A new wine-fueled, California-inspired restaurant is ready to make its debut. Succulent Fine Dining will open this Monday, May 19.
Located in the former Pastore space in the Regent Square mixed-use development, Succulent Fine Dining is the latest project from Houston restaurateur Shawn Virene, the mastermind behind champagne-fueled River Oaks restaurant a’Bouzy. Working with executive chef David Buckley, Virene intends for Succulent to take inspiration from California’s Napa Valley with dishes that utilize ingredients from both Texas farms and those on the West Coast — such as the Hope Farms Kale salad that references the South Houston urban farm operated by local nonprofit Recipe for Success.
“Succulent will be so much more than a restaurant — it’s a destination where food, design, and the culture of the vineyards come together,” Virene said in a statement. “I’ve dreamed of creating a space that reflects my love for the land and the laid-back elegance of Napa Valley dining. Succulent is personal — it’s gracious, warm, and deeply connected to nature.”
Meals at Succulent could begin with caviar-topped deviled eggs, chicken liver mousse in pani puri, or a caramelized onion tart that’s Buckley’s riff on French onion soup. From there, the options include roasted chicken in preserved lemon beurre blanc, seared scallops with blue corn and brown butter dashi, and steak frites made with hanger steak that’s topped with salsa verde. Seafood options will include Gulf fish caught under Virene’s commercial fishing license such as snapper, cobia, and amberjack. Buckley is also adding seasonal touches with vegetable-based dishes.
“The carrot gnocchi was developed when looking at seasonal spring vegetables,” the chef said. “We are using the carrot in place of a potato for an orange color.”
“Succulent” doesn’t just apply to the food. Virene has carefully grown dozens of plants that are a prominent part of the restaurant’s decor.
“I’ve been delving into horticulture,” Virene said on CultureMap’s “What’s Eric Eating” podcast. “I’m a pretty good propagator. I can take ‘em and break ‘em down and end up with a bunch more. I know what will grow well in Houston. They’re cute and pretty and kind of trendy right now.”
Beyond adding plant life, Virene has made a number of upgrades to the space. Most notably, Succulent will utilize the building’s rooftop patio. Diners will find pergolas and greenery to provide shade, a dedicated bar for the second floor, and vintage greenhouses that can host private events. Downstairs is now home to a private dining room as well as a chef’s table with a view of the kitchen. An herb garden will
Just like a’Bouzy, Succulent will be open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Its to-go options will include picnic baskets that may be consumed at Regent Square’s green space or at nearby Buffalo Bayou Park.
Courtesy of Succulent Fine Dining
The Russian River Room is one of Succulent's private spaces.
