- Prev
- 1 of 6
- Next
The Bay Area’s First Farm-to-Table Restaurant.
LO-CA-VORE (local + -vore, as in carnivore): a person interested in eating food that is locally produced, not moved long distances to market. The locavore movement in the United States and elsewhere was spawned as interest in healthy and sustainability became more prevalent.
Attention all you locavores! Your hunger for fresh and delicious food can now be satisfied beyond your wildest dreams right in your own backyard—at Tabella at Clear Creek Winery in Kemah. In case you’re not sure what a locavore is…you might unknowingly be one, so read on!
The locavore movement is big news all over the U.S. as the demand for eating food that is locally grown and produced continues to grow.
David Skinner, the genius behind Tabella, heard the call and responded with the newest addition to the Clear Creek Winery family, which includes a vineyard, the Clipper House Inn Bed and Breakfast resort and recently remodeled Tuscany-esque winery complete with tasting room, wine-making production area with glass observation space and outdoor garden patio.
To create the Bay Area’s first farm-to-table dining experience, Skinner called upon Link Livingston, a chef with a heart that’s bigger than his stomach. The gastronomic adventure that Livingston has created at Tabella is born of pure passion, the freshest ingredients and an atmosphere intimately infused with the flavors of Italy.
Livingston has scoured farmers markets, visited with neighboring fruit and vegetable growers, engaged dairy and livestock farmers, consulted shrimpers and fishermen and become acquainted with many producers of local food. And though this may sound complicated, the result is simply delicious.
“My food is...simple!” says Livingston. “Simple has been a lost art ever since people became foodies. You can still be creative with what comes from the farm. I'm so over top chef and all the other reality shows. It's just not reality. Trying to make green asparagus from a gumball machine might be genius...but it’s not for me. Kosher salt and olive oil are all I need. Mother nature supplies the rest.
Enjoy a romantic evening with the love of your life or a fun night out with friends when you visit Tabella for dinner. Enjoy a glass of locally produced and bottled wine (using California’s finest grapes) upstairs or outside on the patio at Clear Creek Winery and stroll the lovely grounds and vineyards at Clipper House Inn Bed & Breakfast.
Summer plans at Clear Creek Winery include live music on the outdoor patio. Friend Tabella at Clear Creek Winery on Facebook for details as they unfold.
The menu at Tabella is seasonal and specially designed to offer as many locally produced foods as possible. Of course you can enjoy any of Clear Creek Winery’s award winning wines with your dinner at Tabella.
Chef Link Livingston is currently serving these dishes and more. He’s happy to talk with you about what’s freshest and suggest the perfect wine on the day you dine with him.
Food *****
Freshest of the fresh! Traditional items are combined creatively to present a medley of flavors for a deliciously pure eating experience. The food is a visual delight so eat with your eyes first!
Atmosphere *****
Warm and welcoming. Snuggle in for a cozy evening with friends or your significant other.
Service *****
Chef Link Livingston delivers an excellent and exciting evening with his “I am here to please you” presence in the dining room. His team includes the enthusiastic, friendly and efficient server, Jennifer and Sous Chef Chris!
Price ****
Great price for fresh and often organic locally sourced food.
Menu Sampling
APPETIZERS
Shrimp Diablo
Fire roasted, maple bacon wrapped, gulf shrimp with green bell peppers, jalapeno jack cheese and a hint of barbeque glaze. An eruption of aroma filled the room as Sous Chef Chris delivered these to our table on a lovely plate. Paired perfectly with Peach Campeache Blanc wine. **** $11.00 (Glass of wine - $6.00)
Bruschetta Margarita
Four toasted homemade baguettes (all of Tabella’s bread is homemade) with fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese topped with bight red roma tomatoes and homegrown basil. ***** $7.00
Soup of the Day: Tomato Basil
Made from fresh pureed tomatoes with delicious little tomato seeds bursting in your mouth. Topped with Chef Link’s homemade bread and sprinkled with smoked mozzarella. Sublime. ***** $7.00
ENTREES
Bone-in Pork Chop
A hearty portion that can certainly serve two. Grilled to perfection with a generous mound of peach and mango chutney. Served with delicious grilled asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes; these sides are a feast all by themselves. ***** $24.00
Roasted Rack of Lamb
Tender and beautifully grilled. Topped with an amazing jalapeño chutney sauce and served with garlic-mashed potatoes. Chef Link paired this with a 2009 J. Lohr Merlot. Peppery and very smooth. An incredible combination. ***** $36.00 (Bottle of wine $30.00)
DESSERTS
Bananas Foster
Chef Link’s creation made with sautéed bananas, cinnamon, dark rum and homemade vanilla ice cream. Each splendid spoonful is love at first bite. ***** $9.00
Key lime Pie
Homemade with a graham crust. Uniquely prepared in a single serving ramekin dish. Smooth and creamy, sweet and tart filling with a powerful fresh lime favor, topped with sprinkles of key lime zest. Magnificent! ***** $ 7.00
Watch Lisha’s TV show, Passport Meals and interviews pertaining to health and beauty at www.LishaTV.com Join Lisha Coleman on Facebook! This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Tabella at Clear Creek Winery
709 Harris Ave.
Kemah, TX
Dinner Reservations: 281.957.9090
Winery: 281.334.8300
Open Tuesday—Sunday, noon for wine and appetizer and 5pm for dinner
