Welcome a'Bouzy
Ex-Brasserie 19 GM reveals plans for champagne-fueled River Oaks restaurant
Former Brasserie 19 general manager Shawn Virene has revealed his next move. The gatekeeper who was once responsible for managing the complicated comings and goings at River Oaks' favorite clubhouse has disclosed to CultureMap details about a new restaurant that keeps him in the neighborhood.
Virene's new restaurant will be called a'Bouzy (read as "ah boozy"), which is named for the French village of Bouzy in the Champagne region of France. Set to open this summer in the former 60 Degrees Mastercrafted/Harwood Grill space on Westheimer, a'Bouzy will be a New American restaurant that serves a mix of seafood, salads, and steaks.
No word on a chef, but diners can expect the offerings to include a large raw bar along with vegetables sourced from nearby farms in Round Top.
Considering the amount of Veuve Clicquot that flows through B-19 on any given night, Virene certainly knows a thing or two about champagne, and a'Bouzy will certainly live up to its namesake town when it comes to its wine selection. The restaurant's list will feature over 150 sparklers drawn from a mix of familiar favorites and vintages that may be new to diners. The wine list will be both "the best priced and researched," according to a statement.
Works has already begun on remodeling the space from a ranch-themed steakhouse into one that's inspired by "coastal Mediterranean haunts." Interior design will feature exposed brick, reclaimed wood, and elements such as vintage champagne buckets to drive home the "bubbly" theme. The space has always featured a great patio; for a'Bouzy, it will be decorated with herbs and blooming plants.
