Kam Franklin (photo courtesy of Mint Talent Group)
Kicking things off this Thursday is Grammy-nominated New Orleans-based ensemble Tank and the Bangas with special guests, Houston’s own roots reggae, lovers rock, and Jamaican dancehall ambassadors Sunami Force. Founded by bassist Susie Hernandez, Sunami Force describes their mission as “to bring positive energy and promotion of higher consciousness through sweet reggae music.” Sounds like the perfect opening act for Tank and the Bangas, who blew up after winning the 2017 NPR Tiny Desk contest. Their feel-good music is a joyful amalgamation of New Orleans funk, hip-hop, nu-jazz and neo-soul.
Other upcoming, must-see Thursday night acts include Texas soul singer Micah Edwards, who will open for the always-resplendent Kam Edwards on May 11. We’ve kept our eye on Edwards ever since he dropped his now heavily streamed single “Girl from the Valley” back in 2021. We anticipate he’ll perform plenty of songs from his latest album Jean Leon, which is all that and a bag of chips. Meanwhile, Franklin, best known as the lead singer for The Suffers, one of Houston’s most popular musical exports, continues to stretch out into unexpected sonic directions, while never forgetting her gospel, folk, and classic soul roots.
Micah Edwards (photo by Philip Emerson)
UHD Concert Series (photo by Morris Malakoff)
French white asparagus at Le Jardinier
Bastion Collection culinary director Alain Verzeroli graced Houston last week to oversee the direction of the kitchen. The Michelin-starred chef is in town every few months to check in with the chef de cuisine and perfect the evolving menus. “We like to change the menus and add local flavors every season. It gives our guests something new and fresh to look forward to,” Verzeroli tells CityBook.
Classics remain, including French white asparagus and Murray’s burrata with rhubarb compote, while newcomers have joined the party through spring. Dishes executed by chef de cuisine Felipe Botero are light and bright but always taste indulgent made with prime ingredients. Botero, who worked at Le Jardinier in New York City before moving to Houston, is dishing out poached shrimp with cucumber herb yogurt as well as crawfish bisque and spring onion risotto with blue oysters and morel mushrooms. Mains include grilled swordfish with black garlic coulis and beef tenderloin with braised turnip and broccolini and horseradish.
For a culinary trip, opt for the five-course Seasonal Expression tasting menu: Flavors of the Islamic World ($185). Highlights include spiced roasted lamb with aubergine (eggplant) mousse and basmati rice and delicately seared Ora King salmon crowned with smoked trout roe. For dessert, go for the artisanal selection of fine cheeses, or something sweet like the passion fruit cream and citrus pavlova. Courses can be paired with wine for an additional fee. Note that Le Jardinier newly offers Monday dinner service from 5-9PM, which means the restaurant is now open nightly.
And then there’s the weekend, which means brunch. “With wall-to-wall windows overlooking the sculpture garden, the space is ideal for brunch and lunch as well as beautiful evenings. Daytime brings a colorful, fun atmosphere,” culinary director Verzeroli told Houston CityBook. Tuck into the smoked salmon rillette Benedict and asparagus; garden salad with avocado, shaved vegetables and tarragon vinaigrette; beef tenderloin, or spinach mushroom omelet. The whimsical Key lime tart finale with coconut ice cream offers the perfect balance between tart and sweet with stunning plating.
With Mother’s Day right around the corner, now you know where to go — hint, hint!
Murray's burrata
Felipe Botero and Alain Verzeroli
Spice roasted lamb