HO2007 - Picazo

Mexican, Spanish, Italian, Mediterranean, and Tex-Mex dishes in a trendy New York-style atmosphere.

By David J. LeMaster
Photography by Jim Caldwell

A GuestLife Houston Great Restaurant

Downtown Houston recently gained an incredible new dining option. Located a block west of Minute Maid Park, Picazo offers Mexican, Spanish, Italian, Mediterranean, and Tex-Mex dishes in a trendy New York-style atmosphere.

Diners view the excitement of the city from the massive windows overlooking the ballpark on one side and downtown on the other, or may sit on the impressive balcony or patio. Columbian designer Liliana Molina provides an open ceiling complemented by original art and exquisite color in a dining area dominated by a bar and impressive open kitchen where guests can watch first-class Chef David Palomo. His creations are adapted from the recipes of old Spain that were handed down from his grandfather, and each is rich with passion and personality. The calamari with sweet chili tamarind sauce is uniquely delicious and unforgettable. Palomo's Old World pasta recipes include the outstanding Pasta alla Russa, a delightful combination of pancetta with tomato sauce, and the popular Pasta Cabonara with cream sauce.

The specialty of the house is steak. The USDA Prime, dry-aged three to four weeks in Chicago by Stock Yards, is prepared to perfection. Choices include Colorado Lamb Chops and succulent Filet Mignon. Picazo vows to provide only the "best quality food and products." Most importantly, Picazo and Chef Palomo bring a passion to the restaurant that makes it most special. "You can have great food and service," says Palomo, "but you lose everything if you don’t have passion and soul." Picazo surely has passion and soul.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS

Salads

Insalata Mediterranea
Romaine lettuce, roasted peppers, shaved red cabbage and carrots, feta, capers, kalamata olives with roasted red pepper vinaigrette

Pasta

Pasta Carbonara
Bacon, egg yolk, and pasta tossed in creamy Parmesan sauce

Pasta alla Russa
Pancetta, Parmesan, and pasta tossed in a creamy tomato sauce

Steaks

Colorado Lamb Chops
Grilled and finished with figs, rosemary, and red wine Madeira sauce

Steak au Poivre
Grilled 16-ounce New York strip encrusted with peppercorns finished with a cognac crème sauce

Seafood

Salmon al Champagne
Seared with black pepper and topped with mustard champagne sauce

Desserts

Tres Leches

Raspberry Tiramisu

Cabernet Pie Signature

Cocktails

Bananas Foster Martini
SKYY Vanilla Vodka, Kahlua, Hiram Walker Banana Liqueur, Bols Crème de Cocoa and chocolate swirl

The Perfect Margarita

Over 300 wines with 50 wines by the glass

Picazo Restaurant, Bar and Grill
Open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.- 11 p.m.,
Saturday 5 p.m.-11 p.m.,
Sunday Brunch 10 a.m - 3 p.m.

1421 Preston at La Branch (across from Minute Maid Park), Houston, Texas 77002
(713) 236-1300
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