Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Houston Awarded the Grand Award From Wine Spectator

HOUSTON, July 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Pappas Restaurants, Inc. owners, Chris and Harris Pappas, proudly announce that Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Houston has earned the coveted Grand Award from Wine Spectator Magazine. In receiving the Grand Award, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Houston is joining a very elite group, as Wine Spectator has recognized only 78 restaurants in the world with this prestigious award.

The Grand Award is the highest award granted by Wine Spectator Magazine. It is presented to restaurants that maintain a high standard in the selection and quality of their wine collections. Wine Spectator's Grand Award winners typically carry more than 1,500 bottles and have upheld certain standards found only in the most selective wine programs.

Wine Spectator noted that Pappas Bros. Steakhouse's passion and devotion for their wine program is also reflected in their food, service and ambiance.  "This award is a great acknowledgement of our wine program as well as Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Houston, and we are honored to have been chosen by Wine Spectator, "says Harris Pappas.

The only holder of the Grand Award in Texas, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Houston's extensive collection of 33,000 bottles and 3,000 wines highlight some of the best in the world. Specifically known for their broad selection of Bordeaux, Burgundy, and an extensive representation of the wines of California, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse has earned a reputation for their handpicked selections. In addition to world-class producers such as Ramonet, Mortet, J.L. Chave, Vega Sicilia, Conterno and Henschke; an impressive selection of ports and Madeiras with vintages as far back as 1834 are available.   

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Houston's entire team contributed to earning this esteemed award.  Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Master Sommelier Drew Hendricks has been recognized for his talents over the years, including winning the 2007 International Chaine des Rotisseurs Young Sommelier Competition. He is also the co-founder and President of the Texas Sommelier Association. "I would like to share how happy I am for Pappas Bros. Houston to have received this great honor and to give thanks to the efforts of everyone involved," says Hendricks. "It is through the Pappas family's commitment to building and maintaining a superior wine program that we have been able to develop such a high standard of wine."

Robert Smith, Wine Director for Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Houston, has been essential in developing the wine program.  He has worked with Hendricks to uphold the standards and development of the diversity of the wine list. 

Chef Michael Gaspard, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Chef, is the creative force behind the cuisine for the wine dinners at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse. He expertly chooses the freshest seasonal ingredients to create exquisite meals that bring out each distinct nuance of the featured wines.

Chef Michael Velardi, Pappas Restaurants Executive Corporate Chef, is the founding Executive Chef at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse.  Velardi's corporate leadership shows in the complexity and diversity of Pappas Restaurants' food.

Don Vrba, General Manager at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Houston, has worked for Pappas Restaurants for almost 20 years.  Under his leadership, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Houston offers guests the highest quality, in both cuisine and service.

To learn more about Pappas Bros. Steakhouse please visit our website

http://www.pappasbros.com

Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, named "Best Steakhouse in Texas" by Texas Monthly in 2007, is the premier steakhouse in Houston and Dallas. Widely recognized as one of the highest quality and best restaurants in the nation, Pappas Bros. serves dry-aged, prime beef accompanied by succulent side dishes, and finished with rich desserts. For additional information, visit www.pappasbros.com.

Pappas Restaurants have been providing outstanding food, service and atmosphere for over 30 years.  With locations in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Albuquerque, Cincinnati, and Phoenix, our restaurant family now includes over 90 locations that have been voted among the best restaurants in North America in local, regional and national publications.  The privately held Pappas concepts include Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Pappasito's Cantina, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Pappas Seafood House, Pappas Bar-B-Q, Pappas Burger, Pappas Grill Steakhouse, Dot Diner, and Yia Yia Mary's Greek Kitchen.  For more information visit www.pappas.com.

SOURCE Pappas Restaurants, Inc.