A Review of Catalan Restaurant in Houston, TX

Catalan restaurant in Houston, TX has a modern, elegant interior with a European inspired menu but it's not just the food and atmosphere people flock to, it's the wine. The wine menu has something for everyone with wine (red, white, rose, and sparkling), champagne, cava, and prosecco from around the world. The wine menu is extensive and diners can enjoy it by the glass or bottle. Catalan restaurant in Houston, TX is on the pricey side with regard to their food menu but you get what you pay for, and good food (and large portions) are worth their weight in gold.

My husband and I were invited to dine at Catalan restaurant in Houston, TX by one of my husband's colleagues. We had never eaten at Catalan so it was a great opportunity to try something new and (for me) meet new people. The restaurant was crowded on a Saturday evening and what struck me the most was the fact we were not rushed like we have been at so many other Houston area restaurants. Granted, it's the restaurant's goal to get as many people in and out as possible but fortunately Catalan takes a much more relaxed and European approach to things. We wound up being at Catalan restaurant for four hours - yes, four hours. Though it was 11:00 p.m. by the time we left, we were never pressured to hurry up and finish our conversation or meal.

APPETIZERS
We ordered mussels, spicy garlic gulf shrimp, and bread for everyone to share. While I did not eat the mussels, I did have the bread and shrimp -- and both, were amongst the best I have ever eaten. The variety of breads was fabulous and they all tasted freshly made and sweet which is something I particularly liked.

The spicy garlic gulf shrimp were gigantic and the taste was to die for. I savored the flavor with each bite and secretly wished I was not sharing so I could have more than just one shrimp. The shrimp were fresh and not rubbery at all, and the sauce was more like a broth that the shrimp bathed in which made them delicious. If nothing else, I recommend diners go to Catalan for the bread and shrimp appetizers.

ENTREES
I ordered the chicken which came with Redneck macaroni and cheese (their term, not mine), and asparagus. I actually had two pieces of chicken which made the meal too much for just one person so I took my leftovers home and dined on them the entire next day - that's how generous the portion was. I am usually hesitant to order chicken because it can often be too dry and tasteless but the chefs at Catalan restaurant in Houston, TX made sure that did not happen. The chicken was flavorful, tender and juicy and restored my faith in chicken. The asparagus stalks were extremely large and the Redneck macaroni and cheese was delicious. The macaroni had double and triple swirls so it was more like cellentani pasta than macaroni. It was not overwhelmed with cheese but there was definitely enough to add flavor and make it comfort food.

My husband had the beef fillet which came with mashed potatoes, leeks and spinach. He enjoyed his meal and I was lucky enough to sample the mashed potatoes which were prepared nicely. The other couple we were with had lamb and salmon and they, too, enjoyed their meals.

Whether you want to share just appetizers (tapas style) or have a full meal, Catalan is a great place to relax, unwind and pretend you're in Europe for a few hours. Catalan food and wine restaurant makes an effort to use seasonal locally sourced ingredients which is why it stands out above the rest.

LOCATION
Catalan is located at 5555 Washington Avenue, Houston, TX, 77007. They are open for lunch and dinner daily (except Mondays) and reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations can be made by calling (713) 426-4260 or on-line through Open Table. Visit Catalan's website at Catalanfoodandwine.com where you can view a sample of the restaurant's food and wine menu.