BRC

BRC (aka: the Big Red Cock) can't be missed off of Shepherd with the literal Big Red Cock in the parking lot.  I had heard great reviews about this gastropub.....and the good reviews were totally accurate!  Read on...

The interior design is cute.   Wait, don't worry...totally appropriate for any manly man pub, but yet suitable for a girlie girl, too (and yes, they do mesh - great date place).  The wallpaper is toile-inspired.  Color palate includes red, olives, and browns.  Soothing, yet fun and energetic.  Decor is simple, clean and cozy.

BRC

We started with the Fresh Baked Bacon Cheddar Biscuits (2 for $5.50).   Tender, soft biscuits with subtle hints of bacon and cheese.  Served with extremely delicious chili bacon jam and whipped butter.  The combo of the bacon jam and butter spread on the biscuits was next to perfect. 

Bacon and  Cheese Biscuits

We also tried the Pickle Jar ($5.50).  Jeff's jar of house cured half-sour garlic, dill pickles and asparagus.  I have to admit that I had not sampled a pickled asparagus before.  Okay, new love.  Pickled asparagus.  Crisp.  Crunchy.  Not too tart.  Touch of maybe All Spice?  Very pleasurable and memorable way to start the meal.

Pickle Jar

Our table sampled a few menu items.  All were very tasty and prepared well with the exception of the omelet.  Since the whole BRC experience was pretty good (minus slow, but very friendly service), I'm not going to further mention my disappointment with the omelet.

Moving on to the Special of the Day -- The Cardiac Dog ($10.00).  This extremely savory hot dog was full of beef flavor, smothered in queso, beans, and a few onion rings.  The bun was soft with a touch of sweetness.  Hearty dish. 

Cardiac Dog

Another dish I would order again was the Avocado Egg Ham Salad Sandwich - served with olive oil mayo, smoked bacon, shredded iceberg lettuce on toasted sourdough.  This was a light, happy salad on a sandwich.  Perfect for the hot months of Houston (although, today wasn't hot and it was still magnificent).  The bread was crunchy and thick.  This sandwich paired nicely with the White Wine Strawberry Mojito (which was also light and refreshing).  I don't have a picture of the Avocado Sandwich, but the french fries were delicious, too ($5.00 for a side order).  Thinly sliced.  Crispy.  Heavy on the salt, but I really like salt.  So.....Yum.

French Fries

Our meal ended on THE sweetest note.  A Grand Finale of high sorts.  The Frozen Snicker Beignets (3 for $7.00).  Beignets served with dark chocolate sauce and powdered sugar.  Oh.  My. Gosh.  Great contrast of textures between the soft beignet and the crunchy, gooey snickers/peanuts inside.  The majestic chocolate sauce was a delicious marriage tasting of dark chocolate and cream. 

Frozen Snicker Beignets

BRC was an excellent venue to spend a meal with friends.  The atmosphere and the food left us feeling satisfied and happy.  I look forward to going back.

BRC
519 Shepherd
Houston, Texas 77007
713-861-2233
www.brcgastropub.com