Restuarants I want to try

Vargo's International Cuisine
Old-fashioned romance is the name of the game at this lovely restaurant that sits on 8 acres of gardens, which include a private lake with swans, ducks, and peacocks. The standard fare -- mostly steaks and lobster -- gets ho-hum marks, but the food is not the reason you're coming here anyway. There is a Sunday brunch. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Mon. No lunch Sat. No dinner Sun.
Address: 2401 Fondren Rd., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/782-3888


Brennan's
A cousin of New Orleans's Commander's Palace, Brennan's puts a Texas spin on creole cuisine. The landmark building's interiors are as charming as the hospitality is southern-gracious. Chef Carl Walker's specialties, like turtle soup with sherry and pecan-crusted fish, repeatedly impress. Brunch in the peaceful courtyard is a memorable experience. Reservations essential. AE, D, DC, MC, V.
Address: 3300 Smith St., Downtown, Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/522-9711

Ouisie's Table
Here American cuisine is prepared with eclectic, southern accents. Dine in the main room, or request a table on adjoining Lucy's Porch for a view of the herb plantings snipped daily by the kitchen staff. Enjoy such favorites as chicken-fried steak salad with Roquefort dressing or a grilled lime redfish chalupa (a fried corn tortilla). There's a fabulous weekend brunch and an afternoon "little bites" menu. AE, D, DC, MC, V.
Address: 3939 San Felipe Rd., Uptown/Galleria, Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/528-2264


Quattro
From maître d' to server, attention to your enjoyment is given unobtrusively in this hushed, but friendly, dining room located in the Four Seasons. The menu focuses on popular American-Italian dining in Euro-sleek style. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch Sat. No dinner Sun.
Address: 1300 Lamar St., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/652-6250


Americas
Dramatic South American rain forest decor may make you think you're in Peru while you dine on gulf snapper, roasted pork tenderloin, and, of course, plantains. Kids' menu. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.
Address: 1800 S. Post Oak Blvd., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/961-1492

Bistro Vino
It's hard to decide where to sit in this romantic neighborhood restaurant. Should you choose inside -- in the remodeled historic two-story mansion? Or, perhaps, outside in the lush garden near the fountain? Either way you're sure to be able to hear the live piano music as you tuck into something nice like the veal Milanese, osso buco, or filet au poivre. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun. Address: 819 W. Alabama St., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/526-5500

Arcodoro
With executive chefs hailing from Sardinia, Italy, Arcodoro is the place to go for authentic cuisine. The various pasta dishes, such as artichoke-filled ravioli and gnochetti with wild boars are very popular as are the chicken and osso buco (veal) dishes. Arcodoro also boasts a succulent rib-eye steak. AE, D, DC, MC, V.
Address: 5000 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/621-6888

Mo Mong
You'll have to look hard to find this Vietnamese gem hidden behind the Hollywood Video store. With soaring two-story matte steel partitions and Asian minimalist accents, the restaurant's stunning decor highlights the creativity of the fusion cuisine. The Ca Kho To (seasoned catfish baked in a clay pot) and the Vietnamese fajitas convert typically southern ingredients into Asian specialties. AE, D, DC, MC, V.
Address: 1201B Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/524-5664

Baroque
One of Houston's most romantic restaurants is decked out in old-fashioned frills from the fresh roses to the lacy linen to the crystal chandeliers. Try the pecan-encrusted swordfish or the beef tenderloin in brandy peppercorn sauce. AE, MC, V. No lunch weekends.
Address: 1700 Sunset Blvd., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/523-8881


La Colombe D'Or
This charming, sophisticated restaurant occupies the first floor of a turn-of-the-20th-century mansion whose upper floors have been converted into a small luxury hotel by longtime owner Steve Zimmerman. Forget about budgets and calories and succumb to classic preparations of lobster, lamb, prime cuts of beef, and vegetables. Expect the elaborate desserts to be -- what else? -- rich. Reservations essential. AE, DC, MC, V. No lunch weekends.
Address: 3410 Montrose Blvd., Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713/524-7999