Introducing il Bracco

Houston's vets opening exciting Italian restaurant in prime Galleria-area spot

A Dallas-based Italian restaurant has selected a prime Galleria-area location for its Houston debut. Il Bracco will open this fall in the former California Pizza Kitchen at the corner of San Felipe and Post Oak, the restaurant announced.

Two veterans of the Houston's/Hillstone restaurant group developed the concept, which debuted in Dallas' ritzy Preston Center in 2019. Robert Quick, CEO of il Bracco owner Western Addition, worked for legendary chef Thomas Keller at Ad Hoc and Bouchon before becoming a kitchen manager for Hillstone. COO Matt Gottlieb spent 10 years as a Houston's general manager, including a stint at the Westheimer location that closed in 2019.

"Both Robert and I have friends and family in Houston, and I previously lived in Houston, making it feel as if this is our second home," Gottlieb said in a statement. "It was a natural fit. Many of our managers and staff will be familiar names and faces from the Houston hospitality scene as well.”

Together, they've created a concept where pastas, breads, and desserts are all made in-house, and fresh seafood and USDA Prime steaks are butchered daily for both lunch and dinner. Dishes are paired with Italian wines and Italian-inspired cocktails, such as the Bracco, a frozen greyhound made with grapefruit juice and Aperol.

Other menu highlights include:

Meatballs made with beef, lamb, and pork that are served with house tomato gravy, Reggiano, and housemade focaccia.
Spicy Gemelli pasta with spicy vodka sauce and Reggiano
Bolognese with mafaldine noodles, 6-hour ragu of beef, lamb topped with Reggiano
Classic Italian Combo sandwich with artisan charcuterie, fresh mozzarella, LTO, cherry pepper spread, and oil and vinegar on a housemade roll.
Pan-roasted Mediterranean sea bass with mint gremolata and seasonal vegetables
Center cut filet with polenta and seasonal vegetables.

Texas architect Michael Hsu will handle transforming the 6,000 square foot space from CPK into il Bracco. Expect a contemporary design with a dedicated cocktail lounge and an expansive, 35-seat patio.

Post Oak Plaza will welcome at least two other new restaurants in the coming months. A new location of Kenny & Ziggy's is under construction in the former Luby's space. Marugame Udon, a Japanese restaurant with locations in Dallas, also has plans to open there later this year.

"We’re thrilled to open our second location of il Bracco in this vibrant city and in such a bustling area," Quick added. "We hope Houstonians enjoy our food menu and bar program that we’ve perfected over the past two years. We’ve also planned a few additions of menu items only available at this Houston location.”

The menu features an array of Italian-inspired dishes.

Photo by Kathy Tran

The menu features an array of Italian-inspired dishes.

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And a new coffee bar

Historic Houston burger joint serves up new Woodlands location

Courtesy of Lankford's

Lankford's will expand its original location with a new coffee and wine bar.

Grim Burgers and tater tots are coming to The Woodlands. Lankford’s, the beloved Houston burger joint with locations in Midtown and Bellaire, will arrive in The Woodlands next year.

Slated to open in January, Lankford’s has claimed the former Baja Cantina space at 24 Waterway Ave. for its third Houston-area location. It will offer a number of amenities, such as a 12-tap, self-serve tap wall; a milkshake bar with both traditional shakes and boozy options for adults; and dog-friendly dishes that will include a donation to the Montgomery County Animal Shelter.

Of course, the new Lankford’s in The Woodlands will serve the same menu of comfort food and burgers as the almost 90-year-old original. That includes signature items like the Grim Burger, a bacon cheeseburger topped with mac and cheese, jalapeños, and a fried egg; the spicy Firehouse burger; daily specials like chicken fried steak; and a weekend breakfast menu.

Lankford's Grim Burger Behold the Grim Burger.Courtesy of Lankford's

In addition to opening a new location in The Woodlands, Lankford’s will upgrade its original location in Midtown. They’ve purchased an adjacent property that will house a new coffee and wine bar with fresh pastries from chef Jenny Finch, specialty coffee drinks, and wine. Like The Woodlands location, it is also expected to open in January.

Along with the new wine list, Lankford’s is launching a wine club that will give members access to select vintages, events, and other perks. It will also be available in The Woodlands.

Owners Jessica and Paul Prior have recruited their son Nicolas van der Does and his wife, publicist Sydney Prior van der Does, to serve as co-owners of the new location. Paul took over full control of Lankford’s after his mother Eydie retired in 2021.

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