Foodie News

Dorsia is dead: Pretentious "members-only" club to be replaced by new restaurantwith chef cred

Dorsia doors are soon to close to open again as Hawthorn.
Photo via Dorsia/Facebook
Chef Riccardo Palazzo-Giorgio

It says something about the popularity of "exclusive," members-only club Dorsia that it's been closed for a month and no one seemed to notice.

So what does one do with a bad concept in a gorgeous space? In this case, the answer is change up the management and turn it into a restaurant.

Hawthorn, named after a local indigenous tree, is set to open in late April with Dorsia's executive chef Riccardo Palazzo-Giorgio, who was making great Italian food at Sabetta before cooking for pretty people in a nightclub.

The space on Kirby will still be full of dark woods, adding local art on the walls and a piano in the central bar area. The intimate dining room will be to the right of the entrance and the bar, with a private dining room to seat 12 and a chef's table of up to eight in the former lounge spaces on the left side of the building.

The space on Kirby will still be full of dark woods, adding local art on the walls and a piano in the central bar area.

"Hawthorn will create a first-class experience for all guests and will synergize the elements of current — but not trendy — menu offerings and wine pairings with old-school charm and service to provide great evenings for our guests,” general manager Cory Graff says.

The menu is described as New American with notes of Italian and Mediterranean influence, reflecting the chef's heritage, with a focus on local flavors and simple dishes marrying two or three ingredients on a plate. A sample menu includes classics like Muscovy duck breast, risotto, char-grilled baby octopus, rose ravioli and house-made ricotta cheesecake. The wine list will include more than 300 bottles from around the world.

Dorsia's vice president of business development and public face was Kalon Joseph Reid McMahon, who is now being buzzed about as Houston's likely latest Bachelorette reality TV contestant.

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flying into Houston

Chopped champion's Indian-spiced fried chicken joint opens in Midtown

One of Houston’s most dynamic chefs has unveiled his take on fried chicken. Pok Pok Po is now open in Midtown.

Located at 3201 Louisiana, the restaurant is the latest concept from chef and Chopped champion Jassi Bindra and business partners Surpreet and Preet Paul Singh, the trio behind Indian fine dining restaurant Amrina in The Woodlands. Bindra’s fried chicken recipe uses a gluten-free flour and starch batter that’s seasoned with Indian Kashmiri red chili powder along with other herbs and spices. It’s pressure cooked to ensure the meat stays both juicy and crispy.

The certified halal chicken is available as strips, sandwiches (made with thigh meat), and chicken breast bites.Those looking for a heartier meal, can get their chicken served on top of sidewinder fries or in the “Rice & Shine,” which includes basmati rice and Bindra’s “Desi kimchi.” Beverage options include Akra, an American-style lager that’s brewed in India, cannabis-infused drinks from 8th Wonder and non-alcoholic options such as sodas and a mango lassi.

“At Pok Pok Po, we’re creating something that’s not just a meal but an experience,” Bindra said in a statement. “We’ve taken everything people love about fried chicken and given it a twist with bold, gluten-free recipes and flavors that truly speak to the diversity of Houston.”

While most counter service restaurants are designed primarily for to-go, Pok Pok Po’s 55-seat dining room caters to those who want to enjoy their meals. It features banquette seating and a white-and-black motif that will also be present at Bol, the restaurant’s sister concept that’s opening soon.

The two restaurants occupy part of the former Artisans space. Medium Rare, an affordable steak frites restaurant from Washington, D.C., recently opened next to Bol and Pok Pok Po.

Courtesy of Pok Pok Po

Pok Pok Po is now open in Midtown.

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