get it twisted

Gooey grilled cheese spot melts into Memorial City with decadent sandwiches and treats

Twisted Grilled Cheese has opened its new location.

Photo by Becca Wright

Memorial City Mall shoppers have a new dining option. Twisted Grilled Cheese opened its third Houston-area location at the mall on Monday, April 24.

Located in the food court, the approximately 600-square-foot location matches the look of Twisted’s other permanent locations on Washington Avenue and in Katy. The restaurant also operates two food trucks that it uses primarily for private events.

First launched as a food truck in 2019, Twisted Grilled Cheese serves decadent grilled cheese sandwiches that utilize multiple cheese blends matched with fillings that include halal Philly cheesesteak, smoked beef brisket, and Buffalo chicken. Those who want an even more luxurious experience may opt for tarragon lobster salad with gruyere, provolone, and mozzarella or grilled portobello mushroom with truffle and herbed cheese.

The menu also includes sides such as loaded french fries topped with either brisket or halal Philly steak, tomato basil soup, sweet potato fries. Dessert options include double chocolate chip cookies, cheesecake doughnut holes, and four milkshakes.

“We launched the first food truck with a simple concept – to take a comfort food staple and make it the best possible way,” co-founder Erinne Willrich said in a statement. “We weren’t sure if the concept would be well received, but here we are, adding another location and continually finding ways to improve and expand our menu. We are so grateful for the support of the Houston and Katy communities and can’t wait to share some cheesy goodness with everyone at Memorial City Mall.”

The Memorial City area will soon be home to a number of additional restaurants. They include: two new locations of Common Bond On-The Go; Austin pizza favorite Via 313; and a second location of Montrose barbecue staple The Pit Room.

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forme fitting

Beard-recognized Houston chef serves up fresh concept in Midtown high-rise

Courtesy of Lucille's Hospitality Group

Lucille's Hospitality Group is now operating The Branch.

One of Houston’s most acclaimed hospitality groups has opened a new wellness-focused concept in a Midtown high-rise. The Branch is the latest concept from Lucille’s Hospitality Group.

Located on the 12th floor of the Forme, a luxury high-rise at 5501 La Branch, The Branch will serve a seasonal menu that includes a raw bar, daily crudo specials, oysters, caviar, and charcuterie. Those dishes can be paired with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails.

Currently, the restaurant is open to both residents and members of the general public for dinner Thursday-Saturday and during the day on Sunday. Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner service will be added over time.

Founded by James Beard Award finalist Chris Williams, Lucille’s Hospitality Group is known for its Southern-inspired Museum District restaurant Lucille’s and Late August, its Midtown establishment that earned both a Recommended designation in the Michelin Guide and a Best New Restaurant award from Esquire for its blend of Afro-Caribbean and Mexican flavors. Lucille’s 1913, the group’s nonprofit, operates farms that provide access to fresh food in underserved areas.

"We're incredibly excited to partner with The Forme, because this is about much more than opening a new hospitality venue, it's about helping build a community," Williams said in a statement. "The Branch allows us to bring together thoughtful food, wellness-inspired hospitality, art and community in one space. Launching the partnership through a fundraiser that leaves a lasting impact on Houston makes this collaboration even more meaningful."

The Forme is a 33-story high-rise that’s focused on wellness, productivity, and community. In addition to The Branch, its amenities include a 20,000-square-foot fitness and recovery area, a 9,000-square-foot outdoor pool deck with pool and expansive hot tub, and 20,000 square feet of flexible coworking space.

The Branch will celebrate its opening on July 4 with Liberty and Lux, a fundraiser that will support efforts to paint murals on the Forme’s parking garage honoring America’s 250th anniversary. Tickets, $150, includes an open bar, passed hors d'oeuvres, and an expansive view of area fireworks displays from the building’s 12th floor pool deck.

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