down under in post oak

Hip Australian-NYC coffee shop brews up third Houston location in bustling Galleria-area center

Bluestone Lane serves up two Australian staples: the flat white and smashed avocado toast.

Courtesy of Bluestone Lane

An Australian-inspired, New York-based coffee shop and cafe leads the list of three new tenants coming to a prominent Galleria-area shopping center. Bluestone Lane will open its third Houston-area location in Post Oak Plaza, local real estate developer Levcor's property at the corner of San Felipe and Post Oak.

In addition, Levcor announced two other tenants for the project. B/S/H Experience & Design Center, a luxury appliance retailer that sells brands such as Bosch, Thermador, and Gaggenau, will open its first Texas showroom at the property. It will be joined by Body20, a fitness studio that utilizes "electro-muscle stimulation" to help clients realize their health goals.

"We are always looking to introduce new and exciting restaurant and retail concepts at Post Oak Plaza that enhance our customers' experience," Levcor vice president Sasha Levine said in a statement. "Paired with our commitment to enriching our neighborhood, we are excited to continue our refresh that modernizes the shopping and dining experience for the surrounding community."

Bluestone Lane takes its inspiration from coffee shops and cafes in founder and CEO Nicholas Stone’s hometown of Melbourne, Australia. Among other innovations, it takes credit for being one of the first coffee shops in America to introduce two Australian staples: smashed avocado toast and the flat white. It also roasts coffee and offers an array of lifestyle products.

The restaurant distinguishes itself from traditional coffee shops by offering full table service for dine-in customers. A Heights location opened in March with a Rice Village location scheduled to open soon.

Post Oak Plaza is in the midst of renovations that will make it one of the Galleria area's premier dining destinations. Earlier this year, Jewish deli and restaurant Kenny & Ziggy's relocated to the development. In the months to come, it will welcome il Bracco, a luxurious Italian restaurant from Dallas, and South Africa-based chicken concept Nando's Peri-Peri. Other tenants include Bill Walker Clothier, Home Source, and Pinto Ranch.

“We know Post Oak Plaza serves as gathering space for Houstonians and the on-going refresh creates a better-connected environment for our community,” Levine added. “We are thrilled to bring new concepts to Uptown Houston and expand the neighborhood’s options in our evolving, pedestrian-friendly space.”

openings coffee news-you-can-eat

What's Eric Eating Episodes 418 and 419

Levi Goode dishes on his Memorial hot spot and Tex-Mex for River Oaks

Photo by Jody Horton

Levi Goode is this week's guest.

On this week’s episode of “What’s Eric Eating,” chef and restaurateur Levi Goode joins CultureMap editor Eric Sandler to discuss Credence, his new restaurant in Memorial, as well as the overall state of Goode Company Restaurants.

Notably, Credence is not part of Goode Co. Rather, it’s the first manifestation of Levi Goode’s personal brand, which allows him to operate without the expectations associated with a Goode Co. restaurant.

“I wanted a platform with no boundaries on creativity. I wanted to do some new and different things from what the city we love has grown to know as the Goode Co. brand,” Goode says. “I didn’t want to create any confusion in the marketplace for where Goode Co stands but also to do some fun, creative stuff. It’s really in line with the way my dad approached business when he first started. My creative hunger and to do exciting things stems from that.”

The conversation continues with a deep dive into Credence. They discuss the decision to open in Memorial, how its different from a steakhouse, and how the neighborhood has responded to the restaurant. Tune in to hear Goode discuss how the menu will evolve in fall and winter as well as his thoughts on Sidebar, Credence’s companion speakeasy-style bar.

In a bit of breaking news, he also shares that Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina, the company’s Tex-Mex restaurant, will open its fourth location in the former La Griglia space in the River Oaks Shopping Center. Goode is tight-lipped about details, but he does mention that it will include “a neat little surprise” for River Oaks residents.

“We’re excited to bring Kitchen & Cantina into close proximity to our locations on Kirby,” Goode says. “We’re on the other side of River Oaks. Personally, it’s very rewarding for me to make an around-the-city tour with Kitchen & Cantina then bring it back inside the loop to the neighborhood.”

In addition to Kitchen & Cantina, Goode provides updates on some of his other restaurants, including Fish Camp, a seafood restaurant in The Woodlands; Armadillo Palace, a live music venue and restaurant; and Taqueria, a fast casual taco and hamburger joint that CultureMap columnist Ken Hoffman touted for having the best fries in Houston.

In this week’s other episode, Sandler and co-host Monica Danna discuss the news of the week. They begin with some thoughts on the Houston Chronicle’s new list of the city’s top 100 restaurants. They also share some memories of Cecil’s, the staple Montrose bar that’s closing in November.

In the restaurant of the week segment, Danna and Sandler share thoughts on their recent meal at Mi Luna, the Houston tapas restaurant that recently reopened in Montrose. Listen to the episode to hear their thoughts on how its different from the original Rice Village location.

Photo by Jody Horton

Levi Goode is this week's guest.

news-you-can-eat openings podcasts interview levi goode goode co kitchen & cantina