Welcome a'Bouzy

Ex-Brasserie 19 GM reveals plans for champagne-fueled River Oaks restaurant

A rendering illustrates what a'Bouzy will look like when it opens.

Courtesy image

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.

openings

street food inspired

Veteran chef opens affordable new Thai restaurant in West Houston

A new restaurant serving Thai street food is opening in the Westchase District. Osha Thai Kitchen will begin serving customers on Tuesday, December 10.

Located in the West on West development (12230 Westheimer Rd.), Osha Thai Kitchen is the latest project from Saranya Danvetnukroh, who owns Nua Thai in downtown Houston. Named for the Thai word that means “delicious,” the restaurant takes inspiration from dishes served in street markets in different regions of Thailand as well as some items for those seeking more familiar flavors.

Meals at Osha could start with items such as crispy spring rolls, crab rangoon, or Thai chicken wings. Three papaya salads — traditional Thai, one with salted egg, and another that’s Lao style with salted crab — join chicken larb in the salads section.

Notably, Osha makes all of its noodles in-house. They’re utilized in dishes such as pad Thai, pad see ew, and pad woo sen. The restaurant also makes its curries in-house. They include red curry, green curry, and panang curry.

Part of Osha’s appeal will be its affordable prices. Only two entrees, crab fried rice and whole fried red snapper, cost more than $20.

Danvetnukroh has recruited sous chef Afridi Zama to lead the kitchen. His resume includes time with Pappas restaurant and at The Nicolette, a restaurant in Lubbock that earned a James Beard Award semifinalist nomination in 2022.

“This project is a culmination of dedication to our craft and creativity to elevate Thai cuisine,”

Danvetnukroh said in a statement. “It’s an homage to our roots and a celebration of our heritage in the modern age.”

West on West is home to number of food-related business. Its anchored by a 99 Ranch grocery store and includes restaurants such as cake bakery Lady M and Tokyo-based ramen shop Tsujita Artisan Noodle.

Photo by Becca Wright

Osha Thai Kitchen opens December 10.

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