Stoked shutters

Cursed location? Upscale taco joint suddenly closes after only six months in business

Stoked has closed its doors.

Photo courtesy of Stoked Tacos & Tequila

One of 2016's more promising newcomers has suddenly closed. Stoked Tacos & Tequila ended its run in Midtown after only six months in business.

Chef-owner Adam Puskorius tells CultureMap that the closure of neighboring nightclub Red Door gave the landlord the opportunity to renovate the entire space, and it made sense for the business to close to facilitate those changes.

"We were going to (close) January 1. With all the closing days during holidays we felt it was better to go ahead and close now," Puskorius writes in a text. "We thank everyone for the support and love."

Puskorius adds that he's reunited with fellow Eddie V's alums Keith House and James Robert at acclaimed Southern restaurant Fixe in Austin. He'll be serving as executive chef while the restaurant embarks on a period of growth.

"We have plans to open more Fixes across Texas and have signed a lease for a second location in Fort Worth (with) plans to do a couple more behind it," Puskorius writes.

Stoked certainly had promise when it opened. Modeled after well-known Chicago restaurant Big Star, Puskorius's commitment to using locally raised meats and locally grown vegetables, as well as making his own tortillas, had the potential to elevate what diners could expect from a taco without feeling pretentious. Cocktails by popular bartender Chris Frankel, who ultimately departed from Stoked's upstairs cocktail lounge Spare Key, further enhanced its appeal.

Maybe the remodel is for the best. After being home to four different concepts since 2011 — El Patio, Xuco Xicana, Cook & Collins, and Stoked — the space has certainly earned the "cursed" label. Perhaps a new look will allow a new operator to bring in a concept that works for Midtown.

closings

Play it again, Houston, at this new hotspot

Houston's new piano bar hits a high note with 2-story patio & martinis

A man plays the piano while a cocktail sits next to him

Photo by Rebecca Wright

The Kennedy in the Montrose/River Oaks area recently opened its doors to those who love live music, libations, and refined entrees.

The Kennedy, a new restaurant and piano bar, aims to strike a harmonious blend of classic elegance and modern sophistication as it opens at 3210 W Dallas St., near the intersection of West Dallas Street and Waugh Drive.

Former frequenters of Muse and Emmaline will recognize The Kennedy’s location that sits where Montrose and River Oaks begin to blend. The more than 7,000-square-foot space has been transformed into an intimate retreat through a rich, moody color palette, dark wood paneling, and cozy seating vignettes.

A large, indoor bar is a focal point, while tall ceilings and expansive industrial windows lend a contemporary edge to the timeless design. Nearly 40 pieces of art — including original, classical, and contemporary works sourced from local galleries — adorn the walls, creating a space that’s as visually captivating as it is welcoming. With cooler temperatures finally on the horizon, Houstonians can enjoy the weather on The Kennedy’s two-story, amply-shaded patios.

“Bringing The Kennedy to life has been a labor of love over the last year, and I’m excited to share our warm and cozy restaurant and piano bar with our guests,” owner Andres Castro said in a statement. “We’ve gathered an incredible team of industry veterans that have made The Kennedy a world-class, day-to-late night destination that feels like an energetic extension of your home.”

Music is woven into the experience, with live performances by vocalists, pianists, and DJs on the menu. A baby grand piano serves as the heart of the entertainment, and a dual-sided fireplace doubles as a DJ booth, creating a vibrant late-night lounge ambiance.

Open Tuesday through Sunday, The Kennedy serves lunch on Fridays, and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

Executive chef Adriana Maldonado, who honed her skills in New York City at spots like Javelina and Olives, brings her expertise to the kitchen. The menu, crafted in collaboration with Carniceria Prime Meat Market, features premium dishes such as a prime wagyu ribeye with romesco and chimichurri ($32) and a delicate wagyu ribeye tartare ($21). Elevated plates include truffle white wine lobster spaghetti ($30) with vodka sauce and yellow heirloom tomatoes, along with a playful twist on the mozzarella stick, coated in potato chips and topped with crème fraîche and caviar ($24).

The bar menu, with an extensive selection of handcrafted cocktails and mocktails, an impressive martini list, and international wines and champagnes, has something for every taste. Highlights include the mango ember ($16), a mezcal-based drink with mango purée, and the clarified millionaire margarita ($26) with Patron Cielo. Martini lovers can enjoy choices like the lychee martini ($16) and the soprano negroni with orange Campari foam ($18).

Casual attire is welcome during the day, but “Sunset Attire” is requested after 6 pm, encouraging visitors to dress up for the evening in keeping with the venue’s upscale vibe.

Photo by Rebecca Wright

The Kennedy in the Montrose/River Oaks area recently opened its doors to those who love live music, libations, and refined entrees.

“The Kennedy merges the sophistication and elegance of River Oaks with the energy and artistry of Montrose and delivers a one-of-a-kind experience,” Castro said.

This is the first concept of Castro’s newly-formed Ninety3 Hospitality Group. Castro has 12 years of hospitality experience, including time at nightclubs such as Spire and Clé, and six years in private aviation.