Laval and Schmit
THE FRENCH COWBOY, a.k.a. chef Philippe Schmit, has announced his return to the Houston restaurant scene. Years ago, he was a household name among Houston foodies, thanks to his stints at Bistro Moderne and his eponymous Philippe Restaurant + Lounge in Uptown. Next week, on March 9, his modern French restaurant called PS21 debuts in the Richmond space previously home to Queen Vic and Olive & Twist.
The "P" is for Philippe, naturally, and the "S" is for his business partner, Sebastien Laval, who is a force behind some of the city's most popular restaurants, including MAD, Musaafer, Le Colonial and Ciel.
“I am excited to get back in the saddle,” said Schmit in a release. “PS21 will be a much more laid-back experience than my previous restaurants, as it will be more of a return to my roots and to the authentic style of cooking that I enjoy.” On the menu: a codfish spread with grilled focaccia; duck breast Wellington; lobster bisque; and steak tartare Rossini with seared foie gras and truffle vinaigrette.
For his part, Laval has had a heavy hand in the cocktail program, and PS21 promises unique seasonal bevs that homage different cultures with which France has interacted — Asia, Africa and North America. For example, the Casablanca is a nod to the French-Arabic connection, with turmeric-infused rum, raw al hangout syrup, cardamom bitters and bergamot liqueur. Additionally, a 50-label wine list touts exclusively French wines, with prices ranging from $49 to $250 a bottle.
PS21 is slated to open March 9. Dinner is serve Tues.-Sat.; happy hour, lunch and brunch will be added soon.
Crispy salmon
The bar
Vegan bouillabaisse
Itai and Lin Ben Eli 
