do the hustle

New Vietnamese restaurant hustles into Garden Oaks with fresh fare and drive-thru ease

Saigon Hustle has opened in Garden Oaks.

Courtesy of Saigon Hustle

Garden Oaks's new Vietnamese restaurant is already drawing crowds. Saigon Hustle has made its debut at the corner of Ella Boulevard and 34th Street (3323 Ella Blvd.).

Originally launched as a ghost kitchen in 2020, Saigon Hustle brings a fresh perspective to casual Vietnamese fare. The restaurant's menu offers both well-executed takes on classics as well as creative twists.

"We are using the recipes that we grew up on, with an emphasis on efficiency and flavor,” co-founder and chef Cassie Ghaffar said in a statement. “For so long, if you wanted fast food that was healthy, you couldn’t get it. Saigon Hustle changes that."

For example, diners may choose to start their meal with traditional pork egg rolls or shrimp and pork spring rolls. If they want something a little more unusual, they may opt for honey-glazed salmon rolls that are built around baked and broiled salmon rolled with vermicelli, pickled carrots and daikon, and mint. Similarly, the Saigon crepe roll offers a fresh perspective on bánh xèo; a flour and turmeric crepe filled with braised pork belly, shrimp, and vegetables.

Honey-glazed shows up again in banh mi form, where its joined by proteins such as barbecue pork, ribeye, honey-soy chicken, and fried tofu. Vermicelli bowls, salads, and rice bowls also utilize the same proteins. The menu also includes fried chicken wings and alphabet soup made with a pho-style beef broth. Beverage options include several flavors of Vietnamese coffee as well as teas and a vanilla matcha latte.

While the petite, 819-square-foot restaurant doesn't offer any indoor seating, it does feature a covered, 40-seat patio. Still, most customers will probably utilize the convenience of its drive-thru or order via third-party delivery apps. The restaurant is open daily from 10 am-10 pm.

"We are so thrilled that people are responding to the concept," Ghaffar said. "Some folks have told us they’ve driven all the way from Clear Lake to Garden Oaks to get our food. When we see people making a journey here, that’s what really excites us.”

Saigon Hustle is the latest project from the Ordinary Concepts hospitality group that Ghaffar founded with her business partner Sandy Nguyen. They also operate Ginger Kale, a healthy-eating concept in Hermann Park, and Sunday Press, a coffee shop and cafe that's located next to Saigon Hustle.

news-you-can-eat openings

Bowling over Houston

Gluten-free Austin restaurant picks River Oaks for first Houston store

Rendering of Honest Mary's in River Oaks

Rendering by Mark Odom Studio

Honest Mary's, an Austin-based eatery, is expanding with a new location in Houston's River Oaks in fall 2025.

It will be a Houston homecoming for restauranteur Nelson Monteith with the fall 2025 debut of Honest Mary’s in River Oaks.

“It’s a joy and honor to bring a brand we’ve worked hard to create in Austin and finally be able to share that concept with friends and family in Houston,” Monteith said in a statement. “There’s a bit of built-in comfort in knowing there are folks here who are already fans of Honest Mary’s. They’ve been asking us for years to open a location in Houston, and now it’s happening.”

Located at 2047-A West Gray St., Honest Mary's will occupy the current La Madeleine space. It is not known at this time when La Madeleine will close, but construction on Honest Mary's is expected to begin in May 2025.

Monteith and his wife, Mary, launched Honest Mary’s in 2017 after embracing mindful eating to improve their health. Since then, the Austin-based eatery that describes itself as serving "life-giving fast food" has expanded to four locations, with the upcoming River Oaks spot marking its arrival in Houston.

“There’s healthy food, fresh food, and fast food,” he said. “We wanted to create something that fits into that sweet spot without sacrificing quality or convenience. The trend towards healthy eating and the reality of busy lifestyles aren’t slowing down. We offer a place that caters to both.”

At the center of Honest Mary’s menu are five signature bowls ranging from poke to vegetarian, including the smoky poblano ($10.25) that features a basmati rice base with fresh vegetables of wild arugula, sweet corn, and pickled onions in a creamy poblano sauce. Co-partner and chef Andrew Wiseheart, known for Austin’s Contigo and Ladybird Taco, leads the kitchen.

Honest Mary's menu features healthy, gluten-free bowls. Guests can choose from five signature bowls at Honest Mary's, or create their own.Courtesy of Honest Mary's

Diners can build their own bowls by selecting a base like quinoa, proteins including grilled chicken and tuna, and vegetables such as sweet potatoes. Pickled onions, cucumber salad, and avocado are among the topping selections, with sauces like lemon garlic and cashew-lime crema.

Scratch-made sipping broths round out the menu, with the chicken bone broth packed with celery, carrots, onions and parsley, or an umami-rich seaweed and mushroom broth.

A selection of house-made aguas frescas and teas, local craft beer, wine, kombucha, and organic cold-pressed juices will be available, as will Honest Mary’s popular almond butter cookies sweetened with maple syrup and topped with a sprinkle of Maldon salt.

Rendering by Mark Odom Studio

Honest Mary's, an Austin-based eatery, is expanding with a new location in Houston's River Oaks in fall 2025.

With its fully gluten-free menu, Honest Mary’s caters to a range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free. To align with Monteith’s dedication to nutrition, Honest Mary’s uses seed oils sparingly and prioritizes local and organic ingredients when possible.

“River Oaks Shopping Center has a unique blend of history and vibrant new concepts, making it the ideal home for us,” Monteith said. “We aim to be a neighborhood spot where people can enjoy delicious, healthy food.”

Lunden McGill and John Frazier of Baker Katz brokered the deal for the 2,200-square-foot space and additional patio with seating for 38 inside and 44 outside. Mark Odom Studio is responsible for architecture and design.

Honest Mary’s signature elements of terra cotta and blue tilework will be incorporated to provide consistency between all five locations, while Art Deco-inspired decor of lush greenery, warm wood tones and natural light will align the space with the River Oaks Shopping Center’s structure.

Takeaway, delivery, and dine-in will be provided daily from 11 am to 9 pm.

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