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Croissant-obsessed French cafe sets opening date in downtown Houston park

Downtown Houston will soon welcome a new, all-day French cafe. Petite Lucie, a new restaurant from Love Croissants owner Culinary Matters, will begin its soft opening this Saturday, May 30.

Located in the former Niko Niko’s space at Market Square Park, Petite Lucie offers a covered, outdoor dining pavilion and an indoor-outdoor cocktail bar. Designed by the Houston office of the global architecture giant Gensler, the cafe also includes lighting, greenery, and other details to make it a comfortable place to dine throughout the day.

The restaurant is led by chefs Omar Pereney and Sahira Malherbe. Pereney’s history in Houston goes back more than 10 years, when the then-20-year-old served as executive chef at Peska, an ambitious (but short-lived) seafood restaurant in Uptown’s BLVD Place development. Since then, he’s worked as a consultant who contributed to a number of local restaurants as well as the owner of Love Croissants, which supplies oversized pastries to restaurants, coffee shops, and markets throughout Houston. In January, Pereney and Malherbe took over operations at Weights + Measures in Midtown.

“At its core, Petite Lucie is about creating moments of escape and discovery in the middle of the city,” Pereney said in a statement. “We wanted to build something romantic but approachable — a place where someone can stop in for a croissant and espresso in the morning, meet friends for cocktails in the afternoon or linger over a casual dinner under the stars at night.”

Of course, Petite Lucie’s menu starts with a selection of pastries from Love Croissants, including a butter croissant, almond-cardamom croissant, pain au chocolat, and a coffee bun. Other breakfast options include a breakfast sandwich served on a croissant, lemon blueberry French toast, and avocado toast with smoked salmon.

Lunch and dinner options include jambon croquettes, croque monsieur, chicken salad croissant sandwich, steak frites, and a bowl made with lentils, quinoa, vegetables, and onion jam that can be enhanced with salmon or grilled chicken. Desserts include chocolate chip cookies, ice cream, and what’s described in press materials as a “life-changing” birthday cake.

Petite Lucie birthday cake Share a birthday cake at Petite LucieCourtesy of Petite Lucie

Jaime de Leon, an advanced sommelier and frequent Pereney collaborator, oversees a beverage program that includes spritzes, cocktails, and a French-oriented wine list that includes large format bottles of sparkling wine to power group celebrations. A custom St-Germain cart will serve draft cocktails at busy times and during events.

Located in the oldest part of Houston, Market Square Park is close to attractions such as the Theater District, Daikin Park, Post Houston, and more. In addition to Petite Lucie, the area will soon welcome a second location of modern general store Henderson & Kane in the former Treebards space. On Saturday, downtown will celebrate the opening of the nearby Main Street Promenade with a market, live entertainment, and more.

Petite Lucie is located at 301 Milam Street. It’s open daily from 7 am-9 pm.

Photo by Mariela Callaway

Petite Lucie opens this Saturday, May 30.

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All-day Mexican cafe known for açaí bowls sets Woodlands opening date

Courtesy of Ojo de Agua

Ojo de Agua is known for its acai bowls.

A Mexico City-based all-day cafe has arrived in The Woodlands. Ojo de Agua will celebrate its grand opening this Thursday, June 18.

Located near Trader Joe’s at 10720 Kuykendahl Rd., the new location builds on the success of Ojo de Agua’s location in River Oaks District that opened in May 2023. The restaurant is known for its fresh, healthy fare paired with a lively atmosphere.

“We’ve always wanted Ojo de Agua to feel welcoming, energizing, and approachable, a place guests can visit for morning coffee, lunch with friends, or an evening cocktail,” co-founder Rafa Montero said in a statement. “The Woodlands felt like a natural next step for us because of the community’s appreciation for quality, lifestyle, and hospitality.”

Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Ojo de Agua has a wide-ranging menu of Mexican-inspired fare. Mornings begin with dishes such as açaí bowls, chilaquiles, and avocado toast — all of which can be paired with freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, or coffee.

Courtesy of Ojo de Agua

Ojo de Agua is known for its acai bowls.

At lunch and dinner, look for salads, sandwiches, and ceviches. Specific dishes include the octopus and cauliflower mole salad, Mexican bowl (brown rice with ribeye, vegetables, cotija, guacamole, and more), lobster grilled cheese, mahi mahi tacos, and tropical ceviche (tuna, mango, and avocado marinated in soy sauce with chili garlic, lime, and green apple). Pair them with cocktails, beer, wine, or non-alcoholic beverages.

“From the beginning, Ojo de Agua was created around the idea that fresh food, genuine hospitality, and beautiful spaces can positively shape the way people gather and connect,” Montero said. “After the incredible response we received in River Oaks, we are excited to introduce the brand to The Woodlands and become part of such a vibrant and growing community.”

On Thursday, Ojo de Agua will open at 9:30 am. It will stay open through Mexico’s World Cup match against South Korea that begins at 8 pm.

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