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    local flavor

    Healthy eating Houston restaurant group invigorates northside with fresh new outpost

    Holly Beretto
    May 16, 2019 | 2:25 pm

    Shervin Sharifi is out to change dining in Cypress.

    "We all grew up in Houston, and we're used to things like craft cocktails and solid service," the nephew of Hungry's founder Fred Sharifi tells CultureMap. "And, lots of times in these master-planned communities, what's out there is fast food or chains or real mom-and-pop spots."

    Sharifi is bringing his Local Table concept to Cypress' Lakeland Village Center at 10535 Fry Road on June 3, and he figures diners are as ready for his food as he is to be part of the neighborhoods. Like its cousin, Hungry's, Local Table traffics in offering quality fare at an affordable price point. The menu focuses on globally inspired, made-from-scratch items, including seasonal lunch and dinner specials, vegetarian and vegan options, weekend brunch, and bar bites.

    "We'll follow the same template we did for our Katy location," Sharifi tells CultureMap. "And we've added an entire vegan section to the menu as well. We'll also have dishes such as Brussels sprout goat cheese pizza, smoked salmon toast, Taos tartare and a poke tuna bowl."

    Like Hungry’s and its sister Local Table location, all menu items are available for seated dining and take-out or delivery.

    The new restaurant will be located in Cypress’ fast-growing Bridgeland master-planned community. It's opening its doors in a 4,822-square-foot space that can comfortably sit up to 150 guests. There will be a 15-seat bar, serving cask wine, craft beer, and cocktails. At the patio bar, there are 10 barstools, and the patio itself is dog-friendly patio, so families can feel comfortable bring their pooches along for lunch and dinner.

    "We wanted to create a place where we are part of the community, and the community feels like it's a gathering space," says Sharifi. "We're looking to be a staple of the dining scene in Cypress."

    Sharifif says he was approached by the development team behind Lakewood Village Center about bringing Hungry's to the community. But, after the success of Local Table in Katy, Sharifi thought the area was ripe for the concept. He envisions the restaurant as a place that can be a spot for a weeknight family meal, an after-work happy hour, or even a casual date night. And he thinks that the already-proven menu of fresh, quality food at approachable prices will make the restaurant a home run.

    “Bringing familiar inner-city vibes to the suburbs, Local Table offers a cool yet comfortable place where our neighbors can relax, unwind, dine, celebrate special events and enjoy quality time with family and friends over healthy meals,” echoes Hungry’s owner Ashkan Nowamooz in a press release announcing the opening. “As their lives have evolved and they start their own families, many have moved beyond Houston proper. Local Table brings what they know and love from town — without the drive — to their own neighborhood.”

    The new restaurant is designed by Palmer Schooley and Laura Young of Schooleydesign, who are also responsible for the re-design of Hungry’s location in Rice Village. The comfortable, modern space features brick, wood, and steel combined with modern touches result in an urban and classic feel. The lighted “CTX” marquee letters on the main dining room copper accent wall is a nod to the restaurant’s Cypress locale and should prove a popular photo spot.

    "We're so excited to meet the people of Cypress and get involved in the community," says Shafiri. "We're looking forward to being part of their lives."

    Local Table's Kabob Plate.

    Local Table Kabob Plate
    Photo courtesy of Local Table
    Local Table's Kabob Plate.
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    riel returns

    Shuttered Houston restaurant revived for 1 night only at Canada Day pop-up

    Eric Sandler
    Jun 19, 2026 | 3:30 pm
    Riel truffle caviar pierogi
    Photo by Kirsten Gilliam
    The pop-up will serve Riel's caviar and truffle pierogi.

    One of the saddest restaurant closures of 2025 will get a one-night-only revival. Favorite dishes from Riel will return at Chardon on Sunday, June 28 for an event being called “Booze Can Sunday.”

    While a French fine dining restaurant might seem like an unlikely host for a Riel revival, Chardon executive chef E.J. Miller once served as Riel’s opening sous chef. Miller invited his former boss, Riel chef-owner Ryan Lachaine, to join him for a pop-up that honors Canada Day.

    Together, the duo will serve some of Riel’s most popular dishes, including:

    • Truffle and Caviar Pierogies
    • Steak Au Poivre Poutine with Cheese Curds
    • Deli Dog
    • Montreal Smoked Meat Sliders
    • Torche Kolaches
    • Mushroom Empanadas
    • Gator Karaage
    • Maple Whiskey Soft Serve with Foie Caram

    The day will also feature drink specials such as Canadian Jell-O Shots, Molson X, Canadian Club, Old Grand-Dad, and more. Robin Wong, a co-owner of Blood Bros. BBQ and a successful DJ, will spin throughout the event.

    Riel truffle caviar pierogi

    Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

    The pop-up will serve Riel's caviar and truffle pierogi.

    "Riel was a special place for a lot of people, and Booze Can Sunday was always one of the most anticipated events of the week," said Miller. "Ryan and I wanted to bring back that energy for one day, celebrate the restaurant that meant so much to us, and give guests a chance to revisit some of the dishes and memories they loved."

    Riel Restaurant Ryan Lachaine E.J. Miller A vintage picture of chefs EJ Miller and Ryan Lachaine. Photo by Eric Sandler

    Riel opened in January 2017 and closed in August 2025. In between, it earned wide acclaim for the way Lachaine blended his Canadian upbringing and Ukrainian heritage with the modern Gulf Coast cuisine he learned while working at restaurants such as Reef and Underbelly.

    Currently, Lachaine works as the executive chef at River Oaks restaurant State of Grace. He added two Riel signatures to State of Grace’s menu — the caviar tater tots and signature butter burgers.

    Chardon, which earned a Best New Restaurant nomination in the 2026 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards for its blend of classic French fare with Texas ingredients, opened in February 2025. In addition to Riel, Miller’s resume includes SaltAir Seafood Kitchen, International Smoke, and Muse.

    Booze Can Sunday takes place from 3-9 pm. Attendees are encouraged to register on Eventbrite.

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