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    Foodie News

    A harvest of restaurants: November's new eateries

    Sarah Rufca
    Nov 28, 2009 | 6:00 am
    • Hearsay Gastro Lounge
      Photo by Julie Soefer
    • At Branch Water Tavern, bacon-wrapped prawns and cheddar grits over a poachedegg
      Photo by Kimberly Park
    • Byrd's Market & Cafe
      Adam Brackman
    • Bistro Alex
      Photo by Bill Olive

    It's a recipe for a fabulous fall: new restaurants opening so fast it's hard to keep them straight. Here's the skinny on the newest eateries to find yourself at... until next week, at least!

    --

    Youssef Nafaa made his name bringing Spanish tapas to Houston in the 1990s with Rice Village's Mi Luna (he sold it a few years ago and it's never been the same since), so his new Andalucia Tapas and Taverna at Houston Pavilions is kind of like going back to basics. In addition to a plethora of hot and cold tapas, Andalucia also offers up Spanish-style sandwiches, Mediterranean-classic entrees, a serious wine list and flamenco dance on Thursdays.

    Twin concepts from Brennan's Alex Brennan-Martin at Hotel Sorella, Bistro Alex offers a mix of modern and traditional bistro fare in a gorgeous setting, and Café Rose is a European-style venue with coffee, sandwiches, light bites and wine.

    A modern-American tavern in the former Cue & Cushion spot, Branch Water Tavern serves up seasonal and local ingredients in dishes by exec chef David Grossman that range from classic to current; as well as cultured cocktails, beers and wine by beverage director Evan Turner. Did we mention the kitchen will stay open 'til 2 a.m. on weekends?

    With Byrd's Market & Café (opening this week) at long last a market has come to the historic district of downtown, with organic produce, artisan breads and an extensive wine selection. The café will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, (with a particularly great and varied burger menu) and everything, down to the condiments, is made in-house.

    Those in the know are already hip to Hearsay, a swank new downtown speakeasy-style spot in the second-oldest building in Houston. With a modern Gothic vibe like no place else in town, old-school cocktails by master mixologist Britton Douglass and noshes by Grille 5115's Pedro Silva, it's smarter than the average bar.

    At The Rockwood Room, chef/owner Michael dei Maggi, last seen at Max's Wine Dive, and co-owner Robert Hall III take a page from the Mad Men era with robust American favorites and Rat Pack–ready décor.

    A culinary A-Team of Bill Floyd, exec chef Bryan Caswell, Justin Basye (of Voice) and Dave Poss (last at Vic & Anthony's) make up Stella Sola in the former Bedford spot, dedicated to Texas ingredients (dry-aged cuts of beef, fresh catch from the Gulf, pasta made in-house daily) and the flavors and influence of Northern Italy, as well as desserts by Rebecca Masson and a drinks menu by Anvil's Bobby Heugel.

    A funky beach house with a laid-back vibe and fresh, south of the border eats, Yelapa Playa Mexicana is the latest incarnation from industry vet Chuck Bulnes. Chef L.J. Wiley serves up flavorful, seafood-oriented botanas, tacos and entrees, including ceviche, tiradito and a kick-ass campechana.

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    riel returns

    Shuttered Houston restaurant revived for 1 night only at Canada Day pop-up

    Eric Sandler
    Jun 19, 2026 | 3:30 pm
    Riel truffle caviar pierogi
    Photo by Kirsten Gilliam
    The pop-up will serve Riel's caviar and truffle pierogi.

    One of the saddest restaurant closures of 2025 will get a one-night-only revival. Favorite dishes from Riel will return at Chardon on Sunday, June 28 for an event being called “Booze Can Sunday.”

    While a French fine dining restaurant might seem like an unlikely host for a Riel revival, Chardon executive chef E.J. Miller once served as Riel’s opening sous chef. Miller invited his former boss, Riel chef-owner Ryan Lachaine, to join him for a pop-up that honors Canada Day.

    Together, the duo will serve some of Riel’s most popular dishes, including:

    • Truffle and Caviar Pierogies
    • Steak Au Poivre Poutine with Cheese Curds
    • Deli Dog
    • Montreal Smoked Meat Sliders
    • Torche Kolaches
    • Mushroom Empanadas
    • Gator Karaage
    • Maple Whiskey Soft Serve with Foie Caram

    The day will also feature drink specials such as Canadian Jell-O Shots, Molson X, Canadian Club, Old Grand-Dad, and more. Robin Wong, a co-owner of Blood Bros. BBQ and a successful DJ, will spin throughout the event.

    Riel truffle caviar pierogi

    Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

    The pop-up will serve Riel's caviar and truffle pierogi.

    "Riel was a special place for a lot of people, and Booze Can Sunday was always one of the most anticipated events of the week," said Miller. "Ryan and I wanted to bring back that energy for one day, celebrate the restaurant that meant so much to us, and give guests a chance to revisit some of the dishes and memories they loved."

    Riel Restaurant Ryan Lachaine E.J. Miller A vintage picture of chefs EJ Miller and Ryan Lachaine. Photo by Eric Sandler

    Riel opened in January 2017 and closed in August 2025. In between, it earned wide acclaim for the way Lachaine blended his Canadian upbringing and Ukrainian heritage with the modern Gulf Coast cuisine he learned while working at restaurants such as Reef and Underbelly.

    Currently, Lachaine works as the executive chef at River Oaks restaurant State of Grace. He added two Riel signatures to State of Grace’s menu — the caviar tater tots and signature butter burgers.

    Chardon, which earned a Best New Restaurant nomination in the 2026 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards for its blend of classic French fare with Texas ingredients, opened in February 2025. In addition to Riel, Miller’s resume includes SaltAir Seafood Kitchen, International Smoke, and Muse.

    Booze Can Sunday takes place from 3-9 pm. Attendees are encouraged to register on Eventbrite.

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