pettitte comes free of charge of course.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Andy Pettitte comes free of charge of course.

However, every bill is marked up 80% as a CTW surcharge.

[MusicMan]

Andy Pettitte comes free of charge of course.

Only for Roger.

[Lurch]

However, every bill is marked up 80% as a CTW surcharge.

Good spaghetti, but the meatballs are tiny.

[Andyzipp]

The pulled pork hamstring only gets served when the restaurant is down by several runs.