Tucked away in the heart of Houston, Annabelle Brasserie boasts a stunning location with picturesque views of Buffalo Bayou Park. Unfortunately, the culinary experience falls woefully short of its visually appealing atmosphere. This Berg Hospitality Group original concept attempts to elevate modern French cuisine, but ultimately succumbs to the pitfalls of mass production and trend-chasing.
Upon entering Annabelle, one cannot help but be impressed by the visually appealing interior. The restaurant exudes a polished, albeit somewhat cookie-cutter, elegance that seems tailor-made for Instagram. However, as the old adage goes, looks can be deceiving.
Our visit coincided with Restaurant Week, and the three-course $55 menu seemed like a reasonable value proposition. However, the dishes that arrived at our table told a different story. The muscles, a supposed highlight of the menu, were lackluster and tasted more like a pre-prepared, reheated affair rather than a freshly cooked delicacy.
The food quality itself was subpar at best. Each dish lacked the care and attention one would expect from a restaurant of this caliber. Instead, the fare seemed mass-produced, giving the distinct impression that it was pre-prepared rather than made to order. This assembly-line approach to cuisine is a far cry from the artisanal touch one hopes for in a French brasserie.
But the problems don’t stop there. Annabelle Brasserie has inexplicably opted to forego beer in an attempt to project an air of sophistication. Newsflash: a classy restaurant doesn’t need to abandon a well-curated beer list to prove its mettle. This omission only serves to alienate potential customers who crave a cold brew to accompany their meal.
Cocktails, unfortunately, don’t fare much better. The cheapest option, a paltry $16, tasted suspiciously like lemonade with nary a hint of alcohol. It’s unconscionable to charge such a premium for a drink that wouldn’t pass muster at a middle school lemonade stand.
The sole bright spot in our visit was the staff, who were attentive, kind, and genuinely enthusiastic about the menu. Attentive, kind, and helpful, they did their utmost to salvage what was otherwise a disappointing experience. Their efforts, while commendable, unfortunately couldn’t compensate for the kitchen’s shortcomings.Their efforts, however, were ultimately undermined by the subpar cuisine.
In conclusion, Annabelle Brasserie seems to have invested heavily in style while neglecting substance. While the restaurant may satisfy those seeking a picturesque backdrop for their social media posts, serious food enthusiasts would do well to look elsewhere. Until Annabelle can match its attractive surroundings with equally appealing cuisine, it remains a prime example of how looks alone cannot sustain a dining establishment.
Rating: 2/5 stars
Price: Expensive ($55 three-course menu during Restaurant Week, normal menu entrees $50+, $16+ cocktails ($12 champagne was out of stock)
Recommended for: Those who prioritize atmosphere over culinary excellence
Will I return?: Unlikely, unless significant changes are made to the menu and kitchen approach.
