The Smokehouse at the Doubletree Hotel in Abilene--A new edition to Abilene upscale dining

The Smokehouse is the restaurant inside the new Doubletree hotel in Abilene which opened in late July. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. For my birthday, my date and I had dinner there in late August. 

Hummingbird cake

Chocolate cake

Previously, when the hotel first opened some friends and I stopped in for dessert in the lounge outside the restaurant called the Cattleman's Exchange. All three desserts were delectable and very large for the price which was $10 or less. Each of us took about half of our portion home with us. In addition, the lounge also serves bar food. I highly recommend stopping in for a sweet treat. I understand they have their own pastry chef. The server also told us that the restaurant employs a chef that moved to the area from New York City.

 The ambiance of the restaurant is modern with a western touch. Inside there are booths but most of the seating is tables for two or four individuals. For a date, ask for a booth. 

Chocolate chip skillet cookie

Our reservation for dinner was early so the restaurant was not crowded at all. More people came in as it got closer to 7pm. Once we were seated the server came promptly and asked for our drink orders. Upon returning with our drinks, he told us about the specials for the evening. We decided to try the appetizer for the night which was fried bread and butter pickle spears. I tend to prefer dill pickles but these were quite sour for bread and butter pickles so they had a bite to them and a slight spicy flavor. They were served with a barbeque aioli dipping sauce. I found the batter to be on the heavy side. In the future, I want to try the fried green tomatoes which are on the regular appetizer menu.

Restaurant interior

For dinner, I had the brisket plate and my companion ordered the filet cooked medium rare. Sides for the steaks can be ordered separately but the price on the menu is for the steak only. The sides that came with the brisket were pureed potatoes and broccolini. The brisket was topped with fried onion strings and a gravy. The steak was a little over $50 and the brisket plate was about $18. The website for the restaurant does not list prices but expect the meal to be on the expensive side for Abilene. Since it was a celebration we were prepared for the cost.

The steak was cooked nicely and had a good color and flavor. He said it was a little different than most "Texas" style steaks. The brisket was on the fatty side for me, but many people like that. It did indeed have a strong smoky taste (as one would expect from a place called the Smokehouse). I enjoyed the sides very much but found the gravy on the meat to have a shade of a sour taste but perhaps that was leftover on my tastebuds from the strong fried pickle appetizer. The portion was generous and I could not finish the dish.

Service throughout the meal was attentive and professional. The server was able to answer any questions we had or if he could not he found someone else who had the answer. We were pleased with the training that had obviously been done with the waitstaff before opening for business.

Sliced brisket plate

The next time I go, I will go for lunch since the price points on the lunch menu are lower and there is a greater variety of choices. The dinner menu is not large but they take pride in what they serve. You can tell that this is a chef-driven place

For most locals, dinner at the Smokehouse will be a special occasion splurge, much like Copper Creek or Perini's in Buffalo Gap. The Smokehouse has a more contemporary look inside, less rustic and Texan than either of those but still with a nod to locality in the artwork on the walls. A couple could easily spend over $100 on dinner, if you both had steaks, not counting sides, appetizers, desserts, or alcoholic beverages, so be prepared.

Filet

You can make reservations on OpenTable on the app or online. Currently, the website for the hotel does not have the menu or the prices available to check before you go. 

The Smokehouse

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/abidtdt-doubletree-abilene-downtown-convention-center/dining/

Doubletree Hotel

500 Cypress St.

Abilene TX 79601

(325) 999-1878

Hours

The Smokehouse

Monday-Sunday 7am-10pm

Cattleman's Exchange Lounge

Monday-Sunday 11am-12am



 

The Black Cur Steakhouse in Coleman, TX, is DEFINITELY worth a road trip

Looking toward the front

Some friends and I recently went on a road trip from Abilene to Coleman (Texas) to have dinner at a new steakhouse that is run by the same folks that own Rancho Loma in that same area. It is called The Black Cur and is located in downtown Coleman. It takes about 45 minutes to travel from Abilene to Coleman. Rancho Loma is one of my favorite places in the world for a truly special dinner but they have grown in renown to the point that reservations need to be made far in advance. I am also fond of Rancho Pizzeria in Coleman next door to this new steakhouse. Knowing the standard they set at their other two restaurants, it was a safe bet that a steakhouse without the fixed menu that Rancho Loma offers would have dishes for all types of taste-buds and be worth the drive. We were not disappointed!

 

Menu

First some caveats--they are only open for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. If you party is over 6 people you will either be seated with a 5:30pm or and 8:30pm reservation times due to the size of the kitchen which is shared with Rancho Pizza next door. I would say there were approximately 40 seats in the restaurant and 12 at the bar. It is not a big place.We had six people in our party and got a 6:00pm reservation that I booked three weeks in advance.

