French and Texan intertwined at Phillippe of Houston
Every year just after the winter holiday hustle and bustle, Mom and Dad let me choose a restaurant for my early birthday dinner. Last year it was Martin’s Place for barbecue. Dad never tells me no, but let’s just say that Mom didn’t feel too confident of my aesthetics since then. This year she gently insists on French. But I manage to sneak in a twist of Texas. 😉
After all, Chef Philippe Schmit dubbed himself the French Cowboy. His two-story Philippe Restaurant & Lounge opened last February just a mile north of The Galleria. Looking out to the Houston’s limitless horizon, the second-floor dining room is bathed in a warm chocolate hue of the furniture, accented with soft vanilla light and word decorations made of Chef Schmit’s quotes in watermelon red. In contrast, the menu is bold, extensive, spanning from Texas BBQ and cactus to foie gras and fish pâté, from the classic croque monsieur to the carefree duck confit tamales; there’s a little something for everyone.
“The Moroccan”, beef tartare with raisin, almond and the Tunisian hot sauce harrisa served with flat bread, rings amazingly close to Mexican flavors.
The roasted duck magret is drowned in a rich clementine-Cognac sauce and accompanied by one crispy fried duck confit ravioli on a lustrous carrot flan.
The four monkfish medallions topped with sun-dried tomato tapenade are pleasing. Although their texture errs on the dry side, the supple artichoke confit makes a fine complement.
The most pleasant surprise must be the garlic-butter escargots, listed among the “contained decadence”, served in a jar with airy brioche toast on the side. On one hand, my Vietnamese friends have chastised me many times for not having eaten snails ever; on the other hand, Little Mom isn’t a snail advocate. Today, the snails win. In Mom’s words: these snails have the fragrance of the roots of rice plants, the earthy but comforting hint of mud and grass. To me, they’re like chubby shiitake smothered in fennel puree and a “tipsy mushroom” paste. It’s a good first impression.
And finally, the deciding factor in my choice of restaurants: the desserts.
A smooth tonka bean creme brulee. The lime scent in the chantilly is a bit too faint for me, and the liqueur taste in the griottines is a bit too strong that I almost felt drunk (guess I’m not cut out for Western alcohol); besides, I’ve never fancied whipped cream and candied cherries. But Little Mom likes this one. And I like that there are three cherries for our family of three bears. 😀
The second dessert, plated like the setting sun on a mountain range, is much richer than the first, as it’s whimsically named the “Texas Millionaires tart”. Decadent chocolate and lace cookies are tempered by the super sour grapefruit. To top it off, the jasmine ice cream is a sweet lullaby.
As we get to the desserts, the dinner rush starts, the patrons fill the room, but the atmosphere remains easy. A waiter, tall and slouching, whose bushy Abraham Lincoln’s goatee makes him look like a toothbrush, leisurely takes a gander into the bright night cityscape. Through the voluptuous portions and the rich sauces, Philippe the Restaurant embodies Houston: bountiful, down-to-earth, wittily romantic. And above all, it is wholeheartedly welcoming.
Address: Philippe Restaurant and Lounge
1800 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 6110
Houston, TX 77056
(713) 439-1000
www.philippehouston.com
I don’t ordinarily comment but I gotta admit regards for the post on this one :D.
1I’d should examine with you here. Which is not one thing I often do! I take pleasure in reading a publish that will make people think. Additionally, thanks for allowing me to comment!
2Hey there would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re working with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you recommend a good internet hosting provider at a reasonable price? Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!
3Deference to article author, some superb information .
4Hey! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely glad I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back frequently!
5Hey, you used to write fantastic, but the last several posts have been kinda boringK I miss your tremendous writings. Past few posts are just a bit out of track! come on!
6Wonderful beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept
7Great post, you have pointed out some excellent details , I besides believe this s a very superb website.
8Everything is very open and very clear explanation of issues. was truly information. Your website is very useful. Thanks for sharing.
9I beloved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish. however, you command get got an nervousness over that you would like be delivering the following. unwell surely come further before again since exactly the same just about a lot incessantly inside case you shield this hike.
10You have remarked very interesting points! ps nice internet site.
11I’m not sure exactly why but this blog is loading incredibly slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a issue on my end? I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.
12Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any tips?
13I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this web site. Reading this information So i am happy to convey that I’ve a very good uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I most certainly will make certain to don’t forget this web site and give it a glance regularly.
14Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. It extremely helps make reading your blog significantly easier.
15You have noted very interesting details ! ps decent site.
16Perfectly written written content, thanks for entropy.
