raise a glass

Stylish new lounge shakes up Houston with art-inspired drinks and caviar

A sophisticated new cocktail lounge has opened in Upper Kirby. Santé Lounge promises to elevate Houston’s nightlife scene with art-inspired drinks, caviar, and a lively atmosphere.

Located at 2309 Richmond Ave., Santé, French for “cheers,” is divided into four distinct spaces. After passing through a curtain, customers enter the garden room, which features a large, central bar and two olive trees.

Those who want to watch the DJ perform can settle into the spin room. The verde room offers more lounge-style seating. An outdoor patio is the fourth venue.

Bartender Matthew Medina, known for his work at Toca Madera and Duchess, created a cocktail menu with five creations inspired by favorite paintings. Each is served with a coaster that displays the painting.

The Three Graces: An Amaretto Sour made with rye whiskey, lemon juice, egg white, and gum syrup, inspired by Raphael’s “The Three Graces”
Man at The Crossroads: A paloma inspired by Diego Rivera’s “Man at the Crossroads”
Three Pears Old Fashioned: A combination of rye whiskey, barrel-aged maple, and pear Calvados that’s inspired by Paul Cézanne’s “Three Pears”
Le Grand Canal: Made with cucumber vodka, mint vodka, and prosecco inspired by Claude Monet’s “Le Grand Canal”
The Merry Drinker: Made with Mexican gin, lemon juice, passion fruit, and vanilla, inspired by Frans Hals’ “The Merry Drinker”

In addition, the bar will serve classic cocktails such as an espresso martini made with tequila, a French 75, and two large format cocktails designed for groups to share. Wine and champagne will also be available. Theatrical presentations are sure to start showing up on social media.

A limited food menu centers around caviar service, including both a traditional presentation and crème fraiche ice cream topped with caviar. Other options include charcuterie boards, oysters, and flatbreads named after artists, such as The Frida (Mexican chorizo, white sauce, white onion, cilantro, and avocado-poblano drizzle) and Da Vinci (shrimp, white sauce, and tomato).

Santé’s design draws inspiration from owner Sina Khaef’s European travels. Ambient lighting helps create an intimate atmosphere, and art adorns the walls. Starting at 8 pm, the bar enforces a dress code prohibiting hats, flip flops, jogging shorts, oversized pants or “crude attire.”

“We are so proud of what we have created here at Santé. It’s a tasteful and sophisticated destination for you to enjoy with your friends, colleagues and visitors alike,” Khaef said in a statement.

Here’s a sneak peek from Houston influencer Leney Meyers:

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Photo by Chris Furia

The Garden Room is decorated with two olive trees.

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say hey to Hypsi

Houston chef's hip new Italian restaurant now open in Heights hotel

Photo by Julie Soefer

Hypsi serves pasta and other Itaian-inspired dishes.

A new Italian restaurant is now open in the Heights. Located within the newly opened Hotel Daphne, Hypsi marks chef Terrence Gallivan’s return to professional cooking in Houston.

Known for his time as the co-execuive chef of The Pass and Provisions and owner of ElRo Pizza and Crudo, Gallivan brings strong culinary credentials to Hypsi. Although he isn’t known explicitly for Italian fare, he has significant experience making pizza, pasts, and other Italian-inspired dishes. After closing ElRo last year, the chef says that working for Bunkhouse Hotels, the Austin-based company that operates the Daphne, had a lot of appeal.

“My wife and I always made it a point to stop at their places whenever we’re in Austin. They know how to make cool stuff,” Gallivan says.

Hypsi’s menu includes updated takes on Italian fare begins with starters such as lamb meatballs, black truffle arancini, and Caesar salad. A selection of house-made pastas include squid ink radiatori with rock shrimp, butternut squash tortellini, and lumache with vodka sauce that gets a little heat from nduja. Entree choices include a roast chicken, pork Milanese, and roasted snapper with salsa verde.

The restaurant is also open for breakfast during the week and brunch on the weekends with items such as a panatone waffle, frittata, and breakfast sandwich. Lunch will follow in January.

“We took inspiration from tradition without being traditional,” Gallivan says. Later, he adds, “For me, it’s about balance. You try to please everybody. I want my mom to enjoy herself as much as a 25-year-old foodie. It’s important to hit as many marks as you can.”

One of the restaurant’s signatures will be the mozzarella cart that rolls through its dining room. Gallivan says he’s sourcing a mix of both American and imported Italian cheeses that will rotate every week or two. The cheese is served with a range of pickled fruit and vegetables, olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, focaccia, and more. Of course, seeing a cart immediately grabs diners’ attention, making them want whatever is on offer.

“That’s the beauty of carts,” Gallivan says. “It’s a fun thing to do. I think sometimes we get a little too serious in restaurants. It’s supposed to be fun. People are here to enjoy themselves.”

All that eating and drinking takes place in a dining room that’s inspired by Prohibition-era speakeasies, according to press materials. Details include blueberry lava stone on the bar, vintage velvet chairs, and custom Carimate dining chairs by Vico Magistretti. An outdoor patio features brick pavers, mosaic tables, and sculptures.

Photo by Julie Soefer

Hypsi serves pasta and other Itaian-inspired dishes.

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