Bangkok Place, Houston, Texas Restaurant Details

Food:

While I understand why others appreciate the quiet solitude and tranquility of this place, to me there was no joy inside, only emptiness. Perhaps I've leaned too far in the direction of silence and introspection, sitting alone in my home out in the country reading books while the snow falls and being away from people. The minute I sat down on a bench inside, I wanted to leave. This chapel was a wake up call for me to rejoin the world as a creative individual, to get outside and play, to make my own art and joy. 4 stars for the yard outside where I watched birds and squirrels playing in the sun. If you are overwhelmed by the noise of the city and would like to find somewhere to read and meditate without distraction, this is an incredibly peaceful place worth checking out. It just wasn't for me.

Food:

This place seriously makes me wish I'd never given anything else 5 stars... it more so affirms I should have no regrets. Truly inspiring. I was clueless going in. I came out feeling cleansed and empowered. I know I am exactly where I'm supposed to be in this moment and I feel that it is in huge part thanks to visiting this small sirene sacred place.
When I first came in there was only one woman inside of the chapel, reading. I was nearly tempted to kneel and pray, meditate and even wail at the walls a little. It probably would've been ok but I'm sure most who appreciate this place appreciate the pure tranquility it can offer. As other quiet, contemplative persons came in I felt composure through theirs. I can see how certain company could be distracting- not that all shouldn't be welcome. It's just something probably best received as an individual vs a member of a group or someone distracted by a group.

Food:

The purity of the art, with only subtle brush strokes discernible in the field of the paintings, puts enormous pressure on the purity of form and execution in the architecture. The lines of the interior are thoughtfully simple, but the reveals in the ceiling look haphazard by comparison. The lighting is obviously intentionally dim, but is uneven in pattern and in color temperature. The mechanical noise is distracting- all taking away from an attempt at a clearly otherwise distraction-less environment. It is clearly a difficult thing to accomplish, and perhaps even more difficult to maintain. Were the mechanical systems quieter upon installation? Have the lights been replaced with bulbs casting a different quality of light?

Regardless, the effort was worthwhile, and the attempt shows a concern for tranquility that is all to often ignored.

Food:

Famous & beautiful place, featuring Rothko's, of course. Staff is also friendly (a bit weird though) and there was an old lady in front of the Chapel who gave us a lot of info on the Chapel. It really added to the experience.

Food:

First, the chapel is one of the most remarkable spiritual places I've come across, period. Difficult to believe it can be found in Houston. Secondly, if you read these reviews and read about "it's all just black paintings" the reaction to that should not be anger. I feel sorry for them and the inability (or refusal) to see what the paintings are pointing beyond to. Fitting the meditative experience the Chapel inspires, these Rothko works are better thought of as "visual silence." It doesn't speak to you? Not a problem, but do not blame or belittle the avenue for people of some experiential sensitivity to spiritual things.