The Italian Joint - Old Town Spring

The first posting of our culinary adventure takes us to the up and coming foodie hotspot of Old Town Spring. Once known as the home and of Wunsche Brothers Café and many quaint boutique style shops has risen a surprising large number of impressive and respectable restaurants. The Italian Joint is one of Old Town Springs newest and greatest hidden gems. The Italian Joint is the second restaurant of Joe and Maria. The concept of this amazing restaurant appears to be based on the idea of simplicity. Everything about this restaurant screams simplicity, from the atmosphere to the food. When a guest enters the establishment they are greeted by a very small open room with absolutely no bells and whistles. There are no pictures on the walls and the 10 to 12 tables and chairs resemble those that would be found in a church basement. To say the least, it is not the typical atmosphere of a traditional Italian restaurant and neither is the food.

Our table started off with the stuffed baked mushrooms. The mushrooms were nothing short of mouth watering. Each of the three mushrooms were stuffed with a flavorful combination of chopped Italian sausage, parmesan bread crumbs, melted provolone cheese, and finished of with a melted garlic brown butter. The only issue we had was determining how we would split the three mushrooms between the four of us.

Our second course included the spaghetti and meatballs, chicken marsala and vodka chicken. Even though each person in our party raved about their dishes, this review only focuses on the spaghetti and meatballs. I often judge every Italian restaurant with my initial visit on the dish that they should be able to get right. With that being said, the Italian Joint did not disappoint. The pasta was cooked to perfection and was complemented with a tomato sauce that was well seasoned. The meatballs were by far the highlight of the evening. The meatballs were made with a combination of beef, veal and pork. Unlike many of its predecessors, these meatballs were firm but tinder and still maintained a good moister level. The meatballs were quiet possibly the best ones that I have ever eaten at a restaurant.

We concluded our meal with an order of cannoli's. As cannoli's go, these would rank in the average category. The presentation was very nicely done and the order came with four cannoli's. My biggest complaint with our meal was with this dish. The filling was typical cannoli filling with chocolate chips; however, I was sad to learn that the shells were not made in house. For many guests this would not be much of an issue but once you have experienced a fresh cannoli there is little that can compare.

Overall, my party and I greatly enjoyed our experience at the Italian Joint. The portions were large and the prices were reasonable for the quality and skill that went into each dish. My party greatly enjoyed the option to bring your on bottle of wine but was sad to learn that this option may go away in coming months due to the restaurant applying for a liquor license. Ultimately, I would have to place this restaurant with the best that the Woodlands and Spring has to offer. They have their areas that they need to improve upon but the restaurant is constantly changing to figure out and form their own identity. I truly look forward to seeing this restaurant come into its own over the next few months.

The Italian Joint
26420 Preston Street, Spring, TX
(281) 651-2446

Menu
http://www.theitalianjoint.com/menu.html

Note
This restaurant is on OpenTable. It is recommended to make reservation due to the very limited seating. The dress for this restaurant is casual during lunch and business casual for the evening.

Main Course Houston

Over the last 8 years my wife and I have called Houston our home. During that time we have come to love this city as well as learn about the many things that this wonderful city has to offer. We have learned that Houston often provides fantastic opportunities for those who take advantage of them. Houston also has an incredible love for the arts as well as an amazing diversity within the population. The diversity for many people within our country has in many ways been intimidating; however, Houston has embraced these cultures and formulated them into a unique culture of its own that respects and embraces those whom come to this city. In return, these cultures have blessed our great city with their gifts and talents of creating amazing dishes. It wasn't until recently that Houston has finally begun to get the recognition that it deserves in the food industry. Unlike any other city, people within Houston can virtually take a trip around the world with their palates by simply taking a step out their front doors. Houston not only provides quality to its customers but also authenticity.

This blog was created with only one simple goal. The goal was to open the minds of the readers to the opportunities that are around them. The postings to this blog will act as the stamps for my culinary passport. I plan to use this blog to help others see all of the amazing cuisine that Houston has to offer. Along with each posting I plan to attach pictures as well as my review for both the restaurants quality of food as well as the overall experience. I encourage readers to provide me with recommendations.