local flavor

Healthy eating Houston restaurant group invigorates northside with fresh new outpost

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.

Photo courtesy of Local Table

Local Table's Kabob Plate.

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One Day Only

Chef of Michelin-starred Texas BBQ joint pops up at Houston crawfish favorite

Photo by Quit Nguyen

Join Lucas McKinney for a crawfish pop-up this Sunday, May 17.

The pitmaster behind one of Texas’ Michelin-starred barbecue joints will be in Houston for a one-day-only crawfish boil. Evan LeRoy, chef and co-owner of Austin’s LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue, will be at Josephine’s this Sunday, May 17 from 2-6 pm.

Part of the restaurant’s Backyard Boil pop-up series, LeRoy and Josephine’s executive chef Lucas McKinney have collaborated on a four dishes that will be served at the pop-up, which will take place on Josephine’s patio. They are:

Smoked Crawfish Boil Sausage on a Stick: andouille flavored pork sausage with crawfish, corn, and potatoes
Brisket and Cheddar Croquettes: Chopped brisket and cheddar cheese in a creamy bechamel. Scooped, breaded in panko, and fried til crispy
Oysters on the Half Shell: Pickled Onion Mignonette, Smoked Jalapeno Salsa, Kimchi Elote
Smoked Salsa Macha with Beef Tallow: Guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles, lime, soy, garlic, onion, pepitas, and pecans

The pop-up is part of LeRoy’s tour for his new book, New School Barbecue: Recipes for Next-Level Smoking and Grilling, which he co-wrote with Texas Monthly restaurant critic Paula Forbes. Released this week, the book contains almost 100 recipes for mains, sides, and desserts.

LeRoy & Lewis Evan Leroy ATX Evan LeRoy is coming to Houston this weekend. Photo by Briana Balducci

“Lucas asked me to participate in a crawfish boil this year, and it happened to line up with the release of the book, so I said yes,” LeRoy tells CultureMap. “The event format centers around a crawfish boil, along with some fried items and oysters, so it doesn't necessarily reflect the recipes in the book. Instead, we decided to bring a few dishes we’ve been working on over the past year or so, including the brisket and cheddar croquettes — which will definitely make it into my next cookbook.”

McKinney has already hosted pop-ups with the likes of ChòpnBlọk chef-owner Ope Amosu and Mike Pham of Trill Burgers.

“With these crawfish boils, I want each chef to bring their own perspective and let the menu reflect their personal style of cooking,” McKinney adds. “Events like this are really centered around community, collaboration, and introducing something fresh and exciting to Houston each time.”

LeRoy and Lewis has earned wide acclaim for its “new school” barbecue. In addition to being one of only four Texas barbecue joints to hold a Michelin star, it ranked No. 2 on Texas Monthly’s list of the state’s 50 best barbecue joints. McKinney began patronizing the restaurant when his friend, pitmaster Cole Parkman, worked there.

“It’s incredibly good,” McKinney says. “Eating there feels like they’re telling you, ‘I know you think you like brisket, but this is what you should really like.’ I really respect that they’ve planted their feet firmly in the ground and committed to doing things differently. It all makes so much sense — and it’s delicious.”

Reservations (free) are required to attend the Backyard Boil at Josephine’s; both 2 pm and 4 pm seatings are available. Attendees will purchase food and drinks a la carte. Josephine’s regular menu will not be available at the pop-up. Copies of New School Barbecue will also be available for purchase.

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