Surprise Restaurant Closing

Big name Houston restaurant suddenly closes after only a year, cites "legal reasons"

Hawthorn, the underrated Upper Kirby restaurant, quietly closed its doors earlier this week after just a year in business. Acting on a tip from a restaurant insider, CultureMap called Hawthorn several times on Thursday evening (to no answer) and then dropped by the secluded spot to find it locked up during dinner service hours.

The news comes as unsurprising, despite a kitchen helmed by celebrated chef Riccardo Palazzo-Giorgio. The Culinary Institute of America alum has turned out dishes that earned the restuarant several spots on CultureMap's monthly "Where to eat right now" lists and three stars from Houston Chronicle food critic Alison Cook, but the reputation of its former iteration — exclusive members-only club Dorsia — has lingered.

Palazzo-Giorgio took to Facebook for his thank yous, recognizing investors, staffers and guests for "support in a long and arduous fight to bring Hawthorn to a place of recognition for its contributions to the culinary industry in Houston." Several hours later, he returned to social media to clarify that his previous post was a goodbye, not a celebration of Hawthorn's first anniversary.

Partner/owner Jeff Gainsborough wrote a personal message on the restaurant's Facebook page: "For legal reasons we cannot go into details, but we did not want to close."

Inquiries to the restaurant for further comment were not immediately returned.

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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.

openings news-you-can-eat osha thai kitchen