Sante Lounge, 2309 Richmond, opened December 10 in the Upper Kirby area. The elegant cocktail bar offers guests a European-inspired experience with hand-crafted cocktails and a food menu that includes caviar, oysters and handmade flatbreads. Owner Sina Kahef has taken inspiration from his own global travels including a visit to Paris in which the vision first began to form. While sipping champagne, Kahef dreamed of bringing a taste of the European nightlife back home to Houston.
The word sante means cheers in French and there are plenty of cocktails to toast tablemates or special dates. With a bar program led by Matthew Medina, aka The Cocktail Cowboy, guests will find fine art- inspired drinks like The Three Graces, Sante’s take on an Amaretto Sour. It’s made with WhistlePig Rye 6, Amaretto, fresh lemon juice, egg white and rich gum syrup. A Paloma-like cocktail, Man at the Crossroads, takes its cue from Diego Rivera’s painting of the same name. Other artsy beverages include Three Pears Old Fashioned, Le Grand Canal and The Merry Drinker. There are also two large format cocktails for the table.
In addition to the signature cocktails, there are classic drinks plus wine and champagne.
To complement the bar offerings, there is a menu that features a make-your-own caviar service, a trio of bar snacks and meat and cheese boards. The Mezze Experience offers hummus and squash tahini served with pita bread. In keeping with the international art theme, there are flatbreads like The Frida made with Mexican chorizo, white sauce and an avocado-poblano drizzle.
The international flair doesn’t end there. The interior is softly illuminated by vintage chandeliers giving a glow to the jewel-toned lounge seating. Two three-hundred-year-old olive trees add to the European feel in the garden section which also houses the large bar. A rotating art collection adorns the walls and a DJ booth is in the spin room section. There’s also a cozy outdoor lounge.
There’s an upscale dress code beginning at 8 p.m. Though most normal human beings would know better than to wear flip flops or joggers to a sophisticated cocktail bar, there are a few folks who still have to be reminded.
Pok Pok Po, 3201 Louisiana, opened December 2 in the former home of upscale French restaurant Artisans. While the new fried chicken concept is more casual, it comes from Kahani Social Group, the hospitality company behind the elegant Indian fine dining restaurant Amrina.
In fact, Amrina was where the idea for the chicken parlor was born. Chef Jassi Bindra, who helms the kitchen at the modern Indian restaurant, was experimenting with a brunch dish of crispy fried chicken and his own handcrafted hot sauce. The experiment was a success with partners Preet and Surpreet Singh giving the thumbs up as well as the clientele.
The intense flavors come from Indian Kashmiri red chili powder with a unique blend of herbs. The fried chicken is made with gluten-free flour and starch batter. On the menu are items like the Chicken Sandwich made with a crispy boneless chicken thigh coated in Chef Bindra’s signature sauce. It’s served on a potato bun and dressed with iceberg lettuce and desi kimchi. There are also Fried Chicken Strips and The Loaded Chic Fries. Guests can also try the fried chicken in the Loaded Rice & Shine bowl with steamed basmati rice, house-made sauce, desi kimchi and a choice of chicken breast or thigh meat.
To complement the spice, there are beers like Arka Lager, an American-style lager from India. Guests can also enjoy a variety of THC drinks offered in partnership with 8th Wonder Brewery. There is a traditional Mango Lassi as well as fountain beverages and energy drinks.
Mercato and Company, 3642 University Boulevard, opens December 14 in Rice Village. The Italian market, cafe and bottle shop has a plethora of goodies for gourmands and gourmets. It also boasts an exclusive coffee program managed by Ella Coffee owner, Laura Marino.
The new market comes from founder Arlene Ventura who lived in Italy for many years and is passionate about bringing those flavors to Houston. In a press release she said, “We’re dedicated to offering the finest Italian and European artisanal products, thoughtfully paired with select and domestic goods, to deliver exceptional culinary experiences-whether at Mercato or in your own home.”
Helping Ventura in her mission to “elevate the way people eat, shop and connect” is chef partner Tatiana Perna, a classically-trained chef and co-founder of Il Sorbo 1384 at the Podere 1384 resort in the Chianti region of Italy. In early 2025, Ventura and Perna plan to expand the concept with Osteria di Mercato, a restaurant and wine bar that will serve authentic Italian dishes for both lunch and dinner along with a curated wine list.
On the market side, customers will find a wide array of in-house cured meats along with a variety of cheeses. For home cooks, there are premium olive oils, imported canned goods and artisanal spices. Though many of the pantry staples are sourced from Italy and Europe, there are local goods as well including produce from Texas farms. Shoppers will also enjoy the selection of Italian wines by the bottle and an assortment of home goods and gifts.
