17* Restaurant

Inside the Alden Hotel (Formerly Sam Houston Hotel)
832.200.8800

East of Main Street's action is the uber-sexy Alden Hotel with its neon lit walls and swanky bar. 17* has been around since the Sam Houston opened and had a well-known chef who departed over a year ago. In his place is the former chef at the Four Seasons.

The decor is red, brown, glass and sexy. This is a high end restaurant with Guy Degrenne silverware, thoughtful service, and a well-thought-out menu. I tried the chicken on a bend of polenta. Simple meal, but extremely well-executed. It reminded my of the Flat iron chicken I had in Guy Savoy's restaurant on Paris' Left Bank. The skin was nicely browned and the chicken juicy and flavorful.

Rekha had the salad with chopped apples and endive. Tasty, if a bit tart for my tongue. She also had the duck ravioli. The duck itself tasted very good. The ravioli shell was a bit thick and overdone.

For dessert, I had the chocolate cake that came out a bit too cold. Not interesting, but good. Rekha had the the donut and malted chocolate shake. Interesting, but not good (well, except maybe the donut).

They have a good looking Sunday brunch menu. We'll be back for that brunch and maybe even the tasting menu.