LOCAL Houston | The City Guide January 2017 | Page 21

We all know that the Texas Medical Center is a special place . It ’ s respected and revered for innovation and it ’ s a large part of what makes Houston a world-class city . But how many of us realize that unique fine dining is being plated daily , right from its heart ? Third Coast , sitting atop the John P . McGovern Commons , which is a parking garage , a nice water feature , and the TMC executive offices , is that unique dining option . But we want you to realize Third Coast is not just for those in the Medical Center . Sure , that ’ s lots of the diners ( breakfast and lunch are very busy ), but that ’ s frankly an injustice . The completely transformed restaurant ( formerly Trevisio ) reopened October of ’ 16 , and is modern , open and elegant , all while providing a versatile dining experience . Groups of all sizes , singles , couples , even entire weddings , Third Coast handles all with grace . The patio , with its oversized fireplace and sweeping views , is pretty stellar . Happy hour at the fantastic bar area ( which has , if needed , controls and headphones for your own TV ) is frankly a steal , and the beverage program overseen by sommelier DAVID
COOK is top-notch . Last but certainly not least , the food , a constantly evolving menu of “ Modern Houstonian ” ( think Gulf fish , farm-raised meats and globally influenced small plates ) is giving an approachable Houston twist to locally sourced and made-in-house ingredients . Executive CHEF JON BUCHANAN ( random fact : we are former neighbors ) pulls this off superbly .
Our pair , perfectly Houston and perfectly New Year , deserves your attention ( as does a , the restaurant , and b , the entire menu ). Yeah , it ’ s a classic pairing , but why not ring in the New Year right ! The Third Coast spin on oysters Rockefeller , the Pan-roasted Oyster , is oysters pan-roasted with Brazos Valley Cheese smoked gouda ( smoked with pecan wood for 2 days !), Herbsaint ( anise liqueur ), Swiss chard and in-house Applewood-smoked bacon . Plated on salt , star anise and peppercorns , these fellas are as intense and as awesome as John D . himself . The smoked gouda and smoked bacon really push the taste over the top , in a good way . So let ’ s pair these beauts ( that picture !!) with some bright and yeasty Santa Lucia Highlands ( California ) sparkling wine , made from chardonnay and pinot noir grapes . Heck of a New Year ’ s resolution , if you are looking to add one to your list . We ’ d happily drink it daily . Third Coast was also excited about this sparkling wine because its composition stands up against the smokiness of the oysters , and we agree . The TMC is constantly evolving and now there is a worldclass restaurant to evolve along with it . Cheers to a new year !
By Mike Cook Photography by Kennon Evett
Third Coast | 6550 Bertner Avenue , 6th Floor | Houston , TX 77030 713.749.0400 | www . thirdcoasthouston . com january 17 | LOCAL 21