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    Major Chef Return

    He's back! Buzzed-over chef Randy Rucker finally returns with a new restaurant — and the lease is signed

    Eric Sandler
    Jun 10, 2014 | 3:57 pm

    Randy Rucker is back. Two years after abandoning his plans to open a restaurant called conāt in the Museum District, the chef, who's known for his extensive use of locally raised and foraged ingredients, has emerged with plans to open a restaurant called Bramble in the former Mancuso's Italian Table space on Voss.

    While skeptics will say they've heard this before, Rucker, along with business partners Eoghan Dillman and Thomas J. Holmes, III, have a lease on the space. Remodeling begins this week with design work by Collaborative Projects, the firm that's currently finishing up both Julep and the Bernie's Burger Bus brick and mortar restaurant spaces. Together, the partners expect Bramble to open this fall.

    Despite the time away, the man's cooking still attracts a crowd, as evidenced by the 40-plus people who attended a six course pop-up.

    Why now? Rucker tells CultureMap that he hadn't been inspired to cook professionally for over a year, but things have changed now that he's older and has found business partners who can fully support his vision for a restaurant.

    Despite the time away, the man's cooking still attracts a crowd, as evidenced by the 40-plus people who attended a six course pop-up dinner Friday night. Hubcap Grill owner Ricky Craig, Triniti chef/owner Ryan Hildebrand, pastry chef Plinio Sandalio and former Hawthorn chef Riccardo Palazzo-Giorgio were among the restaurant industry veterans who attended the dinner to see what Rucker's future holds.

    While Rucker tends to avoid characterizing his cuisine as being of any one style, he did offer diners a perspective on Bramble's ethos after the meal.

    The whole idea of what we’re trying to do here is reconnect y’all to your native reality.

    We want to show you what true luxury is. True luxury to us or to me as a restaurant is nothing you can put a price on. Anyone can go to a store and buy caviar or truffles or foie gras. . . . That’s not true luxury. To me, what luxury is white tail deer or certain things we have that are ours. . . . Blue crab, that’s what luxury is.

    Money is what it is. If you want to spend it, I’ll take it. But true luxury to me and hopefully to the guys is what’s ours. Our mushrooms we grow here, our wild edibles, our farmers, our ranchers.

    And yet, for Rucker's talk, Friday's meal didn't feel like a very luxurious experience, at least in the traditional sense. For example, only half the six courses were served individually. The rest were delivered on shared plates that guests had to split.

    The Facebook event page promised pre-dinner snacks that never appeared. For $65 per person, surely Rucker could have prepared enough food to feed everyone.

    Also, it seemed that each dish didn't receive the same level of attention in preparation. On the one hand, the final dish of cocks combs with Mung beans is exactly the sort of dish that demonstrates Rucker at his best — an unusual ingredient, prepared well, that delivered a rich flavor that made the gelatinous texture intriguing rather than unpleasant. A dish of raw beef was chewy but flavorful thanks to shiso peppers and a mysterious powder made from dehydrated goose.

    On the other, the fifth course of cured and grilled pig liver was undercooked for my portion and flat out cold for a friend's. The metallic flavor of liver can be a tough sell for even the most adventurous diner, and it becomes totally inedible when not cooked properly. And yet, another diner told me he devoured his entire portion.

    Similar lack of execution plagued a dish of "biscuits" with housemade buttermilk cheese curds and local honey. The flavors came together beautifully, but the biscuits never rose properly and were served as thin, pita-like strips. If Rucker had called his toasted yeast creations "dumplings" instead of "gnocchi," it might have been OK, but they were too gummy to match my expectations for Italian potato dumplings that are usually soft.

    After the meal, Rucker described the event as a "party," which make explain his lackadaisical attitude towards getting all the details right. After all, when would-be restaurants like Mangiamaccheroni or The Bull & The Pearl host a pop-up, it serves as both a meal and an audition for future investors. Rucker's financing is secure, and, if Friday night's turnout is any indication, his reputation among diners is still just as safe even after a two-year hiatus.

    Hopefully, he's able to bring the full force of his talent to Bramble, but, until it's open and consistent, a healthy dose of skepticism seems warranted.

    Randy Rucker working in a kitchen won't be a rare sight when Bramble opens this fall.

    Randy Rucker Bramble pop-up dinner June 2014
    Photo by Eric Sandler
    Randy Rucker working in a kitchen won't be a rare sight when Bramble opens this fall.
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    news/restaurants-bars

    Where to Eat on New Year's Eve

    25 Houston restaurants celebrating New Year's Eve with caviar, bubbles, and more

    Brianna McClane
    Dec 23, 2025 | 10:30 am
    The Henry restaurant new year's eve
    Photo courtesy of The Henry
    The Henry, one of the city's newest hotel's, invites diners to enjoy a three-course meal that includes chicken frites.