In addition to the Ella Coffee program, there are fresh pastries and focaccia for enjoying on the go or in the cafe. There is also a selection of paninis made with fresh ingredients and artisanal bread.
Slowpokes, 10505 Deerwood, opened December 9 at Rowan on the Trails in the Westchase area. It’s number six for the coffeehouse and cafe which also operates locations in Spring Branch, GOOF, Kirby Grove, West University and Memorial.
First opened in 2016 by Mazen Baltagi, the coffee shop prides itself on its in-house roasted beans and wide selection of coffee drinks including its house-brewed cold brew, which is available by the bottle as well. Coffee is not its only beverage option, though. There is beer and wine and its happy hour deals are available Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to close with $4 drafts and $5 glasses of wine. Friends and partners can enjoy the Bottle + Board special which includes a choice of red or white wine by the bottle and a charcuterie board for $25.
The food menu at Slowpokes features breakfast items such as Berry Parfait, Breakfast Tacos, Kolaches and the Breakfast Bagel. There are also lunch and dinner offerings like a selection of flatbreads and salads. Other meal options include sandwiches, wraps and snacks like the Hummus Plate, empanadas and its popular Churro Donuts.
The Westchase location is near hike and bike trails making it a perfect stop off for a caffeine boost or a cool-down beverage. There is seating for 40 guests indoors with extra space for 30 on the covered patio.
Flying Biscuit Cafe, 12020 FM 1960, opens December 16 in Cypress. The Southern-inspired breakfast and brunch restaurant just celebrated 30 years in business and now has over three dozen locations in Southern cities like Atlanta, Birmingham, Charlotte, Raleigh, Greenville, Charleston, Colombia and Gainesville. The Cypress location makes six for the Greater Houston area.
Besides the fluffy biscuits it makes in each store daily, the cafe offers a menu that accommodates a number of dietary needs. The menu offers daytime favorites like Benedicts, Scrambles and Omelettes, Breakfast Tacos and a variety of “Oh My Grits” Bowls. There are vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options for those being nice and a Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast for those being naughty.
For the grand opening week, Flying Biscuit Cypress will offer a different $1 deal each day. Guests can enjoy Flying Biscuit Breakfast on December 16, Stuffed French Toast December 17, Hangover Hash December 18, Mr. Big Burger December 19 and Shrimp & Creamy Dreamy Grits December 20.
Hidden Omakase, 5353 W. Alabama, has launched its lunch service. The Michelin-recommended tasting restaurant only offers two reserved seatings a night for its omakase but now walk-ins are welcome for its lunch service which runs Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The lunch menu offers sides like miso soup, edamame and onion tempura plus crudo and hand rolls. On the nigiri/sashimi side are items such as Spicy Chopped Scallops, Big Eye Tuna, A5 Wagyu and Kanpachi. Specials include Uni Toast and Pork Belly Hand Roll.
The restaurant is also launching its new seasonal menu on New Year’s Eve which will run for a limited time in 2025. The 16-course menu is $225 per person and includes a welcome drink, a special gift bag and a Hidden Omakase chopstick holder. For New Year’s Eve only, there will be champagne toasts and a surprise course from Chef Marcos Juarez.
Goodcents Subs, 2206-D Katy Flewellen, has moved its December 2024 opening to January 2025 due to a delay in inspections. The new grand opening date has yet to be determined.
Jersey Mike’s Subs, 22219 FM 529, opens December 18 in Katy. The new sandwich shop from franchisee Scott Agan will host its grand opening and fundraiser for Reach Unlimited December 18 through December 22. The donations are made via a special coupon handed out prior to opening in which customers receive a regular sub in exchange for a minimum $3 contribution to Reach Unlimited.
The restaurant is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. for dine-in and pick-up. Orders may be made through the Jersey Mike’s app or the website. Delivery is available through third-party services.
Clutch City Cluckers, 4815 Fairmont Parkway, is having a two-day grand opening December 21 and December 22 in Pasadena. The first 100 customers in line December 21 will receive a free meal and customers will receive 50 percent off the rest of the day. There will be a ribbon cutting for the new food truck followed by the Spicy Tender Challenge in which the top three participants will win cash prizes. A DJ and live entertainment wiil keep the party going. The following day, December 22, menu items will be half-price all day.
Known for its Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches and loaded fries, it features a number of ways to get your spicy chicken fix. There are wraps, tender baskets, tacos and even a salad. Fried shrimp and wings are on the menu as well.
If the fried chicken is a cheat item, you might as well add a little more caloric damage with a milkshake or ice cream float.
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2024.
