With OTC hot and heavy this week, you just know there are some over-the-top dinners planned for the express purpose of impressing clients (or would-be clients). When it comes to expense accounts gone wild, these meat-meccas will certainly see their share of big spenders:
Vic & Anthony’s
1510 Texas Avenue
Why it’s special: It's often touted as Houston’s best steak and is frequented by plenty of industry peeps. Downtown is happening ... and there's a 2,000 label wine list.
When price is no object, order this: How about “Royal” Petrossian Paris caviar at $250 an ounce; a bottle of 1945 La Chateau Mouton-Rothschild for $18K or a perhaps a $600 shot of high-end cognac in addition to great Prime steaks or special 6-ounce cuts of Japanese Kobe beef, flown in special this week (market price).
Del Frisco’s Double-Eagle Steakhouse
5061 Westheimer Rd
Why it’s special: Sexy, contemporary Galleria-atmosphere and picturesque cuisine.
When price is no object, order this: Shellfish Plateau — chilled Alaskan king crab legs, iced jumbo shrimp, fresh oysters on the half shell and chilled crab claws ($148 for four guests); 32-ounce Wagyu Longbone ($89) or perhaps the Filet Trio ($75) — three 3-ounce filets each with a different topping: Oscar style (jumbo lump crab, asparagus & béarnaise), Alaskan king crab and black truffle, and pan-seared jumbo scallop with a chipotle-bourbon glaze. Consider the Bryant Family Vineyards "Bettina" Proprietary Red Napa Valley 2010 for $1,695.
Killen’s Steakhouse
2804 South Main, Pearland
Why it’s special: If your expense account includes access to a limo, don’t think twice about taking the crew down south for the real deal.
When price is no object, order this: Japanese “A5” Kobe Beef considered to be a delicacy, renowned for its flavor, tenderness, and fatty, well-marbled texture will be sold by the ounce for market price in both filet and strip cuts along with Wagyu “flights” from Japan, Australia, U.S. (Snake River Farms) and Texas (Strube Ranch) and some rare vintages, ordered special for the OTC crowd.
Smith & Wollensky’s
4007 Westheimer
Why it’s special: New York pedigree/national name recognition; cut on premise/dry-aged prime beef and a “let’s make a deal” atmosphere in the heart of Highland Village.
When price is no object, order this: 26-ounce T-Bone ($49); roast rack of lamb ($48) or whole Maine lobster stuffed with “colossal lump crab” (market price), along with an award-winning wine list including plenty of pricey/impressive options.
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
5839 Westheimer
Why it’s special: Old-school/oilman vibe, uber-pricey steaks; 2,400 label wine list.
When price is no object, order this: Lobster deviled eggs ($19.95); seared foie gras ($17.95); 14-ounce Australian cold water rock lobster ($79.95); 32-ounce bone-in Prime NY strip ($96.95) and perhaps a nice Burgundy: a 2006 Mazoyéres-Chambertin Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes, Domaine Perrot-Minot for $4,200 a bottle.
The drive to Pearland is worth it for the Kobe beef at Killen's Steakhouse.