    Whether 2025 was great, awful, or just meh, there’s no reason not to end it on a high note. Houston restaurants are celebrating with indulgent menus featuring caviar, lobster, and steak, along with plenty of bubbly. Food and booze aren’t the only draws — many of these New Year’s Eve celebrations also bring DJs, live music, and even aerial performances into the mix.

    Bari Ristorante
    Life’s a circus at Cirque du Bari, the restaurant’s New Year’s Eve fete, where the adjoining lawn will be transformed into a whimsical experience complete with stilt walkers. A DJ will keep the atmosphere festive until 2 am, with patrons encouraged to “dress to join the circus.” Two dinner seatings are available from 7–7:30 pm and 9:30–10 pm, followed by a champagne toast at midnight.

    Camaraderie
    Find fan favorites and limited features on the menu at Camaraderie, such as roast muscovy duck breast in a cherry and foie gras jus, and a meringata with white truffle gelato and hazelnut praline. Reservations are required to snag this $98 per person curated menu. Seatings are available from 5 pm-10 pm.

    Doc’s Jazz Club
    Montrose’s new jazz club is sending off 2025 with 7 pm and 10 pm performances by Tianna Hall and the Houston Jazz Band. The four-course dinner opens with black-eyed pea soup and a grape-arugula salad, followed by a choice of stuffed pork tenderloin, 6-ounce Black Angus filet, or seared halibut. End on a sweet note with a spiced, red-wine poached pear and cinnamon whipped cream. The 7 pm seating includes a bubbly toast, while those at the 10 pm show will be served a full bottle of bubbles at midnight.

    Eculent
    There’s no reason to settle on just one restaurant for NYE, when you can visit all four of Chef David Skinner’s spots with a $99 “Ticket to Roam.” Patrons can move between eculent, ISHTIA, Meticulous Spirits Distillery, and Clear Creek Winery all in one night, with a hot buffet from 7–10 pm, a dessert bar from 10 pm-12 am, and champagne with party favors at midnight. Cocktails and wine will be available for purchase. The event is 21+ with reservations required.

    Flora Mexican Kitchen
    Toast to the new year at this Buffalo Bayou Park eatery where a live DJ will spin tracks from 8 pm-12 am, with complimentary champagne when the clock strikes midnight. A sparkling disco ball adds to the ambiance.

    Guard and Grace
    The luxurious downtown steakhouse will supplement its regular menu with NYE features, including dry-aged duck breast with foie gras dirty rice, bluefin tuna tataki, steamed crab and lobster wonton, pan-roasted Alaskan halibut, and smoked, bone-in beef short rib with black garlic glaze.

    The Henry at Town & Country Village
    One of Houston’s newest neighborhood restaurants invites diners to welcome 2026 with a three-course meal. Start with decadent bites such as the truffled brie toast, followed by entrees like a Korean prime skirt steak or roasted chicken frites. Dessert brings a chocolate fudge pie, lemon olive oil cake, or a molten butter cake. Priced at $85 per person, with optional wine pairings available as an add on. The Henry is open from 4 pm-12 am.

    Juliet
    Slip into the new year feeling like a spy at this James Bond-inspired, black-tie attire event. “Casino Royale” at Juliet is a $250-per-person celebration with casino-esque games, magicians, entertainment, open bar, and a three-course dinner. Standout dishes include a two-pound lobster thermidor and a 36-ounce tomahawk ribeye (+$150).

    Kitchen Rumors
    This fusion spot in the Arts District is marking New Year’s Eve with a $75 prix fixe menu of flavorful creations like roasted oyster tikka, shrimp ravioli, and beef vindaloo with basmati rice. The fifth and final course offers a choice between carrot halwa cheesecake or chocolate cardamom mousse. Kitchen Rumors is open from 4pm-10pm.

    Little’s Oyster Bar
    Seafood lovers will want to close out 2025 at Little’s Oyster Bar where features include Matagorda Pearl oysters on the half shell with champagne seafoam and Little’s white sturgeon caviar, Red Royal shrimp, lobster bisque, and Yellow Edge grouper. The fixed-price menu is $175 per person, served from 5 pm-10 pm.

    Makiin
    It’s “Midnight in Bangkok” at this Upper Kirby restaurant where live entertainment — like Thai dancers, aerial performance, and DJ — complement a $55, three-course menu. All diners can raise a complimentary pour at midnight. MaKiin is open until 12 am on December 31.

    The Marigold Club
    Goodnight Hospitality's decadent, Mayfair London-inspired French restaurant is celebrating New Year's Eve with a three-course, $175 per person prix fixe menu. Begin with choices such as beef tartare, tuna crudo, or Caesar salad. Entree choices include prime filet, duck Wellington, Dover sole, and lobster Thermidor. Four dessert choices complete the meal. Enhance the experience with additions such as caviar, truffles, and champagne.

