One of this year’s most eagerly anticipated restaurants has opened its doors. Late August is now open in the Ion mixed-use development (4201 Main St.).
Created by chef Chris Williams as part of Lucille’s Hospitality Group (Lucille’s, Rado Market), Late August takes its name from the building’s history as a former Sears department store. The annual Sears catalog would arrive in people’s mailboxes towards the end of August.
Photo by Rebekah Flores
Late August is now open at The Ion.
Williams created the menu with Late August executive chef Sergio Hidalgo. Although some of the dishes are influenced by Mexican cuisine, Williams does not consider Late August to be a Mexican restaurant.
“The cuisine is a true 'Masan,' based on both chefs' culinary experiences from childhood to their professional experiences,” Williams tells CultureMap. “Much like the Sears catalog, they hope there is something that speaks to everyone.”
On the opening menu, Southern-style gumbo is garnished with nopales and utilizes chorizo instead of the traditional andouille. Similarly, a half rack of pork ribs gets an achiote glaze and citrus pork confit is served with masa, refried black-eyed peas, and a sauce made from piri piri peppers.
Achiote-braised barbecue ribsPhoto by Rebekah Flores
Hidalgo brings experiences from The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation as well as restaurants in Seattle and Arizona, according to a release. General manager and sommelier Danny Davis has created a wine list that focuses on black and brown wines, female-owned wines, and small vineyards. The cocktail menu focuses on bourbon, mezcal, and drinks made with Highway Vodka, which was founded by Chris Williams’ brother Ben.
Gin Design Group incorporated original Sears terrazzo tile flooring into the 70-seat dining room. Artwork by local artist Robert Hodge, who also collaborated with Williams on the Hogan Brown Gallery at the Eldorado Ballroom, is featured in the space.
Williams first announced plans to open Late August in 2021 under the leadership of chef Dawn Burrell, who earned a James Beard Award semifinalist nomination for her work at Kulture and reached the finals of Top Chef season 19. At the time, Burrell planned to blend Asian techniques and flavors with dishes from the African diaspora, but she left the project last summer.
Late August is currently open Monday-Friday, 11 am - 4 pm. Dinner and happy hour will begin April 8. On Saturdays beginning April 13, the restaurant will be open for dinner 5-9 pm.
