Foodie News
Ryan Hildebrand strikes out on his own with solo restaurant plan
Ryan Hildebrand has worked with some of Houston's star chefs, including Mark Cox, Philippe Schmit, and Scott Tycer. Now he's planning to join their ranks with his own high-profile restaurant.
First announced to Cleverley Stone, Hildebrand says the project is still in the extremely early stages — he's negotiating a lease on a space he'll only describe as a freestanding, second-generation restaurant centrally located in the Inner Loop.
"It's a huge step," Hildebrand says. "I've been through openings before, but this time it's my concept, my food."
Hildebrand plans to focus on progressive American cuisine that will be highly seasonal with a core menu, off-menu items and a chef's table. He describes his concept as high-end, with a strong collaboration between the kitchen and the front of the house.
"The time I spent with Scott Tycer (at Textile) was really amazing," Hildebrand says. "It was kind of my culinary renaissance, it got my wheels turning and gave me my mojo back, being able to design a menu of exactly what I wanted to cook every week."
Hildebrand says he hopes to create a truly marquee space, and is in talks with a number of local designers. The title is still subject to debate, though Hildebrand lists Triniti as a possibility
He hopes to be able to open in the summer of 2011 if all goes well.