I had always heard about Elliot’s Table and read some good reviews and rankings on this restaurant from time to time but was unaware that the Elliot behind it all, was the Elliot Roddy that was the son of a friend of mine. So when I found that out we just had to make a trip to this neighborhood dining spot with his family and some friends to finally try it out.
I must explain that Elliot’s Table opened three years ago and so in anticipation of making my first visit, I read many of the reviews, all good, about this little spot in Cottage Grove, a stone’s throw from the buzzy Heights neighborhood. What stuck with me was Elliot’s own quote about his restaurant that was so right on……
“Neighborhood restaurant passionate about bringing friends together. We serve family style dishes that are frequently inspired by the coast(Gulf), our smoker and global flavors.”
One of the notable tidbits about Elliot’s restaurant is its tag-line……”BY FAMILY MEAL, HTX”. I was curious to its meaning and he explained it as his umbrella company name for this restaurant now and any future efforts he may take on. What FAMILY MEAL is that I was unaware, is that it is the industry name for food that is served to the restaurant staff before a shift begins. It began with Elliot serving these meals out of his own home and has continued as a meal he still puts together daily before his shift starts where he likes to try to new, off-the-menu dishes for his team and loves it that they get energized for the evening from it!
What is so special about this casual, friendly name is that it best describes Elliots approach to the food he serves and the warm gathering of friends/family to enjoy his food. That was a perfect description for the night I had there. A warm, friendly environment that exudes fun and sharing of great food among friends. When I asked Elliot about the purpose behind that name from a future perspective, he shared with me his plans for his Warehouse nearby where he has taken a half acre, put some of his old UH buddies in and called it the Old School Produce…..a true horticulture spot that he is currently using for his restaurant and has hopes of taking it further and bigger in the future.
In closing, Elliot’s Table is the closest you can get to a warm, friendly, delicious home cooked meal……ingredients are fresh, purchased regularly if not daily by the Chef/owner. Someone who takes pride in every dinner meal he serves as it brings him memories of that time of day in his family home. Also, a guy whose food chops have got to be great as they came from some of my family members from Ragin Cajun and Pesce; and some other great sources as well. He even touts a very special key lime pie square for dessert, provided weekly by his Mom, Jessica. (see below)
Details: Elliots Table at 465 TC Jester Blvd.; Open Wed-Sat. 5:00-10:00 p.m.(available others days for private events); website: www.elliotstable.com; phone: 713-485-0340 Reservations strongly suggested, space is small, only 40+ capacity with a great adjacent patio.
If you haven’t been to this family-style restaurant, you must try it; if you were there when it first opened, try it again…..even better than it was then! If you are like my family and went recently, head back again, we are, maybe we’ll see you there!
What a great place- and completely agree about the vibe. Creative, generous dishes delish in texture and taste and everything so fresh. No pretentious atmosphere, just people relaxed and enjoying.