trulucks ocennaire reef (although i have a hard time believing this is the best seafood place in the country)
That's exactly how I felt after going there. I was thinking "seriously, this was voted the best seafood in the country?"
It was? I live across the street from there and have never made my way in. I did hear that they have a nice happy hour there. Any recommendations on what is good?
Yeah, but some national magazine. My date had the "Redfish on a halfshell", and it was pretty awesome. I got the scallops which were average at best. We also got an oyster appetizer that was not good at all. Go check it out and get the redfish. I am also good friends with the girl that handles all of the wines, so she can hook you up with the perfect wine to compliment your meal.
I am sure there is a difference between when they service a national food critic and when they serve the joe blows of the world. For example, I live in Memphis and our so-called world famous bbq joint is Corky's. Well, I have never been served a descent bbq sandwich at that place and I just stopped going. Yet, when some famous person is in town you see these attention whores rolling out the red carpet, they plant their lips so far up the guys ass. That's what all these big joints do.
I had almost the exact same experience. I went for my birthday last Saturday with my best friend. We had mussels rather than oysters for the appetizer, and they were actually pretty tasty. But for the entree, I had the scallops, and they were pretty underwhelming. I had wanted the redfish on the halfshell, but that's what my best friend was getting, and I didn't want to get the same thing. The redfish was quite good, and the fried mac and cheese was very tasty. The dessert we had was also pretty tasty (the thin lime tart). But overall, it just didn't live up to the hype. I wasn't crazy about the atmosphere, either. I don't think I'll be going back in the near future. But I definitely know what I'll be getting when we do go back.
Considering it is a chain restaurant complete with a drive thru, they have some pretty damn good ribs. I also ate at Rendezvous, which I prefered, but Memphis ribs are better than Texas ribs. BBQ isn't on the whole, but their ribs trump ours.
I hear the Boiling Crab is supposed to have delicious crawfish. Funny you ask, I just asked my coworker yesterday the same question, she suggested this. They say the seasoning is the best, "the whole shabang" you should Google them.
It's official. Fatty Fat b*stard is out of his freaking mind. Went to Danton's earlier this evening. It was wonderful. Beats the living crap out of Tony Mandola's Gulf Coast Kitchen. Gumbo was to die for. Stuffed Shrimp were spectacular. Others at my table had the red beans & rice and shrimp creole and raved about it. Talked to one of the owners about playing their Sunday Blues Brunch...might be a go, will let you know. Lay off the booze, Fatty. Your dead brain cells are killing your taste buds. Danton's is *****ing fantastic.
Two thumbs up to the Boiling Crab. I went there for the first time on Sunday, and the the crawfish was darned good. Its a real easy going place where you don't have to worry about making a mess. Get there a bit early before you want to eat -had to wait about 40 mins to get seated.
The problem with the variety of restaurants in Houston is that if your first meal at a place fails to please, you rarely go back again. I don't recall what we ordered when we were there, but everything we ordered was unimpressive. They had just opened, though. I might give it a second chance. How was the shrimp stuffed? And I'll stand by the two above plates I mentioned from Mandolas. Both are spectacular. (Oh, and, FYI, I made your Nicoise salad. I liked it, but the girlie didn't, so on your advice)
Nick's Italian Restaurant in Richmond tx or Nicks' Pasta Place on 610 and bellaire ..small family owned...they have Nick's specialty shrimp, basically 5 large jumbo shrimps the size of a baby's fist...lightly breaded topped with a lemon butter garlic sauce....it is amazing...comes with a side of veggies and pasta....among the best shrimp i have ever tasted.
I grew up at Bellaire and 610 and got my first car at Nick's Pasta Place. Of course at the time, it was an antique car dealership.
Shrimp were stuffed with crabmeat and breading and then deep fried. Yum. You should try it again. I've had the same experience with going to restaurants right after they open. You've got to give them a little time. Your lady did not like the Nicoise? I'll bet she'd like it if I made her, er, if I made it for her.....
