Post from Devour Houston
Leave a comment/read the entire post here
If I started out a post with “Ugh,” would you keep reading? You guessed it, J. Black’s was that dismal.
We first drove into the parking lot (which was 3/4 empty at 12:30 on a Sunday). The Valet Parking guys ran up to us, requiring us to valet park for $3.00. No self parking allowed, in their 3/4 empty parking lot. Very unfriendly start. That is fine, it is a contract valet company. Walking in, the sign reads “seat yourself.” No worries either, not usually a problem. But no one greeted us. Ever. As we walked around looking for the perfect table for our party of 6, no one seemed to care or notice. We found a good seat on the patio. The weather was so fantastic today, that I did love sitting out there. The service was fine. No true complaints.
However, I will vehemently complain about the food. Remember, ugh. The food was not delicious, the portions were small, and the cost higher than deserved. Where to begin? The Pulled Pork Egg Stack ($11): pulled pork, crispy semolina cake, Chipotle Hollandaise. So, yes, this was their creative take on Eggs Benedict. The pork had zero flavor. As a matter of fact, all I could detect was a fatty, greasy taste. The Hollandaise was very not chipotle tasting, instead, very bland. The Semolina cake overpowered any wheat or corn flavor with its fried exterior.
Pulled Pork Egg Stack
Texas Beef Nachos ($10): Texas Wagyu Beef (translated to Texas Japanese cow), refried beans, cheddar, monterey jack, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo. This order came with about 5, sparsely populated chips. The diner asked for no pico or guac, but the chips still lacked much substance. Maybe that was a good thing as the beef appeared to have zip, zilch seasonings. Again, no flavor. Bland. And, gross at that.
Texas Beef Nachos
Brioche French Toast ($7.50). This dish may have won the most flavorful food of the day award at J. Black’s. Does that say much? The brioche was thick and soft, but the toasts were too toasted and too browned in spots, but with enough maple syrup poured on top, any burned flavorings were masked.
Brioche French Bread
J. Black’s may be mostly a bar. However, they do have a full menu (lunch and dinner) and a brunch menu. On Sundays, they do have a Bloody Mary Bar, too ($5 a drink).
Not. Going. Back.
J. Black’s – Feel Good Kitchen & Lounge
110 S. Heights Boulevard @ Washington
Houston, Texas 77007
713.862.7818
www.jblacks.com
Post from Devour Houston
Leave a comment/read the entire post here
