NEW RESTAURANT REPORT
Tabella at Clear Creek Winery: Kemah’s New American Bistro By Rhonda Meredith Kemah is welcoming a new chef in town. Tabella at Clear Creek Winery is a “farm to table” restaurant offering fresh and delicious American cuisine. The menu features seasonal dishes created from locally sourced ingredients. “We are not re-inventing the wheel,” said Tabella’s Executive Chef Link Livingston. “But Tabella has designed menu choices that are carefully prepared to enhance our customer’s dining experience.” Chef Livingston is committed to using only high-quality ingredients and creating healthier entrees that are gluten-free. Drawing on his 15+ years experience in the industry, he tends to not use butter, but rather olive oil and kosher salt and only uses farm raised chicken in his recipes. It’s this kind of detail, plus simple presentation that sets Tabella apart. Tabella’s menu has familiar dishes with flavorful twists you’ll crave. The seasonal aspect of it will change the variety, so always ask your server what the newest additions are while keeping the restaurant’s signature selections in mind. For example, the soup of the day rotates, but tomato-based bisque is a staple. It is not a coincidence that the lunch and dinner menu complement each other. Chef Livingston has been diligent and applied careful consideration from the chicken salad sandwich and gourmet salads to the Cheese Board or Shrimp Diablo appetizers, and Herb Crusted Chicken – just to name a few. Other entrees to consider are the Bone-In Pork Chop, Petit Filet, the fish of the day, Shrimp Scampi, and Rib Eye Steak. All come with the Chef’s vegetable of the day. Additional sides may be offered, just ask your server. Your server will also be knowledgeable about Tabella’s fine wines. Half of the wines are from Clear Creek Winery, while the other options include wines from all over the world. Have a glass with dinner and another with dessert. Unique desserts are sure to be a treat at Tabella. Try the Bananas Foster, Key Lime Mousse (not pie,) a Pecan Ball made with vanilla ice cream and rolled in caramelized pecans, then drizzled in chocolate, or the Mixed Berry Parfait. Maybe finish your dining experience with a fresh cup of tea or coffee while savoring Tabella’s atmosphere. The interior of the restaurant is intimate and cozy. The dark, rich chairs and tables are warmed up with ambient lighting. Wine bottles adorn the brick walls and related art and décor are placed in view. As weather permits, seating outdoors under the covered patio is available. Reservations are welcome and Tabella is happy to make your special occasion a memorable one. Call 281-957-9090 to schedule. Tabella is located at 709 Harris Street in Kemah. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner.
THE SCENE
16
MAY 2012