Before Thanksgiving prep took over my life, I had a great week of round-about dining and touring of the Western Gateway of Downtown Houston around Allen Center, where many new and innovative dining establishments have been happening……all adjacent or included in the newest hospitality entree into our city, the C.Baldwin Hotel. It should be noted that I’m a little late to the celebration party for these new hot spots because, as luck would have it I was away on one of my Italy working trips when they all opened. However, I was able to be taken by the hand through them all and I had the best time that I am sharing with you now through my next three blog postings…..first to lead off is the most recent opening and that is of the Denver-based, Guard and Grace Restaurant……
Recently, we were feasted at the opening night of Denver-based TAG Restaurant Group’s Guard and Grace Restaurant in One Allen Center, Downtown. After a year of high-profile chef collaborations, Chef Troy Guard, owner of the acclaimed restaurant group, opened the restaurant carrying his name and that of his daughter, Grace, to much anticipation by foodies in town. Calling itself, a modern steakhouse, in both decor and in approach to steakhouse dining, I must say that it lived up to its expectation in both. I was very taken with the decor, very modern as the above photo shows……15,000 square feet, glass-enclosed structure on the ground-level of this newly renovated office building. It is a two-story bright and open airy space. The striking design elements in the form of 4,600 hanging bronze ceiling rods are used throughout, giving the restaurant a sleek, contemporary look. Completing this modern look is a mural created by local artist, Jessica Rice and a 4,000 square foot patio that faces the inviting green lawn of One Allen Center. The “Acre” will be opening in early 2020.
About the Food: We were told by the enthusiastic staff that toured us through the restaurant in its entirety, that it was going to be a steak restaurant like no other we had eaten in…….at the end of the evening we were in total agreement. For me the big point of difference were the amazing side dishes that were so creatively prepared with many local ingredients and deliciously presented. I read before-hand that it was a “mosaic of international inspiration incorporating regional flavors inspired by Chef Troy Guard’s worldwide travels.” The menu seamlessly merges East Asian, Hawaiian and Latin American influences with both classic and modern steakhouse techniques. There are so many unique highlights, too many to list here, such as a charcuterie station and raw bar. They also have Prime, certified Angus and local Wagyu beef in staggering numbers of premium cuts. I was intrigued by the Filet Mignon flight, consisting of 4 oz. Wagyu, 4 oz. Prime, and 4 oz. Angus among so many choices of beef and seafood. Below are a few images of some of the sides that I was so taken with that compliment any entree choice.
Signature dish......grilled octupus w/white cannelini beans (My hubby said it may have been the BEST dish he's ever eaten anywhere!!!!)
Guard and Grace should definitely be on your list of places to try soon, especially since this week he is scheduled to debut his lunch menu…..it took Chef Guard, five years to bring it to fruition but it is well worth the wait and I’m sure it will be only the beginning of things to come from this creative chef on this first venture out of Denver but certainly not his last in our town.
For more info on this new Houston hot spot, visit https://guardandgrace.com/houston/ or call 346-326-0789 or follow along on Instagram and Facebook.
photos courtesy of public content