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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WINE NEWS

Fredericksburg winery uncorks new ranch-inspired tasting room

Photo courtesy of Formando Vineyards

Formando Vineyards will open its tasting room on October 1.

A new tasting room is giving Houstonians another reason to take a trip to the Hill Country. Formando Vineyards, a family owned winery shaped by six generations of Texas ranching, will open at 11835 N. State Highway 16 in Fredericksburg on October 1.

Ceci McBride and her nephew, Henry Johnson, founded the brand in 2019, choosing a name that paid homage to the vaquero traditions of the family’s Chaparrosa Ranch. The Spanish “formando” translates to “forming,” and the family likens the winemaking process to the care and patience ranchers use to develop a horse for riding.

All of the label’s fruit, sourced from select Hill Country growers and the family’s estate in Gillespie County, is painstakingly harvested by hand. The family says their goal is to leave the land better than they found it.

"We wanted Formando to feel inseparable from the land and our family's history," Johnson said in a release. "At the same time, we want guests to discover just how expressive and exciting Texas-grown wine can be."

"For six generations, our family has gathered around the land, the table and the traditions of ranch life," McBride added. "Formando is our opportunity to welcome people into that story."

Co-owners Ceci McBride (l) and Henry Johnson pose with wine club coordinator Estella Winton.Photo courtesy of Formando Vineyards

The portfolio includes whites like Picpoul Blanc and Grenache Blanc and reds like Sangiovese and Montepulciano. But the flagship blend is more personal. Harry's Red is named for McBride's late son and “honors the love, connection, and family memories that helped shape Formando.”

Guests can drop in to Formando to order wine by the glass and bites such as house-made focaccia, Texas charcuterie, sandwiches, and pizzas. But for the full experience, the winery recommends a guided tasting. The three options — red-only, mixed wines, and a food pairing — run 60-90 minutes.

The winery also offers the Señor Pico Wine Club, which has three membership tiers with benefits ranging from member discounts and first dibs on new releases to complimentary tastings and exclusive invitations to private events.

Following the debut, Formando’s tasting room will be open Thursday through Sunday, 11 am-5 pm. Reservations can be made online.

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