|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hugo's
This entry was posted on 6/15/2008 1:16 PM and is filed under Breakfast - Brunch, Mexican.
Family in town one weekend gave us an occasion to return to this highly regarded Mexican restaurant known for its authentic, upscale cuisine. The restaurant, decorated in subtle and sophisticated hues of blue and red, is housed in a restored art deco building on Westheimer between Shepherd and Montrose. The room is spacious and open, with a high ceiling and large windows.
We have dined at Hugo's a number of times, enjoying them all. No Tex-Mex here. The menu lists many interesting and enticing items, the large majority of which you wouldn't find at Pappasitos or Ninfa's (Navigation location or otherwise). And you pay for the freshly made chips and salsa. The seafood campechana is good, but it's no Goode Company. We particularly enjoyed the lamb barbacoa. The cabrito, served in a banana leaf, was too bland, notwithstanding the side of habenero salsa. Hugo's is well known for its variety of tequilas, including a number of interesting margaritas made with different tequilas. Served tableside on the rocks in a martini shaker, there's no frozen stuff coming out of a machine here.
Our most recent visit was for the popular Sunday Brunch. Reservations are advisable. The only option is the bountiful buffet, so come hungry. Service was not as attentive as at other meals, and the band was a little loud. But the food was great. There were numerous hot and cold items, as well as a dessert table ladened with various sweets. Highlights included the guacamole (some of the best in town), napolitos salad, beef brisket in achiote, chile rellenas, chilaquiles, mushroom quesadillas, mini tostadas with refried black beans, squash blossom soup, seafood enchiladas, and meatballs stuffed with rice and queso fresco. Everything was wonderfully spiced, with varying degrees of heat. We weren't too excited about a couple of the entree items -- the tamales did not pass the test of seasoned tamale makers and the whole roasted baby pig lay on its side in a chafing dish that reminded one of us of a bassinet. (Apologies to anyone offended by that visual.) One of our Mexican-born diners thought the flan was very good, although the same could not be said for the Mexican hot chocolate.
Hugo's is a great place to entertain visitors to Houston. In a lovely setting that makes for a special night out or a relaxing Sunday afternoon, you can enjoy a style of Mexican cooking that is unique among Houston's many Mexican restaurants and, in all likelihood, to anything available in your visitors' home towns. And, although you now have to go outside the Loop for Molina's Jose's Dip, if you must have some vivid yellow queso, there are plenty of places to go the next day (or just throw some Velveeta and Rotel tomatos into your crockpot).
1600 Westheimer
713/524-7744
http://www.hugosrestaurant.net/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
