Getting wild in Montrose

Budding Houston CBD bar and restaurant gets wild in Montrose with cool cocktails and global eats

A popular Heights coffee shop, cafe, and bar has arrived in Montrose. Wild is now open in the former UB Preserv space at 1609 Westheimer Rd.

In addition to coffee, cocktail, and CBD offerings that are similar to the original location that opened in the spring, the new restaurant features an all new food program from chef German Mosquera, the veteran Houston chef who has worked at restaurants such as La Colombe d'Or and Verdine. Mosquera's new menu utilizes a range of local ingredients to create globally-inspired dishes for both daily brunch and dinner.

At brunch, look for dishes such as migas con chorizo; chamoy salad with pepitas, satsuma, and pickled dragon fruit; and a breakfast sandwich with crispy pork belly, eggs, and Cheddar. Enhance them with sides such avocado salad, plantain chips, and grilled ginger-sesame chicken.

Dinner begins with shareable plates that include tuna tiradito, agua chile with snapper and king crab, stuffed chicken wings, and seared salt water prawns with chimichuri. Shareable entrees include Thai-style whole fried snapper, ribeye with broccolini and fennel salad, and Japanese-inspired octopus with fried rice.

All of Wild's dishes can be infused with CBD or hemp-derived THC in the former of add-ons such as butter, avocado oil, chili crisp, or honey.

Beverage options start with a full range of coffees and teas, including seasonal coffees like a pumpkin spice latte. Other coffee drinks are infused with a customer's choice of CBD or THC. Cocktail options include coffee-based drinks such as an espresso martini and riffs on classic cocktails such as the margarita and Old Fashioned.

1Those practicing a "California sober" lifestyle will find a selection of non-alcoholic drinks designed to be infused with CBD or THC. Beer and wine are also available.

Wild stocks a range of hemp-derived products, including its own branded gummies, flowers, and pre-rolls, along with a large selection of Texas-based brands such as Texarkana, Hometown Hero, Bayou City Hemp Co., and others.

Owners and cousins Adyson and Andrew Alvis have given the space a makeover to match the tropical-inspired look of the original. The restaurant is open daily from 8 am to midnight.

“We want this concept to be a one-of-a-kind immersive experience that will take our customers on a culinary roller coaster,” Andrew Alvis added in a statement.

Photo by Steven Cromer

The mango rye tai at Wild.

cherry blossom restaurant

Eye-catching new restaurant serenades Montrose with global cuisine and wood-fired steaks

Photo by Adrian Barboza

Muse opened Thursday, March 23.

Houston’s next destination that blends eclectic cuisine with an eye-catching interior and a lively atmosphere has opened its doors. Muse is now open for dinner in the former Emmaline space at 3210 W Dallas St.

Part of of the Sundown Entertainment Group (Sugar Room, Todos Santos, and The Sporting Club), any conversation about Muse has to start with its eye-catching design. Inspired by owners Brandon Duliakas and Dan Wierck global travels, the space features an 18-seat wraparound bar, walnut accents, and lots of natural light. Most noticeable of all are the large cherry blossom trees that shade the restaurant’s banquettes. All in, the approximately 4,200-square-foot restaurant seats almost 200 people.

Turning to the cuisine, Muse offers serves a globally-inspired menu that hops across a range of genres. Created by executive chef and partner E.J. Miller (Riel, International Smoke) with an assist from sous chefs Dung Nguyen (The Dunlavy) and Andrew Aguilera (The Classic), Muse’s menu incorporates locally-sourced ingredients into shareable dishes that include hot and cold plates, sushi rolls, and wood-grilled steaks and seafood.

Specific dishes include:

Octopus salad with with shaved vegetables and soft-boiled quail egg
Sticky pork ribs with soy-tamarind glaze
Yellowtail aguachile
Wood-grilled lobster with green papaya salad
R-C Ranch bone-in ribeye with chili eggplant.

Pastry chef Maggie Lin (La Table) makes her own contributions with a Yuzu Tart with sesame shortbread; Profiteroles with lemongrass ice cream and macerated strawberries; and a Mocha Torte with red bean brownie and cafe su da mousse.

“Growing up in Houston, I’ve always enjoyed exploring global flavors and experimenting with a variety of traditional techniques,” Miller said in a statement. “While the name ‘Muse’ comes from the idea of a person or personified force that provides a source of inspiration, our menu is inspired by Houston’s unique multicultural dining scene.”

As they did for the Sporting Club and Sugar Room, Sundown turned to beverage consultants Ladies of Libation to create the restaurant’s cocktails. The results include the Japanese Breakfast a blend of orange blossom gin, bergamot, sake and white peach tea that’s served over dry ice from a traditional tea pot; the Matcha Colada with dark rum, coconut, matcha, pineapple; and lime; and the on-trend take on an Espresso Martini.

Those who prefer wine or sake will find plentiful changes, including 20 wines by-the-glass and a rotating list of sake. They’re overseen by general manager Patty Burbach.

Initially only open for dinner Tuesday-Sunday beginning at 5 pm, Muse’s future plans include construction of a rooftop patio and weekend brunch service.

Photo by Adrian Barboza

Muse opened Thursday, March 23.