Rioja - Best Paella in Houston (and they aren't joking!)

Restaurants that claim being the best are often sour disappointments in the minds of culinary nerds and food fanatics. "World's Best Coffee" is often followed by a dismal cup of bitterness. "The City's Best Burger" is often nothing more than a wilted patty hidden beneath a few sad pats of lettuce. But this claim - "Best Paella in Houston" - was actually something that could hold up in a court of law. But, that wasn't all that was good about Rioja.

Upon walking in to the building, the air of Spanish hospitality was overwhelming. The waitstaff catered to our party, for the the entire meal, as if we were the extended family of Ferdinand and Isabella. We kept ordering and they kept bringing food. It felt marvelously regal and incredibly indulgent. Each tray of food more delectable and awe-inspiring than the last.

(Beef empanadas)

(Bacon-wrapped dates)

(Crispy eggplant with tomatoes, ham and manchego)

Then, after all of the nibbles and bits, out came the paella. The BEST paella in town. Rice. Seafood. Succulent bits of flavor and broth. It was spectacular. Really.

Of course, in my mind, a meal isn't complete if there isn't dessert. So, despite the mountains of food we were served, we loosened a few notches in our belts, took a couple of deep breaths and prepared ourselves for the best of the best - a flourless chocolate torte that was out of this world.

Truly, if management would be open to the suggestion, I would add "best flourless chocolate torte" to their sign. Not quite as catchy as "best paella," I know - I suppose it will just have to be an unofficial award for their fine establishment.

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