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    Museum Eats

    First Look: New cafe at Museum of Fine Arts, Houston mixes Italian vibe with high-tech flair

    Marcy de Luna
    Marcy de Luna
    Oct 8, 2015 | 1:16 pm

    Paolo Fronza and Matteo Alessandri have upped the dining game at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) with their latest concept, MFA Cafe. The duo, who previously co-owned Fellini Caffe in Rice Village, have brought Italian-inspired fare and gourmet coffee to the space formerly occupied by Café Express.

    While you can still expect counter-service and a casual vibe, the eatery's decor is a far cry from its predecessor’s digs. Your meal here comes with a side of art: Dining takes place amid priceless Italian works and artifacts, all on loan from the MFAH.

    The white-walled, 3,000-square-foot space, with bright red columns, seats 100, with lots of room to spread out. For those who seek an outdoor space in the cooler weather, there's a small patio on the Binz Street side of the building.

    Three seating areas, dotted with light wooden tables and chairs, line one side of the café. The dining sections are separated by two room dividers, which house more than 20 hand-blown glass pieces made in Murano (a series of islands near northern Italy where glass has been made for more than 700 years) and placed in chronological order by origin date from the 1930s to current.

    An eye-catching chandelier, also from Murano, hangs near the interior entry, and a glass case near the center of the restaurant showcases antique serving pieces. Still to come: A selection of Italian artwork for the walls.

    Stay connected thanks to free WiFi, with 30 outlets built into several high-top communal tables located in front of the coffee bar.

    “We designed MFA Cafe with the idea in mind to have a space where people can come to, grab a bite, study and stick around for awhile,” Alessandri tells CultureMap.

    Place your food order and then dig into Northern Italian-inspired fare made with fresh, local ingredients (both Fronza and Alessandri are Italian-born with the latter’s family recipes on the menu). The roster of around 30 items ranges from paninis and Roman-style pizza to soups and salads.

    Highlights include the bresaola panini (lean Italian cured beef with slices of Parmigiano-Reggiano, arugula and extra virgin olive oil served on sweet and sour Italian bread), ​thin-crust prosciuttoo pizza (topped with Parmigiano and arugula) and smoked salmon salad (with cherry tomatoes, Kalamata purple olives and scallions. Satisfy your sweet tooth with pastries, tarts, cannoli and more from the pastry case.

    The European-style coffee bar offers espresso, cappuccinos, flat whites, lattes, smoothies and frappès. The bar also boasts four brews (three from Texas, plus Peroni Italian beer), three red wines, five white wines and four prosecco-based drink, including a Bellini.

    The cafe is open 10 am - 4 pm Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 am - 9 pm Thursdays, 10 am - 7 pm Fridays and Saturdays and 11 am - 6 pm Sundays. It is closed on Mondays, except holidays.

    Sticking to a formula that works, Fronza and Alessandri plan to launch an Italian eatery and coffee shop, Rossini, in the Hines' San Felipe Place tower in November.

    The kitchen at MFA Cafe serves up Roman-style pizza.

    Houston, MFACafe, October 2015, prosciutto pizza
      
    Photo by Marcy de Luna
    The kitchen at MFA Cafe serves up Roman-style pizza.
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    a very fine house

    East Coast-inspired tavern shakes up Rice Village with 'World's Coldest Martini'

    Eric Sandler
    May 19, 2025 | 9:09 am
    Hudson House restaurant Rice Village
    Photo by Becca Wright
    Hudson House is bringing its signature martinis to Rice Village.

    The “World’s Coldest Martini” is coming to Rice Village. Hudson House will open its second Houston-area location this Wednesday, May 21.

    Located between CB2 and Banana Republic at 2414 University Blvd., Hudson House is part of the Dallas-based Vandelay Hospitality Group that also includes Drake’s Hollywood, a retro-styled steakhouse that opened in Montrose last summer. For Rice Village, Hudson House’s new, 6,000-square-foot restaurant follows the model of the River Oaks location that opened in 2023. That means navy leather booths, brass accents, and a polished wood bar that serves as a focal point.

    The menu takes its inspiration from East Coast taverns. That includes items such as a cheeseburger, lobster roll, lobster mac and cheese, steak frites, entree salads, and chicken parm. Raw bar offerings include East Coast oysters, shrimp cocktail, and sushi rolls. The brunch menu features pancakes, eggs Benedict, and a bagel with lox and cream cheese.

    Hudson House pairs its dishes with a selection of classic cocktails that is highlighted by the “World’s Coldest Martini.” To achieve the proper effect, the drink is poured from a frozen bottle and served in a frozen glass. Other martini options include the Bleu & Gold (made with olive juice and blue cheese-stuffed olives) and a Lemon Drop that’s topped with limoncello foam. Hudson House also offers wines by-the-glass, beer, and non-alcoholic options.

    Hudson House opens at 11 am for lunch and dinner during the weekend and at 10 am on Saturday and Sunday for brunch. Happy hour, served Monday-Friday from 3-6 pm, includes half-off all martinis, bellinis, and wines by-the-glass as well as $10 cheeseburgers and $3 East Coast oysters.

    “We’re looking forward to bringing a second Hudson House to Houston,” Vandelay founder and CEO Hunter Pond said in a statement. “Our River Oaks location has seen strong support since opening just over a year ago, and we’re confident Rice Village will follow suit. With its already vibrant community and bustling shopping scene, Rice Village offers an ideal background for our beloved coastal-inspired American cuisine.”

    Hudson House restaurant Rice Village
      

    Photo by Becca Wright

    Hudson House is bringing its signature martinis to Rice Village.

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