James Beard Award – ChefsGirl

Bradley’s Fine Diner (The Heights, Houston, TX)

chefsgirl — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 02:26:52 +0000

At my first visit to Bradley’s, “The Chef” and I didn’t realize that Bradley’s Fine Diner was a play on “fine dining” so we were a bit underdressed. (Click here for our first Bradley’s experience!) Fortunately, the setting is actually more casual to business casual than “fancy” or “cocktail”. It was at this visit that the waiter told us that Bradley’s Fine Diner was a play on fine dining. Haha for some reason, I didn’t catch on at first, but now I get it! Honestly, I could care less about dress or decor. I come for the food!

It was Restaurant Week in Houston so there were some options to choose from on their tasting menu…

Bradley’s Caesar. Whole leaf romaine. Parmesan. Croutons.

Popcorn Shrimp. Watermelon. Cilantro. Chili-lime aioli.

Pan Roasted Trout. Corn relish. Cherry tomatoes. Brown Butter Caper Sauce.

Yankee Pot Roast. Garlic Mashed potatoes. Roasted baby carrots. Buttered breadcrumbs.

Chocolate Banana Cake. Chocolate Cookie crumble. Salted Caramel Ice Cream.

Bradley’s Butterscotch Pudding. Brown Sugar Rosemary Cookie.

Yum. What else can I say? Everything was presented beautifully and well-composed. The flavors were on point. From the tasting menu that we ordered, my favorites were the Popcorn Shrimp, the Pot Roast, and the Butterscotch Pudding. Being a Southern girl and coming from a place where seafood is exorbitant and prepared just “a bit” differently, I’d have to say that the fish was a little under-seasoned for my taste but is probably great for West Coast palates. Down South, we tend to “blacken” our fish and it could be overwhelming for milder palates, but Bradley’s fish was a more delicate and refined dish. Still, very good! “The Chef” ordered one dessert and I ordered another so we’d have a variety, but I really wish we ordered two of the Butterscotch Puddings. It was surprisingly delightful…and I wish I didn’t have to share it!

What can I say? I’ve been here twice and I’ve enjoyed every bite! Why are you still here? Set your reservation tonight!

Rating: 4/5 spoons

Peche Seafood Grill (Warehouse District, New Orleans, LA)

chefsgirl — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 16:59:24 +0000

Peche has recently been honored with the James Beard Award and it’s all thanks to Chef Ryan Prewitt, Chef of the South. I’m not going to lie, when Peche opened, I wasn’t very impressed with the menu…very simple and nothing stood out to me. I’ve heard good things from friends so I decided to give it a shot…

The feel is very “Nautical” as I described it to my friend. It’s almost like you’re dining beneath a pier…a really nice one. Dress is very casual and comfortable…especially for an award-winning restaurant, but I love that!

Now onto the food!

Gulf Oysters.

Massachusetts, Island Creek Oysters.

These oysters were a bit smaller and more briney than the Gulf oysters. The strange thing is that I remember the gulf oysters tasting JUST like this many years ago. Maybe the gulf waters have changed…

I prefer the gulf oysters…large, plump, and refreshing. “The Chef” preferred the Massachusetts oysters for the brininess

Shrimp + Fontina Croquettes.

Fried Brussel Sprouts with Chili Vinegar.

Crab + Jalapeno Capellini.

Fish Sticks with LA31 beer batter.

Crab Claws with Chili Vinegar.

Shrimp + Corn Bisque.

Grilled Skirt Steak with Salsa Verde.

For a seafood restaurant, this steak was probably better than any other steakhouses in the city.

Meyer Lemon Pudding Cake. Vanilla Mascapone. Macerated Blueberries

WOW…I am a little upset that I didn’t try Peche earlier. The simplicity of the menu is just what I love, but was so skeptical about in the beginning. Every dish was well-executed and it’s very difficult the rank them by favorites. I will say that the fish sticks were the best fish sticks I’ve ever had! Everything from the moistness of the fish to the crisp of the batter. There’s only so much that words can describe so you’ll just have to try Peche for yourself.

Make sure to make your weekend reservations in advance. Ever since the James Beard award recognition, reservations are filling up quick!

Rating: 5/5 spoons (6 if I could!)

Bradley’s Fine Diner (The Heights, Houston, TX)

chefsgirl — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 14:40:29 +0000

I’d been seeing this restaurant being built every time I passed by and when “The Chef” came to visit me in Houston, I thought it would be a good idea for our last meal before he went back home to New Orleans…We were dressed really casual, but that was “fine”. It’s a diner! haha..”The Chef” wasn’t too happy when he found out that I let him dress so casual to a restaurant owned by Bradley Ogden, a James Beard award winner. For those who aren’t familiar with the James Beard award, it’s quite an accomplishment in the chef world! Check out the website here (click). It was definitely gorgeous inside and I tend to be really skeptical of the trendy and hyped up establishments, but Bradley definitely deserves 5/5 spoons in my book!

It’s like a gem hiding among some chain restaurants and establishments…

My view.

Smoked Salmon Sliders.

Crab Cake con Piri Piri. Garlic Pepper Aioli. Avocado Puree.

Kobe Beef Burger with carmelized onions.

Fish N Chips. Alaskan cod.

Our meal definitely lived up to the expectations…Best fish n chips I’ve ever had. Maybe it was the amount of delicate crispiness or maybe it was the perfectly cooked tenderness of the Cod OR it was just plain delicious!

Honestly, every dish was delicious…I wouldn’t mind going to THIS diner right about now…

La Petite Grocery (Magazine St., New Orleans)

chefsgirl — Tue, 22 May 2012 04:15:00 +0000

Romantic setting…Great food…Excellent service…if any of these are what you’re looking for, La Petite Grocery has it all! It’s one of my top 5 restaurants in the city. My very first time was a few years ago…”the chef” and I ordered a Crawfish Ravioli app that was DElicious and ever since then, we try to go back for it…but sadly, they never have it when we go. On the other hand, the other dishes never fail to please…

Pictured here Blue Crab Beignets, Crabmeat Au Gratin, and Sweetbreads..as you can tell, we have a thing for crabmeat!

Shrimp and Grits. Love this dish…lighter and more delicate than other versions around the city.

Clams and Linguine.

Even though La Petite means small, the flavors are anything but petite! Beautifully plated dishes with a blend of elegant New Orleans and French cuisine…AND the chef, Chef Justin Devillier, just so happens to be a James Beard Award winner. What else do you need? Just go!