Houstonians are a hardy bunch of folks but this past winter storm coupled with an ongoing pandemic and political back-biting about energy has some of us ready to throw in the towel. One of the hardest hit industries is the hospitality sector with restaurants, cafes, bars and food purveyors falling victim to not only the weather but power outages and water issues that had many of them closings their doors this week.
Most of our restaurants have reopened in some form or another. Some are doing only take-away. Others are offering dine-in, a welcome respite for those who have eaten weenie-beanies and canned tuna for the past week. While many are back to offering their full menus, others may have limited menu items due to supply issues. Some restaurants have had to discard thousands of dollars worth of food and drink because of the storm. This is a time for us all to practice a little patience as we support our local businesses. Though many of us are experiencing financial difficulties o
Lucille s Hospitality Group, the new endeavor from Houston chef Chris Williams, is on track to produce four new restaurant and lifestyle concepts by 2022. Williams, known for his restaurant Lucille s in the Museum District, has launched the venture as a tribute to his grandmother, Lucille B. Smith, who not only inspired his restaurant s moniker but also Williams own entrepreneurship with her own achievements as a business woman, chef and educator.
The new operation will also create industry partnerships with local restaurants stars including Dawn Burrell, the James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef: Texas in 2020 and former executive chef at Kulture. Burrell will serve as chef and concept partner within LHG. Burrell and Williams first partnered together in 2019 for the launch of the Food Apartheid Dinner Series along with chefs Jonny Rhodes and Dominick Lee to bring awareness to Houston s food deserts. Burrell also founded PIVOT, a chef-driven meal prep service which will transit
Photo by Hunter Jones.
Phoenicia Specialty Foods, 1001 Austin Street and 12141 Westheimer: This locally owned and operated grocery store has served Houston for more than 30 years. Both the downtown and original West Houston locations offer a diverse selection of pantry staples, fresh produce, deli and bakery items, plus unique gifts perfect for cooks, many of which are sourced from around the globe. Shop in store or select curbside and delivery. Those latter two services have been particularly welcome options this year.
Ellie Sharp, managing editor, Houston Food Finder
Favorite Local Hand Sanitizer
Gulf Coast Distillers, 5610 Clinton: In the early days of the pandemic, folks in Houston (and across the country) started buying hand sanitizer as if it was the last smoked brisket in Texas. Soon, there was a nationwide shortage, as well as a price-gouging black market. To fill the gap, area distilleries swerved to produce and supply this important commodity. As Houston’s largest
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