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Cafe du Bois

MY REVIEW: Absolutely Great Experience last night - Kingwood /Humble can be tough place to fine a romantic restaurant for great food, wine, great deserts, live classical guitar music which quietly adds to the ambience of the evening. Don’t bring the kids to this; save it for a weekly Date night, but every man in our area needs to take his date /wife to this place on ss a treat. Enjoy the music, food and conversation, and they really need to set up a website.

NAME: Greg P
SUBMITTED: 1/8/2012   LAST VISIT WAS: 1/07/12
FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times

MY REVIEW: My husband and I have only eaten here twice. The first occasion was upon the suggestion of the sales people at Thomas Markle Jewelry. They did not steer us wrong. Where else in this area can a person get caviar (they had it that day) and froie gras? We also had the roast lamb and that night. All was excellent, including the service. Unfortunately, we did not go back for a good while. We recently went back and the place was much the same.

This cafe is attempting to give a fine dining experience and doing a decent job of it. The decor is a little less fine than I think they were aiming for, but what can you do with a strip center and probably a limited budget. The staff is attentive and friendly. The times we were there, we were one of a very few number of tables, so I can't really say what they are like during a heavy night. One point against them is that I think they need to better train the wait-staff on the wines and the French cuisine. I didn't get the feeling that our waiter knew their products and offerings inside and out. Our food and wine were really delicious, however.

We had foie gras for starters. The buttery foie gras was served on top of a poached pear with a tasty sauce filled with mushrooms. We very much enjoyed it. After a palate cleansing sorbet, we were served our entrees. My husband had the special of the night, a rib-eye steak served with roast potatoes. He added the roquefort sauce. The steak arrived just at the medium rare point. I can't emphasize enough how important that is to us. He and I both HATE overdone steak. The sauce was delicious. The potatoes were divine. Crispy outside, soft and fluffy inside, they were very well turned out. My grilled duck breast with raspberry pinot noir sauce was nicely done. The duck was almost rare, which allowed it to be very moist. The sauce was lovely and not too heavy on the raspberry. My starch was a nicely done pilaf with a wonderful herb flavor. My veg left a little to be desired as it was "mixed vegetables". Now, the chef had obviously done them himself, they did not come out of a bag, but blah. I mean, can't you come up with a more inventive veg? Finally, our dessert of creme brulee was tasty, although the crust was not completely melted on mine, so I had a "corner" that was just covered in sugar. Last word on the food, they have a very good wine list and a nice selection of wines by the glass, which allows folks to sample wines. For me, the wine by the glass is a good offering since my husband does not like wine.

So, in summation, I will recommend Cafe du Bois for people who like French style food, who want a more fine dining experience, and who are willing to pay more for food than you do at most other places in Kingwood. You will be paying more, but you get the money's worth in the food.

NAME: SwissSushi
SUBMITTED: 9/17/2010   LAST VISIT WAS: 9/10
FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times

MY REVIEW: My boyfriend brought me here to celebrate our seven month anniversary. The food was fantastic. I ordered the mango avocado salad and it was out of this world! It was served with a spicy Thai dressing, and I just could not get enough of it. My boyfriend ordered the Lobester bisque, and I tried several bites of it and it was rich, creamy and really good. The bread that was brought out was homemade and the butter was homemade as well. You had a choice of regular butter or butter that had been infused with white wine, garlic and I forgot what else. The infused butter was my boyfriend and my favorite. It was so good.

We then were given complimentary sorbet to clean our palate before we ate our main course. I ordered a steak dish that had a peppercorn sauce while my boyfriend ordered the red snapper in the sauce that the maitre' d suggested. This sauce was not even on the menu but the maitre'd suggested that he try it. The red snapper was wonderful as was my beef.

I then ordered a chocolate soufflee for desert and my boyfriend ordered the creme brulee. The chocolate soufflee was light, flufffy and was wonderful. THe creme brulee had the perfect amount of carmalization on the top of it and was the best creme brulee that i had ever had. The wait staff is very attentive and knowledgeable. I think I have a new favorite resturaunt here in Kingwood.

