Cinq

Cinq is the revamped restaurant at the Houston boutique hotel La Colombe d'Or.   La Colombe d'Or is the former home of W.W. Fondren, Sr., founder of Humble Oil and Refining Co., now known as that little company called, ExxonMobile.  The historic little hotel off of Montrose Boulevard includes five guest rooms, which is where the restaurant found its name - Cinq.

Cinq is Romantic.  Classy.  Quiet.  Beautiful.  Simple.  Elegant.  Old wooden floors.  White table cloths.  Orchids on each table.  Little open salt bowls with little spoons -- love those!  We went for lunch and the dining room was relatively empty.  Is dinner a busier time?  Knowing the kitchen couldn't be all that busy with a mere 2 tables, the service was extremely slow, yet professional and courteous. 

Cinq

The new Cinq boasts a chef who, among his culinary accomplishments, worked recently at the Mansion on Turtle Creek.  I had high expectations for the European inspired menu.  However, nothing really tantalized my desires.  I wasn't particularly drawn to anything.  I did start with the soup of the day, a celery-fennel soup ($8).  It was indeed beautiful and tasty.  Subtle flavors, elegant dish.  Cream based.  Wait, cream based doesn't do this rich, thick dish justice....it was oozing cream and butter.  Very delicious.  Infused oils on top, including a roasted red pepper.  The perfectly toasted crouton was a great crunchy contrast to the creamy soup. 

Celery-Fennel Soup

We ordered the Japanese Soy Marinated Steak Salad ($17).  Field Greens, tomatoes, green onions, wasabi roasted peas, bean sprouts, ginger, and horseradish.  This dish was most disappointing.  While the steak had a nice favorful marinade to it upon first tasting, the flavor immediately disappeared.  The marinade did not soak through the meat.  Furthermore, the steak was extremely tough.  It was so disappointing!  Also, the salad was too heavy on bean sprouts.  And, where were those wasabi peas, the ginger, the horseradish?  We could not detect any of those great, prominent flavors. 

Japanese Soy Marinated Steak Salad

We also tried the special of Filet Rouget Cannes ($22).   It was nicely plated with a delicious, light cream sauce with tomatoes and small shrimp.   However, the fish was a little over-cooked.  Otherwise, a pleasant dish. 

Filet Rouget Cannes

We were under-whelmed with our visit to Cinq.  And, disappointed at that.  We had high expectations and high hopes.  While the restaurant is beautiful, the food and service just did not live up to our anticipation.  I'm not sure I can recommend this place.  We didn't even order dessert.  It was a sad day. 

Cinq
La Colombe d'Or
3410 Montrose Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77006
713-469-4750
http://www.lacolombedor.com/