By David J. LeMaster
Photography by Jim Caldwell
The elegant Mark’s American Cuisine has earned a long list of awards. Nation’s Restaurant News inducted Mark’s into its “Fine Dining Hall of Fame” in 2006. That same year the Zagat Survey named it one of the “Top 10 Restaurants” in the United States as well as the #1 spot for food and popularity in Houston. Restaurants and Institutions nominated it for the “Ivy Award” in 2007 and 2008, the highest honor bestowed upon a restaurant.
Set in a 1920s renovated church, visitors entering Mark’s will encounter an ambience of golden ceilings, deco walls and candlelit tables. There is a private party room for 40 people, a semiprivate loft that can accommodate up to 24 people, and The Alcove, which servies as the Chef’s Tasting room for 8 people.
Mark’s serves only the freshest ingredients including delicious fresh fish from Hawaii, lobster from Boston, Kobe beef from Japan, and Kurobuta (black hog, Japanese) pork. Patrons love the broccolini, a cross between asparagus and broccoli, and Mark’s use of microgreens from local farmers and the popular purple potatoes.
Mark’s truly exceptional wine list has been honored with the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 2001 with 550 wines around the world, and serving 21 wines by the glass and 70 by the half bottle. Cheese plates and dessert wines are also available. Sommelier Saree Mulhern is available to help you find the perfect wine for your meal.
Open for lunch weekdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; dinner Monday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m to 11 p.m.; Friday, 5:30 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, 5 p.m. to midnight; Sunday, 5 to 10 p.m. Handicapped accessible. Valet or self parking
Menu Highlights
ENTRÉES
Pecan Crusted Chicken Breast
Filled with spinach, sundried tomatoes, house-smoked mozzarella, and Kentucky Bourbon sauce
Pork Chops
Kurobuta Pork (Japanese black hog)
Steaks
Kobe Beef from Japan
DESSERTS
Almond Brown Butter Cake
American Whiskey Trio
Jack Daniel’s Chocolate Cheesecake
Maker's Pecan Tart with Mint Julep Ice cream
Woodford Reserve Crème Brûlée
Pastry Chef Julie Busch makes birthday cakes, including a flourless chocolate cake with German chocolate icing
Cheese List available
Dessert Wines available
Seen above: Pictured at top is the American Whiskey Trio, pictured at bottom is Roasted Bronzini with Spring Vegetables.
Mark's American Cuisine
1658 Westheimer Rd., Houston, Texas 77006
(713) 523-3800
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