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News for Restaurants in Houston
March 2009 Archive

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HOUSTON RESTAURANT NEWS

Openings

La Torretta Del Lago Resort & Spa, on the shore of Lake Conroe just 55 miles north of Houston, offers boating and fishing, a spa and a water playground. And it also offers nine restaurants including chef Albert Roux’s first American establishment. Roux, the culinary king behind London’s Le Gavroche, opened Chez Roux at the resort with a grand party March 7. The compact eatery offers fine dining with a lakeside view, a private dining room and chef’s table overlooking the kitchen. Roux plans to return four times a year to tweak his seasonal menus. But while Chez Roux is the jewel of La Torretta, it’s not the only restaurant. The resort is fast becoming a foodie destination with choices ranging from a poolside burger shack to excellent sushi. Chef Robert Juan, from Chicago’s Fairmont, now heads Yoi Sushi Bar where he slices fresh fish and whips up creative bites like his yet-to-be-named delicate crab slices on the half shell topped with sea urchin butter. Executive chef Joseph Trevino says the resort has more restaurant seats “then heads in beds.” Besides assembling a culinary team from around the country, he’s also been busy meeting with local producers. Chez Roux, La Torretta Del Lago Resort & Spa, 600 La Torretta Blvd., Montgomery, TX 77356, 936-448-4400.
 

News Bytes

Brennan's Will Be Back
Co-owner Alex Brennan Martin stood with Houston Mayor Bill White in front of the burned-out shell of the famous Brennan's of Houston on March 3 and gave foodies the good news: The restaurant will reopen in the historic location in October of this year. When Hurricane Ike hit Houston, Brennan's was badly damaged by a fire. The roof and most of the second floor of the 1930s Vieux Carré-inspired building were destroyed. Now, construction work has begin to rebuild and return the structure to its original state.  "We'll bring it back to the future," said owner Brennan Martin. "Unfortunately we're used to this. The family's Commander's Palace in New Orleans was closed for 15 months after Katrina," said Martin. Former executive chef Randy Evans won't be returning, opting instead to open Haven, his own restaurant. Martin, however, does have a new chef who will be announced soon. Also on tap for the family business: two new eateries opening this summer in Hotel Sorella in the still-under construction CityCentre development. Brennan's of Houston, 3300 Smith St., Houston, TX 77006, 713-522-9711.
 

Chef Shuffle

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Closings

CLOSED FOR GOOD
Take your taste buds on a walk down memory lane! Check out our exclusive closed restaurant database for Houston to virtually visit your favorite dining spots from yesteryear. Zula, R.I.P.

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CULINARY EVENTS
Want to
learn to cook? Try new dishes? Meet a foodie friend for fun? Check out our compilation of culinary events in your area.


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