After Chef Philippe Schmit left his namesake restaurant, Philippe, back in September, the chef de cuisine at the time, Manuel Pucha, took the reins as executive chef. Now, Philippe's name will change to Table; the restaurant will close on Saturday, January 11, to prepare for its reopening, which is scheduled for March. Houston Chronicle's Greg Morago explains that the restaurant will be completely remodeled -- décor and menu. The bar downstairs will be twice as big as it is now and will offer a special menu from 3-5 p.m. Table's bar will focus more on cocktails and craft beers. Chef Pucha will create a menu filled with dishes that reflect his culinary style of contemporary and updated American dishes. The Chronicle previews a few possible menu items, such as tuna tartare with citrus-infused olive oil and cilantro, baked oysters, brick chicken and vegetable "flights." Morago's article also notes that Schmit is in Houston and might open a new restaurant. More to come about that possibility.
La Guadalupana did not reopen after the holidays, but have no fear, Mexican pastry lovers, because the quaint bakery and cafe is not permanently closed. Eater reports that La Guadalupana will reopen on Saturday, January 11. While the reason for the temporary closure has yet to be determined, Eater explains that owner Trancito Diaz has plans to open a shopping center in Pasadena, where he would likely open his second cafe.
Although Brian O'Neill's had a "Farewell Brian O'Neill's New Year's Eve Party," the Irish bar and pub is not closed, and won't be closing any time soon. On January 2, Brian O'Neill's posted on Facebook, "Despite all the rumors Brian O'Neill's is still open and is not closing soon, so come in tonight for $3 Irish Car Bombs, $2 red snappers, and $2 buttery nipples all night long! Specials on all Texas drafts and liquors as well." The pub has not released any information about remodeling or closing to rebrand.
We received word that LOLA Catering + Events, LLC has opened a new storefront, at 2280 W. Holcombe Blvd. The catering and events service moved there in the fall, and is now open and serving takeout lunch and dinner; LOLA will still offer catering services from this location. Chef Richard Hendry will serve staple LOLA dishes, such as the apple gorgonzola salad and the LOLA burger, as well as a variety of new sides, soups and desserts.
B4-U-Eat's newsletter cleared up some confusion with the Fish & The Knife this week. According to the owner, the restaurant will open in about three weeks. Rumors had spread that the restaurant might be far from opening, based on the disappearance of its Facebook page and because its opening had been delayed for quite some time. However, the Facebook page was removed because a former employee created the page.
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