Loro in the Heights

Aaron Franklin and Tyson Cole to open Asian smokehouse in The Heights

One of Austin's highest profile restaurants will open a Houston location in 2021. James Beard Award-winners Tyson Cole (Uchi) and Aaron Franklin (Franklin Barbecue) are bringing Loro, their Asian smokehouse concept, to The Heights, the high-profile duo announced.

“Since opening Uchi here in 2012, we have loved being a part of this Houston community,” Cole said in a statement. “We are incredibly excited to bring Loro to the Heights! It’s a fantastic neighborhood with so much history."

Originally opened in Austin in 2018, Loro serves a range of dishes that blend the creative talents of its founders. For example, smoked beef brisket gets paired with a chili gastrique and Thai herbs, and smoked pork sausage comes with a Thai-style papaya salad. Those dishes can be matched with a full range boozy slushes, batch cocktails, wine, beer, and sake. CultureMap Austin food editor Brandon Watson writes that the collaboration works well.

"More often than not, the two traditions meld by recognizing that both cuisines can get leaden if left unchecked," Watson states. "Dishes like the sprightly Thai green papaya salad and the sweet and salty garlic rice noodles serve the same purpose as the pickles, onions, and slaw served alongside the strong flavors of Central Texas barbecue. The coconut scented rice mimics the blandness of a slice of Mrs. Baird’s, providing a rest stop between the pop of chili gastrique on the brisket (yes, it’s just as satisfying here as at Franklin Barbecue) or the bold spices used in the chicken bo ssam."

Loro will occupy a former sanctuary at 1001 West 11th St. Like Uchi, Austin's Michael Hsu Office of Architecture will be responsible for transforming the RE:VIVE Development property into a restaurant. Like the original location, the 5,500-square-foot space's design will takes its inspiration from classic Texas dance halls and feature both indoor and outdoor seating.

"I'm super excited about Loro in Houston," Franklin added. "More time with some of the best people in one of the best food cities in the country? Yes, please."

The next couple of years will be a busy time for Hai Hospitality, the parent company of Loro and Uchi. Loro will open a Dallas location in late summer 2020. Uchiko, Uchi's more casual sibling, will open on Post Oak Blvd. in 2021.

A selection of dishes from Loro.

Photo by Logan Crable

A selection of dishes from Loro.

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Where to drink right now

Raise a glass to this month-long drink fest that benefits the Astrodome

Alex Montoya

The AstroTurf cocktail is made with Blue Chair Bay Rum, lime juice, Ancho Reyes Chile Poblano Liqueur, mint leaves, and melon liquor, and is available at Wicklow Heights

There are fewer things in Houston as beloved as the Astrodome. And while Houstonians may disagree on what should become of the 8th Wonder of the World, there's no doubt about the iconic structure's place in history.

That's why the Astrodome Conservancy has made it its mission to save the Dome and ensure its bright future as one of Houston’s indelible landmarks.

Dome enthusiasts can help the cause. October launched the conservancy's month-long fundraiser, Drink Out the Dome. Houstonians can purchase an Astrodome-themed libation from one of 12 bars across the city, with $1 going to the Astrodome Conservancy and its efforts.

Here's a list of participating bars and their drinks:

8th Wonder Brewery
Cosmic Dome, made with with vodka, Blue Curaçao, coconut syrup, and lemonade.
Space Spritz mocktail, a blend of Ocho Verde THC, cranberry, and sparking water.

Ale & Ivy
The Biggio Buck, made with Tito’s Vodka, blood orange, orange juice, ginger beer, and blueberries.

Drift
Luv Ya Blue! made with Deep Eddy lemon vodka, coconut, and Red Bull.

Home Run Dugout
Yordan Mojito, a combination of Cruzan Rum, scratch-made blackberry syrup, lime, mint.

Kanpai Club
The Astrodomo, made wih Shōchū, Falernum, miso orgeat, passion fruit, and lemon.

Patterson Park
Wonder Dome, a blend of Empress cucumber gin, lemon juice, rosemary infused simple syrup, cucumber, and Angostura bitters.

The Railyard
#34 Old Fashioned crafted with Skrewball peanut butter whiskey, The Railyard Bar single barrel Buffalo Trace, caramel simple syrup, and chocolate bitters, and garnished with a toy.

Senate Avenue Brewing Company 16
Golden Dome, an English-style golden ale.

The Pit Room
Faux’m Party with blanco tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, lime juice, light agave, Dome Faux’m cream ale and TPR smoked salt.

Walking Stick Brewing Co.
Golden Dome, an English-style golden ale.

Wicklow Heights
AstroTurf cocktail made with Blue Chair Bay Rum, lime juice, Ancho Reyes Chile Poblano Liqueur, mint leaves, and melon liqueur.

Woodland Social
Clutch City Marg crafted from Milagro Silver Tequila, mango, lime, and hibiscus.

Alex Montoya

The AstroTurf cocktail is made with Blue Chair Bay Rum, lime juice, Ancho Reyes Chile Poblano Liqueur, mint leaves, and melon liquor, and is available at Wicklow Heights

To kick off the fundraiser, 8th Wonder Brewery hosted a community event on September 21. Festivities included a market organized by KDA Markets containing an array of vendors with Astros and other Houston-themed apparel and merchandise, as well as additional vendors with confectionery and food items, home goods, and other fun finds. Additionally, attendees had the first opportunity to purchase 8th Wonder’s Drink Out for the Dome beverages, the Cosmic Dome cocktail and the Space Spritz mocktail.

Astrodome Conservancy Executive Director Beth Jackson and several Conservancy board members were in attendance, as was event sponsor Propel Air Fans founder Joseph Kho, who brought out the company’s new Model 2 standing fan to keep attendees cool outside.

astrodome conservancy astros cocktails fundraisers