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AU PETIT PARIS
2048 Colquitt (713-524-7070)
Lunch Tue–Fri 11–2. Dinner Mon–Wed 5:30–9:30, Thur–Sat 5:30–10. Closed Sun. Reservations recommended.
web site | map | latest review | photo | access ++ |  add to library | |
$$-$$$ |
French |
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(From February 2010) If Houston were Paris, no doubt dozens of charming neighborhood bistros would be tucked into Montrose bungalows like this one. On our visit, two French chefs and a server with proper accents furthered enhanced our fantasy, and soon we were digging into a mesclun salad (marred slightly by a salty vinaigrette) with Brie on the side. We followed that with sautéed scallops with bacon, paired with a curried cauliflower purée, and chicken breast in creamy champagne sauce with a mushroom risotto. Bar. |
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BISTRO DES AMIS
2347 University Blvd (713-349-8441)
Lunch Tue-Sat 11-2. Dinner Tue-Sat 5-9. Closed Sun & Mon.
map | reserve through OpenTable | latest review | photo | access + | add to library | |
$$ |
French |
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(From May 2009) Provençal classics and a few Basque specialties populate the menu at this Rice Village newcomer, marked by a homey atmosphere and a French staff. Onion soup brimming with gooey cheese bested a chewy escargot appetizer, but both of our hefty, slow-cooked entrées—osso buco and boned short ribs—inspired smiles (and required doggie bags). A wedge of simple, creamy gâteau basque will sweeten any shopping break, and the $20 three-course Tuesday and Wednesday dinner special may be worth a spontaneous detour. BYOB. |
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BISTRO DON CAMILLO
6510 Del Monte, at Voss (713-782-3011)
Lunch Mon–Fri 11–2:30, Sat noon–2:30. Dinner Mon 5–9, Tue–Sat 5–10. Closed Sun.
web site | map | latest review | photo | access ++ | add to library | |
$$–$$$ |
French /
Italian |
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(From September 2009) The burgundy walls and print tablecloths of this cozy bistro launched us on the first stage of our journey from west Houston to the Mediterranean. We were completely transported once our kind server brought a delicately seasoned pork terrine, duck rillettes, and a bowl of creamy ginger-carrot soup. Before we could completely spoil our appetite with flatbread fresh from the pizza oven, our entrées appeared: sautéed grouper paired with ratatouille-filled cannelloni and a winey beef stew with olives and potatoes. Clinking glasses of Côtes du Rhône, we promised to make this quick trip again. Beer & wine. |
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BRASSERIE MAX & JULIE
4315 Montrose Blvd (713-524-0070)
Open Mon 5:30–10, Tue & Wed 11–2:30 & 5:30–10, Thur & Fri 11–2:30 & 5:30–11, Sat 11–11, Sun 11–9.
web site | map | reserve through OpenTable | latest review | photo | access + | add to library | |
$$–$$$ |
French |
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(From December 2009) We are often drawn to this inviting space, filled with the heady aromas of French cooking. And why resist, with comfort food like meaty, rich beef bourguignonne and steaming onion soup topped with crusty bread and melted cheese? Even lighter dishes satisfy, like the salad niçoise with a slab of tuna or spring greens topped with two big dollops of creamy goat cheese. Capable servers and good French wines round out the experience. Beer & wine. |
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LA BROCANTE CAFE
2825 S. Kirkwood Rd (281-556-0606)
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:30–2. Dinner Tue–Thur 5:30–8:30, Fri & Sat 5:30–9:30. Closed Sun & Mon. Reservations accepted. $$–$$$
web site | map | latest review | access ++ | add to library | |
$$–$$$ |
French /
Bakery |
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(From February 2010) Initially dubious of the strip-center location, we found ourselves utterly charmed by this cozy space and its exquisite food, courtesy of Georges and Monique Guy of Chez Georges fame. Our glorious meal—bouillabaisse with toasts and rouille (garlic-pepper spread), roasted oysters with mushrooms and leeks, tender duck breast with mission figs, roasted grouper with cremini mushrooms and crabmeat—made us seriously consider licking our plates. Beer & wine. |
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SOMA
4820 Washington Ave (713-861-2726)
Open Mon–Wed 11:30–10, Thur & Fri 11:30–11, Sat noon–11, Sun noon–10. Reservations recommended.
map | reserve through OpenTable | latest review | photo | access ++ | add to library | |
$$-$$$ |
French /
Japanese |
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(From October 2008) Big, bright, and bustling, Soma is a sushi bar on steroids. But that’s not all: This Heights-area production from well-known chef Robert Gadsby also bills itself as a bastion of French and Japanese delicacies, and there’s an extensive menu to prove it. Settle into a table or booth or grab a stool at the sushi counter and consider your choices (along with the imaginative decor). We opted for some first-rate hamachi and then shared a king roll. A return visit is already on our calendar. Bar. |
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