Ahmad Lotfy Gomaa
Google
My Barnaby’s Revelation at 1701 Shepherd: Salad, Sips & Chocolate Heaven!
Okay, Houston foodies, listen up. I finally made it to Barnaby’s on Shepherd dr. (1701 Shepherd dr., to be precise!) after hearing the buzz, and wow – it absolutely lived up to the hype. Forget just a meal; it was a full-on flavor experience, and three things absolutely stole the show for me: the Chicken Caesar Salad, the Strawberry Lemonade, and that legendary Chocolate Addiction Cake. Seriously, buckle up.
First, let’s talk salad. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Caesar? Really?” But trust me, Barnaby’s Chicken Caesar Salad ($17.50) is NOT your average limp lettuce situation. This was a masterpiece in a bowl. The romaine was *perfectly* crisp and cold, tossed generously in a Caesar dressing that hit all the right notes – creamy, tangy, garlicky, and anchovy-rich without being overwhelming. The croutons? Golden, crunchy, and plentiful. But the star of the savory show? That grilled chicken. It was incredibly juicy, seasoned just right, and piled high – seriously, no scrimping here! It wasn’t just a topping; it was a proper protein powerhouse integrated beautifully with the greens and dressing. Every bite was a satisfying crunch, a burst of savory flavor, and that delightful chicken texture. It felt indulgent yet somehow still fresh. Hands down, one of the best Chicken Caesar Salads I’ve had *anywhere*.
To wash it down? The Strawberry Lemonade ($4.50). Pure, simple, refreshing perfection. None of that overly sweet, artificial-tasting syrup water. This tasted like real lemons got together with ripe strawberries and decided to throw a pool party in my glass. It was tangy, fruity, perfectly balanced, and ice-cold. Exactly what you crave on a Houston day (or any day, really). I might have ordered a second one… no regrets.
Now. The grand finale. The reason you save room (or, let’s be honest, make room): The Chocolate Addiction Cake ($12.00). The name isn’t lying. This slice is iconic for a reason. Imagine layers upon layers of incredibly moist, deeply chocolatey cake, interspersed with rich, smooth chocolate mousse and finished with a decadent chocolate ganache frosting. The texture is pure bliss – a perfect marriage of dense cake and airy mousse. The flavor? Intense, pure chocolate satisfaction, but not cloyingly sweet. It’s sophisticated, rich, and utterly, utterly addictive. I savored every single bite, and by the end, I understood the cult following. It’s less a dessert and more a chocolate experience. Worth every single calorie and then some.
The Vibe? The location at 1701 Shepherd has that classic, cozy Barnaby’s charm – eclectic, a bit retro, bustling but not too loud. Service was friendly and efficient, which is always appreciated.
The Verdict? Barnaby’s on Shepherd Dr. delivered a fantastic meal. That Chicken Caesar Salad is a revelation – proof a salad can be both hearty and delicious. The Strawberry Lemonade is the ultimate thirst-quencher. And the Chocolate Addiction Cake? It’s not just dessert; it’s a mandatory Houston food pilgrimage. I’m already plotting my return, probably just for the cake… and maybe *another* lemonade. Highly, highly recommend! 5 stars for these three superstars alone!