Openings
Chef Chris Shepherd, formerly of Catalan Food & Wine, is working on opening Underbelly, a Westheimer Road restaurant. It will focus on the same kinds of food he developed at Catalan, combining local ingredients and his love of whole pigs; he even plans to have a full-scale butcher shop onsite.
News
Bytes
A Titanic Meal
If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy the same meal that was the last one served in the first class dining room aboard the Titanic, here’s your chance. The American Culinary Federation, Texas Chefs Association Houston Chapter, will be hosting its Fiftieth Chef’s Ball on Saturday, February 11. The gala will include cocktails and live entertainment as well as the same seven-course meal served on R.M.S. Titanic the night it sunk on its maiden voyage. The dinner includes oyster a la russe, poached salmon, filet de boeuf lili and a seven-layer cake. Tickets to the event are $100. For reservations, call executive chef Lester Binnick at 832-428-3209.
Chef Shuffle
Michael Kramer, formerly of Voice and the Tasting Room, has left his post at Felix 55 Restaurant & Bar. Felix 55 Restaurant & Bar, Rice Village, 5510 Morningside, Houston, TX 77005, 713-590-0610.
Closings
Cabo --- the downtown spot known for fish tacos and strong margaritas that opened in 1998 --- quietly closed in January. Although the voicemail and website are still working, the owners posted a sign on the window. There was no reason given for the closing, but some reports have speculated that the lack of foot traffic in the area could have been part of the reason. Another Tex-Mex style eatery also recently shuttered in downtown. The previous Cabo location in Shepherd Plaza closed in 2004. Cabo, 419 Travis St., Houston, TX 77002, no phone.
Gravitas, the once popular restaurant in the restored Antone's Famous Po' Boys & Deli site on Taft Street, has been pretty much off the foodie radar since chef Scott Tycer parted ways very publicly with fellow chef Jason Gould in 2009. After Tycer closed his other restaurant, Textile, a year and a half ago to focus on his Kraftsmen Baking company it wasn't a big surprise when he sold the Gravitas business to a limited partnership last March. But what was surprising was that Tycer bought it back in November and then suddenly closed the restaurant on January 8. In a statement posted on the door, employees and guests were told: "Words cannot express how sorry we are that this had to happen with such short notice. Scott Tycer and Gravitas Management did everything in their power to keep the restaurant open for our loyal customers and keep all of you employed." No word yet on what the building owners plan to do with the space. Gravitas, 807 Taft St., Houston, TX 77019, no phone.
View our calendar of Wine Dinners & Tastings in Houston |
Splurging at top-rated restaurants is fun for special events, but where can you go for a good quality meal that won't break the bank? Gather the change out of your piggy bank and sofa cushions and take it to one of our selections for the best cheap eats in your area. Also, check out our picks for the Top 40 Cheap Eats in the U.S.
