Restaurant Reviews by Gil Weston

Gil Weston does Houston . . .

Hey guys. Restaurant reviews by Gil Weston

Ate at two restaurants in Houston recently on my last visit there and thought I’d let you in on them since I know that BoaMan and Sam head out that way about once a year.

The first was Ruggles Grille 5115 at, you guessed it, 5115 Westheimer Rd. Not a top-top restaurant and nothing overly fancy as it’s in the Galleria, but good solid food, service, and the atmosphere was pleasant. The food is American with a twist and they serve lunch and dinner—no breakfast. Think they’ve been open about ten years now and I may have eaten there once before. Evidently that time did not make an impression on me, but this one did.

What I was most impressed with was the wait staff. They really knew their stuff, especially in the drinks department. This is something I’ve noticed in Texas—something that compares with SF—that people are into the mixed drink categories. You’ll get the occasional Scotch on the rocks, but I found a lot of people ordering White Russians, Manhattans, and other well-known beverages. The cost was not outrageous as it can be in some establishments where they try and make up for the food prices by getting you on the mixed drinks.

For the price of the food, which seemed incredibly inexpensive, this place was a steal. I’d give it high marks in just about every category, so if you’re heading down Texas way, be sure to stop by this place. It’s also great for people watching and you can get your shopping done in the Galleria if you so desire.

Second place on my list, though not second best, was Capital Grille, again on Westheimer. Hey, I spent a lot of time in the district. What can I tell you. Those of you who know me, know why.

Capital Grille is also in the Galleria and this place was even better than Ruggles. It’s basically a steakhouse and nothing too fancy. Just very good food, service, and a nice relaxed atmosphere. Their website is www.Capitalgrille.com if you want more info, and you should. Sorry, dinner only but they accept all major credit cards. This is the perfect place to take business associates or those you’re trying to impress . . . without looking like you’re trying to do just that. I think they’re about ten years old also.

They even have takeout and if you’re staying nearby, this is a great place to dine instead of choosing room service. I had the pan fried calamari with hot cherry peppers for a starter and it was fantastic! The calamari was sautéed in garlic and mixed with peppers and scallions. Incredible. For the main course I had the Filet Oscar—10 oz of Filet Mignon with a Bearnaise sauce and crabmeat. Possibly the best steak I’ve ever eaten in my life—second only to the now-defunct and no longer five star Sazarac Room in the Fairmont Hotel in New Orleans. For dessert you can’t go wrong with the Chocolate Hazlenut Cake.

Drinks can be pricy but it’s all worth it. They even have some bizarre combos on the menu such as “Lobster mac ‘n Cheese” and “Truffle Fries.” A one-of-a-kind restaurant, though I hear they’re opening up some others in Seattle and another city. This would be THE place to eat in Houston in my opinion.