Mealtime indecision is at an all time high for me when I’m out-of-town.  I knew that Whataburger, Tex-Mex, and Texas BBQ wouldn’t quite hit the spot for Sunday Brunch last week in Houston so we turned to Yelp for suggestions.  I think it was the photo of the Foie Gras Smoked Jam Bruschetta that sealed the deal for District 7 Grill- Midtown… or maybe it was the promise of ceviche.  A short walk later and we found ourselves at the most unassuming little diner with the most extensive menu that a foodie could ask for.  I love finding little spots that are simple and the restaurant equivalent of “down-to-earth” but that really deliver with the flavor.  District 7 was that spot for us.

It seems like I’m always getting lucky; it was a Sunday in a cute spot in a conveniently located part of town, and still we faced no wait time or crowd.  I’m not sure if you would ever need to make a reservation, or if they even take reservations, but I do know that they have another District 7 Grill location in EaDo and a brand new District 7 Pizzeria in Midtown.  We arrived at around 2 and both the breakfast and lunch menus were still fully available.

Foie Gras Smoked Jam Bruschetta: Flatbread with white cheddar, smoked jam, charred onions and foie gras.  So good!  The onions gave it a sweetness which, when paired with the gooey cheese, perfectly complimented the richness of the foie gras.  The balance of flavors kept the foie gras from being overwhelming, which is sometimes the case.

Blackened Mahi Tostada: Blackened mahi filet, black beans, lemon-garlic slaw, pico de gallo and feta cheese.  This is the dish that I mistook as ceviche online.  Even though it wasn’t what I had in mind, I still fully enjoyed it.  The dish is listed as an entrée but you can ask for it in appetizer size as well (still huge).  The mahi was perfectly cooked and I loved the feta and cilantro.

Oh and not pictured are our drinks.  The Michelada with DosXX was good, but the Bloody Mary was my favorite.  The waitress, although very sweet, wasn’t understanding me when I was asking which bloody mary mix it was… but its okay.  We upgraded to a double shot of Ketel One from the standard one shot of well vodka and asked for extra spicy; both wise decisions.

Salmon Kale Caesar Salad: Kale leaf, caesar dressing, capers and homemade croutons.  Look at me, pretending to eat healthy.  The salmon was well cooked and the kale was tender.  I was too full to try the croutons but they seemed to be pita-chip style.  It’s nice and light but don’t order this if you’re expecting something crazy from it.

Blackened Mahi Pappardelle:  Blackened mahi filet, pappardelle noodles, diced tomatoes, and a wedge of pita bread on a bed of spinach.  I wasn’t expecting the pappardelle to be dressed in such a light, citrusy dressing but it was (and I was happy about it).  As full as I was I kept reaching for more of the tangy al dente noodles.  This would make for good leftovers, also.

Creme Brûlée: ’nuff said.  We just had to order dessert.  They offered bread pudding and various cakes as well, but crème brûlée just sounded right.  Standard variety.

District 7 Grill – Midtown

Menu, hours, and contact information here at District 7 Grill

What are your favorite places to eat in Houston?

xxLK