The Capitol Experience

Food Finds

Houston clearly takes it up to a notch when it comes to restaurants with such a wide variety of them. Just when I thought we have enough new restaurants to try, the city which has a multi cultural demographic, welcomes The Capitol situated in the heart of Downtown at St. Germain and Main Street in close proximity to the George R Brown Convention Center, Minute Maid Park and Theater District with both valet and self parking facilities.

The restaurant just opened three weeks ago but Chef Kevin Bryant seems to have the situation under control. Kevin Bryant brings more than a decade of culinary experience to his new role of Executive Chef at The Capitol.

Formerly occupied by Zula restaurant, this majestic, 8,500-square-foot space is being refurbished to highlight period architectural and design elements. Parking was not much of a problem and after a very warm welcome to the restaurant I enjoyed being seated at the beautiful restaurant with a chic upscale ambiance. What is interesting is that even though The Capitol has a very elegant look the prices are quite reasonable.

After a glass of Chateau St Michelle HS Riesling the chef brought out some of his favorites like Bison Bites and Crispy Gulf Blue Crab Bombs. I am not a huge meat eater but enjoyed biting into the bison as it had some interesting flavors with the meat just cooked perfectly. In between, nibbling on the truffle chips was absolutely divine and tempting.

Chef Kevin inclines towards keeping everything fresh from the farmer’s market and is very open to experiment with what works with the guests. “I am very experimental and enjoy incorporating new menus, new products and new cultures in my cuisine. I try to get my customers feedback,” says Kevin.

This winter a warm cup of Texas Beef Brisket Chili with a jalapeno honey cornbread might be the perfect way to enjoy the afternoon. I also like the restaurant’s shared bites concept keeping it easy on the budget yet leaving room to try more items from the menu. My favorite was the curry clams with coconut broth, octopus, chorizo and green curry. Pork Tacos with avocado and edamame purée was very refreshing and a great crunch of flavors.

The smoked chicken cobb salad was yummy with the lemon rosemary dressing. Although I was inclined to try the blackened shrimp salad with fried okra croutons and a Cajun spiced buttermilk dressing.

The highlight of The Capitol is the dessert. Ask for the mini plate, a sampler for two or four. Loved the portions, it included a peanut butter cup, crème brule, midnight dark chocolate cake with raspberry drizzle and an apple cake. All this with a cup of French pressed coffee will just be worth it.

The Capitol’s prelude to the evening is on my to-do list as they bring live bands on weekends with a great VIP seating area with comfortable sofa chairs. The décor is soft simple and cozy. The staircase adds a 1930s look to the restaurant offering bar area at both levels.

The very confident Chef Kevin Bryant has traveled extensively while employed as a private chef, before that, he was the Executive Sous Chef of The Oceanaire Seafood Room’s Houston Galleria location.

Expecting high traffic during lunch time, Chef Kevin gears up for intense high volume of visitors providing them with the best food, yet timely service.