Our continuing coverage of HRW 2021 arrives at the most awarded restaurant in the Woodlands: Tris. Chef Austin Simmons has earned a reputation for creative cuisine that thrills foodies and packs in the regulars. What will this talented chef present for Houston Restaurant Weeks? We couldn’t wait to find out.
The Starters
Hamachi Sashimi
Beautiful slices of white and pink hamachi are bathed in house ponzu with a touch of chile for heat, and finished with orange, garlic, and slivers of jalapeño. The result is Hamachi Sashimi, a sublime spin on the iconic Japanese dish, merging the flavors of the East with the those of Texas as only Chef Austin can do.
Foie Gras Créme Brûlée
In the enticing Foie Gras Créme Brûlée, sweet meets savory, crispy meets creamy, and the result is a distinctly modern take on paté de foie gras. A ramekin of puréed foie gras is gently brûléed, and crowned with sweet, acidic pickled strawberries. The housemade brioche is a clever foil; the result is a perfect bite of crispy, creamy, savory, sweet, tangy, deliciousness.
The Entrees
Tris Fried Chicken
Fried chicken at a fine dining establishment? Believe it. Tris Fried Chicken is brined in a carefully crafted marinade (we’ve been sworn to secrecy about the spices and aromatics involved), then prepared with a proprietary process, Chef Austin’s fried chicken is a superb example of how far a skilled chef can take this Southern favorite. Delicate, tender, complex, artfully crusted, this is elevated chicken worthy of a White House state dinner.
Scottish Salmon
Tris handles fish as well as anyone in the Houston area, and this Scottish Salmon demonstrates this yet again. A curry of green apple madras nage surrounds a hummock of forbidden black rice, and it serves as a platform for expertly seared salmon; the interior soft and supple, the skin just slightly crispy.
Miso and Sake Marinated Tofu
We are not tofu fans. But we would devour this Miso and Sake Marinated Tofu again in an instant. Silky-smooth, custardy Japanese Tofu is marinated in miso and sake to take on an ethereal texture, expertly seasoned, and dressed with baked radish and cashews. A bed of forbidden black rice and a green apple madras curry nage forms the foundation. The result is stunningly delicious, and was the bite of the day.
The Desserts
Dessert Board
At Tris, the right answer for dessert is “Yes”. Otherwise you’ll have to chose from a Lemon Cake that is breathtakingly light and nuanced, a vegetarian Strawberry Shortcake that is made with olive oil, an enticing Chocolate Mousse Dome, which is the definition of decadent, and the rich, moist, lush Tris Chocolate Cake, a.k.a. the best cake in the city. At Tris, going big is its own reward.
Conclusion
Chef Austin Simmons and his team have developed a storied reputation that extends beyond the Woodlands, and their presentation for Houston Restaurant Weeks is but the latest chapter. Tris should be at the top of anyone’s list for an extraordinary meal for a great cause. (As always, Tris also has Gluten Free and Vegetarian options available. Inquire for specifics.)
Raising the bar for dining in the Woodlands
TRIS
American (New), Burgers, Seafood, and Steaks | Waterway
Catering, Full Bar, Good Desserts, Good for Vegetarians, Happy Hour, HRW2020, HRW2021, HRW2022, HRW2023, Outdoor Dining, Private Room, and Upscale
24 Waterway Avenue | The Woodlands 77380
281-203-5641 |
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