Last week, the New York Times published an article about D.C. restaurateur Ashok Bajaj with the subtitle "A New Delhi-Born Restaurateur Brings Power Dining to D.C." Several of us read the article, but not because we were super interested in Mr. Bajaj's latest opening. We had no idea what "power dining" was.
Unfortunately, the article used the term as if it's a common part of speech.
"Oh Susan, I was out power dining the other day, and you'll never guess who I ran into!"
"Goodness, Roger, I do love power dining!"
"As do I. It's my favorite thing to do after power walking and power washing."
A quick search online showed that power dining has nothing to do with speed or force. According to Forbes, power dining refers to "magnetic restaurants that influential people (be they bankers, producers or fashion designers) use to impress, cajole or intimidate others in their field."
Hmm. I can think of a few Houston restaurants that fit that mold. Restaurants where the wealthy, influential and beautiful flock to see and be seen. No need to travel to New York or L.A. to power dine. We've got your top five spots right here.
5. Vic & Anthony's The glamorous steak house is situated downtown amid the hustle and bustle of business people and tourists eager to see what Houston is all about. The steaks are consistently voted some of the best in the city by diners and critics alike, and the opulent dining rooms with intricate stained glass, mahogany, white linen table cloths and glittering chandeliers match the elegant clientele. Men enjoy throwing around money and company cards at Vic & Anthony's, and why not, when the oversized dining chairs and oversized portions invite oversized wallets and personalities.
4. Quattro Quattro at the Four Seasons often offers special prix-fixe dinners for those seeing shows at the Toyota Center, and given that it's in a fancy hotel, it sometimes hosts visiting celebs. When wealthy out-of-towners need an upscale place to stay downtown, they choose the Four Seasons, and when they need a classy meal, they head to Quattro on the third floor. There's an elevator that goes only to and from the restaurant ('cause why mingle with the plebs in the lobby if you don't have to?) and the floor-to-ceiling windows offer a great view of downtown Houston. Oh yeah, and the food, courtesy of chef Maurizio Ferrarese, is pretty awesome, too.
