Having recently returned to H-Town from exploring wines in France, I was still craving all things French like French food and definitely a glass of dry Rosé wine. So, possibly the next best thing, we popped into a little French bistro in Uptown Plaza for lunch recently named Etoile.
This was my second visit to Etoile. The first visit when the restaurant opened about 9 months ago was good, but I don’t recall being blown away. I am now.
Etoile on this visit was incredible! From the light and elegant country French décor to the classic bistro menu, Etoile was everything French that I was craving and more.
The foie gras was spectacular and so was the sweet, creamy garnish of pureed prunes, cornichons and honey. Etoile’s take on mussels [above] was fantastic — a generous steaming bowl with smoky paprika, chorizo and plenty of thinly sliced leeks.
Another winner on the menu was the Marquez sausage sandwich—wow! Served on a Panini roll with harissa mayonnaise and plenty of peppery arugula. It was spectacular. It’s a big sandwich—you can take half home!
By all means, chocolate fans save room for dessert. The Dark Chocolate Pastilla with raspberry sorbet is heavenly–a rich, creamy cocoa center surrounded by paper-thin layers of crisp phyllo dough. And yes, yes, yes, it’s served warm! PLUS, I have the recipe right here!
Etoile’s chef is Philippe Verpiand, a French native who has worked in numerous Michelin-starred restaurants in France. He and his wife moved to Houston from San Diego where they owned a restaurant. His wife Monica has family ties in Houston that brought them to Uptown Plaza.
By the way, the wine list is delightfully French but also offers some domestic choices as well. I cannot wait to return to this charming spot for both lunch and dinner! For more great recipes and wine ideas, head to Goodtaste.tv.
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