Star Chefs Hit Houston

Superstar out-of-town chefs headed to Houston for new Test Kitchen restaurant series

As it prepares to complete a two month long pop-up series with a German beer dinner Friday night, the Kipper Club Test Kitchen is looking to grow with at least nine dinners in the first two months of 2015.

Next season's out of town chefs feature two big names in Dan Heinze, chef de cuisine of celebrated Charleston restaurant McCrady's (Jan. 16), and Michael Gulotta of New Orleans restaurant Mopho (Jan. 23). Kipper Club has also introduced a new $1,000 season ticket option that grants access to at least nine dinners as well as a butchery class taught by Bernadine's chef Graham Laborde and Hunky Dory chef Richard Knight and a fish class taught by Foreign Correspondents chef PJ Stoops.

"I'm particularly stoked about our out of town chefs."

Up and coming chefs will be featured at two "Contenders' Dinners" on Jan. 9 and Feb. 6. Kipper Club owner Treadsack will preview its three, eagerly anticipated spring openings — Bernadine's, Hunky Dory and Foreign Correspondents — at dinners on Jan. 30, Feb. 13 and Feb. 21. Additional dinners will feature Knight reprising last year's well-received Burns Supper (Jan. 24) and former Inn at Dos Brisas chef Zac Ladwig preparing an all seafood dinner (Feb. 27).

"I'm particularly stoked about our out of town chefs," Kipper Club manager Graham Laborde writes in an email. "Dan and Michael are both top tier chefs running kitchens that other chefs strive to emulate. These are the guys we had in mind when we started this project. We're lucky to have them."

The new series will also give Laborde his first opportunity to present Bernadine's to a paying audience. "There has been so much work involved just to get to this point that I can't wait to see how people respond to it. I feel fortunate to be in a position to benefit from that type of feedback," he emails.

By offering passionate diners the chance to preview upcoming restaurants and taste food by chefs from other states, Kipper Club has emerged as one of the city's most interesting dining options. The winter season only builds on that momentum.

The Kipper Club Test Kitchen will resume with a full slate of dinners and classes in January.

Kipper interior table with people October 2014

Photo by Eric Sandler

The Kipper Club Test Kitchen will resume with a full slate of dinners and classes in January.

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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