October 10, 2007
By Maggie Heyn Richardson
Next trip to Houston, check out Da Marco, the acclaimed, Mario Batali-style restaurant at 1520 Westheimer. Top notch, really. A big shout-out to Houston Press food critic Robb Walsh for the tip.
For such an upscale, foodie haunt, Da Marco's vibe is remarkably easy, and its wait staff, ever swarming and helpful. When I say "upscale foodie haunt," I'm talking about a place that features a $95 appetizer of pasta with shaved fresh truffles so fragrant I could smell them from the other side of the ample, buttercream dining room; and exclusively Italian wines by the glass that arrive in tiny decanters.
We started with two heavenly cocktails, a Cinzano and soda and Da Marco's bellini of fresh white peach puree and prosecco, then moved on to a couple of specials, fresh sardines and a salad of greens and bresaola. Later, came homemade sweet corn ravioli with hunks of lobster; Chianti-braised short ribs and a whole-roasted, filleted branzino (striped sea bass). All fabulous. And the wines. Oh man, the wines. With help from our waiter, we sampled four different ones by the glass, including a sumptuous Barolo and a crisp, herby Gavi. The pistachio gelato is silky and winsome.
Don't miss it.
Comments
Posted by brandi on October 10 at 11:47 a.m.
Next time you go to Houston, there is this place on Kirby you have to try. It's a little hole in the wall internet cafe/coffee shop type thing, but they have by far the best ice cream I've ever had. I suspect that the chocolate had a little cinnamon and possibly a bit of coffee or espresso. I'll try to think of the name; seems like it was next to a mattress store in a little strip mall and it's pretty close to the SW Freeway.
Posted by Jon_Cogburn on November 6 at 5:43 a.m.
Oh Jeez, I'm hungry after reading this.
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