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9061 Gaylord St
Houston, TX 77024
(713) 465-8200

Jonathan's The Rub  

Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: Memorial

5.0 star rating
1/4/2012
We've passed this place many-a-time, always vowing we would eat there 'soon'. Well after 2 years of saying this, I took the bull by the horns and decided this was the place to take H for his Halloween birthday.

Jonathan's is tiny, even after they expanded the dining room. They don't take reservations unless you have a group of 10+. So be prepared to wait for a table unless you luck out, like we did. Halloween night was the perfect night to go! While crowded, there were a few tables left. This place is BYOB plus they offer a nice selection of wines. Knowing the markup on wine, bring your own bottle (no corkage fee!!!).

The waitstaff is impressive & you don't get a dedicated server. Everyone pitches in here and they were all nice & quick on the dime. We looked over the menu while our wine was opened. We decided on the Lobster Sliders for two to start. For dinner H ordered the 8 oz. Filet Mignon & I had the special of Seared Scallops in a gruyere sauce. Most entrees come with a dinner salad and two sides. We opted for the house salad, grilled asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, sauteed mushrooms & sauteed spinach.

Lobster Sliders: Oh Holy Heaven, Maine lobster salad served open faced on Hawaiian bread. The sweetness of the bread went well with the celery / onion / lemony laden lobster salad. This app is a must try!

House Salad & Sides: go with the house salad over the Caesar's salad. This mix of spring greens topped with assorted veggies drizzled with a nice tangy house dressing. The grilled asparagus had a nice smokey flavor and was crunchy, garlic mashed potatoes a creamy-garlic delight, sauteed spinach was OK & the sauteed mushrooms were delicious with at hint of wine.

Filet Mignon: was topped with bleu cheese and grilled medium rare. This was a darn great steak! Tender & juicy, it really didn't need the bleu cheese.

Scallops w/ Gruyere Sauce: scallop sauteed a bit crispy on the edges swimming in creamy gruyere. This was manna from heaven. The scallops were firm and seasoned nicely, the gruyere sauce so creamy & rich! We ended up sharing the scallops & steak because of the richness of the cheese sauce.

For dessert: Coconut cream pie & White cake with raspberries. We didn't think we had enough room to eat the desserts so we ordered the pie to go. The cake was a nice slab portion and I thought "I'll just take a bite or two". We ended up finishing the whole slice! (I had the coconut cream pie the next day and it was insanely delicious! Creamy, coconutty with a thin layer of chocolate on the crust).

Overall experience was phenomenal. As H said "This place serves hoity-toity food in a casual atmosphere". So the next time you want a 5 star experience but don't want to dress for it, go to Jonathan's.

(Our bill came to about $130 including tip, what a deal for how much food was served!)

Listed in: Carnivorous Cravings

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10505 Katy Fwy
Houston, TX 77024
(713) 932-6901

Taste of Texas  

Categories: American (New), Steakhouses
Neighborhood: Memorial

3.0 star rating
Update - 12/19/2011
Sorry, but I will not wait 2 hours for anything. ANYTHING! I wish ToT would take reservations. At least for the holidays.

Sorry, can't give 5 stars to a place that charges the same price as other reservation accepted places and expects you to wait. And the free soft drinks & popcorn are a crappy bribe to hang around. :P

Listed in: Carnivorous Cravings, Comfort me, please.

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1 Previous Review: Hide »

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/26/2009

    During the honeymoon phase of our relationship, the bf and I frequented this place at least once a week. Yeah, this place isn't all fancy and high falutin' but the steaks are pretty spectacular.

    We dined at ToT on Sunday evening. We were seated immediately, which was a nice surprise. I didn't like the first table we were led to and they graciously sat us in the wine room. From past experience I have learned Taste's version of rare is too rare for me so I ordered my filet mignon medium rare with a side of the sauteed mushrooms. The server asked if I wanted lemon-pepper or garlic butter, perhaps wrapped in bacon? Nope, I like mine plain jane please.

    The salad bar is nicely set up and I find their cilantro dressing addicting. It has a kick to it so if you do not like spicy, stay away. They also have 2 monolith blocks of cheese where you can shave off the amount you desire. You can also build your own bread basket, your choice being mini-loafs, cheesebread and jalapeno cornbread.

