Ben Berg’s big 2023 takes another step forward next week. Fresh off the opening of his Chinese restaurant Benny Chows, the restaurateur and the Berg Hospitality team will unveil Annabelle Brasserie next Wednesday, October 18.

Located in the Autry Park mixed-use development near the intersection of Allen Parkway and Shepherd Drive, Annabelle Brasserie serves French-inspired cuisine for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. It’s the first of at least seven restaurants and bars opening at the 14-acre mixed-use development, including Turner’s Cut, an upscale steakhouse inspired by Turner’s, Berg’s luxurious, Galleria-area supper club.

“For decades, brasseries have been the meeting points for social gatherings throughout the streets of France and other major urban cities,” Berg said in a statement. “My idea of a brasserie is where all walks of life can relish a fantastic meal. It’s a place to talk, have fun, and share a meal together, and the guests are part of the lively atmosphere. My goal is that Annabelle becomes this type of space in the urban oasis that is Autry Park.”

To create a properly Parisian environment for the almost 6,000-square-foot restaurant, Berg worked with Houston designer Gail McCleese of Sensitori. Details include vintage lighting and mirrors, a bronze female sculpture, and marble floors. A flower-covered ceiling is sure to become the next must-photo interior for every influencer in the city, as is the vintage Citroën truck at the entrance.

Other details include a 12-seat bar, a sunroom with its own 6-seat bar, patios that look out onto the bayou, and a private room that can accommodate 20 people.

Berg Hospitality culinary director Brian Sutton developed the menu with executive chef Russell Kirkham, who comes to Annabelle after a lengthy stint as executive chef at French fine dining restaurant Artisans.

Breakfast at Annabelle is served Monday-Friday from 7-10:30 am. Diners have the option to go light with dishes such as an avocado tartine and scrambled eggs with lox or hearty with options such as a croque madam and pain perdue. Weekend brunch gets even more decadent with dishes such as the lobster omelet and duck confit hash.

Both lunch and dinner are anchored by French classics such as escargot, French onion soup, and veal sweetbreads. In the spirit of the tableside service at other Berg establishments, Annabelle’s “Le Grande ‘Berg’er” gets topped with a layer of gooey raclette. Daily specials include dishes such as Chicken Cordon Blue on Tuesday, Braised Rabbit Pappardelle on Wednesday, and Beef Bourguignon on Sunday. As with any concept from the owner of B&B Butchers, prime steaks are available at all times of day.

“With all our concepts, we aim to introduce something unique to Houston that it doesn’t already have,” Berg added. “Just as New York has Central Park, every city deserves its own iconic space. Our proximity to Buffalo Bayou Park is our opportunity to add to the area's growth to truly create a sense of place for our guests.”

Annabelle Brasserie is Berg’s second opening of the year, but it won’t be the last. In the months to come, he plans to open several more restaurants, including:

• Buttermilk Baby, a retro-styled soda fountain
• Canopy Social, a rooftop bar above Benny Chows
• Dune Road, a New England seafood restaurant
• La Table, a fine dining French restaurant
• Prime 131, a live fire steakhouse
• Tavola, a Roman-style Italian restaurant.

Knowing Berg and his team, even more surprises await. For now, Houstonians can look forward to meals built around escargot, bayou views, and free-flowing cocktails.

Photo by Brian Kennedy

The Cote de Boeuf feeds two or more.