Foodie News

The Beav has flown: Jonathan Jones is out at Xuco Xicana

Here's hoping a revamped Xuco Xicana keeps some of Jones' specialties, like theenfrijoladas, on the menu.
Photo by Cameron Blaylock
Jonathan Jones, holding court at Beaver's
Photo by kshilcutt/Flickr

Ever since Jonathan Jones took over Midtown's El Patio, transforming the Tex-Mex menu into a fun take on interior Mexican fusion, the press (including CultureMap) has done nothing but rave.

Unfortunately the reaction from the Midtown clientele has not been as enthusiastic. Jones announced on Twitter Saturday that he would be stepping down from the restaurant.

"This was a necessary move. I am sad that my concept is having such a hard time," wrote Jones. "Midtown demographic is not supporting the biz."

But before he goes, JJ is throwing one last party at XX. Xuco Xicana will be the scene for a Sunday Funday Throw-Back Pajama Party from 3-7 p.m.

Jones also said he will be involved "in some capacity" at Beaver's the restaurant at which he made his name in the Houston culinary scene.

Hopefully Xuco Xicana will still be serving at least some of the innovative menu items that Jones brought in — including but not limited to the adobo enchiladas, the enfrijoladas and an addictive white queso — in a more profitable way.

As for Jones, I can't wait to see what genre he turns his culinary attention to next. But before he goes, JJ is throwing one last party at XX.

On Sunday Xuco Xicana will be the scene for a Sunday Funday Throw-Back Pajama Party from 3-7 p.m. There will be special Jack Daniels cocktails, including Jack-ritas and the JD honeybadger. DJ Domotraxx will be playing a mix of Houston hip-hop including Scarface, GetoBoys, Bun B and Trill OG.

What do you think of Xuco Xicana? And where do you want to see Jonathan Jones cooking next?

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2 staples shuttered

Downtown Italian restaurant and Upper Kirby wine bar suddenly close

Photo by © Chinh Phan/Fotowerk Group

Cru, seen here in happier times.

Inevitably, the end of the year brings a surprise closure or two, and 2024 is no exception. Both a staple downtown Italian restaurant and an Upper Kirby wine bar have quietly closed this week.

Sambuca closed after service on December 16, owner Kim Forsythe shared on Facebook. Open for 22 years in downtown’s The Rice apartment building, the restaurant was well known for its live music and lively atmosphere. While the restaurant had long been a staple for both downtown office workers and residents, it never fully recovered from the lingering economic changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In recent years, we've faced challenges that have tested our resilience,” Forsythe writes. “The changing climate of our city, with rising homelessness and crime, coupled with the lingering impacts of COVID and the resulting empty office spaces, has created a perfect storm that we could not weather. Though we fought with everything we had to keep our doors open, we're choosing to close this chapter with gratitude, carrying countless memories over the past 22 years.”

Crú Food & Wine Bar has closed its location in Upper Kirby’s Shops at Arrive development, according to a post former managing partner Annette Amaya on Instagram. In addition to the post about the closure, it is no longer accepting reservations via Open Table.

First opened in 2011, Crú earned a following for its eclectic wine list and a food menu that focused on familiar fare such as cheese and charcuterie boards and pizzas. Its location in The Woodlands remains open.

The Shops at Arrive have been busy this year with new openings. Staples such as Eddie V’s and Pondicheri have been joined by PostScript, a female-focused restaurant inspired by Dallas’ XOXO Dining Room, and Kira, an intimate hand roll bar from the team behind upscale omakase counter Neo.

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