Jonathan's The Rub

This little, tiny place, with just a little over a dozen tables, is nestled on a little street about a block from the Katy Freeway.  Had friends not recommended this eatery, I would not have even noticed it sitting there in the back corner of a small strip center in Hedwig Village.

Jonathan's The Rub is a friendly neighborhood spot were the service is friendly and warm. The kitchen is the first thing you see upon entering.  The delicious smells of the kitchen waft throughout the little, intimate restaurant. 

The Rub, as in Jonathan's The Rub, is Jonathan's special dry rub that he sprinkles or rubs on all of his dishes, including dusting the garlic bread and french fries.  The Rub is a little salty and quite a bit sweet, without any spices with heat.  So, if you aren't a fan of a little hint of sweetness, you may not be a fan of Jonathan's.  But don't let that deter you.  The food was really delicious.

We started with the appetizer Meatballs Marinara (2 meatballs for $5).  They were savory, tender, and delectable.  These are no pre-made meatballs, and you can tell...the "from scratch" taste shines through.

Each entree comes with a Caesar or house salad, and choice of two sides.  I ordered the Pecan and Parmesan Encrusted Pork Tenderloin with lemon hollandaise - with the Caesar, Mac-N-5 Cheeses and Sauteed Spinach ($26).  The pork was tender and cooked perfectly to my specification.  The mac and cheese was a white cheese pasta and became creamier and thicker with time (that is a good thing -- creamy and thick cheese sauce!).  The Spinach.  Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....the Sauteed Spinach.  It was truly Heaven.  With lots of diced garlic, a touch of olive oil and parm cheese sprinkled on top, this vegetable stood out as Divine.  Yummy!!

My Dining Partner ordered the Salmon, blackened - with the sides of Sauteed Mushrooms and Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes ($28).  The Salmon was good, but not impressive.  The potatoes were buttery, creamy, with some potato chunks mingled in.  Homemade flavor.  While the mushrooms were sauteed like my spinach, the spinach won the vegetable round.

We ended with the White Chocolate  Raspberry Cake.  While I'm guessing that Jonathan does not make his desserts in-house, the cake was pretty good.  Light.  Moist.  While I have to admit, I polished off my entire slice of cake, I couldn't help but wish Chocolate Pizazz was open next door for some yummy chocolate after dinner treats!

I liked Jonathan's The Rub.  The prices are high, but the portions are large.  From what I understand, Jonathan never serves a skimpy plate.  You can count on always leaving with a very full tummy. 

Also, fyi, the eatery is BYOB (which I love).  There is nothing like bringing your favorite wine to combine with a delicious meal. 

Jonathan's The Rub
9061 Gaylord
Houston, Texas 77024
www.jonathanscatering.com