LOCAL Houston | The City Guide MAY 2015 | Page 17

Local May_Final.qxp_002houston 4/23/15 12:19 PM Page 17 Brisket SAMPLE MENU GETTIN’ STARTED Chef Matt’s Ruben • BBQ’d Avocado – Chopped Brisket, BBQ Vinaigrette and Queso Fresco $7.95 GOURMET SANDWICHES Chef Matt’s Reuben – Smoked Corned Beef, House Sauerkraut, Onions, 1000 Island Dressing on Marbled Rye $12.95 • Texas Philly – Brisket, Onions, Cheese on a Baguette $12.95 • everything in the restaurant is made from scratch, including our own cornmeal and grits.” They’re adding specialty meats to the smoker as well, Knotts explained, as I tasted the quail and stewed okra. Followed by delectable smoked salmon over wild rice. I savored every bite of Chef Matt’s Reuben, an item he’s particularly proud of, and no wonder. The warm, crispy rye held the traditional ingredients – corned beef, sauerkraut, dressing – all of which were made and/or prepped special right there. Showstopper. Next, brisket and homemade grits. The meat was tender FOR THE FOODIES • • Smoked Salmon – Wild Rice, Glazed Carrots $18.95 Texas Quail – Wild Rice and Stewed Okra $14.95 DESSERTS Funnel Cake $6.95 • Popcorn Milkshake $4.95 • SIDES- $2.95 EACH • and delectable. Not at all surprising, considering what my palate recalls from many a feast at the late Williams Smokehouse, Lord rest its blessed soul. And the grits, well, I think I could have them with every meal. But wait! There’s more. EFRAIN ROMAN is the pastry chef, and he’s a rising star we’ll all hear more about. I had a banana pudding unlike any you’ve ever imagined. And funnel cake that really should be called something more romantic, given its light texture and the out-of-this-world homemade strawberry ice cream it was wearing. And no matter when you go, you have to order the popcorn milkshake. Words cannot do it justice. Whole Cracked Grits, Cracked Corn Muffins, Baked Mac and Cheese THE REPUBLIC By Jeff Lane Photography by Sarah Miller SMOKEHOUSE & SALOON 1910 Bagby St., Suite 100 | Houston, TX 77002 | 832.925.8871 | www.republicsaloon.com M–W 11am – 12am | Th–Sa 11am – 2am | Sunday 11am – 12am may 15 | L O C A L 17