UB Preserv Recommits to Telling Houston’s Story Through Food

After a summer of experimental pop-ups, Nick Wong culls the best-of-the-best for new dinner menu debuting this week.

Julie Soefer
UB Preserv Recommits to Telling Houston’s Story Through Food

Underbelly grew to tremendous national acclaim — and brought chef-owner Chris Shepherd, the city and its unparalleled food scene alongside it — thanks to its commitment to telling the story of Houston through food. When the Westheimer building housing Underbelly morphed into Georgia James a couple years ago, the original concept hopped across the street and became UB Preserv.


Over the course of its history, UB Preserv, helmed by rising-star chef Nick Wong, has been spotlighted for inventive, unexpected features — such as dim-sum brunch and, earlier this summer, rotating weekly pop-ups drawing inspiration from British pub cuisine or the famous Momofuku.

And now, having learned a thing or two from this summer's quick-fire menu changes and delicious cultural diversity, Wong says that UB Preserv will “return to its roots" on Wednesday, Sept. 23, once again promising to tell the story of Houston through food. "My style of being more precise and consistent was disrupted—in a good way—by the weekly pop ups," says Wong. "From here on out, we will be changing the menu a lot more frequently. Having that time to play with food has bolstered by confidence about how much time I need to spend perfecting a dish. I now understand Houston and its seasons better and how the cultures within the city converge. My goal is for our food to be less cerebral and more soulful."

Brunch at UB PreservBrunch at UB Preserv

Expect classics and customer faves — pork dumplings, duck-egg curry, Ca Phe Sua Da carrot cake — to appear alongside additions inspired by Wong's culinary adventures this year. Also making a comeback: his famous dim-sum brunch, which has garnered raves from Food & Wine, returns on Sunday from 11am-3pm.

AT TOP: Pork Dumplings

Food
Spa-tacular Getaway Opportunity: Retreat to Mexico this Fall with a Houston Wellness Expert

Palmaïa The House of AïA

THIS FALL, LEBRINA Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, is taking her wisdom and joie de wellness to the jungle. Far beyond the walls of her beautiful spa, she’s aiming to create a quiet space for people to work on their personal growth in a community-centric atmosphere. She shares what participants will get out of the trip and why it’s important to take time for self-care in 2025.

Why is it important for people to “retreat”? Life can feel like a non-stop marathon, and sometimes we forget to just... breathe. Retreating offers a chance to step off the treadmill for a bit and hit the reset button. It's about giving your body and mind some much-needed TLC, allowing for genuine relaxation and rejuvenation. Beyond the personal perks, retreats often create a cool sense of community, connecting you with others on a similar path. By carving out space for self-reflection, you can recharge and return to your daily life with a clearer head and a bit more pep in your step.

Keep Reading Show less
Wellness+Giving Back

Heather Almond and Zinat Ahmed

NEARLY 1,700 GUESTS headed to Cotton Ranch in Katy for Cotton Holdings’ 13th annual CrawFest — a Texas-sized evening of food and music. The event raised a record-breaking $768,000 for the Cotton Foundation, which supports families facing disaster, illness and hardship.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

Maddy and Patrick Moffitt and Christina and David McAllen

A DERBY WATCH party was so much more than the fastest two minutes in sports! The Post Oak Hotel hosted the Hats, Hearts & Horseshoes event benefiting Bo's Place, and the most fashionable and philanthropic Houstonians turned out.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties