Mark's American Cuisine

11/19/09

maybe 3.5 stars on its best night (which was not tonight)

by cmk1126 at Citysearch

Well, I just purchased a $200 lesson for two. I'll dispatch with the good first. Dessert excepting, the food ranged from fine to very good (almost great in small parts). The flavors came more from spice and salt than the simpler flavors from the ingredients, which I thought was unusual for a place that seems somewhat chef driven. The foie gras was a little burnt, not seared, and everything I ordered had something sausagey involved. Cuisine, it was not, but it was generally enjoyable and there was a lot of it. Three and a half stars for the food.

With so few choices in Houston, I probably would have gone back were the service not so terrible. The waiter, an old fellow with a southern accent, was inattentive and showed no concern for the quality of the food. It took about 30 minutes to get the check after dessert was over and I'd run out of coffee (no refills offered). And the dessert itself was a BIG miss--four kinds of boring chocolate mousse and creme brulee on the lower side of middling. He had described a souffle, but I got mousse in a souffle cup instead. And three other kinds of strikingly similar mousse. I had about four bites, trying a little of everything. The busser cleared it without any concern that I had eaten almost none of it, and without asking if I was done (which is odd because it looked like it was just delivered). We mentioned to the waiter it was not enjoyed. He shrugged, walked off, and dessert remained on the bill.

Maybe you think the service was just off and you should go anyway. To you, I say that even if the service were 5-stars, the food, though usually good, was on the very low end of what one can get away with at the price charged. So best case scenario, you almost get ripped off but not quite.

• Pros: there was usually something tasty on the plate
• Cons: service was MISERABLE; misses--some big--with each dish

09/29/09

Excellent!

by QTPY at Citysearch

My husband and I wanted something special for our 9 yr anniversary. We have been to many restaurants in Houston and this was the best dining experience we have had. All the food was delicious; everything from the appetizer to the soup, salad, main course and dessert. The server was very knowledgeable, attentive and friendly. We were there for almost 3 hours and never felt rushed. We even received a complimentary dessert for our anniversary. If you want a good dining experience where not a single detail is missed, I highly recommend this restaurant!!!

• Pros: Everything
• Cons: None

08/05/09

Best Restaurant I have been to

by KingTumnus at Citysearch

Best restaurant I have been to in Houston. Two of my favorite meals of all time have both been at this restaurant. (and I have only been twice) Soft shell crab and kobe steak (8 oz of deliciousness) Also I had a blueberry tart here which was the best most simple dessert I have ever had. I don't understand how it was so good since it was just blueberrys (with blueberry muffin ice cream) in a tart but it was amazing!

• Pros: Best food I have ever had
• Cons: Food would cancel out any, but I don't know of any