Masraff's on Post Oak Lane
This entry was posted on 1/10/2010 10:35 AM and is filed under french,New American Upscale.
We ventured to this long-time Houston restaurant, cozily located in the woods on Post Oak Lane. (We've heard rumors they're moving.) Four of us dined on a recent weeknight during the holidays. A number of parties were going on and the bar area was quite lively. Valet parking was a must, despite the large parking lots.
Our server was a little too familiar, particularly for the somewhat formal setting (Note to all servers: if you must smoke, please ensure that your breath is smoke free prior to waiting on your table.) When asked about wine selections, he pointed out only bottles in the $200 plus range, and, when decanting the wine, left too much in the bottle. Allegedly for the sediment although it was not an old vintage; it was a 1999 Bordeaux. And then he removed the bottle. We asked him to bring it back, which he did. (Contrast this with our recent experience at Pappas Steakhouse where the sommelier properly left the bottle on the table after decanting.)
We started with four appetizers -- seared calamari (nicely cooked with an Asian sweet and sour twist), butternut squash soup (declared to be very good), three mushroom ravioli (rich and delicious with a prominent mushroom flavor), and a salad. We moved on to sautéed john dory, seared duck breast (generously garnished with foie gras that was perfectly seared), and sautéed bluefish entrées. The food arrived hot at the table (a bugaboo of ours). Everything was appropriately cooked and declared by all to be very good. When the requested risotto substitution was not reflected on the plate, the chef sent out a piping hot separate order of wild mushroom risotto.
Some may find this comparison off, but Masraff's has the feel of a sophisticated version of the now shuttered Confederate House, with more innovative, interesting food. This place is not frequented by the trendy crowd, the clientèle is on the older side, the acoustics permit conversation, and the food is very good. Now, if they just work on the attitude of the servers.
1025 S. Post Oak Lane
(713) 355-1975
http://www.masraffs.com
