Bistro Bar: The Latest in Dining Within CityCentre

CityCentre is well known for its uniqueness, offering dining, shopping, special events and even accommodations to the Houston area visitor and resident alike. That "recipe" for unique experiences continues in one of the most recent openings of the "Bistro Bar."

The Bistro Bar is the latest addition to both CityCentre and Hotel Sorella, as an expanded addition to Bistro Alex in the space formerly known as Café Rose. Described as chic, gourmet, fun and exciting and a "top gathering spot in Houston," Bistro Bar is the downstairs addition evidencing the success of Bistro Alex, which announced the return of famed restaurateur Alex Brennan-Martin, to the Houston culinary scene after the destruction of his landmark restaurant "Brennan's" during Hurricane Ike. According to Alex Brennan-Martin, "We are thrilled to be expanding the presence of Bistro Alex at CITYCENTRE and looking forward to providing Chef Gonzalez a platform to further showcase his skill and creativity. Bistro Bar will serve as a delicious and dazzling introduction to Bistro Alex, which continues to forge a unique identity within our award-winning family of restaurants."

Don't be fooled into thinking the Bistro Bar is just another "Brennan's" as not only is the atmosphere and dining experience, entirely different but it also offers a more casually dressed wait staff and new price point, signature cocktails and gourmet casual dining.

Bistro Bar is not only be a prominent entry point from the sidewalks of CityCentre, to the upstairs dining in Bistory Alex, but also offers pre or post dinner Classic and Twisted Classic cocktail specialities. Look for these signature cocktails that include the Original Daquiri, Sazerac and Pimms Cup; a Cucumber Pepperita with tequila lime and cracked black pepper and the Vanilla Sidecar with vanilla liqueur and Grand Marnier and lemon juice. An expensive selection of wines is available with a knowledgable staff to make recommendations. However, the bar will also include a seasonal cocktail menu, so be sure to ask what is new each time you return.

You can't miss the Latin and Creole influence of executive Chef Juan Carlos Gonzalez of Bistro Alex, in both the dining and the drinks , but dining in the Bistro Bar is an experience all it's own with conversational seating at high tops, privacy booths and the ever popular patio seating, that has become a trademark of many CityCentre dining establishments.

"Our focus is quality, fun and value," says Chef Gonzalez about Bistro Bar. "That experience begins with complimentary valet and continues to quick, but tasty, in and out meals for guests on the go, shareable portions that might take a happy hour cocktail into dinner and Caribbean Creole flavor profiles that you don't often see in Houston or Texas."

Gonzalez was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico to a large family of primarily Spanish and Italian descent, a serendipitous foundation for a chef, who would later excel in the art of Creole cooking. He began his culinary career with the highly coveted and rare opportunity as an apprentice under Chef Eric Ripert of New York City's revered Le Bernardin. In 1999, Gonzalez relocated to New Orleans to work for Commander's Palace and remained part of the Commander's Palace Family of Restaurants for 15 years. Now you can find him at Bistro Alex's chef's tables and behind the samplings at Bistro Bar.

These experiences all combined bring the Bistro Bar menu alive with featured menu items such as: Blackeyed Pea Hummus or Goat Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Profiteroles and "Street Foods" such as Shrimp & Tasso Pinchos, Boudin Balls and a Medianoche Sandwich with shaved tasso ham, roasted pork slices, Swiss cheese and dill pickle and will include a variety of Mini Flatbreads. Pricing ranges from $6 to $13.

One very unique and exciting element about not only the additional space, dining and unique cocktail and food menu is that with the addition of the Bistro Bar, Bistro Alex will now be able to utilize its six-seat bar overlooking the kitchen for up close and personal, multi-course chef's tastings. During these tastings, Chef Gonzalez will be available to talk to the guests about the variety of items served, and some of the history behind them. Prices for chef's tastings average $65.00 a person for a five course tasting, and will vary according to the pairing of wines with the chef's table items.

My personal favorites where the Shrimp and Tasso Pincho's, while my friends look forward to returning to the Bistro Bar for the "Backyard Burger" flatbread made with sirloin, smoked gouda and bbq sauce. The Blackeyed Pea Hummus was a new twist on an old favorite for everyone in our group; and was quickly considered an excellent dish to share as we began our evening.

Whether you are visiting Houston for business or pleasure, or a long time resident, or if you are looking for one of the latest places to dine that is convenient to the entire area and that offers a combination or formal to casual dining, drinks and desserts then Bistro Bar needs to be part of your experience in Houston.

Bistro Bar is located at 800 W. Sam Houston Parkway North, Building Nine and is open daily from 11 am until 11 pm Sunday through Thursday and 11 am until 2 am on Friday and Saturday.

Sources:

Interviews

Personal Tasting

Hotel Sorella

CityCentre