Corpus Christi

(From April 2009) Teri and Zee Zepeda, proprietors of the popular Nuevo Café, have chosen for their encore this spare but attractive tearoom cum sandwich shop, where the approach to the standard lunchtime menu is refreshingly novel. Take the 517 BLT: The bread is fresh-baked brioche, the tomatoes green and fried, and the bacon cured in sweet apple cider. We like to start with a cup of the outstanding roasted-poblano soup, a welcome carryover from the menu at Nuevo. Finding 517 is an adventure, but it’s worth the effort; it’s hidden upstairs and behind Sister Sue’s boutique and can be entered via stairs or elevator in the shop or by its own rustic stairway from the rear parking lot. 517 Everhart Rd (361-991-7828). Lunch Tue–Sat 11–3. Closed Sun & Mon.

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(From October 2009) In a spectacular front row seat overlooking the intersection of Corpus Christi Bay and the Ship Channel, we had a satisfying light Starving Artist lunch of half a panino-style sandwich plus a (large) cup of outstanding roasted red pepper soup. One of our favorites, the Southwest Caesar—crisp romaine with chicken, black beans, tomatoes, crisp tortilla strips, Parmesan, and chipotle Caesar dressing—can be viewed as “light” only if you take home half in a doggie bag. Bar.

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(From October 2009) The latest pioneer to stake a claim on the site of the lamented Hofbrau steakhouse, the RSS (original location in Odem) offers a nice variety of steak and seafood dishes in a warehouse environment (with regrettable acoustics). We enjoyed a grilled drum filet accompanied by passable mixed vegetables and an excellent coleslaw livened up with chopped broccoli and a sprinkle of bacon chips. We were also pleased with a copious green salad graced with fried popcorn shrimp and a generous slice of homemade chocolate cheesecake. Bar.

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(From June 2009) It must be the food that keeps locals and visitors waiting for tables season after season, because it’s not the location (obscure), the view (a busy intersection), or the decor (nondescript). There’s something suited to every taste on the menu and the often overwhelming list of blackboard specials. Mango gazpacho seasoned with a hint of onion and a lot of cilantro was a satisfying way to set the stage for the always noteworthy griddle-sautéed crab cake, a skewer of succulent shrimp accompanied by a rich Key lime aioli, and grilled mahimahi with lime and green-chile salsa. Beer & wine.

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(From September 2009) Brad Lomax’s twin restaurants share a location, a menu, and a well-deserved reputation for excellent seafood. Whether you choose the lively Oyster Bar or the quieter Seafood Company, you can’t go wrong with the menu (we like the chicken vegetable caldo and the spicy creole shrimp) or the blackboard specials (like the superfresh catch of the day, cooked however you like it). These are two of the most popular venues in town, and with good reason. Bar.

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(From September 2008) Before his retirement, Joe Luciano cultivated a loyal following for his warm hospitality and dependable Italian dishes. Now his grandson carries the torch, having revived the name and recipes at a nearby location. We found notable among the old standards the baked lasagne, the stracciatella soup with spinach and Parmesan, and the generous antipasti platter of meats, cheeses, peppers, and olives. Beer & wine.

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(From October 2009) Fady Shaheen and Mireya Tobar-Shaheen’s amazingly well-priced strip center restaurant now rivals some of the best dining places in the area, with admirable attention to detail and presentation. A tradi-tional parsley-flecked tabouleh salad was a notable overture to a top-notch entrée: a snapper filet lightly breaded, pan-fried, and served over a trophy-deserving house-made black pepper pasta. Even after all that, a strawberry-banana bread pudding disappeared in the blink of an eye. Beer & wine.

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(From January 2009) Recently refurbished and expanded, this dependable and affordable neighborhood steak and seafood house is in its fifty-third year (and the twenty-fifth under the flag of Telly Gialouris). You’ll start right with crisp lettuce served on a cold plate, although it’s difficult to decide on a dressing, especially when the choices include two popular house specials: the Lahala (a creamy blue cheese vinaigrette) and the Madras (a blend of mustard and curry). Among the entrées, the grilled salmon filet was excellent, and the tender Angus New York strip was cooked just as ordered. Although a side of grilled zucchini and carrots came off limp, angel hair pasta dressed with oil and roasted garlic was just right. Bar.

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(From March 2009) Cafe Aeby always impresses with its high level of service and food that’s innovative and appealingly presented. A salad of roasted beets and organic greens comes embellished with candied walnuts, blue cheese, and turmeric vinegar; delicious poached salmon rests on a bed of paper-thin slices of marinated cucumber; hearty Italian sausage with a grainy mustard sauce sits atop sauerkraut and puréed potatoes. Warning: Call ahead to be sure the restaurant is open for dinner, as unannounced closings for private events are common. Beer & wine.

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(From March 2009) On a recent return to this congenial downtown spot, we forewent the pleasure of the seafood and veal specials that invariably tempt us in favor of the featured steak offerings. And after sampling the rich tenderloin medallions, the juicy filet, and the full-flavored New York strip, we concluded that, as advertised, chef George Elizondo does indeed know his red meat. And that’s not all: Salads were crisp and cold; vegetables were thoughtfully prepared; and, as usual, the signature Katz Meow appetizer was an irresistible combination of sautéed shrimp and crabmeat served on toast points and dressed with béarnaise. Bar.

June 28th, 2009 at 5:59pm
Larry says:
You need to update your listing for Katz 21. They are not open for lunch at this time.

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