RDG + Bar AnnieRDG still cookin!I had not been to a Del Grande restaurant in over a decade because I moved from Houston but now I'm back and RDG is still going strong! He led the in elevating SW cuisine in Houston and his flagship apot still has a happening vibe. We had BBQ crab cakes, which came with a shadows with a nice char on them and the little package was quite tasty. The lobster and grits second course was to die for. Lots of lobster with a delicate paprika butter sauce with creamy grits. It worked beautifully with an Argentinian Torrontes/Riesling blend from Amalaya. They have nice selection of wines by the glass. A rich chocolate cookie plate with mint and strawberries was our wrap up. Friendly service. I'll be back.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMRELUCTANT TO LEAVE...Shrimp salad lunch offering was spicy and satisfying, romaine lettuce with a hot sauce twist on ranch dressing! All RDG soups are delicious but don't forget dessert. Chef/owner Robert delGrande fetes his beautiful wife Mimi with a separate menu packed with yummy cakes, cobblers and brulees that are just too hard to pass up - and all gulten free!
The only meal better than my lunch was the private dinner I attended the same evening at the restaurant. Sensitive, thoughtful service by mindful waiters who stood at the ready to anticipate our 32 guests made for a lovely, elegant dinner party.
Try the Beef tenderloins, they are to die for!
Want a fresh break from dessert? Order the fresh berries with creme Fraiche. Magnifico!5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMIt had been awhile since weIt had been awhile since we had dined there. In fact, it was Cafe Annie's back then. We knew the food would be wonderful and we were not disappointed. It was just Very noisy and the table we had did not help the situation.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfection at its best!The food was great, the ambiance was just right and the service was impeccable! The coffee rubbed filet was the best I have ever had. Both my wife enjoyed every minute and morsel; we will be back again for sure!5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMIt was OTC week in Houston,It was OTC week in Houston, so RDG was packed, but the service and food were outstanding. Best venison chop I've ever encountered.5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMFrom the crab cakes to theFrom the crab cakes to the foie gras po' boy, everything was delicious. The portion sizes were perfect; the waiter attentive, but not obtrusive; and the atmosphere made it all feel special.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMWas visiting from NYC andWas visiting from NYC and was told to try RDG + Bar Annie and was not disappointed at all. The hostess recommended her favorite appetizer as we were being seated and the Bacon skewered Quail was delicious. The wait staff was amazing and the chef sent out special dressings and sauces for our salads and side orders.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMI love everything at RDG butI love everything at RDG but the parking. There are never any places in the back because valet parking has cones in every spot that is not taken. And $5.00 seems excessive. Otherwise,the restaurant is perfect. The service couldn't be better and Mimi DG is always so warm and friendly, as is the seating hostess. They make the dessert very special for anyone with a birthday. Best burger in town, too!4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat ambience, mediocre foodYou cannot beat the ambience and service. However, the food has been less consistent over the last year, and I am not sure if there have been changes in the kitchen. The NY strip was dry and seasoned to taste like fajitas from a neighborhood restaurant (tasty, but not special). The truffled romaine salad was a bit bland; I missed the seared avocado salad. I was sad that they took the rabbit enchiladas off of the menu. Both times I have had the pheasant, it was dry; I do not recommend that. To summarize, wonderful restaurant with mediocre, inconsistent food.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Birthday ReceptionMy first time dining. A wonderful experience as it was my birthday. I had to make a change in time for reservations and the hostess was amazing. My waiter was on point, recommended tasteful wine pairings specific to each dish. A gem on the side of the menu on the back, 3 courses for a steal! They made my birthday as special as I hoped with a courteous, non invasive staff. The food was to die for, I will definitely come back for that and their manhattans. Killer cocktails as well.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMHighest markup on wine listHighest markup on wine list that I've seen in Houston. Also, waiter seemed unenthused to be serving a two-top--he didn't even tell us the evening's specials (we heard them from a different waiter telling the table next to us. Great for special occasion, but not somewhere I will frequent.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMDisappointed after many fineDisappointed after many fine meals at Cafe Annie to have been served food that was "just average". My special was accompanied by the brighest "red-est" pepper sauce (think the color of Thai chili sauce) but with virtually no flavor; same thing with my side of celery root puree. Drinks were great though. I'll give it another try sometime.4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMI took my boyfriend thereI took my boyfriend there for his bday...food is pricey but was great, the colors everywhere were nice. Valet is not complementary, you have to pay. Great place...4/2/2013 12:00:00 AMWe went for the easter brunchWe went for the easter brunch and had a great time.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMMon Dieu... so yummy!!!Wow. Amazing! What an experience!
This is truly a fine dining establishment, and one Houston should feel proud of. The food is outstanding; menu items include delicacies like venison and lobster, but also your more traditional salmon, filet mignon and scallops choices. The dishes are elaborate, well-thought out and totally balanced. The wine list (even the "by the glass" section) is very extensive.
The service is BEYOND exceptional; not a single negative comment for the evening. The recommendations were on the dot, and very honest.
This place sets the bar really high. Go and enjoy. (note: the prices DO reflect the "awesomeness" of this place!)3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMWell prepared cuisine servedWell prepared cuisine served by professional waiters in an upscale atmosphere. While the menu items may be pricey, it's worth it for a splurge or special occasion.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMhad the most incredible branzino,had the most incredible branzino, ceviche and sea scallops. All great .12/13/2012 12:00:00 AM