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Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse
This entry was posted on 2/10/2008 10:00 AM and is filed under Steakhouses.
UPDATED: FEBRUARY 2008
Four of us dined recently at the newest addition to the plethora of Houston steakhouses. The place was packed, but our reservation was honored promptly (unlike a recent experience at Pappas Steakhouse). We were seated in one of the booths upstairs. The restaurant is beautiful, but we wouldn't call the experience quiet and intimate. Our waiter was a bit too enthusiastic and a little harried, but he was generally available.
The menu lists typical steakhouse fare. Nothing particularly unique. But there appear to be a lot of cuts of meat, including Kobe beef, available off the menu. Our waiter advised us of some of them when we were first handed the menus and then he kept telling us about special items as we were actually ordering, which didn't seem particularly helpful to our decision making. Although, in his defense, it wasn't likely we were going to order the pricey Kobe beef or a 20 ounce special cut filet.
For starters, we tried the crab cake (very good, served on a rich sauce, but not a good value at $16), sliced tomato salad, and wedge salad. The tomato salad was not listed as being served with blue cheese crumbles but, when we inquired, the waiter immediately said he could include them, almost as if you had to ask before the salad would be served in the typical fashion. The wedge salad was initially a huge (literally) disappointment. A big wedge of lettuce arrived covered with nothing but blue cheese dressing. No tomatos, no bacon, no green onions. Again, when we asked about these items, they were brought (relatively) quickly to the table. It appears the food all comes from downstairs, so, if you need something extra, it takes a few moments to get it. No extra charge for any of the additions we requested.
Two of us shared the Double Eagle Bone-In Strip (an off the menu item). It was cooked as ordered and tasty enough. Our waiter said he would bring the steak to the table and then slice it for us (he's "licensed to use a knife"), but that never happened. One person enjoyed the Filet Oscar (traditionally served topped with crab meat, asparagus, and bearnaise sauce). The other diner ordered the peppercorn strip, which he felt was too heavily sauced and too fatty. For sides, we tried the creamed spinach (deliciously creamy, one of the better versions in town) and the au gratin potatoes (good but nothing special). For dessert, we shared the molten chocolate cake, which was disappointing and not as good as many; just not rich or hot enough, with limited melted chocolate.
The wine list was very extensive, particularly in the California red categories, and very pricey. The sommelier stopped by the table quickly after our arrival as we were perusing the wine list, which was a nice touch as often you have to ask to talk to the expert.
FIRST REVIEWED: NOVEMBER 2007We were fortunate to have been invited to the grand opening reception of this new Galleria steakhouse. Located in the former Lord & Taylor space next door to Oceanaire Room, the place was hopping. This is a lovely two-level space; we understand that many millions were spent on the decor of this new restaurant, and it shows. Far from us to question whether Houston needs another steakhouse but, apparently, some smart marketing folks have concluded that it does. And, judging by the bar area on each floor, it also appears they are seeking the bar crowd that seems to flock to many steakhouses.
We hadn't planned on writing a review about this restaurant as we had assumed a reception wouldn't give us a fair chance to sample the food. But Del Frisco's pulled out all the stops. Starting with the huge chilled seafood spread in the downstairs area, continuing upstairs with beef tenderloin and lobster tails, the food flowed liked the beverages. The beef tenderloin was beautifully cooked and quite delicious, as was the bacon-studded creamed spinach (a favorite of one of us and considered the measure of a steakhouse). It was easy enough to overlook the overcooked lobster. The waiters supplemented the buffets with passed trays of appetizers. We particularly enjoyed the seared ahi tuna, creole crab cakes, and Kobe beef hot dogs. The latter was a first for us and quite tasty. There were also bountiful cheese buffets, as well as a dessert table. And the band played some fun music.
If the hospitality Del Frisco's extended to a multitude of Houstonians for this reception is any indication of its food and service, this restaurant will do well.
5061 Westheimer
713/355-2600
http://www.delfriscos.com/locations.asp
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