Houston's By Jim White There's a reason this place is usually crowded-and packed at peak dining periods-it's good! In fact, Houston's is so good that members of the restaurant industry study its techniques and hire its managers to run places for them. Top chefs frequent Houston's because of consistent quality. I've been a fan of Houston's for years. The Addison location on Beltline was a regular stop for me through the 80's. I didn't get to their location at Walnut and Central very often because of an aversion to construction on Central. Wouldn't you know, just when the Distressway is navigable again, boom! Houston's closes the place and opens a new flagship restaurant in Preston Center? I frowned and shook my head, but remember these people know what they're doing! The newest location has the look of a Lake Tahoe ski lodge: rich woods, exposed beams, contemporary lighting, cozy booths. It's comfortable and every server I've dealt with has been unaffectedly friendly and efficient. I've never had a bad meal at Houston's, and if there was ever the slightest discomfort on my part with anything on the plate, I've seen waiters and managers jump through hoops to correct it. The salads have always been my favorite. Crisp, fresh greens, tasty dressings and abundant toppings. I love the eggless Caesar ($7)-add grilled chicken ($9.50) and you've got a meal. Burgers are big and juicy. The chuck is ground in-house daily. Give me the old-fashioned cheeseburger anytime ($7.50). Perhaps the best grilled chicken sandwich I've had is the Biltmore Special ($8.50). No dazzling ingredients; just well prepared and presented. All the entrees are worth trying. Roasted chicken ($11) is moist and tender. If the hardwood grilled double cut pork chop ($17) is available, go for it. You'll find steaks and several fish choices. Grilled salmon or grilled trout would be my choice. Over the top desserts include yummy apple walnut cobbler and a warm five-nut brownie ($5). A word to the wise: No reservations mean a wait at noon, so adjust your schedule early or late if you're on a time budget. Houston's 8300 Preston Road (214) 691-8991 Send me an Email: jwdineline@aol.com Copyright © 1998 Inter Active Media Solutions. All Rights Reserved. The interactive components of this site require that you use a current browser version of Explorer; be sure to maximize your window out so you can see the entire page. This page was created by Inter Active Media Solutions.