2 destination-worthy restaurants

Duck, sushi, and Michelin-star resumes coming to Medical Center's new luxury hotel

The Medical Center's newest luxury hotel will soon be home to two destination-worthy restaurants. Chefs Ho Chee Boon and Akira Back will both open new concepts at the Blossom Hotel in early 2022: Duck House by Boon and AB Sushi.

Both chefs have led restaurants that earned one Michelin star. During his time as executive chef of the Hakkasan Group, chef Ho earned a star for Yauatcha's Soho London location (he also opened that short-lived Houston location), and Back's Seoul restaurant DOSA, one of more than a dozen he operates worldwide, held one star from 2017-2020.

Duck House will feature a menu of Cantonese dishes such as stir-fries, dim sum, and soup. The signature duck comes from Joe Jurgielewicz & Son LTD, a family-owned duck farm in Pennsylvania. Touted as "America's tastiest duck," chef Ho selected them for their crispy skin and meat-to-fat ratio. He also serves Jurgielewicz & Son ducks at Empress by Boon, his recently-opened restaurant in San Francisco.

“I take pride in introducing Cantonese flavors and dishes that reflect my modern sensibilities and unique ingredients," chef Ho said in a statement. “Through Duck House by Boon, I hope to build on the cuisine’s legacy while also bringing guests together over a meal where guests can create lasting memories with friends and loved ones.”

A Korean native who grew up in Aspen, Colorado, Akira Back had a career as a professional snowboarder before he became a professional chef. He currently operates 16 restaurants worldwide with plans to add 10 more by 2024, including an outpost of his eponymous, modern Japanese restaurant Akira Back in Dallas.

AB Sushi will serve sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese-inspired dishes. Its atmosphere will be refined, according to a release.

“AB Sushi at Blossom Hotel Houston will serve as a welcoming environment for fish lovers of all palates and experience levels,” said Chef Akira Back. “I’m passionate about introducing people to my cuisine and look forward to bringing our menu to Houston.”

As CultureMap has previously reported, the 16-story Blossom Hotel offers 267 luxury guestrooms and suites, plus more than 9,000 square feet of meeting and event spaces. The property also boasts a rooftop pool and lounge with views of downtown Houston.

The Blossom Hotel will house two fine dining restaurants.

Photo courtesy of Blossom Hotel Houston

The Blossom Hotel will house two fine dining restaurants.

news-you-can-eat openings hotels

there's the rub

Restaurant known for 'new Houston cuisine' now open in Cypress

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.

A restaurant known for its eclectic “new Houston cuisine” has opened in Cypress. The fourth location of Jonathan’s the Rub is now open for dinner in Bridgeland (20215 Bridgeland Creek Parkway).

First announced last year, the new Jonathan’s is located in Village Green, a 70-acre mixed-use development within the 925-acre Bridgeland Central district. The 5,500-square-foot restaurant includes two patios totaling 2,600 square feet, giving the restaurant plenty of room for private dining rooms, a bar area, and indoor-outdoor areas with fire pits and greenery.

“We were looking for the next frontier — a community with a booming population and a clear vision for growth that aligns with our brand,” chef-owner Jonathan Levine said in a statement. “When we discovered Bridgeland and learned it was a Howard Hughes development, we were immediately impressed. With their reputation for developing generational communities, we felt confident that Bridgeland was the right place for our family and for Jonathan’s the Rub.”

Like Jonathan’s three other locations, the menu at Bridgeland is built around Levine’s signature “new Houston cuisine,” a kicked-up take on comfort food that includes everything from lobster tacos and blackened shrimp and grits to Italian American classics and steakhouse fare.

Village Green is also home to H-E-B and restaurants such as Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café and Crust Pizza Co. Austin-based burger joint P. Terry’s will open there next year.

“Jonathan’s the Rub’s arrival in Bridgeland Central brings a distinguished addition to the culinary scene in both the community and northwest Houston,” said Jim Carman, president of the Texas region, for Bridgeland developer Howard Hughes Communities. “We’re proud to partner with exceptional restaurateurs like Chef Jonathan Levine to bring elevated dining experiences that enhance the lifestyle offerings for our residents and neighbors.”

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.