The place is decorated in contemporary/comfortable western style. We were seated in the back...maybe we looked like troublemakers :-). I liked the old home movie reel that was playing on the back wall. It added local color. The atmosphere was not quiet as the place was full but it was not overly noisy either considering all the hard surfaces around the room.

The service throughout the meal was excellent. Our server answered all the questions we had about the menu and checked on us regularly without being intrusive. The manager came by as well a couple of times to be sure we were pleased.

Crispy Brussels sprouts

Everyone ordered beverages and started to peruse the menu. Small bottles of water were brought to the table. Only one person in the group had ever been there before and he raved about the Brussels sprouts appetizer and the tenderloin steak. As appetizers for the table, we ordered the crispy Brussels sprouts in a soy chile glaze with breadcrumbs ($9), deviled eggs topped with roe/caviar ($12), and a side of cast iron cornbread ($10). The sprouts were very tasty as was the cornbread. The serving sizes were on the modest side but the quality impeccable. I do think for $10 there could have been a bit more cornbread. It was a hit.

Tenderloin steak

Because it was recommended, four of us ordered the 44 Farms 8oz tenderloin steak ($48) in parsnip puree with parsnip crisps. I also ordered a side of the truffle fries ($8) to go with my steak. It was a generous portion and the fries were perfectly crisp and hot and topped with truffle oil shredded Parmesan, I believe, or it could have been Romano cheese. The only blip that occurred all evening, was that my steak--which I ordered medium-rare--and a friend's steak that she ordered medium were switched but once we saw the mistake after cutting into them, we traded and all was well. It was without a doubt one of the best tenderloins I've had in recent memory. Tender and juicy. Seasoned perfectly. The parsnip sauce did not overpower but it did not add much either--other than a pretty presentation.

Bistro steak & fries

The other two in our party went with the chief's cut 8oz bistro steak ($22) and the blackened Okeechobee catfish filet respectively. The bistro steak came topped with a black garlic sauce, a strong Gogonzola aioli, and steak fries. It was a very good deal and was as tender as the filet, my friend let me have a bite, at less that half the price. The catfish ($30) came with Hoppin' John black-eyed peas and rice. I think the person ordered it because he had been fishing that day. He was pleased with it.

On my next trip, I will go for the bistro steak because I found it to be comparable to the tenderloin but at a more affordable price and it came with a side. There was also a large New York strip, duck, pasta--with or without sausage, and a half-pound beef and boar burger (veggie burger substitute available) on the menu as entrees. A variety of other appetizers and soups/salads were also available. The menu is not large but there should be something on it to please most diners.

Blackened catfish filet

Chocolate chip cookies

There are also a variety of libations and dessert options as well. We decided to share the large warm Belgian dark chocolate chip cookies and the bread pudding for dessert. The cookies came with milk and the bread pudding came with vanilla ice cream. Both desserts were tasty with the cookies being more popular than the bread pudding with my friends. Those cookies were super rich. We were all stuffed and at that point the drive home was daunting but we made it back just fine.

Libations

Yes, the meal will be costly by some people's standards, particularly in this part of the state but you are getting delicious, well-prepared and presented food made from high quality ingredients. It will be more expensive that is just a given. We saw several people on dates, lots of folks that looked like out-of-towners, as well as some locals enjoying the food and the atmosphere. I will return without question.

One more tip, go across the street and visit the RLV winery as well.

 

The Black Cur Steakhouse

Address: 414 South Commercial Ave. Coleman, Texas 76834

Email: bark@blackcursteak.com

Phone: 325-625-1870

Website: https://www.blackcursteak.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackCurTexas

Hours--

Thursday 5pm-9pm

Friday 5pm-10pm

Saturday 5pm-10pm

Settles Grill--Big Spring Fine Dining

The Settles Grill is in the beautifully restored Hotel Settles in Big Spring, Texas. It was our chosen spot for Thanksgiving in 2016. We also stayed overnight in the hotel (see Trip Advisor for my review of the hotel--excellent place). It was great to take a break from cooking a holiday meal and head out of town for a couples trip. We had two meals in the grill and both were quite tasty.

The customer service in the grill was outstanding. We had a fantastic server who took care of everything we needed. The manager on duty was also accommodating and checked on us more than once. Our reservations were for 2pm and the restaurant was about half-full at that time. The decor was dark wood and blue accents with historic pictures on the wall.

For an appetizer we ordered the Avocado Fundido ($10) which was Queso Fresco, chorizo, black beans and tortilla chips. We dug into it before I could get a picture. Delicious and a generous portion as well.

Turkey tenderloin with fried Brussls sprouts and garlic mashed potatoes

The holiday special we chose was the apricot pecan stuffed turkey breast medallions ($16) even though there were several other choices ranging from steak to fish. We were such traditionalists! There were a variety of sides to choose from such as green chile cornbread dressing, garlic mashed potatoes, cheese grits, fried Brussels sprouts with almonds, lemon butter broccoli, or pan-fried kale.