    The steak was perfect and the flavor of the meat was outstanding. To me the steaks at ToT do not need any seasoning, that is how insanely tasty their beef is. The sauteed mushrooms were the perfect compliment to the steak. I am thinking they add red wine while sauteing the mushrooms. Geez, I've missed this place!

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9827 Katy Freeway
Houston, TX 77024
(832) 358-9000

Perry's Steakhouse & Grille  

Categories: Steakhouses, Seafood
Neighborhood: Memorial

5.0 star rating
Update - 12/19/2011
To be brief we tried getting a table at ToT for my birthday (I know.....crazy this time of year but I was craving prime rib & I love it there) and was told there was a 2+ hours wait we headed over to Perry's where we were told 30 minutes. The bar was crazy busy so the manager served our martinis. After a sip our table was ready. Our server Nick made sure we had a wonderful experience! I can't say enough about Nick, he really was that AWESOME!

The food & service exceeded our expectations and saved what could have been a crappy birthday celebration.

Listed in: Carnivorous Cravings

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  • 5.0 star rating
    12/29/2009

    Perry's gets the 5th star because of the over the top customer service provided by the events coordinator Sara and the server Adrian.

    Every year I am stuck with the task of planning our company holiday dinner. While our group is small, it can get difficult finding a place that everyone can agree upon. So usually we end up at a steak house or Italian restaurant. When the big guy (ie: boss) suggested Perry's, I hightailed it to their website and contacted their event planner via email. Heather replied to my initial inquiry (within 2 minutes, I kid you not) and after a few questions I received an email from Sara who assisted me through the rest of the planning. After 5 emails between us, the contract was signed (we reserved a private room) and the only thing left to do was eagerly wait for December 4th.

    Yay, the day is here but wait, what is that white stuff falling out of the sky? Snow? What the f.....? After a brief discussion with the big guy, I called Sara to ask if we could reschedule. Thinking we would be charged a room fee or have difficulty moving our reservation, I was very pleased on how helpful Sara was and how pleasant she was throughout the conversation. The dinner reservation was moved to another night with no charge for the last minute change.

    The restaurant is beautiful and was decorated to the gills for the holidays. Our private room was perfect for our small group and we even had a Christmas tree in one corner. The table set up insured we all could see each other and converse easily. Our server for the evening was Adrian who proved to be professional and unobtrusive. He was friendly, attentive and patient with our persnickety group. The meal included appetizer platters: stuffed mushrooms, Polish sausage, cherry peppery calamari and fried asparagus. All were delicious, especially the calamari. Following the appetizers was a choice of salad. I went with the Caesar which had a delightfully tangy dressing and was adorned with toasted pine nuts. For the main course we were given a choice of 8 oz. filet mignon, Perry's famous pork chop, sauteed salmon or chicken Oscar. This came with family style veggies which were chosen beforehand, the group chose whipped potatoes and haricot verts (mashed potatoes and green beans). The dessert was a trio sampling: praline cheesecake, white & dark chocolate mousse and vanilla bean creme brulee.

    While I usually shy away from anything labeled "famous" I ordered the pork chop and was not disappointed. The serving was massive and surpassed the famous label. Served with a side of apple sauce, the pork was tender, juicy and packed with flavor. Not the usual pork "chop" it is actually 3 separate servings of pork (small serving of ribs with loin and something else) that is cured, roasted, slow smoked and caramelized. "Screw the sides", I thought as I dug into the meat, shared and had plenty to take home. Thank goodness I left room in my stomach for the dessert trio. The cheesecake was sumptuous with the pralines giving it a nice crunch, the mousse was ok, served in a edible chocolate cup but the standout of the bunch was the creme brulee. Creamy, crusty and packed with vanilla, how can something so simple be so heavenly?

    The whole evening was a huge success and everyone agreed it was the most enjoyable (and delicious) company dinner we've had. The planning, service and food far exceeded my expectations.

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106 River Walk St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 404-2355

Bella On The River  

Category: Italian

5.0 star rating
12/9/2011
In the five years since we have dined here, Bella on the River changed ownership. With this change came a new menu that boasts mouth watering Southern European, mostly Mediterranean cuisine. No worries for those who loved their former Italian heavy menu, they still offer a few dishes.

