Much of Lestingi’s inspiration came from his time in New Orleans, where he spent a decade in a variety of dining locations, such as Brennan’s, Red Fish Grill and James Beard Award-winning Willa Jean as well as opening Oxalis as executive chef and owner, according to The Woodlands Resort.
“I have pretty much been living in the South my whole adult life,” Lestingi said.
The menu
Lestingi said he wanted to create a menu any guest can enjoy from cultivated foodies to busy families stopping for brunch.
The weekend brunch menu features staple breakfast and lunch options, such as the ricotta pancakes, fried chicken and waffles with bourbon cane syrup, and a salmon sandwich with house mezcal-cured lox.
“I’ll use cane syrup and cane vinegar a lot,” Lestingi said. “[It’s] Louisiana ingredients—nice, Southern ingredients.”
For dinner options, six-hour Bordeaux-braised chuck short ribs are on the menu along with seasonal salads, steak frites with duck fat fries, and steak and seafood selections. The menu includes vegetarian and vegan options as well.
“We actually have a breaded wing that’s gluten free,” Lestingi said. “I think that’s kind of unique; not too many places offer that.”
The rotating dessert menu features Lestingi’s tres leches cake, and he said additional dessert options are in the works.
Sit and sip
Back Table, which opened in June, also has a full bar where guests are invited to enjoy a handcrafted cocktail, such as the Acapulco Sunset, which is the restaurant’s take on a traditional jalapeno margarita. Back Table also offers an extensive wine list.
The waterfront restaurant sits on the 18th hole of the Panther Trail golf course, and it offers outdoor seating and lounging with outdoor firepits. The interior of the restaurant includes a full bar and a game room with darts, foosball and other activities. Back Table also has a private dining room available.
“We’ve got different specials and menus for [holidays]. We’re going to be adding special events and working on some theme nights,” Lestingi said.
Back Table Kitchen and Bar
2301 N. Millbend Drive, The Woodlands
281-364-6400
www.woodlandsresort.com
Hours: Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (brunch),
Sun.-Thu. 5-9 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 5-10 p.m.
