Foodie News

McCormick & Schmick's goes bold: Chef Bill McKinley brings a new taste home toTown & Country

Chef Bill McKinley will head the kitchen at the new McCormick & Schmick's inTown & Country Village.
Photo by Mark Hiebert
McKinley's crabcake, with southwest jicama slaw and poblano cream
The Town & Country McCormick & Schmick's is the first in Houston to have adedicated sushi chef and menu.

Those expecting the same old seafood when McCormick & Schmick's opens a third Houston location in Town & Country this week will be in for a pleasant surprise.

"The beauty of McCormick & Schmick's is it's a chef-driven company, and it's always about striving to put the ball in our court," executive chef Bill McKinley says.

A native of Baton Rouge, McKinley got his culinary start in Houston as one of the first graduates from the Art Institute of Houston after being stationed in Conroe during his military service. After graduating and cooking in the kitchens of master chefs Fritz Gitschner and James Hanizesyki at the Houston Country Club, McKinley spent six years at three McCormick & Schmick's outposts in Maryland.

"Coming back here is really like coming home to me," McKinley says. "I was in Maryland long enough to be a purist. I learned why people are so passionate about Maryland crab and Chesapeake Bay seafood. But Houston is so diverse and I can really use bolder flavors and spicier foods, and bring some more of that Louisiana flavor in."

McKinley mentions a passion for anchos and chilies as well as a Philipino-style coconut mole he serves with redfish that he hopes to work into the seasonally-changing menu. He even hints that there may be some elements of molecular gastronomy that show up on the menu from time to time. His varied approach to the menu reflects his background working in every sector of the industry — he's been a butcher, a baker, even a fruit-leather maker.

"It's all about getting the best ingredients at any time of year," McKinley says. "Right now halibut and wild salmon are thriving, as we move into the summer there will be more lobster, plus fresh vegetables like heirloom tomatoes and plates that fit a summer palate. We've got some great salads that are really light — lots of citrus, no heavy dressing."

The light and fresh approach is echoed in the design. Gone is the heavy wood paneling that makes up the traditional McCormick & Schmick's look, replaced with contemporary muted neutral palette, spacious banquettes, and a water feature.

The bar area is certifiably huge, even without including the copper-trellised outdoor patio, complete with lounge seating and a fire pit. And expect it to be utilized: McCormick & Schmick's is offering ultra-competitive happy hour deals ($1.95 bruschetta, $3.95 Kobe beef sliders and Ziegenbock, $4.95 sushi rolls, sangria, and salt & pepper margaritas) both from 4-7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. to close Monday through Friday.

McCormick & Schmick's has its grand opening on June14, but will be open for preview this Thursday and Friday. Lunch is on the house, but at dinner the restaurant will be hosting charity benefit dinners. For a suggested donation of $35, guests can join Thursday night to support the Texas Children's Hospital. Friday night proceeds go to the American Red Cross.

unspecified

cheers to that

Texas bourbon named one of 2024's top 10 whiskies

Still Austin Whiskey Co. Red Corn Bourbon Whiskey

Still Austin Whiskey Co./Facebook

Now if only we could snag a bottle...as a Christmas gift, of course.

Three cheers for Still Austin Whiskey Co.! The distillery's Bottled in Bond Red Corn Bourbon Whiskey was recognized as one of Whisky Advocate'sTop 20 Most Exciting Whiskies of 2024.

Every year, Whisky Advocate's expert panelists rank hundreds of whiskies based on their quality, availability, value for the price, and "X-factor," meaning an excitement-inducing component like a unique flavor or an innovative idea. An international panel also reviews contenders through several blind taste tests without knowing each whisky's producer, origin, age, or price.

The magazine ranked Still Austin's five-year Red Corn Bourbon No. 7 on the list with a prestigious score of 94 points. The Red Corn whiskey, which was released in June 2024, has mash bill consisting of 36 percent Jimmy Red corn, 34 percent white corn, 25 percent rye, and 5 percent barley.

According to panelist Shane English, tasting notes start big and bold with cracked pepper, dusty leather, and cocktail cherries, before moving on to a palate of chile pepper, caramel, and buttery cornbread.

"Each sip is electric — the pepper gives this whiskey a zing balanced by poundcake and glazed doughnuts," English said. "Charred oak fades to chocolate, coffee, and pecan pie on the finish."

Still Austin had the only Texas product on the list, which was fitting given the brand's recent boasting that it could match any Kentucky Bourbon. As a game day stunt when the Texas Longhorns played the Kentucky Wildcats in November, Still Austin refilled empty Kentucky Bourbon bottles with its own Cask Strength Bourbon for just $1.

When the brand isn't playfully antagonizing Kentucky fans, its Red Corn Bourbon sells for a retail price of $85 per 750-milliliter bottle, falling nearly in the middle of the price category out of all 20 bourbons on the list, with eight others priced for less.

For additional context, none of the top five bourbons fall under a $100 price tag. In fact, the most expensive bottle on the 2024 list is the Angel's Envy 2023 Cask Strength Port Wine Barrel Finished Bourbon, which ranked No. 12 and retails for $230 per bottle.

"Our top 20 whiskies represent a curated collection that deserves your attention. Each whisky on the list stands out for its superb taste, representing the pinnacle of a year filled with remarkable tastings," said executive editor David Fleming in a release. "This list features whiskies offering exceptional value, leaders in their respective styles, and superbly made expressions that are well worth seeking out."

Whiskey Advocate's 2024 Whiskey of the Year is Laphroaig Elements 2.0 Cask Strength Scotch Single Malt, which earned 95 points and retails for $165 a bottle.

whiskey bourbon distilleries awards lists