Right Track

Alongside the railroad tracks and funky warehouses of the arts district, relaxed, urbane Poitín scores.

Trevor Gerland
Braised Lamb Neck
Braised Lamb Neck

The namesake liquor of the Washington Avenue Arts District’s new Poitín is oft described as Irish moonshine. And so, when tasting it for the first time — in The First Rule Is, a spin on a fruity gin-and-egg-whites Clover Club cocktail — you might brace for rubbing-alcohol harshness. But, like almost everything about Dubliner Ian Tucker’s stylish Poitín (2313 Edwards St., in Sawyer Yards, 713.470.6686), it’s actually unexpectedly unassuming. It’s like vodka’s quietly offbeat cousin.


Even Tucker himself, the Balls Out Burger impresario who affected a broodingly handsome air for his profile portrait in CityBook this spring, is actually affable and easygoing. “As an immigrant, I have been embraced by the Houston community,” he says, explaining the good-natured ethos of his new eatery. “I have envisioned this restaurant to be a culinary embodiment of the city’s inclusive spirit.”

Old Graceful Rose 2The Old Graceful Rose with Maker’s Mark, Lillet Rose, vanilla, port and floral water.

The ambitiously large-scale Poitín, dark and industrial with a big-city-bar vibe inside — with an herb-garden-ringed patio in back overlooking first an active train track, then in turns in the distance, a warehouse rehearsal site for rock bands and an expansive, glittery new take on the Downtown skyline — seeks to homage Houston’s diversity in its menu. The flavors of the multicultural menu by New Orleans-born Kiran’s alum Dominick Lee are just about the only thing at Poitín that aren’t surprisingly understated. Bold tastes dominate. The hummus appetizer is topped with “pulled” harissa-zinged lamb neck, and La Galhina is a half chicken that’s marinated in Thai-spiced coconut milk before grilling.

Poitín, which adds brunch in June, is a uniquely urbane experience, a laidback vision of Houston, as seen through the eyes of a hip European.

AT TOP: Poitín’s harissa-spiked braised lamb neck with dates, prunes and cauliflower couscous

Uncategorized
Ancient French Wellness Cures Reimagined at Houston’s Escape Spa: The Power of Vichy

Serial entrepreneur and spa visionary LeBrina Jackson

NESTLED IN THE heart of France, the town of Vichy holds a rich history in the world of wellness and hydrotherapy. Acquiring fame for their alkaline springs in the 17th century, the Romans were among the first to recognize the therapeutic benefits of the springs. They established a French spa known as “Vichy,” which still exists today and continues to attract spa-goers from around the world to experience the transformative effects of hydrotherapy.

Keep Reading Show less

Betty Hrncir, Sidney Faust, Julie Baker Finck

ACTUAL WINTER WEATHER was in the forecast the night of the Winter Ball, benefiting the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and honoring the Women of Distinction, a festive and fitting detail that sparked a flurry of conversation at the Omni Hotel.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

Concert of Arias finalists on the Wortham stage, including first place and audience choice winner Geonho Lee of South Korea, third from left. (Photo by Michael Bishop)

LONG ONE OF the HGO’s most exciting evenings on the calendar — Artistic and Music Director Patrick Summers called it the best night of the year — the 37th Annual Concert of Arias and gala dinner afterward dazzled and inspired opera fans.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment