Americas - River Oaks

Funky is the first word that popped in my head as I walked through the doors at the new Americas located in the River Oaks Shopping Center.  I love the fun, whimsical big chairs, unconventional light fixtures, hip mod wall art and offbeat urban design.  The atmosphere is frivolous and fun.  I'm happy to be here.

We started with the BBQ Pork Avepas -- corncakes with pulled pork, pickled onion, queso fresco and apple-cabbage slaw layered on top ($8.50).  The corn cake was dense and substantial, but it need more corn flavor.  The slaw was very creamy.  The BBQ pork didn't have much seasoning, but did leave my mouth with some heat.  The textures worked well together, but the dish could have used a little more intensity to make it really explode in my mouth.

I paired the soup of the day, Potato-Leek Soup, with a Caesar Salad ($7).  The Soup:  somewhere in between thin and creamy.  The soup lacked any leek flavor -- or any flavor at all for that matter.  It was bland.  And I was disappointed. The Caesar salad, however, was composed of a beautiful presentation tied with a dried plantain.  And tasty, too.  The romaine was crisp, cold, and fresh.  Appetizing and Refreshing.  The Crouton toasts had an excellent, subtle parmesean cheese flavor.

One of my fabulous dining companions had the Bacon Wrapped Filet & Shrimp Brochette (as part of the Executive Lunch - $16.95 - the entree was also accompanied by the soup of the day and dessert).   The Filet was super delish.  Tender, juicy, and savory.  The meat melted in our mouths. The Americas Rice is a crowd pleaser, too, fluffy, light, and flavorful.  The side veggies were crisp and seasoned well.

Dessert.  Ahhhhhhhhh.....Chocolate.  We tried the Cocoa Tart ($8).  I mean, look at this decadent confection:

That is coconut ice cream on the side.  The tart is made of gianduja fudge (European style chocolate made from chocolate and nut paste, like Nutella) and chocolate ganache in a cocoa crust.  The crust was not sweet, but it was substantial to the hold weight of the layered yumminess on top.  Oh, and the fun part -- caramel corn sprinkled on top.  I really enjoyed the tart.  Not too sweet.  Just yummy goodness. Satisfying and delectable.

Our table also sampled the Tres Leches ($8).  And, I heard the words from the Tres Leches experts at the table, "the best ever."  The cake was sweet. Creamy.  Super Moist.  Not too heavy.  Just luscious and heavenly.

I liked this new Americas.  I loved the hip vibe.  The service was good.  The food was fairly consistent and delicious.  I'm looking forward to going back!

Americas

2040 West Gray

Houston, Texas 77019

www.cordua.com