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Section: Whine & Dine Current stories in Whine & Dine: |
Dec. 15, 2004, 12:23PM Diner says that he's done with DonerakiCompiled by Mona ShoupCopyright 2004 Houston Chronicle
Robert Stack of Houston says he has long enjoyed the food and atmosphere at Doneraki Restaurant, 7705 Westheimer. "But the last few times, I've been thoroughly disappointed. Service has dropped drastically, with the chip basket and drink glasses regularly going empty. The food has become bland. The guacamole was merely mashed avocado with tomato, the chili con queso was pasty, the rice and beans had no flavor, and the chicken dishes tasted, as my son put it, 'like canned chicken.' To add insult to injury, food orders were wrong, and the margaritas were the worst I've had in a long time. Next time, we shall stop at Molina's Mexican Restaurant, 7901 Westheimer, just up the street."
Brown-Bagging itRob Ferguson of Houston gives two thumbs up to Brown Bag Deli, 2036 Westheimer, which he says gives the "best bang" for your money and appetite. He says anyone looking for a "quick lunch with friends or co-workers, a lunch on the go, or to fill an appetite before 6 p.m." will love it. Customers place their orders on specially printed brown bags. Sandwiches run around $3; he recommends the jalapeño cheese bread. For side orders, he likes the baked potato soup, fresh fruit cup and homemade potato salad.
Adding to the dinHoustonian Laura Jones says that when dining out she's most annoyed by the "people who use those two-way radios." She says the "constant ringing and beeping are enough to drive you crazy." Someone told her it was his "right to conduct business" at lunch, but she says it's also her right to have peace and quiet. "Restaurants shouldn't allow them if customers don't turn down the volume."
So close, yet ...Kim Menchaca, a native of New Orleans now living in Houston, responds to the reader looking for a New Orleans-style po' boy in this area: "There is no po' boy in Houston or surrounding area that can come close to Mandina's or Mother's. No one ever seems to get that New Orleans French bread, and what a shame (since) we are so close. I would love to hear of a place that this reader is requesting."
Excellent Indian foodCarol Amundson of Houston reports she has found a fantastic new restaurant for "Nor'Westers": Dhakshin Indian Cuisine, 19752 Texas 249. "Not knowing a thing about Indian cuisine, I took the recommendation of a friend and tried the lamb vindaloo with naan (bread) and mint chutney sauce. Melt-in-your-mouth wonderful. The place sparkles, it's so clean. ... This one is a keeper."
Puffy taco update•Readers responded to the Clear Lake resident looking for puffy tacos. Native Houstonian Gwen Barton says Fiesta Loma Linda Mexican Restaurant, 2111 Telephone Road, serves the best. "I went there as a kid, and now I take my own kids there for the puffy tacos (with) chile con queso. You may even see Johnny Carrabba there getting his Mexican-food fix!"•D. Carmen Juch of Houston says Los Tios Mexican Restaurant, 9527 Westheimer, serves puffy tacos. "You may need to request them." Reader requests•Houstonian Brian Mancuso is trying to track down freshly made
fruit-shaped marzipan. He's tried packaged marzipan at specialty
grocers, but he says they taste like "sugar clay." He's also called
bakeries. "Most just say no, but some act like I'm asking for
something completely crazy." Does anyone know where he can find
this? Whine & Dine is a reader's forum, your chance to become a restaurant critic or ask other dining-wise readers for suggestions. Send e-mail to Whine & Dine. All letters must include a name, city and daytime telephone number. Letters are verified for authenticity.
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