Brunch @ RDG + Bar Annie

Date of visit: Sunday, May 23, 2010
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One of my all time favorite meals is brunch. Not quite breakfast, and not quite lunch. A careful blend of the two, where sweet flavors of butter and sugar meet the boldness of hearty ingredients more commonly associated with lunch or dinner. It really is the best of both worlds if you ask me.



In every city there are small empires built by entrepreneurs who can't resist the taste of a new business venture. They start with one idea and it quickly grows until they become embedded in the surrounding metropolis. It's inspiring and lovely to see; visions coming to life and dreams being realized. The Schiller Del Grande Restaurant Group is one such entity.



There wings stretch straight across Houston, Texas making their presence undeniable. With establishments such as: Taco Milagro, Cafe Annie, Cafe Express, Rio Ranch and The Grove- their newest addition with its ever growing popularity is RDG + Bar Annie.



I plan on dining at each establishment and will complete a separate critique for them all. This particular review is based solely on RDG and the unique brunch experience that they offer.

The atmosphere is definitely sophisticated so dress to impress. Sunday's Best will do, and just so happens I was there on a Sunday. You enter through large glass doors into the mod downstairs bar area. Casual and cute, definitely an after work hot spot to grab a drink and forget about your day. Upstairs you feel like you have entered an entirely different restaurant. Rich fabrics with gold brocade meet spa inspired craftsmanship. Light bamboo ceilings draw you in while dark functional works make a statement. Statues, and indoor garden plants create a space that is undeniably homey, but upper class.

The brunch menu is rejuvenating. Chic, classic and down-to-earth. There is something for everyone. Seafood lovers will feel right at home with dishes such as the smoked fish platter or ceviche. Fresh, tropical ingredients: avocado, jicama, grapefruit all reminisce of dining at a 5-star resort. They don't neglect the obvious either- Tex Mex inspired dishes have a heavy presence. Me being the sucker I am for such, I ordered Mimi's Rolled Taco's : scrambled eggs, with refried beans, avocado and chilies. While I waited for this scrumptious plate, we indulged on the homemade donuts. As a kid my favorite was the sugar donut and I was pleasantly surprised with these little dough balls of heaven. Lightly fried and tossed in cinnamon and sugar. Your mouth will ask for more! The taste of butter and sweetness and the ever familiar crunch of sugar granules. YUM! The perfect appetizer!

The main dish was just as decadent as I expected. Three petite rolled tacos with a side of sliced avocado. Avocado is one of my favorite veggies, and it was refreshing to see it not mixed in to or lost with anything else, but in its natural naked state. A sprinkle of sea salt and it's just Divine! Mimosa's (regular or blood orange) and rich coffee bring this experience full circle. This feast of sweet and spicy is a compliment to any Sunday. Its calming and invigorating all in one happy meal.