NAME: Christy
SUBMITTED: 12/29/2009   LAST VISIT WAS: 12/29/2009
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: We went for our Valentine’s dinner and had one of the best experiences of our lives. Very quaint and cozy. The staff is just what I would have expected from a fine dining restaurant. They were very professional BUT unlike other places felt they were also very unpretentious. There is a distinct appreciation for good food here but does not take itself too seriously.

I learned this family hails from Mexico City and the entire family has a love of French cuisine. This was apparent in Juan, the Maître d’, especially. He proved his knowledge by suggesting a “sweet” red that made my particular wife happy. Good job Juan thanks.

I am not sure if the guitar player sitting right behind me was a relative or just a friend but his music Friday night really set the mood. He even stepped out to tune his guitar rather than make us listen to that. It’s that type of attention to detail and the experience for the customer that really struck me. Just like when someone placed my wife’s napkin back on her lap when she returned from the restroom even though they knew we were completely done with the meal.

For the skeptics who are thinking “French cuisine from a family of Hispanics???” you must know they are fortunate to have a terrific French chef who puts out amazing food. Coupled his obvious expertise with the families ability to run a tight ship and Houston has itself a very fine restaurant in Café du Bois. I honestly think this would be a 4 star in NY. I could it leave it at but I think you the reader deserve to know about the amazing food.

This could get long so I will sum it up and highlight the best part for me.

-The appetizer combo of mushrooms, smoked salmon, and feta was heaven.

-The salad was terrific with a spicy sweet sauce. Way to make something as simple as lettuce, mango, avocado, and tomatoes on a plate a culinary treat.

-Steak and the sea bass were cooked to absolute perfection. My wife was stuffed at that point and still ate the entire thing despite herself.

The highlights of the entire meal is the lobster bisk and the crème brulée.

Now I love me some crème brulée. It’s my favorite desert and I will try it if it’s on the menu. I can honestly say, THIS IS THE BEST CRÈME BRULEE IN HOUSTON. Come for this plate alone and you will not be disappointed. Ruben mentioned that it is made with Grand Marnier which makes it a little more on the creamy side than the custard side. Whatever it was this thing was luxurious. (he mentioned it is made with lavender as well.) At first bite I was confused, the second intrigued, by the third I knew it was the best I ever had.

The restaurant is worth a return visit simply on the merits of its dessert but lucky for us the lobster bisk is also one of the best I’ve ever had. It was served with a bit of crème fresh to scoop together. Ever had a bite of something that just made your eyes roll to the back of your head? No? Come try this bisk you’ll see what I mean.

Thanks to everyone at Cafe du Bois for making my Valentines gift to my wife a very memorable one. (I don’t know if planted that near tipsy woman who kept embarrassing her husband by proclaiming very loudly her love for him, but that was a nice touch if you did). We’ll be back for a cheese sampler night you mentioned and maybe a lunch of just soup and a crème brulee.

NAME: NM5
SUBMITTED: 2/16/2009   LAST VISIT WAS: FEB2009
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: All the locals are proud of this place. I know celebs visit when they come to Houston. What I like about them, they made a special menu for the French Club and all he wait staff spoke to them in French. How many 5 star restaurants would treat a high school kids like they are special? My kid hasn't stopped telling us about all the wonderful food. They are sneaky smart, start training them young to love their food! LOL

NAME: Lisa
SUBMITTED: 7/5/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 05/08
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: I really love this restaurant. Although Kingwood has many reataurants I do not think any others come as close to being a 10 as this. The service has always been wonderful and the owner always willing to answer questions and help with food/wine pairings while still allowing for privacy. The food has always been excellent although I would like to see a few more options on the menu. It really is the closest thing to a 5 star I have found in this area.