Bella is small so I suggest making a reservation, preferably one of the four tables along the riverwalk. While on the quiet portion of the riverwalk, tour boats do stop by often because of the olive tree that grows out of the limestone wall. So if you sit by the tree be prepared to have your picture taken and strange people waving at you. I just pretended that they were paparazzi vying for my photograph to I dutifully smiled and occasionally waved.

We sampled the bread with roasted garlic & rosemary infused olive oil while we scanned the menu. Watch out, this stuff is addicting and can kill your appetite. I ordered the Grilled Lamb Chops with a fig marsala sauce, H ordered the Paella with shrimp, clams & mussels. Mine came with a choice of sides so I opted for the chef's pasta and seasonal veggies which turned out to be roasted zucchini & squash. The lamb chops were beautifully displayed and the best I've had. Grilled medium rare they were tender & delicious. The fig marsala sauce added an extra note of flavor to the chop. This was my favorite meal during our weekend in San Antonio. The Paella was a wonderful blend of seafood mixed with saffron rice. There was plenty of seafood and at the right consistency.

We enjoyed our meal while listening to piano jazz. We were trying to figure out who the artist was, he had a great voice that was smooth & seductive. We found out later that we were listening to a live set. Bella features live piano jazz every night they are open.

The service was excellent which was amazing because our server had to schlep up and down stairs, she did seem a bit rushed but was polite throughout the meal.

I highly recommend this place for a romantic dinner. Excellent food, music & service in a cozy atmosphere. Can't beat that!

Listed in: A Weekend In San Antonio

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421 E Commerce St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 224-8484

Boudro's On the River Walk  

Category: American (New)

5.0 star rating
12/9/2011
A few years ago H & I spent our first couple weekend on the river walk. Once settled in our hotel we walked around and ended up at Boudro's for a drink & some light bites. We snagged a table by the river. We noticed they offered a dinner cruise on one of the many tour boats that putter around. So we signed up and enjoyed the food and cruise. So much so, we decided to have our 1st anniversary dinner there.

H called and made reservations, stressing to the staff that we wanted a particular table. Lo & behold we actually got the table we sat at 5 years ago. Our server Jerome immediately approached the table and after a brief discussion he was off to place our drink order. While H perused the wine list I scanned the menu and my eyes stopped at the Blackened Prime Rib with rosemary potatoes and roasted veggies. I quickly closed the menu and told H what I wanted. "Really? So quickly?"
Yep, 1) it's prime rib 2) it's blackened & 3) rosemary potatoes...hello!

Jerome delivered our martinis and started in on the off menu items. Once he completed his spiel, H ordered the Blackened Prime Rib & the Center Cut Filet which came with roasted veggies and corn pudding. We added a bottle of Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon. Nope, no appetizer thanks. We enjoyed our martinis while looking at the water and the many ducks gathered around begging for scraps (geez, I get this at home with my dog...can't we have one night without the begging?).

Our meal was delivered as we finished our cocktails and oh heaven did it look and smell divine! The prime rib was rare and slightly blackened and was juicy with an awesome buttery texture, the rosemary potatoes were roasted but still tender and the roasted veggies included zucchini, squash and carrots. We both didn't say a word the first 10 minutes of our meal, we were too busy stuffing our faces. When we finally did say something we both blurted "you've GOT to try this!"

Jerome was awesome. I could tell he was extremely busy but it never affected the service we received. Ask for Jerome to ensure you get the full Boudro's experience. Fine food + exceptional service = One heck of a anniversary dinner. Thank you so much, we will definitely be back!

Listed in: A Weekend In San Antonio

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1330 Post Oak Ln
Houston, TX 77056
(713) 963-8878

Skyline Deli  

Category: Delis
Neighborhood: Galleria/Uptown

3.0 star rating
12/6/2011 First to Review
After months of anticipation, Skyline Deli at Four Oaks finally opened its doors. The first week they were opened they were packed as those familiar with Skyline know they have pretty decent food. Their sandwiches & salads are good and the staff friendly albeit a bit slow as they are getting familiar with the menu. Here are a few things I have tried:

Gyro: don't bother, the best thing about it was the pita

Mediterranean Wrap: nicely done with chicken, lettuce, red onion, black olives, tomatoes, feta & balsamic vinaigrette. This wrap is a tasty blend of tender chicken, crunchy veggies, tangy feta & vinaigrette. My personal favorite on a spinach wrap. **they are heavy handed on the red onion.

