First Taste

A Twin Peaks breastaurant counter: Upper Kirby finally gets girlie (and spicy)with new bistro

Nosh Bistro has taken the sliver of a space adjacent to Allegiance Bank.
Photo by Sarah Rufca
Photo by Sarah Rufca
Nosh Bistro's pretty interiors were designed by Patidar.
Nosh Bistro
The addictive Nosh "fries"
Photo by Sarah Rufca

With both Twin Peaks and Hooters within a stone's throw of intersection of Kirby Drive and Highway 59, it's about time that Upper Kirby got a space designed for the fairer sex.

Enter Nosh Bistro, a stylish purple sliver of a space tucked to the side of Allegiance Bank. While "purple" is definitely the dominant design theme, it's kept tasteful with darkly brocaded walls and slightly iridescent studded grey chairs, including a couple oversize chairs meant to seat two whose unlikely proportions give a whimsical Alice in Wonderland feel.

With this feminine space and a spacious, wrap-around patio featuring a canopy of oak trees and a fire pit, it's easy to picture Nosh as a place for sips.

Owner Neera Patidar and executive chef Carlos Gonzalez are serving Patidar's version of comfort food, a melange of flavors that Patidar describes as "modern food with an East Asian flair, focusing on Singapore, Korean, Indian and Thai flavors."

While not executed as expertly as Jet Hurapan's menu at Blu in Sugar Land, Nosh does present some pleasant surprises, including a sharable "angry" shrimp plate that includes caper berries and whole jalepeño peppers for a flavorful heat, ingenious Nosh "fries," or thick strips of breaded and fried shrimp and mushroom that are totally addictive, as well as saffron-spiced donut balls for dessert.

But with this feminine space and a spacious, wrap-around patio featuring a canopy of oak trees and a fire pit, it's easier to picture Nosh as a place for sips, especially with the white-tiled bar front and center. Patidar and bar manager Jason LaBove, last seen at Coppa, have designed a champagne-friendly cocktail menu mixing bubbly, sake, and other non-spirits with fresh juices.

Noshing on some spicy bar bites and sipping cocktails with friends instead of sitting in rush hour traffic? Now that's an idea.

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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.