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

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