HERE'S WHO'S POPPING in and what's going down this week in Houston's dynamic restaurant scene.
HOW MUCH PROFUNDITY can be hidden in just a few lines of poetry? How much history can be contained in the pressure of fingers on the strings of a guitar, or the keys of a piano?
Danny Ray and the Atlantic Street Band performs May 31 (photo from dannyrayatlanticstreetband.com)
"At Chapman & Kirby, we are dedicated to curating exceptional experiences for our guests beyond great food and drinks. The Spring Music Series is a testament to our commitment to hospitality from every angle, and we’re excited to show off incredible talent" said Mazen Baltagi, co-owner of Chapman & Kirby.
In partnership with Gulf Coast Entertainment, the Spring Music Series lineup will feature a diverse array of musical talents. Each Friday night will offer a unique, interactive experience for guests, via music, food & beverage and local vendor pop-ups. Doors will open at 6pm, with performances starting promptly at 7pm. Purchase tickets here. The schedule includes:
Chef Royere
Presented to individuals in connection to agriculture such as winemakers, farmers and chefs, the ministerial Ordre of Agricultural Mérit was established in 1883 by French Minister Jules Meline. Former French President François Hollande presented the medal to chef Royere on Tuesday. The merit received by Royere is the second highest ranking award in the French Republic, just behind the Legion of Honour.
Former French President François Hollande presents Executive Chef Jean-Luc Royere with the Ordre du Mérite agricole (photo courtesy of The Post Oak Hotel)
Tilman Fertitta with The Post Oak Hotel's Culinary Team (photo courtesy The Post Oak Hotel)
The Post Oak Hotel General Manager Steven Chao and Executive Chef ean-Luc Royere
"Receiving this distinction is one of the greatest accomplishments of my career to date," said Royere in a statement. "To be honored by my home country here in my chosen city is the culmination of many years of hard work and focus."
Royere moved to Houston in 2017 when he accepted the job for the role of executive chef at The Post Oak, Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta’s 38-story, 250-room luxury hotel. The chef was one of the hotel’s first five employees, and 10 years before that, he received a Master Chef of France Award.
“It was a little gamble to move from The Oriental Hotel in Florida to Houston for a job at a brand-new hotel, but I was blessed to have hired about eight chefs who had worked with me for ten years,” Royere told CityBook. The exec-chef is involved in the culinary hiring and manages about 65 employees including managers and chefs.
Regarding menu creation at the Post Oak’s restaurants, Royere says he shares his vision and encourages his chefs to provide input. “We work together to tweak recipes and menus. I spend the most time and attention on our concept Bloom & Bee as it is opened 17 hours a day,” he explains. Spring is a busy time of the year for the hotel. “We are planning lots of parties, events, and buy-outs as well as special Sunday brunch.”
“We are incredibly proud to see Chef Royere receive this award for his many contributions to the world of gastronomy and culinary,” said Steven Chou, General Manager. “I cannot imagine anyone more deserving.”
Melon Carpaccio and the Strawberry Chill
Chef-owner Dustin Teague has rolled out new veggie-forward dishes to complement the cooler sunny weather. There’s fried eggplant that’s described by the waiter as “cheese sticks but with eggplant instead of cheese.” (And she’s not wrong.) The melon carpaccio is served with a large serving of burrata, which also makes an appearance in the classic and fresh caprese salad. And cheese-lovers rejoice! There’s perfectly gooey whipped feta on the menu as well.
Vegetables also take a starring role in the entrees. The spaghetti alla puttanesca — with olives, tomatoes, capers, lemon, basil and parmesan — is tailormade to be enjoyed on a patio with a cold glass of white wine. For something meatier, try the seared salmon with white beans and leeks.
Liven things up with one of the new spring cocktails: The cereza limeade is made with tequila and sotol from Marfa. Or opt for the berry smash with mezcal, thai basil and charred lemon. Cheers!
Panzanella Caprese Salad
Cereza Limeade
Whipped Feta with the Love and Happiness cocktail
Spaghetti alla Puttanesca
Seared Salmon
Tea Time
