La Baguette — Restaurant in Texas

Anyone who has ever had perfect gallo pinto knows that it ranks as one of the great dishes of the planet. At it's most basic, it's rice and black beans, but at it's finest, it's speckled with chopped onion and peppers, flecks of fresh cilantro, and bursting with the flavors of Costa Rica's treasured Salsa Lizano (I very seldom see it for sale here and pick it up whenever I am in Costa Rica). When cooked in the right oil at the right temperature with a well-seasoned pan, usually at a simple "soda" on the side of a roadway, it's pure magic. My favorite add-in of all is Costa Rican natilla (a thick, rich slightly sour crema) and a little hot sauce (Crystal always works for me!). Gallo pinto goes with everything though best with a couple sunny-side up eggs, sliced avocado, and Costa Rica's ubiquitous tiny factory made tortillas (TortiRicas) at breakfast. And now, finally, I can say that there is a spot in Houston that serves an exemplary plate of this dish.

I've visited tiny Venezuelan-owned La Baguette Bakery & Bistro in Katy (21821 Katy Freeway) on many occassions since they first opened about 5 years ago. Not only is their food top-notch, but they also make spectacular coffees and fruit drinks. And now, they offer more than just their scrumptious Venezuelan specialties, including a gallo pinto that should make any Tico proud. It is served with two eggs, a juicy chorizo, fried plátanos, and grilled cheese. And yes, they use REAL Salso Lizano! The only way it could be better is with a few slices of aguacate, a dollop of natilla, and some hot sauce for flavor. But it was so delicious, it nearly brought tears to my eyes. If you don't see it on the menu, just ask for the gallo pinto plate. It's served all day.

This place is sweet and small and located just off the south feeder on I-10, just east of Mason, behind the Discount Tire (take a right on Mason Creek and enter the parking lot at the first turn to the right). The lady who runs it has put her heart into this business, and it shows in the food. Katy has become a true dining destination--this place is one of my 3 favorite places to eat in the area.

And I can't stress enough--don't pass up this...

I feel like I'm going to get a reputation doing all these reviews... When I try a new independent restaurant, there is a little Gordon Ramsay voice inside my head that rambles on like in Kitchen Nightmares. With that in mind, here we go: This is a cute little eatery/coffee shop nestled between other businesses, down a random street, off the feeder road of I-10 in Katy TX. Sound difficult to get to? Well, it's not difficult but it's easily missed. First thing I want to say, the girl at the counter was the best part of the experience! She was attentive and sweet and really knew what she was doing. 5*'s for her. The atmosphere was quaint. I could tell a lot of money was spent on making the restaurant comfortable and for the most part, it was successful. The bathrooms are legit! Beautiful! The whole place is clean and inviting. The menu is 3 pages of written text in colorful boxes and the 4th page is drinks like coffee. I ordered and the food came pretty quick! La Baguette is Argentinian food. Sounds French, right? I was confused too. Anyway, everything has cheese in it!! Except the fried yuca. But cheese lovers, you'll like this place. The ham and cheese empanadas we very good, the highlight was the pastry part as the cheese was overwhelming the ham flavor. We also got an order of cheese sticks. Well, that's not what they were called but that's what they were. The crust was again the highlight and it was more bread than panko fried crumbs like normal cheese sticks. That said, these were great on the outside but cold and oily on the inside. In fact, most everything was heavy on the oil. We left feeling the fat lining our palates. Overall, not a bad experience. If I return, I will absolutely try different items from the menu. The prices are good, the food is good, the atmosphere is good, and the service is exceptional! Give this place a try and see what score You...

Came to this quaint and unassuming place about a year or so ago for a meeting. I was in the shopping center for a business visit and saw it and thought I would try it out. Quiet and had about 2 tables occupied by small groups of regulars. The lady that waited on me was very well versed on the menu and very warm and gracious. Found out that she was the owner only because I asked her. Nice lady was smiling and took my order and after a suggestion I orderer a Mateo Burger that came with avocado and muenster cheese which is not normal. I added bacon and as she should, she asked how many strips and told me the upcharge upnfront. Chose the seasoned fries and ordered a latte and water. Brought drinks out fast and was very prompt and pleasant. The latte was great and had the raw sugar steamed in the milk I asked for. Price was good for the size and quality. Burger and fry presentation was very good and simple. They advertised the meat to fresh and never frozen and didnt disappoint. Perfect ratio of soft yet firm bun, crisp and clean not wilted veggies. Tomato was organic and delish( I usually dont like tomatoes because most places have soggy 2 day old prepped tomatoes. Bacon was crisp yet not fried in the fryer. Delish!! Fries came with a small ramkin of ketchup and was crisp and hot. Everything made to order and fresh. Nice, clean restaurant. Great service. Will definitely be back!! I am a picky person and this place did not disappoint. Great value for everything! GO check out...