Foreign Correspondents Shutters

Ambitious, highly praised farm-to-table Thai restaurant shutters with chef's departure

Foreign Correspondents has closed.

Photo by Leslie Ross

In the turbulent world of Houston restaurants, even critically-acclaimed restaurants can struggle to find an audience. Add Foreign Correspondents, the Treadsack group's ambitious farm-to-table Northern Thai restaurant, to the list of places like Feast and Osteria Mazzantini that could never quite translate its media spotlight into financial success.

On Sunday, chefs Apple and PJ Stoops resigned their positions as co-chefs of the restaurant. On Monday, Treadsack announced that the restaurant has shuttered, but its neighboring cocktail bar Canard will remain open. After opening three restaurants in rapid succession last fall, Foreign Correspondents is the first that Treadsack has ever closed, but the company is developing a plan for the space in the Heights shopping center that's also home to the Asian-inspired coffee and doughnut shop Morningstar and will soon be home to a Houston location of acclaimed Austin gelato shop Dolce Neve.

"We put a lot of love, work, and money into the building, and we’d hate to see it just go away," Treadsack co-owner Chris Cusack said in a statement. "We don’t have firm details on anything specific for the space right now, but we are discussing a number of options that we’re pretty excited about. For the time being we’ll be shut until we have more details. Our eligible staff will be offered comparable roles at our other concepts. (Restaurateurs: call me if you need good people. I may have some great FOH and BOH staff available.)"

Cusack praised the chefs for their contribution to the restaurant, adding "Apple and PJ brought life to something that we’ve never seen in Texas — let alone in Houston —and possibly even the country. Their Northern and Northeastern Thai cuisine was authentic, exciting, and a true joy to share with Houston."

Critics raved about the food Stoops served. Foreign Correspondents earned a shout out from Eater critic Bill Addison, a place on Southern Living magazine's list of the South's best new restaurants, and a spot on Bon Appetit's prestigious list of America's 50 best new restaurants. Unfortunately, it never quite caught on. PJ Stoops told the Chronicle that other than during Houston Restaurants Weeks, "we had never really made money." The restaurant had quietly added pad Thai to its menu, but one dish — even one as popular and familiar as pad Thai — wasn't enough to attract larger crowds.

Although it's the first restaurant Treadsack has ever closed, Cusack remains optimistic about the future. "One of the greatest things about being a restaurateur is delighting people with new experiences. For over a year, we got to do that at Foreign Correspondents. Our whole team is incredibly grateful for that chance, and we’re looking forward to what the future holds," he said.

the-heights closings

Bowling over Houston

Gluten-free Austin restaurant picks River Oaks for first Houston store

Rendering of Honest Mary's in River Oaks

Rendering by Mark Odom Studio

Honest Mary's, an Austin-based eatery, is expanding with a new location in Houston's River Oaks in fall 2025.

It will be a Houston homecoming for restauranteur Nelson Monteith with the fall 2025 debut of Honest Mary’s in River Oaks.

“It’s a joy and honor to bring a brand we’ve worked hard to create in Austin and finally be able to share that concept with friends and family in Houston,” Monteith said in a statement. “There’s a bit of built-in comfort in knowing there are folks here who are already fans of Honest Mary’s. They’ve been asking us for years to open a location in Houston, and now it’s happening.”

Located at 2047-A West Gray St., Honest Mary's will occupy the current La Madeleine space. It is not known at this time when La Madeleine will close, but construction on Honest Mary's is expected to begin in May 2025.

Monteith and his wife, Mary, launched Honest Mary’s in 2017 after embracing mindful eating to improve their health. Since then, the Austin-based eatery that describes itself as serving "life-giving fast food" has expanded to four locations, with the upcoming River Oaks spot marking its arrival in Houston.

“There’s healthy food, fresh food, and fast food,” he said. “We wanted to create something that fits into that sweet spot without sacrificing quality or convenience. The trend towards healthy eating and the reality of busy lifestyles aren’t slowing down. We offer a place that caters to both.”

At the center of Honest Mary’s menu are five signature bowls ranging from poke to vegetarian, including the smoky poblano ($10.25) that features a basmati rice base with fresh vegetables of wild arugula, sweet corn, and pickled onions in a creamy poblano sauce. Co-partner and chef Andrew Wiseheart, known for Austin’s Contigo and Ladybird Taco, leads the kitchen.

Honest Mary's menu features healthy, gluten-free bowls. Guests can choose from five signature bowls at Honest Mary's, or create their own.Courtesy of Honest Mary's

Diners can build their own bowls by selecting a base like quinoa, proteins including grilled chicken and tuna, and vegetables such as sweet potatoes. Pickled onions, cucumber salad, and avocado are among the topping selections, with sauces like lemon garlic and cashew-lime crema.

Scratch-made sipping broths round out the menu, with the chicken bone broth packed with celery, carrots, onions and parsley, or an umami-rich seaweed and mushroom broth.

A selection of house-made aguas frescas and teas, local craft beer, wine, kombucha, and organic cold-pressed juices will be available, as will Honest Mary’s popular almond butter cookies sweetened with maple syrup and topped with a sprinkle of Maldon salt.

Rendering by Mark Odom Studio

Honest Mary's, an Austin-based eatery, is expanding with a new location in Houston's River Oaks in fall 2025.

With its fully gluten-free menu, Honest Mary’s caters to a range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free. To align with Monteith’s dedication to nutrition, Honest Mary’s uses seed oils sparingly and prioritizes local and organic ingredients when possible.

“River Oaks Shopping Center has a unique blend of history and vibrant new concepts, making it the ideal home for us,” Monteith said. “We aim to be a neighborhood spot where people can enjoy delicious, healthy food.”

Lunden McGill and John Frazier of Baker Katz brokered the deal for the 2,200-square-foot space and additional patio with seating for 38 inside and 44 outside. Mark Odom Studio is responsible for architecture and design.

Honest Mary’s signature elements of terra cotta and blue tilework will be incorporated to provide consistency between all five locations, while Art Deco-inspired decor of lush greenery, warm wood tones and natural light will align the space with the River Oaks Shopping Center’s structure.

Takeaway, delivery, and dine-in will be provided daily from 11 am to 9 pm.

news-you-can-eat openings honest mary's