ninfa's chef departs

Talented chef leaving after 18 years at iconic Houston Tex-Mex restaurant

Alex Padilla is leaving The Original Ninfa's.

Photo by Becca Wright

One of Houston’s most beloved restaurants is parting ways with its long-time chef. Alex Padilla announced he is stepping down from his role as executive chef for The Original Ninfa’s.

The chef, who grew up in Houston and knew Ninfa’s founder Ninfa Laurenzo, came to the restaurant in 2006. Under his tenure, Ninfa’s re-established its reputation as one of Houston’s finest Tex-Mex restaurants, earning wide acclaim in the media and James Beard Award semifinalist nominations for Outstanding Restaurant in 2019 and 2020.

Still, the restaurant’s classic menu only provides so much room for innovation. Leaving will provide Padilla with the opportunity to pursue new goals, according to a release.

“As I’m getting older, I’m looking to slow down and refocus on the things that made me want to be a chef in the first place — like travel and cultural inspiration,” Padilla said in a statement. “I have a couple of opportunities I’m working on that I’ll share when I’m ready. Ninfa’s will always be part of me and it will always be family and home to me.”

Niel Morgan, managing partner for Ninfa’s owner Legacy Restaurants, hailed Padilla for his contributions to cementing the 50-plus year old restaurant’s legacy for a new generation of diners.

“Alex has been with us since the beginning of our effort to build something great on the base of this amazing little place on Navigation Boulevard that Mama Ninfa left behind,” he said. “He’s done an outstanding job, and I will always be grateful.”

Padilla will continue to consult for the restaurant until July 1. After his departure, the restaurant will remain in good hands. Last year, Morgan beefed up the restaurant’s culinary talent by hiring David Luna (Line & Lariat, Goode Co.) as director of culinary operations, Patti Delgado (Vibrant, Benjy’s) as executive chef for Ninfa’s Uptown location, and director of operations Justin Solomon (Eunice).

“I understand this next phase of life Alex wants to pursue,” Morgan said. “We’ve got it from here — he’s leaving us in good shape and I’m 100 percent confident that our team can handle it.”

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another surprise shutter

Coastal-inspired Houston restaurant will shutter after 3 years in Montrose

Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

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A Montrose restaurant devoted to fresh and healthy fare will soon serve its final meal. Graffiti Raw will close on December 31.

Located next to Uchi in the Montrose Collective mixed-use development, Graffiti Raw opened in early 2023. It is part of the Big Vibe Group, the hospitality company behind Coppa Osteria in Rice Village and Flora, the stylish Mexican restaurant in Buffalo Bayou Park.

Graffiti Raw took inspiration from coastal destinations such as Big Sur, Mexico, and the Mediterranean. True to its name, the menu included raw items such as tartare and ceviche alongside classic fare such as steak frites, chicken schnitzel, and crab fried rice.

“Since opening, Graffiti Raw has been a place for connection — from shared meals to vibrant

nights that reflected the creative energy of Houston. The Big Vibe Group is grateful to the

guests, team members, partners and the Montrose Collective community who helped shape the experience,” the company said in a statement.

Big Vibe emphasizes that both Coppa Osteria and Flora “remain central to the company’s long-term vision, with an emphasis on growth, consistency, and elevated hospitality.” It made a similar commitment to those concepts when it closed Gratify, a neighborhood bistro in Rice Village, back in 2024.

Montrose has seen a number of openings and closings, with additions such as jazz supperclub Doc’s and wine shop/bar Montrose Grocer. Paulie’s, a neighborhood staple for more than 25 years, will also close on December 31.

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