local motion

Benjy's big market transformation reveals highly anticipated opening date in Rice Village

The transformation of Benjy's into Local Foods Market has been completed. Rice Village's new cafe and market will open February 16, owner Benjy Levit announced (UPDATE: Due to the winter storm, the date has been delayed to February 25).

Levit officially closed Benjy's in October after 25 years in operation. In its place, he's opened a new concept that expands on the grocery items, prepared dishes, and wines that his sandwich shop Local Foods has been selling since the start of the pandemic.

“We are thrilled to continue the pop-up success with the conversion of Benjy’s into a larger Local Foods Market," Levit said in a statement. "Our chefs have created an amazing menu featuring upscale ingredients for diners to enjoy in a casual atmosphere. We wanted to create a fun wine-centric space with a laid-back vibe, a new way to highlight our great purveyors.”

Shoppers will find local eggs, milk, and beef, as well as cheeses sourced from Houston Dairymaids. In addition, Local Foods Market will offer specialty items such as Rancho Gordo heirloom beans, SQIRL jams from Los Angeles, Woon sauces from San Francisco, and La Boîte biscuits & spices. The upstairs has been converted into a wine shop focused on natural wines — including eight on draft — as well as craft beer and cider.

Veteran Benjy's chefs Maria Gonzalez and Mike Potowski have created a counter service menu built around locally sourced ingredients. Expect options such as cheese and charcuterie plates and proteins that include hot smoked salmon, roasted chicken, Texas wagyu, and pastrami (both beef and tofu) — all of which can be added to a selection of salads. Grab-and-go items such as vegan sushi, Japanese-style egg salad sandos, and Texas buffalo meatloaf will also be available.

Local pop-ups will showcase up-and-coming vendors. The first will take place on Friday, February 19 with Top Chef contestant Sasha Grumman selling focaccia from 1-4 pm (or until sold out).

Levit hired Texas architect Michael Hsu to redesign the space. Changes include new booths and vintage-style lighting fixtures. Diners may sit inside or on an all-new, 50-seat patio.

Having completed his renovations at Local Foods Market, Levit will refresh the Rice Village location of Local Foods. It will operate as to-go and delivery-only beginning February 15 to allow for renovations that are expected to last until March.

Initially, Local Foods Market will be open daily from 11 am-9 pm with breakfast and brunch hours to follow in the coming weeks.

Hot smoked salmon, beef pastrami, roasted chicken, and more.

Local Foods Market roasted fish and meat

Photo by Julie Soefer

Hot smoked salmon, beef pastrami, roasted chicken, and more.

wine openings news-you-can-eat

dine by the vines

Exclusive Texas Hill Country winery restaurant named best in the world

Stout's Signature restaurant at Grape Creek Vineyards in Fredericksburg

Photo courtesy of Grape Creek Vineyards

Stout's Signature is Grape Creek's members-only restaurant, but a small number of reservations will be offered to non-members.

The Hill Country has no shortage of vineyards and wineries that serve bites with their vintages, but only one Fredericksburg vineyard boasts a restaurant that measures up against the best in the world.

The industry experts at Wine Enthusiast have declared Stout's Signature at Grape Creek Vineyards one of the 57 best destination restaurants in the world. It's the only Texas restaurant to make the cut.

The new honor also elevates Grape Creek Vineyards' reputation as one of the best wineries in the Hill Country region, and its tasting tours are also recognized among the best in the country.

Stout's is a hidden gem restaurant where patrons can enjoy Hill Country-inspired cuisine with their wine tastings, from light bites to a hearty meal, all while the sprawling Grape Creek vineyard beckons from beyond the tables.

Signature dinner dishes like the tenderloin bolognese and meatballs made with veal, pork, and ground beef are must-try picks, but Wine Enthusiast reserves the most praise for its weekend brunch.

"[Stout's] boasts the region’s best Sunday brunch, with tables laden with dishes like Bourbon shrimp and grits with homemade andouille sausage and a breakfast burger with egg, bacon, and avocado," Wine Enthusiast wrote. "A mini pancake stack for the table is a must. Pair it with their Cabernet Trois, a bold blend of Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc, and Ruby Cabernet."

Wine tasting at Grape Creek Vineyards Pair a pour with an app or an entree.Photo courtesy of Grape Creek Vineyards

Stout's has traditionally been a members-only institution for the Grape Creek Wine Club, but non-members now have a chance to dine at the exclusive restaurant. A limited number of Friday and Saturday evening dinner reservations will be offered to the public after the winery's regular closing at 5:30 pm.

"Stout's Signature has always felt like one of our best-kept secrets, and we wanted to give more people the chance to experience it, especially after being named one of the best winery restaurants in the world by Wine Enthusiast this summer," said Heath Family Brands CEO and founder Brian Heath.

Stout's Signature is located at 10587 US-290 in Fredericksburg. Non-member reservation availability is limited, and can be booked by calling 830-644-2710, opt. 3, or online via heathfamilybrands.com.

winery hill country fredericksburg grape creek vineyard restaurants wine enthusiast