Now Let Us Prey

Dig into celeb chef Chris Shepherd’s bloody unique new steakhouse, set in an old Montrose church.

Julie Soefer
img_614
img_614

Formerly Mark’s American Cuisine for nearly two decades, and a ’20s-era church in its original life, the cathedral-esque structure near the corner of Westheimer and Dunlavy is again reborn. Celebrated Underbelly chef Chris Shepherd has opened the first iteration of his One Fifth: One Fifth Steak.


Far from traditional in every sense, the two-story dining concept — which features stained glass windows by Houston street artist Gonzo 247 — will rotate every year for five years; by fall it will become Romance Languages and feature Western European fare. The art, including the windows, and Matthew Tabor art deco pieces, will also rotate.

Thoughtful nuances like candles in glass jars brought out to each table seem to be nothing more than tchotchkes, but at closer glance turn out to little lanterns fueled by rendered down Wagyu beef fat accompanied with house-made sourdough. A bright idea — and edible! The single-page menu is equal parts simple and impressive. The grilled bacon sausage, served over crispy hash browns with crème fraiche, is made in house, while the steaks, sourced from local purveyors 44 Farms and Marble Ranch, are cooked in cast-iron, and are best paired with sides like the twice-baked potatoes or “lamburger helper” — Shepherd’s grownup take on hamburger helper.

Shepherd’s eclectic tastes span beyond the menu to the vast dining space, which has welcomed the addition of a cocktail bar and raw bar, where your attention will likely be drawn to the baby-blue velvet framed picture of Mr. Spock. Why? “Why not!” exclaim the bar staff, who say it’s supposed to spur conversation.

And because Chris Shepherd wants it there.

Uncategorized
Leadership in Action: Entrepreneur Saba Syed of Moroccan Bath Determined to Build ‘Lasting Legacy’

Saba Syed, Founder of Oasis Moroccan Bath

How did you get to where you are today? My journey began with a need to be financially independent and an even a deeper drive to create a lasting legacy. The centuries-old Hammam tradition has always fascinated me—not just for its relaxation benefits, but for its holistic approach to cleansing the body, mind, and soul. So, combining my passion with a vision to bring an authentic yet luxurious Hammam spa experience to Houston, I took the leap less than two years ago to open my own spa.

Keep Reading Show less

ON JAN. 3, 2025, I observed a big personal anniversary. As of that day, it’d been 20 years since I first moved to Houston — from the Big Apple media circus, by way of my home state of Louisiana — and began working as an editor in the lifestyle-magazine biz here. It’s been two full decades, which is hard to believe! I like to joke that I’m far too young and good-looking to have done anything for two decades. But here we are.

Keep Reading Show less

Christopher Salazar stars as troubled-genius chef in the Alley's 'Seared'.

ONE OF HOUSTON'S favorite theater makers — Alley Associate Artistic Director Brandon Weinbrenner — has gotten some delicious news about his latest show. The run of his Seared, a sometimes-funny and sometimes-intense tale of life in the kitchen at a suddenly hot New York restaurant by playright Theresa Rebeck, has been extended beyond its original schedule and will now be up through March 9.

Keep Reading Show less
Food+Travel