[Houston] Vic and Anthony's

[LDLee]

My wife and I went to Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse Friday night for a celebratory dinner. We entered with high expectations and left with mixed emotions.

Most of the food was outstanding. My wife's Jumbo Lump Crabcake appetizer was amazing; almost all lump crab, succulent and moist, with little, if any filler. I had the saga blue cheese and pear salad with candied pecans and teardrop tomatoes. The dressing was a creamy vinaigrette, which provided a good structure for the blue cheese. The cheese was flavorful, but not aromatic (i.e., stinky).

For entrees, my wife had the 9 oz Filet Mignon and I had the bone-in Ribeye. Both steaks were prepared as requested (medium). The filet was perfectly aged, but the rub was a little too salty. My ribeye was outstanding. One of the best steaks I have had at a steakhouse.

We finished with the cheese platter. Five cheeses, ranging from double Gloucester cheddar to Humboldt Fog. I have to say, this was one of the finest cheese platters we have had in Houston. Good variety, no overpowering smells or flavors, plenty of bread.

So, why is it when we left my wife and I thought the restaurant was just okay – primarily atmosphere. The place is loud, very loud. What happened to the days when a restaurant was designed to encourage and support conversation?

Although the service was very good, it was too fast. Our steaks appeared just before we completed our appetizers. No time to sit back and enjoy that portion of our meal, finish the champagne we had with it or enjoy the first glass of the bottle of wine we had ordered. Stop, drop and roll.

Our table, was crammed into a corner against a wall. It was small with no room for anything other than plates and utensils. My chair happened to be in the pathway of the shortcut through the room, so I was constantly bumped by waitstaff. Even after asking our waiter to be more considerate, he continued to cut through the table, bumping me. Management's response was the next time you visit, be sure to ask for a fourspot in the center. They just didn't get.

I don't plan to go back to Vic and Anthony's unless I go with someone else who is paying. Great food, good company but bad atmosphere does not add up.

[BigboyDan]

Well, they are across form the ballpark...and... good food goes a long way; I'll be sure to ask for that "fourspot in the center".

[fifi]

Oh dear. More good food I will have to miss because the place is too loud. I refuse to patronize places, when I am paying or planning, where I can't have a decent conversation. There is NO excuse.

Cramped tables with bumping waitstaff would put me off as well. It isn't the poor waitstaff's fault. I chalk it up to inconsiderate management that would rather get one more table in there, the comfort of the patrons be damned.

One more crossed off my list.

[lizka_2]

We managed to avoid the brunt of the noise by requesting one of the booths along the back wall (no bumping either). But it raises a good question - where do you go in this town for a quality meal and quiet conversation?

[FoodMan]

We managed to avoid the brunt of the noise by requesting one of the booths along the back wall (no bumping either). But it raises a good question - where do you go in this town for a quality meal and quiet conversation?

←

Honestly, one of the quietest restaurants in Houston is "Houston's", and their off-menu porterhouse is pretty good.

Elie

[fifi]

Welcome lizka_2.

My favorite place for an upscale meal in a quiet and relaxing atmosphere remains Brennan's.