Candente

I’ve been excitedly awaiting this place to open ever since word hit the foodie circles that the people responsible for the Pit Room would be taking over the old Cane Russo location with a new Tex-Mex restaurant.

Despite the freak floods from Imelda that devastated much of Houston last week, Montrose fared fairly “well” in comparison to some of the other parts of town and the restaurant remained open for those able to make the trek. Being released early from work presented the perfect opportunity to beat the Happy Hour crowd and snag a spot.

There was so much I wanted to try, but seeing I had only one other person with me, much of it was a tasting with leftovers brought home for a meal at a later date.

First off the salsa is fantastic and I was thrilled to learn I could take the leftovers of my complimentary chips and salsa home with me. The only drawback in that unlike most Tex-Mex places that usually offer a spicy and mild, there was only very spicy (red) and my mouth is literally on fire spicy (green). The fact that I kept eating it despite how it had me reaching for my glass of water every 10 seconds serves as testament to how much I enjoyed it. Regarding the leftover batch I took home, the waiter told me the longer it sits, the spicier it becomes! So foodie tip, stick it in the fridge to slow the process down.

The Ceviche Tostada ordered was good, but I find myself partial to the classic one available at Little Pappasito’s. It’d be interesting to see if their Campechana is as good if not better than the one at Goode Company Seafood.

As expected, their grilled meats were off the charts delicious and everything I’d imagine a Tex-Mex version of the meats from Pit Room would taste. The beef was amazingly tender and flavorful and the chicken not dry. Often I find with Tex-Mex restaurants that either the fajitas are good, but the sides lacking, or vice versa. Candente excels in this respect in that both the BOTH the fajitas and sides were equally delicious. And as evident in the IG photos, they also don’t skimp on the guacamole or pico de gallo.

The flan was denser than I would have liked, but along with the strawberry syrup, was a nice finale touch to the meal.

I enjoyed the fajitas so much that I found myself visiting a second time in less than 3 days. I was able to try some additional dishes and can’t recommend their Half Rack Ribs enough. The Beef Quesadillas were great although their Tres Leches was a bit disappointing in that it was also too dense and less on the milky soft side.

Overall, it meets my expectation as a sister restaurant to The Pit Room I’m happy to have this addition in the neighborhood and slotted into my rotations for available food options.

There is a parking garage which requires valet after 5PM, but if you want to avoid dealing with that, there is limited street parking that is not restricted by No Parking Signs.

I look forward to my next visit.

Attire: Casual
Family Friendly: Yes
Price Range: $$ ($11-$30)

4306 Yoakum Blvd
Houston, TX 77006

https://www.facebook.com/Candente-Houston-428602267990634/