Dish-Houston

It’s been five short and delicious years since Strip House opened its doors in Houston. This formerly quiet pocket on the east end is now one of the city’s most bustling areas with Discovery Green, Toyota Center, the GRB and Houston Pavilions just steps away.  Strip House is thrilled to celebrate this milestone with Houstonians; therefore, they are introducing a five-course anniversary menu, masterfully created by executive chef, John Schenk.

The five for $55 menu will be available for lunch or dinner starting January 5^th through February 28^th (not available on Valentine’s Day). The menu features some of Strip House’s most celebrated dishes, including:

-        lobster bisque cappuccino, with chopped lobster and chives

-        grilled tomato and bufala mozzarella salad, with balsamic glaze and basil

-        seared sea scallop, with edamame succotash, black truffle butter, corn broth

-        filet mignon, with black truffle creamed spinach and goose fat potatoes

-        Strip House profiterole, with espresso and chocolate ice creams, hot fudge sauce

Strip House is located at 1200 Mc Kinney. For reservations, please call 713.659.6000

Forget the Holiday spirit, apparently even the spirit master was asked...ever so unceremoniously, to leave Tony's. One of Houston's most exclusive restaurants is apparently not beyond a shake up and proved it by the recent firings of the Exec Chef and Sommelier!

When a member of the news media called for comment regarding the firing of the Exec Chef,  Tony Vallone's only response was to ask why the story was considered news worthy. He did add that things ended between them in a positive and friendly manner. The chef could not be reached for comment.

Vallone also fired sommelier Jonathan Honefenger after a disagreement over the wine inventory and the young man's passion for his job. Honefenger said the restaurant's general manager called him on his day off to give him the news. Classy! Nothing like a face to face conversation!

Honefenger defended his work ethic and love of his work! He was named one of 2009's best young sommeliers in Wine & Spirits magazine, and won a third place at the Texas Sommelier Conference's best sommelier competition this summer.

Here's to hoping the best and good things for these wonderful and talented folks....especially during this Holiday season.....Tony, SHAME ON YOU!