Chicken Salad: nice texture, not too much mayo. I had mine on toasted rye with lettuce and tomato. So good, I had it two days in a row.

Tuna Melt on toasted rye is ok, I like my version better.

This is a decent, clean place that is very convenient to my office. My problem is the cashier or lack of. It is not unusual having to wait for the cashier to appear. There have been several times I have been ready to pay & they are in the back doing whatever they are doing instead of being out front where they belong. Today I tried calling to see what the soups of the day were. NO ANSWER for 20 minutes. I finally gave up & called their corporate catering number to verify I had the correct number. Yep, got the right one. I mentioned the lack of cashier and she commented that "she was probably doing some work in the back". Well then that means you are understaffed.

As I was finishing this review, the lady from catering called back to explain the phone line was hooked up to the credit card line. Doh! But still during busy times, keep the cashier up front.

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1910 Bagby St
Houston, TX 77002

Black Out Hunger Elite Event @ BlackFinn American…  

Category: Local Flavor
Neighborhoods: Fourth Ward, Midtown, Downtown

5.0 star rating
12/5/2011
Dressed head to toe in black with some canned goods clenched in my hands, I headed over to BlackFinn American Grille for the November Elite Event and a much needed mid-week break. BlackFinn was easy to find even though Map(stupid)Quest said they were located on the left (never again will I trust MP, but that's another story). Parking in the garage is $5, which is fine with me because I have little patience when trying to find a parking place.

The staff at BlackFinn are awesome. These guys are at the head of my list re: Elite Events. On the ball, fast service with a smile. The Rosemary-Elderflower Mojito was delicious and pretty. I did take the sugar cane out after the darn thing tried going up my nose when I took my first sip. The food was delicious, I really loved the pizza and the blackened brie. As usual, I can't remember everything I tried and nothing stood out as terrible. I had fun spending time with my favorite Yelpers and meeting new ones. The photo booth was the usual fun, fun, fun (especially toward the end of the night).

So thank you BlackFinn, our lovely CM Farrah, DnN Photography, MineralBlu Studio, Bacardi & Blue Moon for spoiling us rotten!

Listed in: YEE! (Yelp Elite Events)

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6200 Hermann Park Dr
Houston, TX 77030

Yelp's Flock Party @ the Houston Zoo  

Category: Local Flavor
Neighborhood: Museum District

5.0 star rating
12/2/2011
What a wonderful time we had with such an eclectic crowd of Flock members & Yelpers! Thanks to Farrah, Yelp staffers & the Houston Zoo for putting together such a lively, fun & delicious event. We got there right at 7:30 for the Elite early entry and were able to hit all of the food/beverage vendors before the crowd got too crazy.

Thanks to the food & beverage vendors:
Oh Sweet Eddy's how I love your spiked pink lemonade, cider & egg nog
Brugal Rum: yowza this stuff will keep you warm on a chilly night!
Calliope's sinus clearing gumbo, as usual AWESOME!
Fonda Santa Rosa's muy delicioso sandwiches & taquitos
Chelsea Grill's very innovative wonton sweet potato dumpling w/ a kick (yum)
Shipley's, what can I say....donut holes - duh!
Nothing Bundt Cakes: this is where I get fuzzy, but I do remember telling H how much I loved their stuff

Thanks to DJ Seduction who had me tapping my toes and occasionally breaking out in dance (yes that was dancing and not a seizure).

Thanks to Photo Booth staffers for providing fun props & their patience while we got photo-ready.

And a big thanks to the Houston Zoo's Animal Ambassadors for introducing me to a Binturong (bearkat). I had no idea these beautiful animals existed. There was a crowd around the owl, so I was only able to admire it from a distance.

So thanks Farrah! This wonderful experience wouldn't have been possible without you (and your staff & the Houston Zoo).

***I would also like to thank Long T., David N. & Natasha G. for "working" at this event. I know there will be some really great candid photos & video of this event!

Listed in: YEE! (Yelp Elite Events)

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212 West Crockett St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(866) 605-1212

Ostra  

Categories: American (New), Seafood

5.0 star rating
11/17/2011
Mokara Hotel features a four diamond restaurant Ostra that is on the river walk level with indoor and outdoor seating. We had cocktails at the bar our first night and enjoyed chatting with the chef at the oyster bar. It was fun watching him create mouthwatering ceviche, tuna tartare & crab cocktails. Each dish beautifully displayed. Unfortunately we didn't have the time to try anything; we just sipped on our martinis & watched the chef with lust in our eyes.