    Maximo
    Executive chef Adrian Torres’ progressive Mexican cuisine is the star of Maximo’s NYE show. Smoked pork belly, masa cornbread with white truffle and caviar, and corn puree Basque cheesecake are just a few of the offerings on the five-course, $85 prix fixe menu. Add cocktail and wine pairings for an additional $45. Maximo will open at 5 pm on New Year’s Eve with a last seating at 10 pm, and return to regular service and menus on Thursday, January 1.

    Milton’s
    Say “Buon Anno” with a five-course feast at Milton’s. The curated dinner starts at $150 per person, with optional wine pairings available for $75. Find favorites such as the housemade sourdough tagliatelle with shaved black truffle, and a seafood risotto with poached lobster.

    Murray’s Pizza and Wine
    Raise a slice of pizza to the year’s end at this recently-opened pizzeria. The prix fixe menu features small plates and three limited-edition pizzas: caviar and with Norwegian salmon that's hot-smoked in house; duck confit pizza with roasted red grapes; and a truffle-wild mushroom pizza with a garlic cream sauce and salsa verde.

    North Italia
    Why not finish the year off with a sampling of new dishes? The restaurant’s three-course menu for NYE includes staples such as the Sicilian meatballs, alongside new creations like smoked prosciutto chicken parmesan and a lobster mezzaluna with tiger shrimp in a white vodka sauce. Pricing starts at $75 per diner.

    Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
    The Houston institution invites patrons to bid adieu to the year with a $150, four-course menu. Lobster deviled eggs, grilled double cut lamb chops, and “turtle” mousse tart are on the menu, as is the restaurant’s signature 16-ounce, prime ribeye. Both the Galleria and the downtown locations will host the celebration.

    Sol 7 at the Thompson Hotel
    Soar up to the seventh floor of the Thompson Hotel for Sol 7’s $70, three-course menu. Patrons can take in the restaurant’s downtown views while dishes of miniature crab cake with remoulade, a compressed melon carpaccio salad, and a red wine braised short rib are delivered to the table. A banana rum cake completes the meal. For those who want to continue the celebration, the hotel is offering a “Let’s Party” in-room decor package that includes a bottle of Veuve Clicquot.

    State of Grace
    Join chef Ryan Lachaine at this River Oaks-staple for a four-course, $145 per person dinner. Everyone starts with house baked bread, served with butter and caviar, before choosing one of five starters such as raw oysters, chili crab, or yellowfin tuna crudo. Entree options include char sui-style duck breast, mushroom risotto, prime filet, or dry-aged cote du boeuf ($49 supplement) and are paired with shared sides including black-eyed peas. Add wine pairings for $65 or $125.

    Street to Kitchen
    James Beard Award-winning chef Benchawan Jabthong Painter and her husband Graham Painter invite diners to join them for a surprise menu that features multiple courses showcasing "unapologetically Thai sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy flavors." Priced at $100, the meal begins at 7 pm with a cocktail hour at 6 pm. Reserve seats via Street to Kitchen's website.

    Succulent Fine Dining
    The Regent Square restaurant is capping off its first year in Houston with music from DJ Sound and Vision and a seven-course prix fixe menu. From the $125 per person menu, expect entrees like a poached halibut cheek with butter-braised leeks, and a pepper-crusted, 1855 Farms prime rib. The regular dinner menu will also be available. Succulent Fine Dining is open from 5 pm-12 am.

    Turner's Cut
    Those looking to splurge may want to indulge in the seven-course tasting menu at this ultra-posh steakhouse in Autry Park. Priced at $2,206 per couple, it includes selections such as a caviar tartlet paired with champagne; lobster ravioli paired with more champagne; both an American wagyu strip and a Japanese wagyu filet; and a welcome cocktail made with Rémy Martin 1738. A toast with Louis XIII cognac ends the meal. Live music, party favors, and a midnight balloon drop complete the experience.

    Uchi and Uchiko
    New Year’s Eve is an intimate affair at Uchi, where diners can reserve a $400 omakase experience for two. Selections include Siberian caviar service, A5 wagyu gyutoro, and bluefin akami. The restaurant’s sister restaurant, Uchiko, is also offering an omakase for two at $350. The regular menu will be available at both restaurants on NYE, but no happy hour or to-go orders will be. Reservations are available from 4 pm-11 pm.

    The Woodlands Resort
    2025 is going out big in the ‘burbs with a 14-piece live band and a buffet-style dinner at the Woodlands Resort. The festivities kick off with a champagne welcome and passed appetizers, with a live DJ cranking out tunes before a confetti countdown at midnight. Tickets are $150 per person and can be purchased via Eventbrite. “Midnight Noir” at The Woodlands Resort is from 7 pm-1:30 am.

    The Henry restaurant new year's eve

    Photo courtesy of The Henry

    The Henry, one of the city's newest hotel's, invites diners to enjoy a three-course meal that includes chicken frites.

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