post-politan

Caribbean and Thai restaurants reopen in shuttered Rice Village food hall

Ate Kitchen will remain part of Rice Village.

Photo by Denny Culbert

Politan Row may have shuttered its location in Rice Village, but two of the food hall's former vendors will continue to occupy the space.

Ate Kitchen, a Caribbean concept from chef Keisha Griggs, and Kin, a Thai-inspired restaurant from Chopped winner Evelyn Garcia, have both reopened in the space at 2445 Times Blvd. Ate Kitchen will be open for to-go and delivery from noon-7 pm Wednesday through Saturday. Kin will use the facility as a commissary to prepare jarred condiments and spice rubs that Garcia sells at retailers and markets around Houston.

Griggs blends her Trinidadian heritage with French, African, Indian, and Latin influences to create Ate Kitchen's contemporary take on Caribbean cuisine. Featured dishes include jerk chicken, stews and samosas, and more.

“I’m thrilled to be reopening Ate in Houston’s Rice Village,” Griggs said in a statement. “The restaurant community looks decidedly different and how we deliver our cuisine has definitely shifted, but we are looking forward to opening back up — just in time for the holidays. We can’t wait to see old and new friends alike.”

Garcia worked at a series of New York restaurants including Spice Market by Jean Georges, Masak, and Kin Shop before returning home to Houston. After building a following for her pop-ups, she served as the chef-in-residence at Decatur Bar and Decatur Bar & Pop-up Factory before it closed in 2019. The rubs and condiments she produces can be found at places such as Henderson & Kane, Local Foods, and the Saturday farmers market organized by Urban Harvest.

“The pandemic has taken a devastating toll on restaurants everywhere," Garcia said. "We have taken this opportunity to reinvent the business and are grateful to be coming back.”

Politan Row opened in 2019 with a diverse slate of vendors and the credibility that came from a connection to New Orleans' acclaimed St. Roch market. It closed in November due to the economic disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

news-you-can-eat

From morocco to Memorial

Growing Houston Mediterranean restaurant picks Memorial for 3rd location

Courtesy of Zoa Eateries

A rendering previews the Memorial location of Zoa Eateries.

A casual, Houston-based Mediterranean restaurant is coming to Memorial. Zoa Eateries will open a new location this summer at 9807 Katy Fwy.

Opened in 2020 as Zoa Moroccan Kitchen, chef-owner Youssef Nafaa has rebranded the concept. Along with the new name, the fast casual restaurant will roll out a new menu with simplified sandwich offerings, more grab-and-go options, and new breakfast items.

Nafaa, the owner of concepts such as Mia Bella Trattoria, Coco Crepes & Coffee, and Mi Luna Tapas Restaurant & Bar, is working with his sons Zack, Omar, and Adam — the brand’s namesakes — on the restaurant. It currently has locations in Greenway Plaza and near the intersection of Shepherd Dr. and Washington Ave.

"Memorial means a lot to our family,” Adam Nafaa said in a statement. “I grew up in the area and attended Spring Branch ISD schools, including Memorial High School. Bringing it to the neighborhood I grew up in feels personal. I remember hanging out at Southwells after school, which, for those who know that location, was an institution, excited to be entering a market that influenced the formative years of my own growth.”

While the menu is being refreshed, it still revolves around build-your-own bowls and sandwiches made with braised beef tagine, roasted lamb meshwi, and beef kefta. Sandwiches are served on house made bread. Bowls can be enhanced with 20 toppings and nine sauces, including red and green harissa.

The restaurant itself is approximately 1,800 square feet and will offer indoor seating for 42 along with an outdoor patio. It will be open daily from 8 am until 10 pm.

news-you-can-eat openings