Date Visited:  October 13, 2012

We visited a new place this evening that is the brain child of Chef Christopher Williams.  The name of the restaurant is from Williams’ great grandmother, Lucille Smith.  Chef Chris may be remembered by some of you from his days at MAX’s Wine Dive.

Our server for the evening was very good and knowledgable.  She offered her input and made some great recommendations for food and wine.  Throughout the evening, she was friendly and made all of us feel at home.

We started the evening with Lucille’s chili biscuits.  The recipe was made famous by American Airlines who served them on their flights.  The biscuits are dense and flavorful, topped with a dollop of spicy chili.  They are great, especially when we complemented them with a glass of La Marca Prosecco.

For our meal, we chose a bottle of Michael David Lust Zinfandel.  It is a big rich Zinfandel with ripe berry favors with vanilla and pepper.

Pam ordered the Shrimp and Grits which had 4 large shrimp, andouille sausage and a sherry tomato broth over stone mill grits.  The shrimp were perfectly cooked and the overall flavors came together excellently.  It was the star dish of our meal.

Jeff ordered their take on Pork and Beans.  The dish consisted of a braised hind shank with english peas and black lentils in agridolce reduction.  When served, it looks like a true caveman meal with the meat still on the bone.  It was a delicious take on upscale pork and beans.  The lentils were cooked al dente with just a bit of crisp.  The hind shank meat fell off the bone and had a nice pork flavor.

Our daughter decided on the “healthy dish” which was Pan Roasted Chicken with stewed chanterelles, 45 minute egg, fingerling potatoes and roasted kale.  The chicken was moist with subtle flavors.  The chanterelles and creaminess of the egg combined with the moist chicken were great.  She loved the kale, something that is not often said by a 7 year old.  Overall, she loved the dish and almost cleaned her plate.

As an additional side, Pam ordered the Hoppin John for us to share.  The dish is a combination of rice and black-eyed peas.  It was good, but I wouldn’t order it again as it lacked flavor and was just plain.

Chef Chris and his partners have done his great-grandmother proud.  The restaurant has developed dishes that are familiar in their Southern background but have a great modern flair.  The place has great food and a good wine selection.  Make your reservations and give it a shot.  We will be back here soon!

Menu Link:  http://lucilleshouston.com/menus.html

5512 LaBranch
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 568-2505
http://lucilleshouston.com/index.html