The transformation of The Galleria into a home for nationally renowned restaurants will take another step forward next month.
Fig & Olive, the acclaimed Mediterranean restaurant with eight locations across New York; Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.; and Chicago, announced this week that it will open its Houston outpost in early March. First announced in September 2016, the new restaurant will occupy 7,000-square feet of the former Saks Fifth Avenue space. The space will feature a 160-seat dining room, a 24-seat bar, a 40-seat patio, and two private dining rooms. Diners may purchase the restaurant's signature olive oils for cooking at home.
Chef Thomas Laczynski, who comes to the restaurant from the Austin location of True Food Kitchen, will oversee the kitchen that will turn out lunch, brunch, and dinner. Signature dishes include truffle risotto, branzino glazed with aged balsamic vinegar, and a variety of crostini. Those items are paired with wines from Italy, Spain, France, and California, as well as a selection of cocktails.
“The Houston opening marks an exciting and important time in the Fig & Olive journey,” said Cory Bronson, Fig & Olive’s vice president of marketing, in a statement. “We look forward to working with Simon and The Galleria team to bring our unique blend of coastal Mediterranean cuisine, cocktails and music to the great city of Houston.”
Fig & Olive is the first of four new restaurants coming to the former Saks space. Over the course of the next several months, it will be joined by: Nobu, the internationally famous sushi restaurant; Blanco Tacos + Tequila, a Mexican concept from North Italia owner Fox Restaurant Concepts; and The Spice Route Company, a mysterious Indian-influenced concept from Dubai (that has been refusing CultureMap's request for comment about its plans since September). Together with arrivals like Yauatcha and Shake Shack, they've made The Galleria a must-visit dining destination for locals and visitors.
“There is significant consumer demand for fine dining options, and The Galleria has seized the opportunity to be the first to welcome these exclusive culinary brands,” said Galleria’s director of marketing and business development Christopher Lane. “The Galleria continues to be committed to providing shoppers with an unrivaled shopping experience that includes preeminent retail stores and restaurants.”
Seafood paella.
