baguettes, eclairs, and more

Bakery known for Houston's best croissants rolls into the Heights

The bakery known for making some of Houston’s best croissants is coming to the Heights. Magnol French Baking has claimed the former Andy’s Home Cafe space (1115 E 11th St.) for a second location that will join its original bakery on North Post Oak.

Founded in 2019 by French-trained baker Otto Sanchez, Magnol has become one of Houston’s most acclaimed bakeries. Its croissants, baguettes, and pastries can be found in restaurants throughout Houston, including Rosie Cannonball, Ostia, and Le Jardinier. Pastry fans know to line up early on the weekends for sweets such as eclairs, cookies, and tarts.

Currently, Sanchez intends to open his new location in time for the holiday season, but the difficulties of renovating an almost 90-year old building make the outlook somewhat uncertain.

“Once the build out and permitting phases are complete comes the fun part: Operating two bakeries,” Sanchez said in a statement. “It will be grueling, but I am excited about the challenge, and to do it in this city, because Houston is home. For more than 30 years it has treated me well, and this is me trying to reciprocate.”

Prior to opening Magnol, Sanchez began his career at the Alden Hotel's *17 restaurant before leaving in Houston in 2005. He worked in Las Vegas as well as at the Hotel Bardessono in Yountville, California; The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay; and Burj Al Arab in Dubai, where he was the assistant pastry chef. He returned to Houston in 2014 to lead the pastry program at La Table.

Joining Sanchez in the kitchen will be executive pastry chef Nicolas Berrais. Like Sanchez, Berrais brings experience working for superstar French chefs Alain Ducasse and Joel Robuchon. The native Frenchman has more than 30 years of professional experience.

“Otto and I have spoken about this for years,” Berrais added. “He’s a great friend, and he’s doing an incredible job; better than many French bakers I know. Otto and I will work together to bring Magnol to another level.”

Magnol French Baking is now open for business.

Photo by Carla Gomez

Magnol French Baking is coming to the Heights.

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build your own

Ohio-based Mediterranean restaurant now baking fresh pita in Memorial

Courtesy of Brassica

An Ohio-based Mediterranean restaurant has arrived in Houston. Brassica Sandwiches + Salads has quietly opened in the Briargrove/Memorial area (1413 S Voss Rd.) and will celebrate its grand opening next Tuesday, March 31.

Courtesy of Brassica

Build your own pita at Brassica.

Founded by brothers Kevin and Darren Malhame, Brassica is named for the family of vegetables that include broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and more. The menu features build-your-own Mediterranean-inspired pitas, salads, or hummus bowls.

Proteins include falafel, braised chicken shawarma, and brisket. Diners can add toppings such as pickled cabbage, pickled beets, cucumbers and radishes, roasted carrots, cauliflower, feta, and more. Notably, the restaurant bakes pita throughout the day.

While the food is casual and affordable, Brassica has invested into details that will make diners choose to dine-in rather than order to-go — and order a drink from its beer and wine list. They include custom walnut trays, leather booths, and solid marble tabletops.

“Opening our first restaurant outside of Ohio is a huge milestone for us,” founder and CEO Kevin Malhame said in a statement. “We’ve been working towards opening out of state for some time now, and are thrilled to be in Houston.”

The restaurant has earned considerable acclaim, including being named a “Hot Concept” by Nation’s Restaurant News. It also earned an investment from Chipotle’s Cultivate Next fund in 2024.

“Growth for us will always be deliberate,” Malhame added. “We believe restaurants should last. That means investing in our food, our people, and our spaces — never cutting corners to expand faster.”

Brassica is open daily from 11 am-10 pm.

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