Foodie News

Food truck chefs get the Grand Prize: Rotating cooks work their magic in BellPark-area bar

Food and alcohol: They've gone together since the ancient men left their caves, squinted up at the sunlight and grabbed a few nuts and berries to wash down the fermented Jaegermeister that was in their goatskin bota bag. (This is a completely accurate picture of ancient times. I'm a history major, you can trust me.)

Since then we've come a long way, from beer nuts to bar menus to bars working with food trucks to sell their wares to the hungry drunk people.

The program kicks off Monday with an all-star line-up of the participating chefs.

Now Grand Prize Bar, which was one of the first in Houston to engage with food trucks and their chefs, is taking this partnership to the next level by inviting a rotating crew of chefs out of their trucks and into the GPB kitchen.

As first reported by the Houston Press's Katharine Shilcutt, the schedule will include Jason Hill and Matt Opaleski from H-Town StrEATS on Tuesdays, Justin Turner of Bernie's Burger Bus on Wednesdays, Phamily Bites' Van Pham on Thursdays, Ruth Lipsky from Stick It Truck on Fridays and Coreanos' Louis Cantu on Saturdays, with Buffalo Sean of Melange Creperie potentially taking over on Sunday nights and Eatsie Boys' Matt Marcus eventually mixing in on Mondays.

Josh Martinez of The Modular worked with Grand Prize owners Ryan Rouse and Brad Moore to implement the new food program and he tells Shilcutt that he will also occasionally sub in behind the line when needed.

The new project is a win for everyone. It's a way for some incredibly skilled food truck owners to cook dishes beyond the range of truck kitchens, it offers patrons the kind of high-end food they've come to expect at Grand Prize and with full-time food service it's a solution to some of the permitting issues that have plagued the bar since a well-connected neighbor began complaining.

Food is available for the first 50 guests after the bar opens at 7 p.m., and the program kicks off Monday with an all-star line-up of the participating chefs.

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Bowling over Houston

Gluten-free Austin restaurant picks River Oaks for first Houston store

Rendering of Honest Mary's in River Oaks

Rendering by Mark Odom Studio

Honest Mary's, an Austin-based eatery, is expanding with a new location in Houston's River Oaks in fall 2025.

It will be a Houston homecoming for restauranteur Nelson Monteith with the fall 2025 debut of Honest Mary’s in River Oaks.

“It’s a joy and honor to bring a brand we’ve worked hard to create in Austin and finally be able to share that concept with friends and family in Houston,” Monteith said in a statement. “There’s a bit of built-in comfort in knowing there are folks here who are already fans of Honest Mary’s. They’ve been asking us for years to open a location in Houston, and now it’s happening.”

Located at 2047-A West Gray St., Honest Mary's will occupy the current La Madeleine space. It is not known at this time when La Madeleine will close, but construction on Honest Mary's is expected to begin in May 2025.

Monteith and his wife, Mary, launched Honest Mary’s in 2017 after embracing mindful eating to improve their health. Since then, the Austin-based eatery that describes itself as serving "life-giving fast food" has expanded to four locations, with the upcoming River Oaks spot marking its arrival in Houston.

“There’s healthy food, fresh food, and fast food,” he said. “We wanted to create something that fits into that sweet spot without sacrificing quality or convenience. The trend towards healthy eating and the reality of busy lifestyles aren’t slowing down. We offer a place that caters to both.”

At the center of Honest Mary’s menu are five signature bowls ranging from poke to vegetarian, including the smoky poblano ($10.25) that features a basmati rice base with fresh vegetables of wild arugula, sweet corn, and pickled onions in a creamy poblano sauce. Co-partner and chef Andrew Wiseheart, known for Austin’s Contigo and Ladybird Taco, leads the kitchen.

Honest Mary's menu features healthy, gluten-free bowls. Guests can choose from five signature bowls at Honest Mary's, or create their own.Courtesy of Honest Mary's

Diners can build their own bowls by selecting a base like quinoa, proteins including grilled chicken and tuna, and vegetables such as sweet potatoes. Pickled onions, cucumber salad, and avocado are among the topping selections, with sauces like lemon garlic and cashew-lime crema.

Scratch-made sipping broths round out the menu, with the chicken bone broth packed with celery, carrots, onions and parsley, or an umami-rich seaweed and mushroom broth.

A selection of house-made aguas frescas and teas, local craft beer, wine, kombucha, and organic cold-pressed juices will be available, as will Honest Mary’s popular almond butter cookies sweetened with maple syrup and topped with a sprinkle of Maldon salt.

Rendering by Mark Odom Studio

Honest Mary's, an Austin-based eatery, is expanding with a new location in Houston's River Oaks in fall 2025.

With its fully gluten-free menu, Honest Mary’s caters to a range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free. To align with Monteith’s dedication to nutrition, Honest Mary’s uses seed oils sparingly and prioritizes local and organic ingredients when possible.

“River Oaks Shopping Center has a unique blend of history and vibrant new concepts, making it the ideal home for us,” Monteith said. “We aim to be a neighborhood spot where people can enjoy delicious, healthy food.”

Lunden McGill and John Frazier of Baker Katz brokered the deal for the 2,200-square-foot space and additional patio with seating for 38 inside and 44 outside. Mark Odom Studio is responsible for architecture and design.

Honest Mary’s signature elements of terra cotta and blue tilework will be incorporated to provide consistency between all five locations, while Art Deco-inspired decor of lush greenery, warm wood tones and natural light will align the space with the River Oaks Shopping Center’s structure.

Takeaway, delivery, and dine-in will be provided daily from 11 am to 9 pm.

news-you-can-eat openings honest mary's