Update 4/11:  A press release sent to Houston Press notes that "due to unforeseen circumstances, this partnership has been discontinued until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience, but wanted to inform you as soon as possible so that there would not be any further postings or mentions concerning the special menu." Last week, Texas game wardens alleged that Ruggles Black chef/restaurateur Bruce Molzan had been running one of the biggest illegal seafood networks in Texas history.

Ruggles Black is presenting a special menu in conjunction with Cirque du Soleil's return to Houston. For a limited time only, to coincide with the running dates of Kurios-Cabinet of Curiosities, chef Bruce Molzan and his team have created a tasty selection of unique plates, including a cocktail and a dessert, for diners to enjoy from the premiere of the show on April 6 through May 21. Houston Press had a preview of the menu over the weekend.

The fun and creative items are delightfully named after characters from Kurios. The Mini Lili's Mango Orange Mojito is the only cocktail that appears as the Opening Act. It's a wonderful balance of citrusy sweet and tart flavors garnished with fresh mint and a slice of orange. ($13)


The Main Acts selection is a broad range of paleo-friendly deliciousness. The Cirque Paleo Buffalo Chili, a mixture of ground buffalo meat and an onion trio of white, green and purple, is topped with goat cheese, curls of thin sweet potato crisps, spicy micro-greens and a sunny-side up quail egg. The dish is tangy and full of bold flavors, with just a hint of heat present. ($13)


The Contortionist Taco is presented with roughly chopped lobster, perfectly sautéed with Cuban spices inside a "taco shell" that could very well replace our taco shells on the regular. Chef Molzan told the Press that he uses almond flour, coconut flour, egg whites and herbs to create the thin and crispy crepe-like shell. ($18)


Microcosmos' New York Strip is a medium-grilled, grass-fed natural steak rubbed with Szechuan peppers and topped with an out-of-this-world orange-lime garlic mustard compound butter, and is served with roasted vegetables and a cauliflower mash. ($35)


Klara's Caribbean Fish & Chips, a lightly fried white fish with sweet potato fries, arrives with orange habanero kimchi sauce and mini mojo dipping sauce, accompanied by an Asian peach and papaya slaw. The slaw is very good and the heat of the habanero in the kimchi sauce is subtle. ($25)

Nico's Rice con Pollo is a delicious cauliflower rice cooked with East Indian and Caribbean spices and presented with a grilled marinated chicken breast. The roasted asparagus is a nice touch. ($23)


YoYo's Tequila Lime Cake is the sweet Encore item on the menu. The angel food cake is generously drizzled with a candied syrup of lime and orange peel and served with a scoop of homemade coconut ice cream on top. ($9)


Publicist for Kurios Jeff Lovari told the Press that this show marks the 35th creation of Cirque du Soleil. "What makes this show different is the audience will be closer to the performers onstage." He added that "the director stripped away the more overtly technological aspects, like projections and automations, to focus more on the human performances in the show and the storytelling."

Kurios is set during the Industrial Revolution. "It's actually the first time a Cirque show has been set in a real time period," said Lovari. The show follows the main character as he is inspired by the incredible inventions of that period to bring his own creations to life.

Kurios-Cabinet of Curiosities is premiering under the tents at the Sam Houston Race Park at 7575 North Sam Houston Parkway from April 6 through May 21. Tickets range from $35 to $175. Tickets are available for purchase to the general public at cirquedusoleil.com/kurios or calling 1-877-9-CIRQUE.

Ruggles Black, 3963 Kirby, 832-530-4493