Secret Taste

Exclusive dinners from sushi chefs pop up at modern River Oaks mansion

On November 17-18, a handful of Houston foodies gathered at 2419 Del Monte Dr. for two evenings that promised mystery, excitement, and an abundance of delectable cuisine.

They had assembled for the first four pop-up dinners from veteran sushi chefs Patrick Pham and Daniel Lee and coordinated by Andrew Lin. Secret Taste, as the dinners are dubbed, allow the chefs to experiment with a creative multi-course dinner and converse directly with their guests about the meal and their experience.

The chefs and their team took over the exquisite kitchen at the brand-new River Oaks mansion, which was designed by the award-winning MC2 Architects. The stunning five-bedroom home proved an ideal venue for the intimate dinner, and guests were encouraged to explore its more than 8,000 square feet, noting the wine room, a Zen pool, and even a summer kitchen.

Then they turned their attention to the meal, which featured upwards of 15 courses with specialty ingredients including barracuda, otoro, Hokkaido uni, and A5 Wagyu from Japan. Noted pastry chef Dory Fung created the desserts.

So how did these lucky diners know about Secret Taste? They followed the pop-up's Instagram for hints about when the next dinner will be, then pounce to be included on the (very limited) guest list by emailing SecretTasteHTX@gmail.com. The location isn't revealed until after a guest confirms, which only adds to the fun. Head to Secret Taste's Instagram now to watch a video of the dinners.

If anyone left wanting to know more about the dinners' venue, Julia Wang with Nan and Company Properties/Christie's International Real Estate has the listing and can be reached at julia@nanproperties.com or 713-714-6454. It can be yours for a cool for $5.5 million.

Houston chefs Patrick Pham and Daniel Lee hosted a Secret Taste pop-up dinner.

Photo courtesy of Secret Taste

Houston chefs Patrick Pham and Daniel Lee hosted a Secret Taste pop-up dinner.

home-for-sale promoted chefs dinner

two days of bbq

2 Michelin-rated barbecue joints holding can't-miss pop ups in Houston

Courtesy of KG BBQ

KG BBQ is bringing its Egyptian-influenced barbecue to Houston.

Two of the Texas barbecue joints to earn Bib Gourmand recognition in the Michelin Guide will be holding pop ups in Houston this week. One is visiting from Austin, while another is a Spring favorite with a one-day-only menu.

On Saturday, December 14, Austin’s celebrated KG BBQ will be serving at Axelrad in Midtown. Part of Texas Monthly’s 2023 list of the Top 25 New and Improved BBQ Joints in Texas, KG BBQ has earned wide acclaim for pitmaster Kareem El-Ghayesh’s Egyptian-influenced take on Texas barbecue.

The menu will include many of KG’s most popular dishes, including brisket rice bowls with smoked Mediterranean rice; smoked lamb chops; sumac-and-cinnamon-rubbed lamb shoulder, and sides such as pink buttermilk potato salad and Baladi salad.

Service begins at 10:30 am. Preorders are available online with a minimum order of $60.

In a statement, Axelrad co-owners Adam Brackman and Monte Large say that KG will make more visits to Houston in 2025. El-Ghayesh adds that he’s a fan of the Houston bar that’s known for its spacious backyard with hammocks, a stage, and a wide-ranging menu of beer and cocktails.

“Since the moment I stepped foot in Axelrad, I loved their culture, their vibrant colors and artistic flare, their attention to detail and hospitality and love for entertainment makes this place perfect for bringing back my nostalgic memories of hosting pop-ups like how I started in Austin,” he said. “I’m proud to bring what I have created to Houston. From how diverse the city is, its beautiful variety of ethnic foods, and large Egyptian community, it has so much to offer. We are excited to serve up some Egyptian BBQ to the Houston community through our pop ups over the next year at Axelrad.”

On Sunday, Spring’s Rosemeyer Bar-B-Q will trade its usual offerings for a special menu of dishes made with smoked whole hog. The menu will include whole hog plates, whole hog sandwiches, whole hog-and-parmesan polenta cakes, and whole hog served over cheese grits with a New Orleans-style barbecue sauce as well as sides and desserts. Service will run from 11 am until everything sells out, likely sometime between 2 and 3 pm.

“The whole menu is filled with specials and cool items we don’t do everyday at the stand,” co-owner Jordan Rosemeyer writes in an email. The motive, beyond exercising some creative muscles, is to raise money for Hogs for the Cause, an annual event that raises money for pediatric brain cancer research and the families who are fighting it.

Like KG, Rosemeyer is also a member of Texas Monthly’s 2023 new and improved list. Located at 2111 Riley Fuzzel Rd., the humble trailer has earned acclaim for its weekly specials, housemade ice cream, and well executed barbecue staples.

news-you-can-eat barbecue pop ups kg bbq rosemeyer bar-b-q