What's Eric Eating Episode 259

Bludorn's top team reveals details on their new seafood restaurant and more insider info

Navy Blue restaurant Jerrod Zifchak Aaron Bludorn Cherif Mbodji

Jerrod Zifchak, Aaron Bludorn, and Cherif Mbodji are this week's guests.

Courtesy of Navy Blue

On this week's episode of What's Eric Eating, three of the men behind Navy Blue — chef-owner Aaron Bludorn, general manager-partner Cherif Mbodji, and executive chef Jerrod Zifchak — join CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler to discuss the eagerly anticipated seafood restaurant's scheduled to open in Rice Village next month.

The conversation begins with Mbodji, who is also a partner and the general manager at Bludorn, tracing the story of how a Senegalese immigrant attending college on a soccer scholarship found his calling in the restaurant business. Zifchak recounts how his childhood experiences cooking alongside his culinary school instructor father led him to the world of professional cooking.

Mbodji also reflects on life in Houston and what he remembers from opening Bludorn two years ago. "People who say this is our first time dining out in months. We'd hear that for months after we opened. This is why I feel so grateful that we're able to do what we love for a living . . . I felt that somehow we were able to help people get back to some sort of normalcy."

Moving on, Bludorn notes that the location, formerly the Politan Row food hall, and Zifchak's decision to take the job, helped steer Navy Blue towards being a seafood restaurant. The chef brings experience from Le Bernadin, the world-famous, three star Michelin seafood restaurant in New York City.

"I don't think we'd be opening a seafood restaurant if Jerrod hadn't said yes," Bludorn says. "One of the things he brushed over, fish butcher at Le Bernadin. There's one guy who does it, and he takes a one month vacation every year. Jerrod was one of very few line cooks who held down that position. You break down all of the fish for the entire restaurant."

Bludorn has earned significant local, regional, and national attention since it opened — including a James Beard semifinalist nomination for chef Bludorn. The trio have similar ambitions for Navy Blue.

"There's not a lot seafood restaurants across the country that have gained any national notoriety. People are seeing an opportunity," Bludorn says. "Joshua Skenes did Angler, Fermín Núñez just opened Este. I think, where better than Houston to be the next one of those restaurants that opens and focuses on American seafood."

Listen to the whole interview to hear Bludorn preview some of the ideas for Navy Blue's menu. Also, Mbodji shares insights into the spirit behind Bludorn's exuberant service, a style that will also be extended to Navy Blue.

Prior to the interview, Sandler and co-host Rebecca Masson discuss the news of the week. The award-winning chef-owner of Fluff Bake Bar shares her perspective on what Zifchak's experience says about Navy Blue. They also share thoughts on two other topics: what the renovations at the River Oaks location of Cafe Express indicate for the restaurant's future and Sambrooks Management hiring Top Chef alum Louis Maldonado to lead Andiron, its new live fire steakhouse.

In the restaurants of the week segment, they share thoughts on the Upside Pub. They find quite a bit to like about the casual new spot in Garden Oaks, including its nostalgic fare (patty melt, latke balls), friendly service, and well-chosen craft beer list. They conclude the segment with a brief conversation about Kate Weiser Chocolate, the Dallas-based chocolatier who just opened a pop-up shop in River Oaks District.

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Play it again, Houston, at this new hotspot

Houston's new piano bar hits a high note with 2-story patio & martinis

A man plays the piano while a cocktail sits next to him

Photo by Rebecca Wright

The Kennedy in the Montrose/River Oaks area recently opened its doors to those who love live music, libations, and refined entrees.

The Kennedy, a new restaurant and piano bar, aims to strike a harmonious blend of classic elegance and modern sophistication as it opens at 3210 W Dallas St., near the intersection of West Dallas Street and Waugh Drive.

Former frequenters of Muse and Emmaline will recognize The Kennedy’s location that sits where Montrose and River Oaks begin to blend. The more than 7,000-square-foot space has been transformed into an intimate retreat through a rich, moody color palette, dark wood paneling, and cozy seating vignettes.

A large, indoor bar is a focal point, while tall ceilings and expansive industrial windows lend a contemporary edge to the timeless design. Nearly 40 pieces of art — including original, classical, and contemporary works sourced from local galleries — adorn the walls, creating a space that’s as visually captivating as it is welcoming. With cooler temperatures finally on the horizon, Houstonians can enjoy the weather on The Kennedy’s two-story, amply-shaded patios.

“Bringing The Kennedy to life has been a labor of love over the last year, and I’m excited to share our warm and cozy restaurant and piano bar with our guests,” owner Andres Castro said in a statement. “We’ve gathered an incredible team of industry veterans that have made The Kennedy a world-class, day-to-late night destination that feels like an energetic extension of your home.”

Music is woven into the experience, with live performances by vocalists, pianists, and DJs on the menu. A baby grand piano serves as the heart of the entertainment, and a dual-sided fireplace doubles as a DJ booth, creating a vibrant late-night lounge ambiance.

Open Tuesday through Sunday, The Kennedy serves lunch on Fridays, and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

Executive chef Adriana Maldonado, who honed her skills in New York City at spots like Javelina and Olives, brings her expertise to the kitchen. The menu, crafted in collaboration with Carniceria Prime Meat Market, features premium dishes such as a prime wagyu ribeye with romesco and chimichurri ($32) and a delicate wagyu ribeye tartare ($21). Elevated plates include truffle white wine lobster spaghetti ($30) with vodka sauce and yellow heirloom tomatoes, along with a playful twist on the mozzarella stick, coated in potato chips and topped with crème fraîche and caviar ($24).

The bar menu, with an extensive selection of handcrafted cocktails and mocktails, an impressive martini list, and international wines and champagnes, has something for every taste. Highlights include the mango ember ($16), a mezcal-based drink with mango purée, and the clarified millionaire margarita ($26) with Patron Cielo. Martini lovers can enjoy choices like the lychee martini ($16) and the soprano negroni with orange Campari foam ($18).

Casual attire is welcome during the day, but “Sunset Attire” is requested after 6 pm, encouraging visitors to dress up for the evening in keeping with the venue’s upscale vibe.

Photo by Rebecca Wright

The Kennedy in the Montrose/River Oaks area recently opened its doors to those who love live music, libations, and refined entrees.

“The Kennedy merges the sophistication and elegance of River Oaks with the energy and artistry of Montrose and delivers a one-of-a-kind experience,” Castro said.

This is the first concept of Castro’s newly-formed Ninety3 Hospitality Group. Castro has 12 years of hospitality experience, including time at nightclubs such as Spire and Clé, and six years in private aviation.