Frenchies — Restaurant in Webster

Do you know when people talk about hidden gems and hole-in-the-wall restaurants that are actually the best thing you’ve ever eaten?

This is the epitome of that.

Tucked away next to the Chinese Buffet off Bay Area Boulevard, with its simple signage, it’s not a place you’d pay much attention to on a pass-by.

But if you’re a Houstonian or a Galvestonian this place is famous. The unassuming posture becomes an inviting home, adorned with pictures of the astronauts who’ve visited.

Around you the sounds are vivacious; the staff speaks each other in that lively Italian cadence, allegro. Each table is filled with warm conversation, the waiters and patrons exchange affably. The atmosphere only achievable by good food. Damn good food.

When I came in I started with the Garlickly Olive Oil Dip. Fresh bread, and a small bowl of spiced olive oil. The bread was crispy, and soft in the middle. That fluff that maintains its integrity—it’s hard to explain—if you’ve had bread done right then you know what I mean. It’s an experience you have to have for yourself.

The olive oil was crisp—verdant. It carries a heat that refrains from incinerating; it sparkles instead. I ripped off pieces of bread and soaked them—the texture and complexity felt orchestral—flavors that worked together, but I couldn’t pin down. From the first bite my head felt that rush of good food, good music, those beautiful things that ignite us.

After that the salad came out. Fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a fine Italian dressing that complemented the medley. A reprieve before the main course, the lasagna.

The lasagna came in an oval bowl that looked heavy. Filled with cheese, meat, sauce—considered whether I had time for a nap after. The top was crisp; the filling was gooey with tender pieces of meat.

The chef understands texture, if good food is a dance then textures are the feet. They keep the rhythm, gliding when they need to, and then tapping, staccato. At Frenchie’s it keeps it keeps tapping, gliding, swaying.

Frenchie’s feeds you, If I were of a more conscientious disposition I’d have stopped after the olive-oil and taken the rest in packaging. This food forbids that. Every bite demands the next. You missed something—that flavor again—you know what it is—you need it one more time. Again. Dal Sagno.

I recommend this restaurant without hesitation. It has earned every bit of its reputation. If you’re in the clear lake...

For my first time going here, I may have gotten an unusual experience, however I had a few too many problems.

First the positives the garlic bread was tasty and had a nice crust too it. In general it felt like the place had a lot of character and inviting atmosphere. The pasta was cooked well and the sauce on the pasta was tasty with plenty of garlic.

For the bad though, the service was poor. In general the server was kind however she was rare to come to our table and was quick to leave. It may have been a busy night however we received very minimal service from our server. Especially with how long it took to actually get our food. Considerable amount of time passed between getting the garlic bread we order to our salads and then eventually our main plates. That feeling of "huh that's weird our food hasn't came out yet" settled in after a while. Then when the food did come out there were inconsistencies, and I say inconsistencies since I could tell somethings were done really well then others flopped bad ruining the dish. I ordered the Lobster and Scallop linguine, the pasta was cooked well and the white cream sauce was pretty good I liked how garlicky it was. However the lobster and scallops were both really over cooked. The lobster I had to really chew and was difficult to cut, while the scallops were rubbery. If the server came by more often I would have asked to return it but eventually when she did come by I just kinda wanted to hurry up and go since I was already there for about an hour and fifteen minutes.

In general I felt like the restaurant had a lot of character and unique dishes. The combination of the poor service, the time to get our food and the food being over cooked didn't make my time...

I was excited to go here , my relatives raved about it. Walking in door, I thought they were right , it smelled wonderful and several staff members were speaking Italian. They had alot of specials waiter told us about , of course no prices mentioned. When he came back to take order , I asked price of lobster Ravoli ( 34.95) no thanks. I did end up ordering the Fettuccine Alfredo that was highly recommended. It had thin sliced smoked ham in it. I should have known better , I never get anything in my Alfredo. I only tasted ham 1 time and did not taste any smoke flavor. My husband ordered the linguine fisherman. He said the scallops were hockey pucs, the shrimp was overcooked , the fish was just ok , the calamari , clams and mussels were good. His dish was 30 something, not worth it ( I would have sent back) By the way mine was around 16 .00. We were a party of 6 . The service was wonderful and food did come quickly and was all hot. They did give us 2 baskets of some kind of bread with a dipping oil. That was so delicious and gone quick , so since there was a charge for garlic bread , I had not ordered , but did ask for more bread during meal , they were only too happy to bring more , but not until the end of meal did I know we were charged for bread and oil. We paid for it. I did order the Zablione , for dessert it was delicious and huge , the waiter brought with 4 spoons ( I did not ask or say I would be sharing) I did share it with whole table. It was not as great as I expected , and for a expensive meal , not that wonderful. I do wish I had ordered simple spaghetti...