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Steve Campbell: 29-95
Alison Cook says: Chef Bryan’s Caswell’s ode to Gulf seafood, seen through Houston’s multicultural lens, remains an important restaurant. This is where the Gulf bycatch movement utilizing lesser-known species got its first real public stage, and Caswell’s sportsman-like zest for our fishery still informs the menu. The cooking may not be as reliably sharp as it was when the restaurant was young, and Caswell, now a celebrity, is less present. But when the kitchen hits, it’s clear why the pared-down former auto showroom rumbles with a happy masculine din. Old faves like the kinilaw, a Filipino-inspired ceviche of crab in lime-coconut broth, are deft and clean. New ideas like roasted grouper with roasted cauliflower and fried pickled okra pods show regional wit. Want meat? The gigantic smoky pork chop with Napa cabbage and cherry mustard is practically a tourist attraction. And partner Bill Floyd keeps the temperature-controlled wine values coming.
Nicki Britton
TresChicGal
Been to Reef 4 times over the last 18 months. First time had a surprisingly clueless waiter who was absolutely clueless about the menu. Unable to discuss any items or make recommendations. Next 3 times - did much better. Wonderful food. Shrimp & grits some of the best ever. Beats Ouisie's easily. Would stick with the seafood offerings tho. One of my party had the pork chop - sucker looked like it was 4" thick and came from hogzilla - he said it was a bit dry and tough. collard greens were flavorful but a bit undercooked. Everything else amazing. The raw bar is a good option too. The "adult" milkshake shooter is a lovely lagniappe to end the evening. Nice. Can be a bit noisy - but tolerable. One really nice thing is that as popular as this restaurant is, have never felt like I was being rushed out the door so that they could turn the table.
Just went to Reef for the second and last time Thursday night. Had some guests with me who had wanted to try it, and against my better judgment we went. First, I feel the menu is surprisingly uninspired. The flavors and combinations in the dishes do not jump off the menu and make me want to try them. I ordered a wedge salad, and what came to me was a very old piece of iceberg...despite the dim lighting, it was obviously brown. The waiter never came back to the table, so I went up to line with my dish. In fairness, the manager offered to give me a new one gratis, which I refused. I was insulted that a restaurant of Reef's "caliber" would have the audacity to bring something that nasty to a patron, and I told him so. Everyone's fish was overcooked. The mussels were had by one diner, and they were good, but not great. The service was very spotty, and at one time I had to remind the waiter about one of the sides I ordered, which he had not delivered. All in all, another disappointing evening at Reef. I will never go back there.
Just had my first experience at Reef. The Steamed Shrimp Salad was great. It has a great light taste and it was different with snow pea leaves instead of lettuce or mixed greens. I really enjoyed it. I especially loved their dessert as well, buttermilk panna cotta, macerated strawberries and strawberry sorbet. It's a light dessert with a flan kind of texture. YUMMY!