Make it yourself

Sip these summer drinks while you've still got time: Recipes to make amixologist swoon

Pimm's Cup
Virginia Willis with black currant liquor

When Sudhoff Properties hosted a happy hour/pool party for the CultureMap team at Caceres, an eight acre Spanish-inspired community, they definitely made a splash. With the immaculate white-washed residences as a backdrop, for a moment it felt more like we were summering off the coast rather than congregating in the heart of Houston.

The happy hour extended into an evening soiree as Chef Chip Hight whipped up dinner — gourmet hot dogs (and we mean gourmet) topped with black truffles. He really won my heart with his cocktail pairings though: the Virginia Willis and the Pimm’s Cup Revisited. The aforementioned is based on a fruit salad recipe taught to Chip by its namesake, a former food stylist for Martha Stewart.

With summer's days dwindling away, here are the summer cocktail recipes to wow your own friends and guests.

Virginia Willis
In a pint glass full of ice:
- 1 shot of black currant liquor
- ¼ shot of lemon juice
- 4 shots of vodka
- Top with watermelon juice
- Splash of soda

Pimm's Cup Revisited
In a pint glass full of ice:
- 2 shots of pimms
- 2 thin slices of cucumber, muddled
- Squirt of lime juice
- 2 shots of gin
- Top with ginger ale
- Drink in mass quantity

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Ready, set, Relish

River Oaks restaurant opens in Memorial with expanded menu and bold design

Photo by Julie Soefer

Relish's fan favorite lobster roll arrives in Memorial next week.

The wait is nearly over for Memorial residents who are looking forward to visiting the new location of Relish Restaurant & Bar. Its second location in Town & Country Village will open this Monday, December 2.

Located at 12850 Memorial Dr., the new Relish constitutes an enhanced version of the River Oaks location that owners Addie and Dustin Teague opened in 2016. At over 4,800-square-feet, it’s noticeably larger than its sibling, with seating for almost 200 diners. The extra room means the new location has both a dedicated bar/lounge area as well as a seven-seat oyster bar. A 10-seat chef’s table provides a view into the open kitchen.

Design details include antique mirrors and artwork sourced from markets in Round Top, pink terrazzo tiles, and exposed brick.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the team we’ve built and everybody that came together to make this happen,” executive chef and co-owner Dustin Teague said in a statement. “We are blown away by how it all turned out and are so excited to have the community experience our cuisine and hospitality in an absolutely stunning environment.”

Chef Teague worked with chef de cuisine Jack Humphrey on the restaurant’s menu. Of course, Relish favorites such as its fried chicken, lobster roll, and burger are present and accounted for. The chefs have added new items such as roast chicken with harissa and apricot-tomato couscous, vegetable lasagna with pasta that’s made in-house, and tuna tartare with tomato relish. Desserts include bourbon caramel carrot cake and soft serve ice cream that’s made in house. Beverage options include wine and cocktails.

“We’re going to continue rocking the same thing we’ve done at River Oaks with slight tweaks here and there,” Teague added. “At the end of the day, we’ve built this restaurant for the surrounding community and our mission is to always serve you and your family meals you can Relish.”

Initially, Relish will be open for dinner daily at 4:30 pm. Plans for lunch and brunch will be announced in January.

Photo by Julie Soefer

Relish's fan favorite lobster roll arrives in Memorial next week.

news-you-can-eat openings relish restaurant & bar