A jewel I've discovered (thanks to my Dad) in this culinary wonderland known as Houston, Texas is Cafe Red Onion (http://www.caferedonion.com/). Owner and Chef Rafael Galindo, a native of Honduras, specializes in Latin Fusion cuisine and it was my pleasure to attend one of his "cooking classes" recently. The class is unlike any dining experience I've ever had. First of all it is a very intimate atmosphere with up to twelve diners so you really are up close and personal with the chef. The meal was started with the signature "Cafe Red Onion Pineapple Salsa," that is so delicious I wanted to pick up the bowl and guzzle it down. The first course was a decadent, warm and creamy roasted red pepper soup. It was everything you want in a roasted red pepper soup--smoky, luscious, sweet red pepper goodness in a bowl. Then a nice light, wedge iceberg salad with homemade bacon ranch dressing. The wedge salad is one of my favorites when it comes to salad because it is so fresh tasting, clean and crisp. Chef Rafael's dressing was the perfect accompaniment, adding a layer of richness with the crunchy, salty bacon. The third course was a heavenly lump crab meat wrapped in puffed pastry and baked till a beautiful golden brown and served with caramelized pears that nicely complimented the sweet crab meat and rich puff pastry. Then, the much anticipated main course was a perfectly grilled medium-rare filet mignon served with a skewer of three grilled shrimp over a roasted potato and accented with a mouth-watering Argentinean Chimichurri sauce. Lastly, but certainly not least was dessert. A light and airy Chocolate Tres Leches Cake that is "to-die-for." The story book ending to my idea of a perfect meal. Throughout this cooking class the wine was flowing (a choice of red or white) and coffee was served with dessert. Cafe Red Onion is a zagat rated restaurant and there is no mystery as to why. Each time I dine there I leave completely satisfied, which is a feat in and of itself to accomplish. The Seafood Enchilades are two red tortillas filled with Mexican Gulf Shrimp, crab meat, Colby-Jack cheese and Rafa's secret seasonings. Topped with roasted pablano sauce, cheese and baked till golden and bubbly. Served with beans and rice. They are simply divine and on special every Monday night for $11.95 (normally $14.95 and worth every penny). Another favorite is the Cuban Pork which is pork tenderloin marinated in honey, citrus juice, garlic and Rafa's secret seasonings, broiled to perfection. Served over a garlic mojo with goat cheese au gratin potatoes, garnished with a poached pear and rum caramelized onions for $15.25. New Year's resolutions are a popular trend this time of year, so my resolve is to frequent Cafe Red Onion as often as possible to continually sample Rafael's culinary masterpieces.
