Red Lion — Review by Food Network
Houston, United States — English-Indian Fusion
Guy Fieri visits the Red Lion, an English pub in Houston's Montrose area that uniquely blends traditional British fare with Indian influences. He raves about innovative dishes like tandoori chicken enchiladas and chicken tandoori quesadillas, calling the quesadilla the best he's ever had. The restaurant successfully combines British pub culture with Houston's culinary creativity.
What was great: Tandoori chicken enchiladas with creative spice rubs, chicken tandoori quesadillas with cilantro butter and sundried tomatoes, fusion of traditional English pub with Indian cuisine, unique Houston twist on classic British food
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The Red Lion showcases a fascinating culinary fusion that marries English pub traditions with Indian cooking techniques and flavors. The tandoori chicken enchiladas feature a generously spiced bird butterfly cut open and rubbed with tandoori masala, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper, creating multiple layers of heat. The chicken is roasted at 450 degrees for 25 minutes until perfectly cooked, then torn apart for assembly. The star of the meal, however, is the chicken tandoori quesadillas. Built on naan bread, these are assembled with tender tandoori chicken, a luxurious butter infused with cilantro, sundried tomatoes, and chili peppers, along with pickled peppers, onions, and melted cheese. The quesadilla is sauteed until golden with dramatic sparks flying. A habanero relish featuring carrots, onions, cucumber, garlic, and white vinegar provides brightness, while a cooling yogurt sauce with cilantro, cucumber, and mint balances the heat. Guy describes the quesadilla as phenomenal and the best quesadilla he's ever had.
The Experience
Located between the Montrose and River Oaks neighborhoods, the Red Lion offers a genuine taste of British pub culture with a Houston twist. The restaurant embraces its concept of being a little taste of Britain while celebrating the significant Indian influence on English cuisine. The kitchen staff, including the chef, work with precision and showmanship, executing each dish with care and attention to detail.
Value & Pricing
Specific pricing was not mentioned in the transcript, but the dishes presented suggest mid to upscale pricing typical of specialty fusion restaurants.
Notable Moments
Best quesadilla I've ever had.
You got more acts there than Shakespeare.
The reviewer is impressed by the theatrical presentation and the chef's obvious mastery of both English and Indian cooking techniques.
The Verdict
The Red Lion is an exceptional destination for anyone seeking innovative fusion cuisine that honors both British pub traditions and authentic Indian cooking methods. It's perfect for adventurous diners who want to experience how Indian culinary influences have shaped English food culture, all served in an accessible and entertaining format.