Sunday Brunch at Rainbow Lodge Kicks Ass

Yeah, we know the headline isn't eloquent. So what? Rainbow Lodge's brunch offering will leave your head spinning and your tummy smiling.

Houstonist was excited to try Rainbow Lodge for the first time. Although Rainbow Lodge has been serving an eclectic menu for 30 years, we had not experienced it for ourselves. Fortunately, their recent move to Ella & TC Jester placed it in our backyard.

The sign out front says "Casual Sunday Brunch," but it should read "Semi-Casual Attire Required for Super Serious Fare." Our brunch party tested the "casual" envelope with two in our party sporting untucked shirts and one pair of shorts. We didn't get the boot, but we did feel a bit sloppy and under dressed. Fortunately, the first round of 99¢ mimosas arrived to distract us.

Studying the menu revealed something for all palates. Our resident vegetarian had multiple options from which to choose and settled on the Seared Ahi Tuna Medallions offered for $14.95. One meat-a-tarian opted for the Steak & Eggs at $22; the other ordered Fried Eggs and "Enchiladas" priced at $12.95.

Our dishes arrived well cooked and presented. We're constantly reminded that you can't eat presentation, so we'll focus on the preparation. The tuna was served evenly seared rare and served a top a nifty base constructed from hearts of palm and bathed in a light balsamic vinegar. The steak of the Steak & Eggs was an 11 ounce piece of buttery goodness well cooked to a consistent medium rare throughout. Lack of conversation from the table provided further evidence that all enjoyed their culinary choices.

No special occasion is complete without dessert. The full dessert spread is at your disposal as you try to fill what remaining tummy capacity. Each of us ordered dessert - Warm Espresso Brownie, Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee and Croissant Bread Pudding. Don't let the $8 price tag scare you off; remember the mimosas are only 99¢. The brownie was pure chocolatey chewy goodness, and the creme brulee was uber rich - definitely not Jello. But, the crowd pleaser was the bread pudding and its accompanying bourbon sauce and vanilla ice cream. The hefty serving was big enough to share should a generous mood strike you.

Verdict: The prices may be a bit strong for some, but the food was divine. Book reservations now for Easter Sunday if you want to impress the family.

Rainbow Lodge
2011 Ella Boulevard at the Corner of East TC Jester
713.861.8666
Sunday Brunch
10:30 am to 3:00 pm
Reservations accepted