March — Restaurant in Houston

Ambiance: 5 Star Staff : 5 Star Journey Concept : 5 Star Journey Delivery 4.5 Star Food Quality : 5 Star Taste : 2.5 Star

Background: I've traveled and frequent such places as Addison , Various Michelin Star Restaurants, and Forbes 5 star awarded locations in places such as NY, CA, HI etc.

Condensed Review : Excellent unique experience with premium quality ingredients and attention to detail. Where it could be improved was the overall highlighting of the main ingredients and story in a simplistic way.

Long Version : I was taken on a journey back in time to celebrate Genova Italy in around the 15th century and along my culinary journey I was presented with various in-depth historical facets. It was great to have the lounge area upon arrival for some amazing light fare and caviar service. It was here the food was most balanced and made me wanting more.

I would mention all of the staff was amazingly accommodating and professional. The service was immaculate and I would not change a thing there. Where it proves some improvements could lie are in the story which is presented at each course. I feel as though there was the presence of the taskmasters whip at the servers tongues attempting to get the lines just perfect but faltering at times with many of the staff. I believe this is due to the complexity behind the scenes trying perhaps too hard at times to convey the passion of leadership. I also dare say if I had brushed up on my 15th century Italian history if I asked a question out of line they may dare have a hard time answering it. Minus Daniel who was the most learned and I could feel his deep excitement and thoroughness of what he was speaking on. This person needs additional compensation for his amazing efforts , he carried the journey in all ways. All of this to say I believe there could be some real areas to gain in simplifying the story and highlighting simply the roots of the dish.

The food quality , presentation, and freshness, and creativity of ingredients were on par with the top of the line establishments I’ve journeyed to. There is little I would change regarding that. I feel though the overall composition of flavors need to be reviewed to match the standard they set in all other areas of the restaurant. Many dishes were good but had such bold flavors that often my palate would be coated in something cloyingly sweet or overpoweringly salty which was not, at least, part of the culinary journey which was explained to me prior to the particular dish. They need to allow the main ingredient in each dish to flourish on its own without competing with its accompaniments. Please also bear in mind I’m basing these suggestions on a caliber in which this restaurant is, these are very acute observations.

Overall this was a beautiful scene of building, food, staff, and provided a unique experience worth many praise and accolades and I wish the best for March now and in the coming years and hope the heed to some of points above to hopeful maximize on what is an amazing foundation and pillars to which they have built at their...

Our dining experience at March was spectacular. My husband made our reservation a few months back, complete with the upfront payment for our six course meal (paying upfront isn’t a standard experience for us). I’d completely forgotten about the reservation when he mentioned it on Thursday night, and didn’t think to search where we were going, so when we pulled up, it was all a surprise.

The valet was really kind and considerate— it was raining and gloomy out. The hostess was warm and welcoming— it felt like she was inviting us into her home. She offered the option of the elevator or stairs, and we chose the stairs. When we saw the polished red Michelin plaque at the top of the stairs, it all became clear; this was going to be an unforgettable experience.

We were welcomed into the Lounge, where we were seated in what my husband calls “New York seating.” The tables were small, close together, with padded benches on one side and chairs on the other. The server placed drink menus on our table, which was the most difficult decision of the evening. I narrowed the offerings of eight down to five. I ordered the La Serenata Verde (gin, green apple, fennel, and calamansi)…my husband chose El Leon de San Marco (tequila, lemon, greens, spices). We were first brought a welcome drink (two vermouths, a plum tea infusion), then a tile with four sample bites which were exquisite. Next, two warm towels spritzed with essential oils were given to us, and then we were invited into the main dining room.

The dining room was dimly lit, minimalistic in its design, though really lovely. We had a beautiful piece of art right next to our table, and looked across the dining room to an adjoining room which had a two-wall moss art feature. Almost straight ahead was the prep kitchen. We never heard the men inside who were plating our food— we just saw them working together in a fluid and quiet way. Each server was kind, almost doing a dance to determine how to interact with each table. They handled it beautifully and were all simply fantastic.

Each course was presented with a regional and historical story— the delivery added to the art which was our experience. Two bonus platings were thrown in— a tomato bread (warm, with a fluffy center, and crusty on the outside), as well as a three bite selection that followed up our dessert. We were brought the bill for our drinks and incidentals (tips on the drinks), along with a beautifully presented March bag containing a pamphlet to remember the night, some tea tins, and a few sweet bites to enjoy later.

This wasn’t something we’d do often; it was definitely a special occasion type of experience. We loved every minute, each bite, and certainly will reflect back on this as the most amazing meal we’ve...

From start to finish. The valet was great. 10 out of 10

The sitting area and pre-dinner snacks were fantastic. 10 out of 10

The decor, walls, tables, flooring, stair treads were all better than 10 out of 10. You guys did an amazing job on this.

The waiters were fantastic. 10 out of 10

The meal. I would give it 10 out of 10 for presentation and a 10 out of 10 for timing and flow.

I would only give the taste a 7 out of 10. Each course blended into the next. There wasn't much identity that we would normally find from 1 course to the next. The thing we find common from one michelin starred restaurant to the next, or 1 james beard award wining restaurant to the next is that we can vividly remember each course, some moreso than others, but there is a clear and distict taste between courses. We simply didn't get that here.

I would also give the ambience a 8 out of 10. In all the tasting menus we've experienced we bring our kids, now ages 10, 12 and 18. We ask them how they felt eating here and they all said they weren't entirely comfortable. Is it your objective to cater to kids? Most likely not, but they can give you a very clear picture as to how people feel. Our kids didn't like most of the courses, which is rare for them, but I wouldn't base my decision or my opinion on what my kids thought of the meal. I would however agree with them that it wasn't a 10 for making them or us feel entirely welcome. I can't pin down how to change that, maybe it was the sheer openess of the room? I simply don't know.

The cost was a 10 out of 10. I think if anything it was underpriced for what we've experienced across the country.

This was a great 9 out of 10 experience and since there isn't a 1-10 ranking I gave it a full 5 stars as it was closer to 4.6 then 4.4

I doubt we'll ever be back to eat here as we limit our tasting menus to 3 or 4 a year across the country, but hopefully our words make a difference and help you towards getting 10's across the board with customers like us. Or you can just look at our review as an anomaly and disregard it all together and I'm sure you'll do just fine.

We really did enjoy the experience and I can't say enough about the designer of the restaurant, we noticed all the little things, from the copper battens on the wood walls to the beautiful oak stair treads to the one-of-a-kind dining tables with hidden linen...