Long-Anticipated Japanese-French Resto Set to Bow in River Oaks on Friday

Long-Anticipated Japanese-French Resto Set to Bow in River Oaks on Friday

Manhattan Roll (photo by Julie Soefer)

THERE’S NO SHORTAGE of interesting fusion food in Houston — but a groundbreaking combo of French and Japanese cuisine along with stunning interior design should place this latest restaurant at the top of your to-do list.


Opening Friday, Dec. 16, at 4411 San Felipe — a new development on Westcreek Lane near River Oaks District — Ciel is the first offering from Houston entrepreneurs Ryan Henry, Adel Sadek and Fasl Ty, who recently joined forces to launch a hospitality group. The kitchen will be helmed by Joseph Geiskopf, who will use fresh and sustainable ingredients to craft dishes that utilize the best of Japanese and French food and techniques. Think sweet-chili oysters, and smoked beef tartare with crispy quinoa.

Inspired by the Côte d’Azur, the 8,000-square-foot restaurant-lounge is named after the French word for “sky” — so it’s fitting that from floor to ceiling, the blue-and-white design is heavenly. Italian porcelain floors and marble tables are countered by deep-blue velvet banquettes, and light fixtures artfully hang from above; in the main dining room, the first-ever 360-degree Barrisol mirror installation helps with acoustics and also serves as a conversation piece.

Meanwhile, in the lounge, a white-marble bar with custom seating will be the perfect place to post up and enjoy inventive cocktails like the La Passion, with infused vanilla vodka, mint, banana liqueur, passion fruit and a bit of bubbly. Fancy vino instead? A wine list with more than 150 selections will have what you need.

“CIEL is an alluring, elegant and festive space designed for an impeccable dining, gathering and entertaining experience in Houston,” said Sadek in a release. “We painstakingly selected every detail in the interior to create a space built for unstuffy fine dining with exceptional cuisine, stylish presentations and beautiful art not found anywhere else in the city that will feel like a portal to a glamorous, fun-filled European getaway.”

Beef Tartare (photo by Julie Soefer)

La Passion (photo by Julie Soefer)

Inside Ciel (photo by Shannon O'Hara)

Sweet Chili Oysters (photo by Julie Soefer)

Filet Mignon (photo by Julie Soefer)

Mademoiselle (photo by Julie Soefer)

Food
‘Culture of Service and Accountability’ Supports Mission of Orion EMS

Gerard O’Brien, President/CEO & Founder, and Sumi Patel, Vice President

HOW DID YOU get where you are today? The EMS industry, quite literally, never stops. Our staff and units are called to serve our community every hour of every day; there are no weekends, holidays, or “days off.” Obviously, the demands of EMS are not for the faint of heart, and we have established a culture of service and accountability that is different than nearly every other organization. Our leadership team sets this culture by exhibiting their passion for this industry daily. Their tireless dedication makes a better experience for our staff when they come to work and for our patients and clients when they call on us to transport their loved ones.

Keep ReadingShow less

David Adickes and Bun B

SOME OF THE CITY'S most influential VIPs gathered at Steak 48 in River Oaks District for the annual toast to CityBook’s “Leaders & Legends,” a recurring franchise for the publication whose past honorees have including a Tony and Grammy winner, a Nobel laureate, a member of Congress, an Olympic medalist, multiple billionaire business moguls, TV stars, artists and scientists of every sort, and the city’s most glamorous and generous socialites.

Keep ReadingShow less
Parties

Tay Butler’s Lawndale installation, spring 2023

DESPITE ITS PAIN and pitfalls, there’s no denying that the pandemic inspired artists like never before. This season, one of the most ambitious public-art projects to emerge from the Covid years comes to a close.

Keep ReadingShow less
Art + Entertainment