Austin gluten-free fave

Favorite Austin restaurant debuts in Montrose's hottest hub with delectable dishes for the gluten-free crowd

An Austin restaurant known for catering to people with different dietary requirements will soon makes its Houston debut. Picnik will open on Monday, April 24.

Located in the Montrose Collective mixed-use development (888 Westheimer Rd.), Picnik distinguishes itself by the way it constructs dishes to make them approachable for people with food allergies. Every menu item is gluten-free, refined sugar-free, peanut-free, and seed oil-free.

Diners can add superfoods and adaptogens such as CBD, Reishi (relaxation), Sharp (energy), or Lion’s Mane (focus). In addition, the kitchen only cooks with avocado oil, coconut oil, and extra virgin olive oil. The restaurant will be open for lunch, dinner, and brunch.

“At Picnik we strive to make sure our menu is approachable and delicious. We want our guests to feel at home whether they are out with friends, family or having a work meeting,” Picnik CEO Dan Mesches said in a statement. “Even if you don’t live in the neighborhood we want you to feel like this is your place to eat, drink and relax.”

Popular dishes on the menu include the Bacon Jam Burger made with a grass-fed beef patty; everything salmon with fennel and tomato salad; and a taco bowl. Seasonal specials like spring hash (corn, asparagus, kale, sweet potato, and housemade sausage) keep things fresh.

Beverage options include cocktails such as the Pitaya Margarita (tequila, dragon fruit, raw honey, lime juice) and the Southern Charm (bourbon, citrus, banana, and spices). In addition, look for sustainable wines, gluten-free beers, zero-proof cocktails, cider, and hard kombucha.

Originally launched in 2013 as a food trailer by Naomi Seifter, the restaurant has grown to two Austin locations. HapstakDemetriou+ Architecture Design took inspiration from nature to create the Houston location’s look.

Picnik joins a diverse group of restaurants in the Montrose Collective, including Uchi, Graffiti Raw, Marmo, and La La Land Kind Cafe. The Chelsea Bistro and Bar will open in the development soon.

Austin's Picnik comes to Montrose later this year.

Courtesy of Picnik

The Bacon Jam Burger is a customer favorite.

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forme fitting

Beard-recognized Houston chef serves up fresh concept in Midtown high-rise

Courtesy of Lucille's Hospitality Group

Lucille's Hospitality Group is now operating The Branch.

One of Houston’s most acclaimed hospitality groups has opened a new wellness-focused concept in a Midtown high-rise. The Branch is the latest concept from Lucille’s Hospitality Group.

Located on the 12th floor of the Forme, a luxury high-rise at 5501 La Branch, The Branch will serve a seasonal menu that includes a raw bar, daily crudo specials, oysters, caviar, and charcuterie. Those dishes can be paired with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails.

Currently, the restaurant is open to both residents and members of the general public for dinner Thursday-Saturday and during the day on Sunday. Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner service will be added over time.

Founded by James Beard Award finalist Chris Williams, Lucille’s Hospitality Group is known for its Southern-inspired Museum District restaurant Lucille’s and Late August, its Midtown establishment that earned both a Recommended designation in the Michelin Guide and a Best New Restaurant award from Esquire for its blend of Afro-Caribbean and Mexican flavors. Lucille’s 1913, the group’s nonprofit, operates farms that provide access to fresh food in underserved areas.

"We're incredibly excited to partner with The Forme, because this is about much more than opening a new hospitality venue, it's about helping build a community," Williams said in a statement. "The Branch allows us to bring together thoughtful food, wellness-inspired hospitality, art and community in one space. Launching the partnership through a fundraiser that leaves a lasting impact on Houston makes this collaboration even more meaningful."

The Forme is a 33-story high-rise that’s focused on wellness, productivity, and community. In addition to The Branch, its amenities include a 20,000-square-foot fitness and recovery area, a 9,000-square-foot outdoor pool deck with pool and expansive hot tub, and 20,000 square feet of flexible coworking space.

The Branch will celebrate its opening on July 4 with Liberty and Lux, a fundraiser that will support efforts to paint murals on the Forme’s parking garage honoring America’s 250th anniversary. Tickets, $150, includes an open bar, passed hors d'oeuvres, and an expansive view of area fireworks displays from the building’s 12th floor pool deck.

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