Bernadine’s
1801-B N. Shepherd Drive
Houston, Texas 77008
713.864.2565
@bernadineshtx
A “love letter to the Gulf Coast” is how Chef Graham Laborde, a Louisiana native, describes his menu at this newly opened, modern seafood house in the Heights.
We stopped by for lunch on a Thursday afternoon. Yes, that’s me drinking the chardonnay. Shocker, I know. I was feeling adventurous. The interior is modern and clean with tons of natural light pouring through the curtain covered windows (see photos!). As we reviewed the menu, we commented on items that peaked our interest like the Smoked Ribs with sorghum popcorn and grilled strawberries, the Gulf Snapper Ceviche, and the Smoked Duck and Oyster Gumbo with housemade andouille. Sure, you may not be able to find Cornbread Gnocchi with Braised Oxtail at a down-home Louisianian establishment, but that’s the point.
I went with the Grilled Gulf Fish, which this day was snapper. Normally served with grits, I opted instead for the braised greens and was happy to find a little bacon hidden in them. The pickled shrimp had more flavor than the snapper, but I did love the dish as a whole and ate everything but the carrot stems.
This Peacemaker Po-boy with fried Gulf shrimp and oysters was thoroughly enjoyed, with the bread imported all the way from NOLA!
The Fried Catfish was raved about for its perfect breading. It is normally served with braised greens, but the grits are must-try for all of you grain and cheese eaters.
The Rice Beignets were more like dense little fried cakes than beignets. I was fine with taking only one bite because they were packed full of my enemies, gluten and sugar.
This beautiful thing is the Oeufs a la Neige, which I now know is a French dish of meringue in crème anglaise. Candied kumquat and almond brittle surrounding the orange cream under an airy, torched meringue — it was the perfect end to our experience. I’m so excited to find a way to replicate it in my kitchen using natural sugars. You must go to Bernadine’s and order this dessert.
If you have read any of my previous reviews, you’ll note that I only write about restaurants I’ll revisit. You’ll also note that I have a thing for patios. On my next visit, you’ll know where I’ll be. Now, go drool over their Instagram.
Lunch
Monday – Friday
11:00 – 3:00
Dinner
Sunday – Wednesday
5:00 – 10:00
Thursday – Saturday
5:00 – 11:00
Brunch
Saturday & Sunday
11:00 – 3:00
