Cafe Zol

10/04/09

Great place to have dinner

by ranatoliy at Citysearch

Check out my pictures

picasaweb.google. com/rakalin/CafeZol#

• Pros: Great food, very friendly staff, nice interior

08/26/09

An Angel Kissed My Food

by Poo at Citysearch

If the culinary gods struck me down and took me from this earth today I would like to think they would send me to a little place called Cafe Zol.

I am not a food critic. I am not in the food industry. But I know a damn good fillet when I have one! I would put that big fat juicy hunk of meat up against any in town!! I know... I know... that is saying a lot. I LOVE V&A's fillet. Their fillet was the greatest in my book for many years. I am afraid to say that my beloved V&As has a bit of competition, and said competition's name is Cafe Zol.

I also partook in the "beef-something soup" (sorry that I forgot the name). It was the perfect blend of meat, broth and a touch of salt. I would almost consider the broth as an aperitif. It was the perfect opening act for "the Phantom of the Cats at Chorus Line" that I was about to witness.

I cannot speak of the other choices on the menu. I like to keep things simple before trying a new fillet.

As for the ambiance... It was great. The restaurant itself is a nicely lit, sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere. The bar is absolutely beautiful with the exception of these stupid looking teapots that are completely out of place. The tables were nicely placed and minimally ornamented. It was very nice.

The waiter was the best. If I remember correctly, his name was Thomas. He was very informed of the menu and had great recommendations for my wife (I was set on the fillet). He was also very informative about the wine selection. The selection in and of itself was very impressive.

All-in-all I would highly recommend this restaurant. I feel confident that one of the Montrose restaurants finally got it right... No more obnoxious trips to downtown. Cafe Zol has finally brought the meat to Montrose.

If you don't try the fillet at Cafe Zol... you might as well eat at LJS.....

• Pros: Everything
• Cons: Not enough people know about this place.

08/23/09

Absolutely Amazing!

by pedimd1975 at Citysearch

My partner and I went here last night and will definitely be back. An amazing restaurant with, hands down, some of the best food in Houston. We had a chance to meet the owner and chef both and were told that the original Scandanavian approach they had taken didn't go over so well, so they've changed the menu to a more American fare - and a great decision it was.

We started off the meal with a bottle of St. Michele Riesling and the Semolina-crusted Calamari with Chipotle Aioli. This calamari was not greasy at all, rather a perfectly fried crust that did not fall off when you pick it up. The calamari has enough taste to stand on its own, however the aioli was fantastic.

We asked about the soups and opted to both split a small cup of the Cream of Leek soup. The only regret was that we didn't opt for a larger portion by getting a bowl. I have never had any type of leek soup before, but this soup was amazing.

I ordered the Coriander Duck Breast atop rice noodles and asian slaw in an asian soy sauce. On the first bite I literally put my fork down and said "wow!" The duck was juice and succulent with a sweet/savory combination that just fills your mouth. The soy sauce it was cooked in is amazing. Went perfectly with the slaw and rice noodles. My partner had the Braised Short Ribs with a Cream Cheese Polenta cake. I had to steal a taste and was very impressed. Literally melted in your mouth. The polenta cake was cooked with a touch of thyme that added a really nice flavor.

We ended the meal with a handmade apple tart with fresh blueberries and ice cream and my partner had the Blueberry Shortcake with fresh blueberries, both of which were nothing short of fantastic.

We have visited hundreds of restaurants in Houston and this is now in our top 3 favs. Elizabeth the owner, Jimmy Peterson (formerly Lancaster Hotel) the executive chef and our server Gideon made this a fantastic experience. You'd be doing yourself an injustice not to experience this place.

• Pros: Best Calamari in Houston, Great Service
• Cons: A/C could have been a little cooler