so fancy

Nightlife veterans grow up with opening of new River Oaks cocktail lounge

Houston’s foremost nightlife experts are bringing a new cocktail lounge to River Oaks. Fancy’s, the newest concept from The Clé Group, opens this Friday, May 17.

Located in the former Albi space at 1947 W Gray St., Fancy’s aims to offer an elevated cocktail experience with an upscale interior and music by DJs. For Clé Group owners Zack Truesdell, Salim Dehkordi, and Dallas Rodriguez, the new bar reflects their desire to spend time in an environment that’s more grown up than the nightclubs that have powered their success.

“This is so different from anything we’ve ever done before,” Dehkordi said in a statement. “When collectively strategizing our next move, we went back to the drawing board and focused on what was appealing to us based on the stage of life we’re in. And it’s an experience we seek in this city.”

Cocktail options consist of house originals inspired by martinis and other classics. Options include the Oh You Fancy, Huh, a spicy margarita riff made with tequila, butterfly pea tea, citrus, jalapeno and serrano; the Star Martini, made with tequila, citrus, and passionfruit-vanilla extract; the Sweet XO, an espresso martini variation made with tequila, chocolate bitters, coffee foam, and coffee crema; and the Lychee Blossom made with vodka, St. Germain, lychee and passionfruit, and citrus.

While the focus is on the drinks, Fancy’s will also serve a limited food menu of shareable bar snacks, sushi, and caviar. Options include hummus, truffle fries, and a charcuterie board. Sushi options include nigiri (salmon, tuna, hamachi, etc) and rolls such as the Fancy (spicy salmon, blackened tuna, avocado, etc.) and the Shaggy Dog (spicy shrimp tempura, crab, etc.).

Inside, the space features Roberto Cavalli textured wallpaper and deep red chandeliers. An onyx bar will serve as a lively gathering spot.

In keeping with the upscale atmosphere, Fancy’s recommends customers make reservations. A request form on the bar’s website asks for a range of information, including the typical contacts such as phone number and email address along with a person’s social media handles, their birthday, and the number of men and women expected to be in the party.

Social media posts on the Fancy’s Instagram account note that a dress code will be strictly enforced. A representative did not have specific requirements but noted that the pictures above point to the general vibe: collared shirts and sport coats for men and cocktail attire for women.

"Our lounge is designed to be a haven for an upscale, mature demographic, where they can savor expertly crafted drinks and enjoy a luxurious atmosphere that exudes style and sophistication," Truesdell added.

Opening Fancy’s comes at a time of transition for the Clé Group. In February, the company quietly closed Bisou, its lively, French-inspired restaurant in River Oaks District. BLVD Park, the group's new patio bar next to sister concept Heights Social, is expected to open soon.

Photo by Shane Dante

Fancy's opens this Friday, May 17.

news-you-can-eat openings cocktails nightlife

cheers to that

Texas bourbon named one of 2024's top 10 whiskies

Still Austin Whiskey Co. Red Corn Bourbon Whiskey

Still Austin Whiskey Co./Facebook

Now if only we could snag a bottle...as a Christmas gift, of course.

Three cheers for Still Austin Whiskey Co.! The distillery's Bottled in Bond Red Corn Bourbon Whiskey was recognized as one of Whisky Advocate'sTop 20 Most Exciting Whiskies of 2024.

Every year, Whisky Advocate's expert panelists rank hundreds of whiskies based on their quality, availability, value for the price, and "X-factor," meaning an excitement-inducing component like a unique flavor or an innovative idea. An international panel also reviews contenders through several blind taste tests without knowing each whisky's producer, origin, age, or price.

The magazine ranked Still Austin's five-year Red Corn Bourbon No. 7 on the list with a prestigious score of 94 points. The Red Corn whiskey, which was released in June 2024, has mash bill consisting of 36 percent Jimmy Red corn, 34 percent white corn, 25 percent rye, and 5 percent barley.

According to panelist Shane English, tasting notes start big and bold with cracked pepper, dusty leather, and cocktail cherries, before moving on to a palate of chile pepper, caramel, and buttery cornbread.

"Each sip is electric — the pepper gives this whiskey a zing balanced by poundcake and glazed doughnuts," English said. "Charred oak fades to chocolate, coffee, and pecan pie on the finish."

Still Austin had the only Texas product on the list, which was fitting given the brand's recent boasting that it could match any Kentucky Bourbon. As a game day stunt when the Texas Longhorns played the Kentucky Wildcats in November, Still Austin refilled empty Kentucky Bourbon bottles with its own Cask Strength Bourbon for just $1.

When the brand isn't playfully antagonizing Kentucky fans, its Red Corn Bourbon sells for a retail price of $85 per 750-milliliter bottle, falling nearly in the middle of the price category out of all 20 bourbons on the list, with eight others priced for less.

For additional context, none of the top five bourbons fall under a $100 price tag. In fact, the most expensive bottle on the 2024 list is the Angel's Envy 2023 Cask Strength Port Wine Barrel Finished Bourbon, which ranked No. 12 and retails for $230 per bottle.

"Our top 20 whiskies represent a curated collection that deserves your attention. Each whisky on the list stands out for its superb taste, representing the pinnacle of a year filled with remarkable tastings," said executive editor David Fleming in a release. "This list features whiskies offering exceptional value, leaders in their respective styles, and superbly made expressions that are well worth seeking out."

Whiskey Advocate's 2024 Whiskey of the Year is Laphroaig Elements 2.0 Cask Strength Scotch Single Malt, which earned 95 points and retails for $165 a bottle.

whiskey bourbon distilleries awards lists