Young Chef Mourned

Houston food community mourns unexpected death of talented young chef

Update (Aug 29): The Harris County Medical Examiner's office has ruled that suicide is Grant Gordon's cause of death. At his funeral on August 28, rabbi David Lyon of Congregation Beth Israel told mourners that Gordon had been suffering from depression after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis over six months ago. The Edmont, the restaurant Gordon intended to open in Montrose, has been canceled. In his obituary, Gordon's family requests donations be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

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CultureMap has learned that former Tony's chef Grant Gordon passed away unexpectedly Monday night at his apartment. Gordon was 28. The cause of his death has not been determined.

The chef revealed last week that he had partnered with Paulie's owner Paul Petronella and Camerata sommelier David Keck on a new restaurant called The Edmont that was expected to open in 2016.

The news of Gordon's death has shocked Houston's food community who knew Gordon for his outgoing personality, prodigious talent and commitment to excellence. The food world had been buzzing with news about The Edmont, which was expected to be a top restaurant given the talent of the three men at its core.

A native Houstonian and Memorial High School grad, Gordon left Houston to attend the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. Upon his graduation in 2006, Gordon took a position at Cafe Boulud in New York City, where he was part of a team that earned a coveted three-star rating from the New York Times. From there he moved on to the two-star Michelin restaurant Cyrus in California, where he worked alongside fellow Houstonians Matt Marcus (Eatsie Boys) and Roy Shvartzapel (Common Bond).

Upon his return to Houston five years ago, Gordon accepted a position at Tony's, where he quickly rose through the ranks. By his 25th birthday, he had earned a four-star rating from Chronicle critic Alison Cook, who praised the way Gordon worked "with a discipline and assurance beyond his years." Under Gordon's direction, the consensus seemed to be that one of Houston's oldest and most well-regarded fine dining restaurants again had food that matched its service and atmosphere. Gordon's work at Tony's landed him on the Forbes magazine 30 under 30 list of rising stars in the food and beverage world.

"It's very tragic. My thoughts and prayers are with his family," Tony's owner Tony Vallone tells CultureMap about Gordon's death. "It's a shock to everyone."

No information was immediately available about funeral services. CultureMap will update this article when Gordon's family releases any information on his passing. Our thoughts are with them, as well his many friends throughout the area.

Update: The funeral will be held Thursday August 28 at 1 p.m. at Congregation Beth Israel 5600 North Braeswood Blvd.

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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