now open in montose

Eclectic and globally inspired new restaurant settles into former Aqui space in Montrose

An eclectic new restaurant has opened in Montrose. Inspired by owner Matthew Mitchell's wandering around the world, Traveler's Table is now open for dinner.

Mitchell turned to Gin Design Group (Eunice, Axelrad) to remodel the former Aqui space. Towards that end, the entrance has been relocated to the the patio, and a 24-seat private dining room has been created. Overall, the look now recreates "the ambiance of the home of a well-traveled individual," according to a release.

The menu has a similar, globally inspired feel. Working with Ashley Rosenfeld and chef Omar Pereney of Á La Carte Foodservice Consulting Group, the culinary offerings skip lightly across multiple continents; Jordan Economy, originally announced as the executive chef, recently parted ways with the project.

To start, diners may opt for soup dumpling filled with pho broth, Braziilan-style pao de quejio, Japanese chicken kaarage, or hummus with lamb ragu (among others). Flatbreads (truffled margherita, Greek chicken), salads, and side dishes follow.

From there, the menu is divided by geographic region. "The Far East" section includes dishes from Thailand (soft shell crab pad thai, khao soi), Vietnam (cha ca seafood), Korea (short rib bibimap), and China (Sichuan-style cumin lamb). "India and the Mediterranean" offers butter chicken and pork vindaloo alongside a Moroccan chicken grain bowl and beef cheek ravioli. A cheeseburger, shrimp and grits, and Argentinian-style hanger steak with chimichurri all represent "the Americas." Larger dinner entrees — ranging from North African-style leg of lamb to Chinese-style duck and seafood risotto — unite in another section of the wide-ranging menu.

Beverage options are similarly diverse. Both local and international beers, wines from around the world, and a dozen house cocktails should give diners plenty of options for pairing the right drink with a specific dish.

Mitchell took an unusual path to the world of restaurants. A former writer and journalist, he completed the Advanced Management Program at Rice's Jesse H. Jones School of Management and spent 14 years in the pharmaceutical industry before attending culinary school at the Art Institute of Houston. To prepare for the opening of Traveler's Table, he worked at both Benjy's and Local Foods.

Whether the kitchen can execute such a diverse menu remains to be seen, of course, but the restaurant isn't making any assertions about authenticity. "The owner and chefs reserve the right to employ a bit of creative license from time to time in the name of flavor," the release notes. If those flavors hold up, Traveler's Table could become a place that's capable of satisfying a wide range of cravings.

Traveler's Table features an eclectic menu.

Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

Traveler's Table features an eclectic menu.

openings news-you-can-eat

say hey to Hypsi

Houston chef's hip new Italian restaurant now open in Heights hotel

Photo by Julie Soefer

Hypsi serves pasta and other Itaian-inspired dishes.

A new Italian restaurant is now open in the Heights. Located within the newly opened Hotel Daphne, Hypsi marks chef Terrence Gallivan’s return to professional cooking in Houston.

Known for his time as the co-execuive chef of The Pass and Provisions and owner of ElRo Pizza and Crudo, Gallivan brings strong culinary credentials to Hypsi. Although he isn’t known explicitly for Italian fare, he has significant experience making pizza, pasts, and other Italian-inspired dishes. After closing ElRo last year, the chef says that working for Bunkhouse Hotels, the Austin-based company that operates the Daphne, had a lot of appeal.

“My wife and I always made it a point to stop at their places whenever we’re in Austin. They know how to make cool stuff,” Gallivan says.

Hypsi’s menu includes updated takes on Italian fare begins with starters such as lamb meatballs, black truffle arancini, and Caesar salad. A selection of house-made pastas include squid ink radiatori with rock shrimp, butternut squash tortellini, and lumache with vodka sauce that gets a little heat from nduja. Entree choices include a roast chicken, pork Milanese, and roasted snapper with salsa verde.

The restaurant is also open for breakfast during the week and brunch on the weekends with items such as a panatone waffle, frittata, and breakfast sandwich. Lunch will follow in January.

“We took inspiration from tradition without being traditional,” Gallivan says. Later, he adds, “For me, it’s about balance. You try to please everybody. I want my mom to enjoy herself as much as a 25-year-old foodie. It’s important to hit as many marks as you can.”

One of the restaurant’s signatures will be the mozzarella cart that rolls through its dining room. Gallivan says he’s sourcing a mix of both American and imported Italian cheeses that will rotate every week or two. The cheese is served with a range of pickled fruit and vegetables, olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, focaccia, and more. Of course, seeing a cart immediately grabs diners’ attention, making them want whatever is on offer.

“That’s the beauty of carts,” Gallivan says. “It’s a fun thing to do. I think sometimes we get a little too serious in restaurants. It’s supposed to be fun. People are here to enjoy themselves.”

All that eating and drinking takes place in a dining room that’s inspired by Prohibition-era speakeasies, according to press materials. Details include blueberry lava stone on the bar, vintage velvet chairs, and custom Carimate dining chairs by Vico Magistretti. An outdoor patio features brick pavers, mosaic tables, and sculptures.

Photo by Julie Soefer

Hypsi serves pasta and other Itaian-inspired dishes.

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