May 29, 2007
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Houston’s
Metairie, LA
Houston’s Restaurant is a chain-ish restaurant that makes a mean Hawaiian Ribeye. Should we look down upon it just because there are multiple locations? I don’t think we should.. The main things we look for when we go out are good quality and good flavors! With that said.. At Houston’s I was given one of my first “true” memories of steak. I ordered (at the time) monsterous Hawaiian Ribeye and was served a gigantic loaded baked potato and something else.. I remember that first bite melting in my mouth. I remember tasting flame charred steak from the grill and the sweet pineapple marinade. I go back to Houston’s just because of that one memory!
Home Smoked SalmonI LOVE Smoked Salmon.. is it the buttery silky texture? Can it be that delicious smokiness? I believe salmon is just one of those things that just stick with you. It’s very warm or very cool… it’s fatty tasting or it’s healthy feeling.. The Smoked Salmon here is served with crunchy toast points and a savory garlic aioli. I used to order the spinach dip religiously, but I can easily make that whenever I want.. Smoked Salmon takes a little more time.. Try it next time you’re there you won’t be disappointed.
Hawaiian RibeyeLike you’ve already read above… I fell in love with the Hawaiian steak as a child, so whatever opinion I have may be tainted. But I always go there with extremely high expectations.. with hopes of reliving that first taste! In this event.. I went with my two brothers to celebrate my younger brother turning 21. This meal was catostrophic in the eyes of normal customers.. but I’m always ready for the worst!
Loaded BakerSo three orders of the Ribeyes all Medium Rare.. It came out and it was almost like a scene from Goldilocks and the 3 bears… My younger brother’s steak was undercooked, My steak was 50% fat and silver skin, and my older brother’s steak was just perfect. My lil bro asked the have his steak put back on the grill, meanwhile I spent my time seperating the meat from the fat… I thought about taking a picture of it, but fat isn’t very appealing. When the chef came out with my lil bro’s steak cooked perfectly.. I felt the need to mention that the cuts of steaks were not as good as I usually get. So he, feeling the need to exchange my steak for a new one (I already ate half and didn’t want another one) argued for a bit until he finally got his way and I conceded.
He brings out a brand new steak with a brand new potato… The chef stands there and waits as I cut into it.. RARE… LOL… at this point I was feeling like a major pain in the ass.. I said nothing but then he ask, “What did you request for your steak’s doneness sir?” oh goodness… I should have just said rare and called it a night.. But he knew… It should have been med rare.. so back into the kitchen it went! lol I felt so bad for the chef. It was embarrassing on my part but it must have been humiliating for him..
The way this situation was handled more than made up for the kitchen mishap.. For their troubles and the extra steak we tipped 30 something percent.. Don’t let this story deter you from trying it. I’ll still go here and I still enjoy the food and service.
Overall Rating:
(out of 7 )Future Entries:
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Comments (11)
Never tried the “mean Hawaiian Ribeye”, now I’m curious! If I want medium rare, I usually ask for rare… it’s difficult to find a good steak place.
salmon… toast….
*drool*
that’s great service that they’re willing to try a third time… and the chef even stood by to wait for your approval!
and the salmon… looks delicious!
There is a Houston’s in Kansas City that I’ve visited a few times while there on business. I’m not much for ordering steak in restaurants (they never seem to fit my tastes), but I have tried several other items there. The food is usually very good, and yes, very good service. I’m glad to see they went out of their way to satisfy a customer in your case-service speaks louder than anything in which restaurants I choose to patronize.
We went to the Houston’s in Atlanta for my boyfriend’s 20th birthday last year. The service was greatly lacking- I have a suspicion that there was automatic disdain the minute the servers learned that no one in our party was above 21, even though we were all very well-behaved. But, because of your post, perhaps I’ll give it another try.
I love the goldilocks story. Experianced that kind of stuff all the time around here at some of the restaurants. Would of sent back the steak myself. I visit Houstons when I visit Orlando. It is a little pricey.
I’m always a little concerned about sending food back (actually, I don’t think I ever have). But it’s good that they tried their best to accommodate you. That should be an additional smiley!
their prime rib is my fav.
looks good
Aw I don’t think the Hawaiian ribeye is available at the Houston’s near here. Then again, if you’re ever in LA and try Houston’s, you’ll notice that they serve a bunch of sushi and sashimi (odd I know). I had a disappointing experience with Houston’s after hearing good things about it, but another Hillstone restaurant called Bandera was quite yummy (if only for their delicious cornbread). Ü -L
i love houstons. they have great food. love LOVE their spinach artichoke dip!