The Capital Grille- Houston Restaurant Week

Just the other night, I took my family to The Capital Grille for dinner.  It was Houston Restaurant Week (HRW) and I was thrilled to see The Capital Grille on the list again!  Here, I had absolutely the BEST SERVICE EVER!  We came over here for two reasons (1) daddy's birthday and (2) HRW, but really it was daddy's birthday so that's why I made reservations here (he never heard of The Capital Grille, so why not?!).

Anyway, what's awesome... because they knew it was a birthday celebration, the table was decorated with confetti (ribbons and ballon confetti - pretty awesome!!).  Once we sat down, the server, Susan, wished my dad happy birthday!!! (Okay, fine... I did say "celebrating dad's birthday" on the reservation, but still... it was really nice!  

So some of us ordered off the HRW menu and others ordered off the regular menu.  Regardless, the food was amazing!  My mom tried their filet mignon- she states "this is the best grilled filet mignon I'd ever had in my life!" (and she's had plenty too).  She even started cutting her steak up for everyone to try.  

My brother ordered their Ahi Sear Tuna... umm... YES SIR, I'D LIKE ANOTHER ORDER!  The tuna steak was plump, juicy, and seared perfectly!  It was even sprinkled with sesame seeds.  The tuna came with ginger rice (yumm) and three dipping sauces.  Honestly, you don't really need the dipping sauce, but! the honey-ginger one is fabulous!  The other two were wasabi (which was very light) and soy sauce.  I didn't hear her tell my brother the green one was wasabi, so I had fun when I dipped it in and took a bite =/ 

Our table also ordered their Carpaccio- very, very good!  The carpaccio was sliced perfectly and seasoned well.  The arugula salad served on top was paired perfectly with the carpaccio.  It's a must try!  

I tried their 14 oz bone-in kona sirloin... it was not as good as the filet, but it was still yummy.  The Sam's mashed potato was also a delight.  The creamed spinach was definitely creamy!  The only thing I wasn't to thrilled of was their french green beans.  We weren't sure if there would be enough food, so that's why we ordered another side dish.  

Now dessert... yumm... I tried their home-made ice cream, which was vanilla mint... my three-scopes were gone before someone could tell me to breathe.  My dad had their espresso cake, which paired well with my ice cream (I know... it's his birthday and I stole a few bites!).  What was absolutely amazing for anyone to order is their cheesecake!  The cheesecake here has a caramelized top (yes, creme burlee style).  It was light and delish!  Honestly, I'm not a big cheesecake fan, but I will go back and order that!  

So... after my adventures of trying out a few HRWs, I'd have to say this was the best of out of 4 places I tried.  It's also a place I'd drag my boyfriend to for a romantic dinner (yup... you've read it correctly mister!).  Sorry! I didn't take any pictures :(  by the time I remembered to... it was too late and my plate wasn't very presentable, but I will next time!

Hillstone (formerly Houston)

Recently, we had friends in town and decided to dine somewhere "fancy." We headed over to Houston restaurant on Kirby; however, to our surprise the name was changed to Hillstone.  Now, just because the name changed does not mean the menu changed (thank goodness!).  Houston is part of the Hillstone Restaurant Group so don't worry.  

We went to Hillstone on a Saturday night (7:30pm) and to our surprise there was no wait.  We were seated promptly for a party of 5.   But... it was during Rodeo so that could be the reason why.

Anyways, the server here was pretty attentive.  Since I wasn't really hungry that evening (I know... I was surprised myself too), I ordered their Prime Rib (cooked medium rare of course).  The steak came out PERFECT!  It was tender, juicy, and just melts in your mouth!  This dish comes with a side of french fries (I think), but I subbed it with a baked potato.  Now, what made that steak so wonderful was the au jus. So if you order this, do not forget to dip that piece of goodness in the au jus! 

I also had their caesar salad prior to the meal and it was delish.   The romaine lettuce was fresh and crisp.  I forgot to request the server to place the dressing on the side; however, the salad was mixed well and it wasn't soggy.  Please keep in mind that the salad is HUGE so consider sharing it with another person. 

Regarding drinks... a friend of mine ordered Dr. Pepper and the server brought him a bottled DP (which means no refills and DP is made with imperial cane sugar).  Just FYI for those of you who must have the unlimited refills.  

Another random thing is their "check tray."  The tray felt like it was made of stainless steel or sterling silver (basically it was heavy)!  It was definitely an item to boost the ambiance of the venue and illustrate the class of the restaurant.  It was also something my table wanted to jack (but we didn't, I promise).  

I was not able to get any good shots of my meal so I apologize for no photos :(  It was dark and I was using my phone (I know... ghetto).  But, I will visit Hillstone again and I will bring a camera with me the next time I venture out there.