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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A post shared by Marlene Meyers (@funinthecityhtx)

Photo by Chris Furia

Say yes to shots (responsibly).

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What's Eric Eating Episode 507

Houston dining insiders weigh in on Michelin Guide announcement

Courtesy of Houston First Corporation

Chefs and owners of Houston's Michelin-recognized restaurants attended the ceremony on October 28.

On the newest episode of “What’s Eric Eating,” CultureMap editor Eric Sandler seeks perspective on this week’s Michelin Guide announcement from three local experts:

Misha Govshteyn, a Houston entrepreneur who’s visited Michelin-starred restaurants around the world
Brianna McClane, a freelance writer who contributes to CultureMap
June Rodil, CEO of Goodnight Hospitality, a Houston hospitality group with three restaurants in the guide: March (one star), Rosie Cannonball (Bib Gourmand), and The Marigold Club (recommended)

The panel begins by discussing how much Michelin seems to know about Texas based on the updates to the guide, which included five new Bib Gourmands and nine new Recommended restaurants, bringing Houston’s total to 44 entries. Although Govshteyn notes that Michelin’s preferences for high-end French and Japanese fare, especially as expressed via tasting menus, make it feel like the organization sees Texas through a “pinhole,” Rodil is feeling a little more optimistic.

“It’s such a huge state. Not only is Houston diverse, but the state is diverse. When you think about that, I think it’s going to take a lot of time to have a foothold on what the identity is to the organization,” she says. “I’ve been eating and working in the state of Texas for 20 years. I still have so many things to learn.”

While Michelin is easy to criticize — no one knows where the inspectors are based, when they visit, or how many times visit restaurants before deciding what level of recognition to award — it does play an important role in recognizing ambitious restaurants that are constantly striving for excellence.

“A lot of times you see people see that next new shiny thing. It’s wonderful to have a list that goes back to restaurants and ensures they’re still maintaining that standard as well as bringing up new restaurants,” Rodil says. “It’s a daunting task. I think it could be 10 years before we have that synergy between the organization and the state.”

Michelin Guide 2025 Houston bib gourmand Five new Houston restaurants earned Bib Gourmand designations. Courtesy of Houston First Corporation

Eventually, they discuss some of the restaurants that are missing from the guide. Govshteyn knows that Camaraderie seems well suited to Michelin, given chef-owner Shawn Gawle’s pedigree of working at Michelin-starred restaurants in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.

“When I was there on Sunday, there were 22 French people in there eating tarte flambée,” Govshteyn says. If Michelin were interested in French food in Houston, they would zero in on this restaurant, but it’s not in there. I don’t understand the coverage.”

Sandler calls out the absence of all of Hugo Ortega’s establishments as well as Chinese seafood legend Fung’s Kitchen. Rodil cites Katami, the ambitious Japanese fine dining restaurant, as another establishment that’s been overlooked.

Listen to the full episode to hear the panel discuss when Texas might get its first two- or three-star restaurant. Rodil also discusses the pressure that the teams at March and Rosie Cannonball felt to maintain their places in the guide, among other topics.

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