Catalan Food & Wine Bar
This entry was posted on 12/17/2008 6:40 PM and is filed under Casual Chic - Jeans Allowed.
UPDATED REVIEW -- DECEMBER 2008
We've dined at Catalan a number of times since we first reviewed this restaurant. This time we took out of town visitors to what we think is one of Houston's better restaurants. Catalan didn't disappoint, although we stuck to the old reliables -- the foie gras bon bon's and pork belly. We almost cried when we heard the cockles hadn't come in that morning. We branched out with a few other tapas with varying results. The lamb sweetbreads were not crispy as billed by the waiter. The crab croquettes were tasty enough but not particularly unique. Ditto for the cured salmon. The garlic soup with a poached egg was a winner. We wouldn't order the pork jowls with pea gnocchi again. The only entrée we tried was the shrimp and grits which was closely guarded by the person who ordered it who made few sounds other than chewing punctuated with moans of pleasure.
While the service was fine, we were disappointed with the lack of knowledge by our waiter who described a Spanish wine as full bodied and earthy when it was primarily grenache and anything but as described. We had to order another bottle of wine to enjoy our meal. We didn't expect to be comp'd for the first bottle, and we weren't. Thankfully, Catalan's wine prices are very reasonable.
FIRST REVIEWED -- OCTOB ER 2006
We joined a few friends for dinner at this new, already wildly popular Heights area restaurant, partially owned by the folks from Ibiza. Indeed, Ibiza and Catalan could be fraternal twins from the wood accents to the layout with the open kitchen along the back wall. (Not to mention the bread served in a small bucket with butter on a spoon, and cotton candy for birthdays.) Fortunately, for those who don't have reservations (an unwise move), Catalan, unlike Ibiza, has a bar. Of note, the very limited size of the bar suggests they don't want a bar crowd or diners to eat at the bar.
True to its Spanish name, the emphasis at Catalan is on "small plates" (Houstonspeak for tapas), all with a decidedly Spanish theme. There are many choices and we tried eight of them -- all were delicious. (As a testament, the picky eater amongst us enjoyed almost everything she tried.) Particular standouts and unique preparations included the crispy pork belly, cockles in chorizo cream sauce, marinated anchovies, and gnocchi.
We understand that many diners just have the small plates and don't move on to the "large plates." (There are more than twice the number of small plate options than large plates.) However, we obliged the restaurant by trying two of the entrees. We would have sampled more, but three of us ordered the same dish -- crispy ruby red trout cooked in bacon, over roasted brussel sprouts and topped with crab meat. This may sound like an odd combination but, trust us, it was delicious. Another diner enjoyed the grilled shrimp on grits.
Not to be deterred, we topped off our meal with three desserts. The rice pudding fans raved that "this is not your grandma's rice pudding." The toasted banana bread topped with caramelized bananas and ice cream was very good and lighter than it might sound. The only disappointment were the peanut butter ballottes -- deep fried peanut butter balls that might have been improved with alot more chocolate sauce.
Finally, a few comments about the service, the wine list, and our waiter. Unlike Ibiza, where we have frequently waited too long despite having reservations, our table was ready when we arrived. Ibiza is known for its great wine list at reasonable prices, typically about twice retail. Catalan continues the theme with an extensive, well-priced selection. Our waiter quickly removed the first wine he recommended when it had a decidedly mildewy smell. He replaced it with a nice Pinot Grigio, but what was impressive was that the price was one-half that of the original bottle we ordered. We also discovered a fabulous 2002 California cab priced only $7 over the price at Specs. We are not revealing the name less we flag the issue for the restaurant or, more importantly, others order it up before we can get there to have it again.
Be sure to make a reservation and give this place a try. We'll be back.
5555 Washington Street
713/426-4260