NAME: Donna
SUBMITTED: 7/1/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: March 2008
FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times

MY REVIEW: My wife has lunch here often and has told me it is a great place. Today I decided to go with her. If you live in or near Kingwood, this should be at the top of your list for every meal. Great place, fair prices (I’m very tight with my money) with a professional staff. GET A SOUP! We had the cream of mushroom and gumbo and both were served hot and very tasty. My wife had a Greek Salad ($6). She said she orders it every time. The menu was so extensive that it was hard to make a decision. I chose the ciabatta tuna sandwich ($8) which is a touch spicy (not too spicy) served with waffle fries and baguettes with real butter. My wife tells me that the Filet Mignon will take you to your knees, so I will save that for a celebration. I have dined at the finest restaurants in Houston, but since dining at Café du Bois, why drive? This is local ownership and management at its best!

NAME: Ty Griffing
SUBMITTED: 3/29/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 03/2007
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: A local favorite. If you want a relaxing atmosphere, excellent wine list, and consistently great food, this is the place. The staff get to know regulars quickly. The waitstaff are always attentive and knowledgeable about the specials. The wine steward makes excellent recommendations for food and wine pairings. The great thing is that you are able to call last minute and usually get a table, when in a downtown restaurant of similar quality, it wouldn't happen.

NAME: JLS
SUBMITTED: 11/17/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: November, 2006
FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times

MY REVIEW: Dining at Cafe Dubois has been something I have wanted to do for a very long time. Luckily we called just in time and were told they would still serve us. Mid to late evening on a week night was the perfect time for my first visit. We had virtually the enitre restaurant to ourselves and therefore received superb service. Maybe at busier times the service wouldn't be quite as attentive but I could tell the staff was experienced and very amenable. My fisrt glance at the menu clinched it for me. I knew that this was going to become a favorite dining spot. The menu sports a fantastic selection in every category and so made it a little harder to decide. The wine list was also very extensive. Our group of three tried two soups and a salad for our fist course. All around we were very pleased. The entree course was just as pleasing. AAgain we tried three different dishes and the only flaw was that our filet was not medium as we had ordered, but on the far end of medium well. However, this slight aggravation barely put a dent in the satisfaction of our selections. We were also able to try two different souffles for dessert. This is my one regret: I was still finishing my entree and decided against trying the desserts. Upon my next visit I will definitely not make that mistake again. I strongly reccomend this delight of a restaurant to anyone who enjoys great food and great wine along with it!

NAME: bd
SUBMITTED: 9/19/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 09/06
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: My Review: Good Continental French cuisine with more than resonable prices. A wine list second to none north of 610. To any one in or near Kingweood why waste time driving downtown when you can spend that time enjoying great food, large wine list and great service all at resonable prices. Third visit looking forward to my fourth.

NAME: AFD
SUBMITTED: 12/2/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 12/05
FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name...

MY REVIEW: I was intimidated to go in at first for two reasons. One, I had my infant with me and two, I was worried about the prices. Once I entered I realized this was nonsensical. During my lunch there were several other moms and dads who also came in, so families are definitely welcome. Additionally, the food was competitively priced vs. other restaurant chains for lunch, and the quality was much better. They also regularly have coupons in the mail for a half price entree which helps as well. My husband and I love French food, but even for those of you who aren't familiar, I guaranty you'll find something on the menu. Good luck!

NAME: qtexan
SUBMITTED: 11/11/2004   LAST VISIT WAS: October 2004
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: Don't let the small size and reasonable prices fool you, this is fine dining! The atmosphere is warm and inviting in the main dining room, more casual in the front room. The menu is varied, and never a disappointing meal. The maitre d' is knowledgeable, and his staff well trained. The service is superb. Be sure to ask for a dessert souffle when you order your dinner. Special requests are handled with pleasure. A real gem in the heart of Kingwood.

NAME: Kathy D.
SUBMITTED: 4/24/2004   LAST VISIT WAS: 04/2004
FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times

MY REVIEW: Great small restaurant! The food is outstanding. I would put this restaurant up with any in town!

Go ahead..make a drive to Kingwood..it will be worth it! And those of us in Kingwood - lets support them so they can survive!

NAME: DR
SUBMITTED: 1/4/2004   LAST VISIT WAS: 12/23/03
FREQUENCY: Visited 4-6 times

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