by David J. LeMaster
Photography by Jim Caldwell
Classy; innovative; exciting; unique, Cova Hand Selected Wines is one of Houston’s most interesting spots, offering a rotating list of 50 wines by the glass as well as a thousand different bottles all sold at warehouse prices — and it has great food!
Owner Monsterville Horton and his accommodating staff combine with Chefs de Cuisine Michael Emerson and Michael Nutt, and Executive Chef Eric Lawhon to offer an impressive combination of tapas (3-4 ounce portions) and raciones (twice the size of tapas) to complement the wine selection. Favorites from the ever-evolving menu include Braised Oxtails with pickled okra and Gruyere Yukon Mash, and Petit Osso Bucco, a family recipe of Trumpet Royale Risotto and Star Anise Orange Au Jus. Or, try the Lamb Loin, the delicious Hawaiian Snapper, or the Surf and Turf, which includes five spiced lobster pieces with vanilla port emulsion.
Cova’s specialty is wine, served by the bottle, the glass, the taste (two ounces), or by the flight — a selection of three wines grouped by theme. Combine a flight with cheese selections from all over the world, including France, Spain, and Italy, for a perfect combination.
Cova offers exciting, unique opportunities for its customers. Tastings occur on Saturdays, and wine classes on Wednesdays with a three-course meal, or join the Cova Boot Camp, a four day wine adventure! Happy Hour is at the bar, Monday through Wednesday from 4 -7 p.m. with all night Happy Hour for ladies on Monday nights. Be sure to attend Jazz Night on Sundays at the Washington location.
Menu Highlights
COLD TAPAS
Duck Rillette
Fig Date Marmalade and Truffle Oil
Lamb Tartare
Lamb Loin with Soy Vinaigrette, Fried Won Ton & Pickled Ginger Sorbet
HOT TAPAS
Sea Scallops
Foie Gras and Sweet Potato Emulsion
Pizza Dal Giorno
Arugula, Roasted Tomato, Sweet Onion, Bacon,Thyme, and Buffalo Mozzarella
Hamachi
Japanese Young Yellowtail, Soba Noodles, and Soy-Ginger Sauce
Beef Tenderloin
Potato Rösti, Seared Foie Gras, and Demi Glace
WINE FLIGHTS
This is a sample; subject to change. You may also create your own flight
Flight 8 — Smooth Operator
Pisoni Pinot Noir “Lucia” ’06, California
Alto Moncayo Veraton (Garnacha) ’05,Spain
Adastra Merlot ’04, California
Flight 10 — Monsterville’s Mash
Dona Paula Malbec ’05, Argentina
Mas de Can Blau ’05, Spain
Keenan Reserve Mernet ’04, California
CHEESE SELECTIONS
Manchego – La Mancha, Spain
Mild and nutty raw sheep’s milk, aged one year
Epoisses – Burgundy, France AOC
Brandy washed rind cow’s milk
“Barely Buzzed” Cheddar – Utah, USA
Coffee & Lavender rubbed pasteurized cow milk.
Cova Hand Selected Wines
• 5600 Kirby Drive (near Rice Village), Houston,Texas 77005
(713) 838-0700
More Information - Websites, Maps and Directions
• 5555 Washington Ave. Houston,Texas 77007
(713) 868-3366
More Information - Websites, Maps and Directions
