food

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.”