Today we’d like to introduce you to Donnette Hansen.
Donnette, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Montana born and Texas raised, I have been passionate about the hospitality business for over 30 years. I have learned that it is attention to detail that sets you apart in this high-risk business and I am blessed with a team focused on our foundation of excellent service, fabulous wines and a balanced seasonal menu highlighting Seafood, Wild Game, and our onsite garden’s harvest. One cannot sit back and relax in this business, I spend most of my day listening to my guests and constantly refining.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Looking back I feel like I have been through so much, Hurricanes and flooding, location changes, economic ups and downs…it is all part of the journey. Struggles are part of being in business….. how you recover is what you remember most and the rewards are spectacular.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Rainbow Lodge is an iconic Houston restaurant set in a cozy 100-year-old log cabin on an acre of landscaped grounds in the heart of the city. Houstonian’s have been making memories at Rainbow Lodge for over 40 years.
Sophisticated but not stuffy is how we describe ourselves and veteran cooks led by Chef Mark Schmidt expertly handle game and seafood dishes. Favorites include Smoked Duck Gumbo, Grilled Elk Chops, Crisped Rainbow Trout with Pecan Brown Butter and Lump Crab, Fried Texas Quail Bites with Bourbon Bacon Gravy, Lobster Risotto, and Wild Boar Tacos.
Sunday Brunch is not to be missed and insiders know to grab a table on our patio overlooking our grounds and creek area. The centerpiece of our bar is a 20-foot active trout stream carved from a single tree. Known as the Tied Fly Bar, many a story has been shared over the Rainbow Trout below the glass top.
What were you like growing up?
I have always been an avid outdoor adventurer and I love to entertain. I learned quickly that boring office settings are not for me. I come from a long line of respectful fishers and hunters in South Texas. I am most comfortable exploring a mountain stream with a fly rod in my hand and our bird dogs sharing the riverbank.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2011 Ella Blvd.
Houston, Texas 77008 - Website: www.rainbow-lodge.com
- Phone: 713 861 8666
- Instagram: rainbow_lodge
- Facebook: Rainbow Lodge
- Twitter: @TheRainbowLodge
Image Credit:
Kirsten Gilliam, Paula Murphy
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