Hotel Derek

05/06/08

husk of what it used to be...

by barrysanders at Citysearch

This restaurant was sold in October, 2007 and the new management is not nearly on the same level as the old, apparently. I ordered pepper steak medium-rare. It arrived well done and so I sent it back. It arrived a little bit rare and I had difficulty cutting it with a steak knife and even worse luck chewing it. The fingerling potatoes were obviously microwaved and tasteless. The cream/cognac sauce was lukewarm, slight, and entirely lacking in cognac or flavor, but had a plethora of stale, bitter store-bought peppercorns. Instead of this place, I'd look to see where the former head chef landed.

• Pros: close to Derek hotel
• Cons: food was horrible and overpriced

01/01/08

I do not see what all the fuss is about!!!

by z_man1025 at Citysearch

My wife and I finally dined at Bistro moderne after hearing numerous peopel rave about it over the last 12 months. Have to say, we left totally underwhelmed. What was described to us as some of the best french food anywhere in the world was far from that. We dined on an evening that wa snot busy so had expected the service to be good but it wasn't. OUr waiter was extremely arrogant adn would not deviate from the menu as offered (I had asked for dijon mustard to accompany my steak rather than the red wine reduction)!!!. The "sommelier" was almost useless and automatically defaulted to the most expensive wines on the list when I asked for a recommendation to accompany our mains - I ended up choosing a Bordeaux we'd tasted previously.

Overall, very average and does not deserve the reputation. Compared to the numerous french restaurants and bistros we've dined at in France and Europe, this is a poor imitation. I know zagats rate it highly so I assume we were there on a bad night but we won't be going back to confirm.

• Cons: Terrible service

05/21/07

Rude manager

by yurij at Citysearch

The food is outstanding. However the manager was extremely rude. In order to go to the restaurant, one has to park with the valet as there is no self parking. You have to dine in order to validate the parking. Last time we were there, we ate in the bar area. So when I went to validate the ticket, the manager who happened to be manning the hostess stand was very negative and failed to note that we had dinner the same way as we would have if we were in the dining room. He automatically assumed that we did not have dinner and went to check with our waitress. He did not even attempt to be polite or check in a nice way. He made me feel like I was lying and trying to get away with something. This is not the proper way to treat loyal customers.

02/21/07

A GEM!!

by amative at Citysearch

The restaurant is very good, but I ADORE their bar. They serve foods like wings and ham and cheese (gruyere with toasted parmesan on top!) sandwiches in a modern upscale environment. A perfect melange of high and low culture and very true to a french cafe in its casual chic. I love how you can go there and have the fabulous beef tartare (the best in town) or the down home barbecue wings depending on your mood. ! The manager and waitstaff are unsurpassed to boot. Please bring back the peas!! and a fancy gruyere oven baked mac and cheese would complement the menu well!

• Pros: everything
• Cons: nothing

01/16/07

Hotel Derek's chic and pricey cafe-restaurant for refined French fare near the Galleria.

by Contributor at Citysearch

The Scene
Beyond Derek's sleek lobby is a two-in-one restaurant well-suited to Houston trendsetters. The cafe and bar, with black-and-white decor and bistro menu, is perfect for casual dining. Suede banquettes, wood floors and iron chandeliers in the formal dining room add to the refined, cozy air. Service is top-notch.

The Food
Executive Chef Philippe Schmit prepares classic French food designed to impress. Expect sophisticated bites--beef tartar and hangar steak--in the cafe. Main menu starters include grilled sardines, and sautéed foie gras with fennel, rhubarb and dandelion salad. The roasted monkfish is served with confit baby artichokes, chorizo and sun dried tomato sauce while the duck breast comes with watercress and spinach flan, ravioli duck leg and balsamic chocolate. Savor the resplendent chocolate souffle for dessert.

07/17/06

Excellent experience

by samanthajean at Citysearch

After reading the other reviews, I was a bit concerned, but we thoroughly enjoyed our experience at Bistro Moderne. It's undeniably beautiful, the service is top notch and attentive, and the food wonderful. It's certainly in line with other similar hotel restaurants that must satisfy a diverse clientele of travelers and locals, but we found it delightful. Ignore the comments, and try it!

• Pros: complimentary valet parking, great service
• Cons: lighting was a bit bright - could be toned down in the evening

05/15/06

don't bother

by derwoodgayleon at Citysearch

went for brunch on mothers day. loved the warm modern decor but not impressed with the food and annoyed by the hostess. i called for reservations a few days in advance and was told that they had nothing available until 1:30... upon arriving at 1:15 the restaurant was barely half full. the food was beautiful but the taste was unimpressive and my crepes were luke warm at best. i won't be back.

• Pros: decor
• Cons: food

03/13/06

beautiful

by alexvuong at Citysearch

The food at Bistro Moderne comes in small French portions that are consistent with decor and presentation. The environment of the restaurant is trendy, romantic, and contemporary. Staff is very friendly and Chef greets at the end of dinner. For lunch the duck is delicious. Deserts are beautifully done. Don't miss out!

• Pros: Location, Presentation, Taste
• Cons: Hostess

03/07/06

Don't celebrate your birthday here!

by npham1420 at Citysearch

My friends and I celebrated my birthday at Bistro Moderne (for 5). Given the fact that its connected to Hotel Derek, we expected our experience at Bistro Moderne a great one. My good friend brought my favorite cake for my birthday as a surprise. The waiter came to us and told us that the restaurant had to charge us $25 to just cut our cake since we were not ordering from their dessert menu. I understand a slicing fee, but $25 to cut a cake is rediculous! We asked if we can just have plates and knife...they wouldn't allow it. It made our table really aukward;they completely ruined the surprise for me. In the end, our bill was $250 + tip. I think if a restaurant is going to charge over $20 for an entree, they should provide a level of service that is appropriate and accommodating for fine dining.

• Pros: Ambience
• Cons: Service

11/03/05

Romantic and Artistic

by wadester at Citysearch

We recently tried Bistro Moderne, and were very, very impressed with the appetizers, food presentation, and the Head Chef checking on us at the end of our dinner. The restaurant is very romantic, complete with candle-lit tables, and formal array of dishes and wineglasses on the tables. The food is top-notch, creative, and intimately prepared to order.

We had a wonderful time, and I look forward to going again.

• Pros: Romantic, Excellent Service, Candlelit Tables