My sides were the Brussels sprouts, which I loved, and the garlic mashed potatoes. The hubby had the green chili dressing and mashed potatoes. Roasting the sprouts really brought out their flavor. I wished for a bigger serving. The bechamal sauce on the turkey was excellent. Turkey does tend to get dry and the addition of the sauce helped it a lot. There was also had a little bit of homemade cranberry sauce to complement the turkey. There was more meat on the plate than I could eat. Compliments to the chef!

Pumpkin cheesecake

For dessert we had pumpkin cheesecake with brandy whipped cream and a little citrus sugar cookie ($7). I really liked the little sugar cookie and the whipped cream. The cheesecake had a pumpkin spice flavor but with a little overcooked.

We did go back later in the evening for another meal. My husband ordered trout and I had a salad. He loved the trout. Much too "fishy" tasting for me but he raved about it.

I recommend making a reservation for holidays or special events. We will return.

P.S. On the way out of Big Spring, we had to go to Taco Villa. My husband grew up in Andrews, Texas, so if there is a Taco Villa where we travel it is a mandatory stop even for breakfast. The one in Big Spring it the closest one to Abilene if you are interested.

 

Settles Grill

200 E 3rd St, Big Spring, TX 79720

(432) 267-7500

http://hotelsettles.com/dining/settles-grill

Navajo Grill--fine dining in Fredericksburg, Texas

The Navajo Grill in Fredericksburg, Texas, is one of the upscale dining options in that rather small but very tourist-laden city. They have dinner service only and reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends. Our reservation was at 7:30pm and the restaurant was about 3/4 full.

The restaurant is a house that has been remodeled. The ambiance was welcoming if a bit loud. The sound of conversations bounces off the wood floors or we had very loud people around us--one or the other. There is also an inviting patio area.

The service was fine but could have been a little more attentive. We had to wait a while to request fresh drinks, though the water glasses were kept filled by the bus person. Also, the plating of the food was haphazard in a couple of the dishes.

Marlin (where's the artistry?)

For an appetizer, we shared a Baja shrimp cocktail ($10) served with slightly stale tortilla chips that were supposed to be seasoned but I could not detect any on the chips. The appetizer was a roasted tomato salsa with chopped shrimp and two seasoned whole shrimp hanging on the side of the glass. The shrimp were well chilled and spicy but a bit rubbery. I liked the flavor except it was a bit heavy on the cilantro for my taste.

My husband also ordered a cup of the Santa Fe ratatouille soup ($5) which consisted of roasted tomato broth, white beans, quinoa, squash, flavored with basil. He loved it. No question, he should have had a bowl instead of just a cup.

For our entrees, I ordered the filet ($39) which was served with Yukon Gold potatoes and grilled asparagus. My husband had the Hawaiian marlin (swordfish) with it came pineapple rice and heirloom roasted carrots as sides ($34). My filet was delicious, perfectly cooked, and the sides were fine if a little uninspired. The swordfish was flavorful if a bit dry. The sides with the fish were very tasty, particularly the carrots, but not plentiful. The steak was the standout of the entire meal for me. For my husband, it was the soup.

Filet--looked appetizing

Dessert consisted of creme brulee with berries and pecan bread pudding. Both were decent but overpriced at $8 a piece.

Bread Pudding

All in all, we expected a bit more. The experience just didn't "wow" us. Perhaps they are too used to serving tourists who may never return. The Navajo Grill needs to step up their game in several areas to justify their prices.

Address: 803 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Phone:(830) 990-8289
http://www.navajogrill.com/

Reata in Sundance Square--Fort Worth

Ribeye--sold by the ounce

Dinner at the western-themed Reata was not all it could have been. To start mini cornbread muffins and pecan biscuits were served to go with the meal. I ordered a $17 chicken fried steak.  The sides were garlic mashed and fresh green beans with peppers and onions.  It was tasty but overpriced.  My husband ordered the ribeye steak with cook's butter, same sides. It is $2.45 an ounce. He enjoyed it but I am not sure at that price that it was worth it. He said Perini's in Buffalo Gap is better. I was disappointed that there was no shrimp entree.

We had creme brulee with berries for dessert. It had a nice flavor but not "over the top" wonderful, kind of pedestrian.   

The impetus for going out for an extravagant meal was to celebrate our anniversary.  They did write "Happy Anniversary" on our dessert plate in chocolate and the servers gave us a card. The restaurant takes pride in paying attention to the details.

Reata has a rooftop bar with a great view of Sundance Square. Unfortunately it was booked for a private party.

Reata Fort Worth
310 Houston Street, Sundance Square, Fort Worth, Texas 76102
(817) 336-1009