17Definitely, what a magnificent website and enlightening posts, I definitely will bookmark your website.Have an awsome day!
18I precisely desired to thank you very much once more. I do not know the things I could possibly have tried in the absence of these opinions contributed by you regarding my subject matter. It previously was a real frightening situation in my position, however , observing the very skilled fashion you dealt with the issue took me to leap with joy. Now i’m happier for this help and then hope you really know what a great job you are always providing training people by way of your websites. I know that you haven’t met any of us.
19Hi there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing a few months of hard work due to no back up. Do you have any solutions to protect against hackers?
20Definitely, what a splendid site and informative posts, I surely will bookmark your blog.All the Best!
21My brother suggested I might like this website. He was entirely right. This post actually made my day. You can not imagine simply how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!
22Very good written article. It will be beneficial to anybody who employess it, as well as yours truly :). Keep doing what you are doing – looking forward to more posts.
23This is a topic close to my heart cheers, where are your contact details though?
24Hello there! This post could not be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my good old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this page to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
25Hello.This article was extremely interesting, especially because I was searching for thoughts on this issue last couple of days.
26Some truly excellent info , Gladiola I detected this. “The world is the sum-total of our vital possibilities.” by Jose Ortega y Gasset.
27Hello are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and set up my own. Do you require any coding knowledge to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
28I like this site its a master peace ! Glad I detected this on google .
29Merely wanna comment on few general things, The website design is perfect, the articles is real good. “To establish oneself in the world, one has to do all one can to appear established.” by Francois de La Rochefoucauld.
30I’m impressed, I must say. Actually not often do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me inform you, you might have hit the nail on the head. Your idea is excellent; the difficulty is one thing that not sufficient individuals are speaking intelligently about. I’m very pleased that I stumbled across this in my seek for something relating to this.
31I enjoy foregathering utile information , this post has got me even more info! .
32I have recently started a blog, the info you provide on this site has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work.
33Aw, this was a very nice post. In idea I want to put in writing like this moreover – taking time and actual effort to make an excellent article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and on no account seem to get one thing done.
34Great weblog right here! Additionally your website lots up fast! What web host are you using? Can I am getting your affiliate hyperlink in your host? I wish my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
35Good write-up, I’m normal visitor of one’s web site, maintain up the excellent operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.
36Hello, i think that i noticed you visited my site so i got here to “return the desire”.I am attempting to to find things to enhance my site!I suppose its good enough to make use of some of your ideas!!
37You are my inspiration , I possess few blogs and sometimes run out from to brand : (.
38Can I just say what a aid to search out someone who really knows what theyre speaking about on the internet. You definitely know the right way to deliver an issue to light and make it important. More individuals must read this and perceive this facet of the story. I cant believe youre no more popular since you positively have the gift.
39Rattling nice pattern and superb content, very little else we require :D.
40There are some attention-grabbing closing dates in this article however I don’t know if I see all of them middle to heart. There may be some validity however I’ll take maintain opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want extra! Added to FeedBurner as properly
41After I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any approach you’ll be able to take away me from that service? Thanks!
42Awesome blog! Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m completely overwhelmed .. Any recommendations? Thanks!
43Some genuinely great info , Sword lily I discovered this. “The language of friendship is not words but meanings.” by Henry David Thoreau.
44Hey there! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My website looks weird when viewing from my iphone. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to correct this problem. If you have any recommendations, please share. Cheers!
45I used to be recommended this blog through my cousin. I am now not certain whether or not this publish is written by way of him as nobody else understand such exact approximately my trouble. You’re wonderful! Thank you!
46I have to show some thanks to you just for rescuing me from this particular condition. Because of researching through the online world and finding recommendations which were not productive, I thought my entire life was gone. Living minus the strategies to the problems you have sorted out as a result of your site is a crucial case, as well as those that might have negatively damaged my career if I had not discovered your web page. The expertise and kindness in touching everything was excellent. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I hadn’t come across such a subject like this. I’m able to now look forward to my future. Thank you very much for the reliable and sensible guide. I will not be reluctant to suggest your site to any individual who should have care about this area.
47Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words in your post seem to be running off the screen in Internet explorer. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with internet browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know. The design look great though! Hope you get the problem fixed soon. Thanks
48I am not certain the place you’re getting your info, however good topic. I needs to spend a while learning much more or figuring out more. Thanks for wonderful info I was in search of this info for my mission.
49Once I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now every time a remark is added I get 4 emails with the same comment. Is there any means you possibly can remove me from that service? Thanks!
50