We did enjoy a lovely breakfast the next day. We were seated by the river walk and our server promptly came to the table to ask if we would like coffee. Yes please. French pressed? Oh yeah. I am not sure what kind of coffee was used but I will say this was the best cup of coffee I've ever had. Looking at the menu I was really torn. I love salmon which they smoke in house, served with a toasted bagel, cream cheese, capers, etc. Then again my eyes stopped on the eggs benedict and holy cow(!) you have a choice of Canadian bacon or salmon. I ordered the eggs benedict with smoked salmon, H ordered his classic with Canadian Bacon. We enjoyed our very delicious coffee while gazing at the foot traffic and tour boats. Our food arrived after a reasonable time and again I was wowed. After the first bite I was in serious love. The English muffin was very tender and lightly toasted, the egg whites were set and the yolk runny, the salmon was rich and buttery all topped off with a delightful lemony hollandaise. Thinly sliced potatoes & fruit rounded out this memorable breakfast.

The server was very friendly and she gave us a brief history of the river walk and mentioned that they actually drain the water once a year (in January when its slow) to clean the riverbed. On an average they find around 200 cell phones, shoes & some unmentionables. Breakfast, history & trivia....what a splendid way to start your day!

Listed in: A Weekend In San Antonio

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212 West Crockett St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(866) 605-1212

Mokara  

Category: Hotels

5.0 star rating
11/17/2011 6 photos
San Antonio's only Forbes Four Star hotel, Mokara Hotel is located along the River Walk. While not directly on the river walk (the hotel entrance is located off of Crocket) our room on the 5th floor had a wonderful view of the river walk and the La Mansion Hotel across the way. The room was gorgeous, the bed uber comfortable with the most awesome pillows my pretty little head ever laid upon. The bedding & towels were luxurious and the bathroom was beautifully appointed with plenty of Gilchrist & Soames products. The bathroom was large with a separate room for the toilet, jacuzzi tub and separate shower. Bath salts were left by the tub along with a card that stated there was a bath butler available if I wanted someone to draw a bath for me.

The service we received from the concierge, front desk, valet & other service staff members was exceptional. Check in was brief and the desk staff escorted us to the elevator explaining we were to use our key cards each time we used the elevator. I really liked this security, as almost anyone can enter the hotel via the river walk. I did find out that the doors to the river walk are locked around 9pm, only accessible with a key card.

We spent a day lounging by the rooftop pool, the chaise lounge was very comfortable & covered with a fitted terry sheet. There is also a small cafe & the staff was very discreet when placing a mimosa within reach.

Check out was old school; an envelope was slipped under the door on our final day, no need going to the front desk. Just call the valet to retrieve your luggage and car. Off you go.

We spent a long weekend at this luxurious hotel for our first wedding anniversary. The staff & hotel exceeded our expectations. If you want to be pampered silly stay at the Mokara Hotel.

Listed in: Places to Stay, A Weekend In San Antonio

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17 Lists

Carnivorous Cravings

As Vincent Smith from 'Motel Hell' said, "Meat's…
1.  Perry's Steakhouse & Grille
To be brief we tried…
2.  Jonathan's The Rub
We've passed this place…
3.  Galvan's Bar-B-Que
While Galvan's is very…
See Full List »

Comfort me, please.

Places that serve the foods that I find…
1.  The Jay Cafe
Spotted this place on our…
2.  Kelley's Country Cookin'
This place was bustlin'…
3.  The Swinging Door
Dropped by the Swinging…
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2 Events

"Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death"

Review votes:
1145 Useful, 607 Funny, and 983 Cool

Location

Houston, TX

Yelping Since

February 2009

Things I Love

My guy, FOOD, books, New Mexico, my little dog, road trips

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a state of panic

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Right now? Houston - OTL

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Yer readin' it!

When I'm Not Yelping...

Sculpt ice with a chainsaw

Why You Should Read My Reviews

Because I know everything, yet nothing.

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'A Walk in the Woods' by Bill Bryson

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Queen

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Galaxy Quest, any Monty Python, anything w/ Zombies

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Burger w/ roasted hatch green chilis

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I'm a SciFi nerd

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I'm not as cool as my dog thinks I am

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HDD