Some Houston foodies are freaking out over a series of long-overdue renovation projects at the original Ninfa's on Navigation.
But before anyone calls the historic preservation department, CultureMap wanted to get some details from Bobby Heugel, who now serves as an operating partner for the Tex-Mex institution in addition to his regular duties with Anvil, OKRA and Hay Merchant.
"I hate to say it, but the work being done is totally not that exciting," Heugel laughs.
"I hate to say it, but the work being done is totally not that exciting."
"We're taking down the ceiling in the dining room to fix some old wiring and prevent any fire hazards. We'll be replacing drywall and repainting, but that's really the bulk of it."
After all that nervous excitement, the rewiring project should be completed by Wednesday.
Plumbing and A/C systems — which date back to the late 1940s when the humble wood-and-masonry structure was built — will be updated in the next few months, with a new roof coming just on the horizon. The restaurant will remain open throughout the construction.
"We want to change as little as possible at Ninfa's, of course," Heugel assures. "It's an old building and we need to protect it to make sure it stays standing."
That same philosophy of stewardship will continue as the celebrated cocktail guru looks to tweak the bar's drink menu this spring . . . think classic concoctions with the freshest ingredients available.
Ninfa's aging interior is getting some 21st-century love this week, as crews work to improve plumbing and electrical systems.
