ready. set. throw.

Lavish London gaming club darts into Houston with games, cocktails, and choice eats, and open date

"Getting better at darts" seems like an improbable new year's resolution, but, just in case, a new-to-Houston entertainment venue will be able to help fulfill that goal. Flight Club will open its first Houston location on January 14, 2022.

Founded in London in 2015, Flight Club offers a dart-based version of the social gaming concepts that are opening across the city. Dubbed "Social Darts," Flight Club upgrades the classic darts experience with technology, a posh interior, and a focus on serving higher quality food and cocktails.

Different game styles facilitate group play. The company touts that more than 160 million darts have been thrown by more than 2 million people since 2015.

Details of the retro-inspired design include plush booths, semi-private game areas, and the ability to host groups from six to 400 people. Executive chef Sean Brown's menu will feature shareable items such as ahi tuna tacos and al pastor skewers.

Joining outposts in Chicago and Boston, Houston's location will occupy 8,500 square feet at Regent Square, the mixed-use development currently under construction near Montrose at the corner of Dunlavy and West Dallas. It will join two restaurants from chef Chris Shepherd: a reimagined version of his Georgia James steakhouse and a second concept that has yet to be announced.

To prepare for its Houston opening, the company invited influencers such as Samantha Huang, Julia Wang, and Houston Hot Spots' bloggers Matt Fiala and Marissa Ha to the Chicago location.

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“We’ve built our concept on creating a one-of-a-kind experience that brings people together over laughs, delicious food, refreshing cocktails and yes, a bit of friendly competition,” says Alan Cichon, U.S. president of Flight Club owner State of Play. “We recognize Houston as one of the country’s greatest and most diverse culinary cities, and we’re excited to settle ourselves within its vibrant food and drink landscape.”

Flight Club opens in January.

Courtesy of Flight Club

Flight Club opens in January.

openings cocktails

true to forme

Beard-recognized Houston chef's rooftop restaurant now open in Midtown

Photo by Rebekah Flores

The Branch serves breakfast daily.

A two-time James Beard Award finalist has opened his latest project. The Branch, a new concept from chef Chris Williams, officially opens this Thursday, October 1.

Part of Williams’ Lucille’s Hospitality Group, The Branch is intended to be a wellness-focused concept that utilizes seasonal ingredients and a rotating raw bar. Located on the 12th floor of the Forme, a luxury high-rise at 5501 La Branch, the 20,000-square-foot space offers both dining and lounge spaces along with a rooftop patio. It’s open for breakfast daily along with lunch and dinner Thursday-Sunday.

In the morning, diners may opt for the Harvest Table, a $20, Continental-style breakfast that includes pastries, a yogurt and honey bar, cheese, charcuterie, and fresh fruit. A la carte selections consist of staples such as chilaquiles, avocado and tuna toast, a crab cake Benedict, a Southwest omelet (black beans, corn, and avocado topped with pico de gallo, crema, and arugula salad), and more.

At lunch and dinner, the raw bar menu starts with a daily crudo special, oysters with bourbon mignonette, a tuna toastada, shrimp cocktail, and more. From there, diners turn to the “Fresh & Pressed” section of sandwiches, including Williams’ take on a club, Cuban, and a vegetarian pressed sandwich. Salads, wings, cheese, and charcuterie round out the daytime selections.

They’re paired with a number of house cocktails, beer, and wines by-the-glass. Two desserts complete the experience. Many of the cocktails are low ABV and can be made spirit-free.

Lucille’s Hospitality Group is known for its Southern-inspired Museum District restaurant Lucille’s and Lucille’s 1913, a nonprofit that operates farms that provide access to fresh food in underserved areas.

“We’re excited to partner with The Forme,” Williams said in a statement. “It’s not only an opportunity to utilize our culinary toolkit through room service and an entirely different dining experience across the street from Lucille’s, but it’s also another opportunity to create equity in one of the country’s most dynamic culinary cities. The space itself is truly special, with some of the best views in Houston and a setting unlike anything else in the city. We’re excited to create an experience that complements the neighborhood that has been our home for the past 17 years.”

The Forme is a 33-story high-rise that’s focused on wellness, productivity, and community. In addition to The Branch, its amenities include a 20,000-square-foot fitness and recovery area, a 9,000-square-foot outdoor pool deck with pool and expansive hot tub, and 20,000 square feet of flexible coworking space.

Photo by Rebekah Flores

The Branch serves breakfast daily.