Houston’s best new restaurant showed off for CultureMap readers on Tuesday night. Leo’s River Oaks served a meal the sold-out crowd won’t soon forget for round two of the CultureMap Tasting Table dinner series.

Prior to entering Leo’s posh, Art Deco-inspired dining room, guests couldn’t help but notice the two, well-appointed Land Rover Range Rovers stationed at the valet stand, courtesy of presenting sponsor Land Rover Houston Central. Once inside, everyone stopped by the bar for a sweet sip created by event sponsor Weber Ranch Vodka. As Culinary Khancepts culinary director Justin Yoakum worked the room, Leo’s staff circulated with bites of shrimp ceviche and beef carpaccio. Prior to taking their seats, guests posed for a caricature from NXTLVL Events.

Having won the title of Best New Restaurant at the CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, diners undoubtedly had sky high expectations for the meal. Executive chef Kirk Thompson and his team easily cleared the bar, serving a four-course meal that showcased some of the restaurant’s most popular fare. Of course, no one was more delighted to see chef Kirk shine than his proud parents, Seliece and Lee Womble, who snagged a prime table for the occasion.

As the lightly dressed house salad made its way to diners, Gow Media CEO Jacob Swain welcomed the night’s attendees. After a hearty cheers, we were off.

Leo’s followed the salad with a dish that showcases the last vestiges of spring with a well executed, properly al dente pea and asparagus risotto. After a palate-cleansing citrus sorbet, properly medium rare filet mignon arrived with an accompaniment of roasted carrots. The few vegetarians in the room got an extra special treat with Leo’s fan favorite truffle-mushroom agnolotti. A mascarpone cheesecake, served with sweet and tart and strawberries and raspberries, ended the meal on just the right note.

Speaking of notes, piano player Thomas Cokinos stole the show with his lively turn at the restaurant’s baby grand. Sure, we expected to hear standards from piano men such as Billy Joel (“My Life”) and Elton John (“I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues," among others), but it was a note perfect performance of Lil’ Troy’s iconic anthem “Wanna Be a Baller” that had people dancing and singing along the loudest.

Seen in the crowd were Houston influencer Imani Guillory, Gow Media CRO Lindsey Harvel, a number of execs from Culinary Khancepts, Brynn Lehman from Weber Ranch Vodka, and CultureMap contributor Emily Cotton.

We had so much fun with the first two Tasting Table dinners that we’ll be back for more soon. Make sure to follow CultureMap on Instagram so you don’t miss out on future announcements.

  

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Grace Gonzalez, Hillary Graham, and Jacquelyn Barrios.