Big Changes Afoot at Legendary Fine-Dining Staple

Big Changes Afoot at Legendary Fine-Dining Staple

Tony's dining room / photo by STP Images

NEARLY A YEAR and a half after the passing of its namesake, a fine-dining restaurant that set the tone for elegance in the industry has announced big changes.


Tony Vallone’s wife, Donna, has named a new executive chef — though “new” isn’t exactly the most accurate description. Kate McLean, who spent seven years in the kitchen at Tony’s, will return as executive chef and partner after nearly five years away. In the interim, McLean connected with different aspects of the industry such as bartending, podcasting and food-writing, including several pieces for CityBook. Former executive chef Austin Waiter is “moving on to a new opportunity,” per a release.

Although Tony’s is well known for its appeal to the society set — and celebs and politicians; no fewer than seven U.S. presidents have sampled Tony’s fare — Vallone always insisted his real legacy would be perfectly executed Italianate food, served up with top-flight service to an exacting standard. McLean and Donna intend on preserving that legacy, while adding new elements to the dining experience.

“When I walk into Tony’s it feels unlike anywhere else — I feel different there in the most wonderful way,” said McLean in a statement. “I am blessed to have had 10 years with Tony, both professionally and later as friends. I watched him, asked questions, and made sure I was someone worth mentoring.”

McLean will put her own stamp on Tony’s in 2022, with events like a new annual party on “Tony Vallone Day,” April 1. She’ll create new tasting menus each season, with approachable prices and wine pairings, and personally curate playlists for different areas of the restaurant at different times of the day.

Happy-hour offerings will soon include “elevated finger foods,” a la foie gras cotton candy and parmesan-wrapped A5 wagyu. And Tony’s famous caviar service will now include the option of bottle service — think vodka served tableside in an ice block.

“I’m ready and eager to reconnect with the Tony’s team and step into my new role helping Donna steer the business,” said McLean. “It’s a happy homecoming!”

Kate McLean and Donna Vallone with the late Tony Vallone / photo courtesy Tony's

Food
As Escape Spa Expands in 2025, Owner Has Advice on Personal Growth: ‘Focus on Intention Setting’

CHANGE IS A good thing, and with the start of a new year, I always like to reflect on how far I've come and start fresh by setting self-care goals for the coming months. Personal growth is a passion for me, and also something I enjoy. Guiding a business through growth and change is also one of my passions, so I am very pleased to announce that Escape Spa is going to be expanding in 2025! We’re honored that we’ve built such a loyal following since opening in Cypress in July of 2022, and we’re thrilled to be in a position to grow our wellness and recovery sanctuary just outside of Houston.

Keep ReadingShow less

Chairs Brady and Zane Carruth, Brittany and Adam Clark

IT ALREADY FEELS like spring in Houston and the spring social season is here with it! 375 guests donned in white-tie flocked to The Post Oak Hotel for the annual Houston Symphony Ball, one of the city’s most anticipated and A-list galas.

Keep ReadingShow less
Parties

A new look from the soft landings collection

FROM THE OWNERS of popular Montrose haunts Traveler’s Table and Traveler’s Cart is another jetset-focused business. Owners Thy and Matthew Mitchell launched Foreign Fare in the fall of 2023 with long-haul travelers in mind. The pieces are wrinkle-free and designed to be functional as well as stylish. The line was recently featured in Travel & Leisure as a “first class look.”

Keep ReadingShow less