This Week's Food News: Get Fancy, Chow Down Asian Style, and Celebrate Texas Cuisine

Just in time for its one-year anniversary, Berg Hospitality Group’s Cantonese concept has launched a new menu and recruited a new executive chef. With the addition of award-winning chef Junnajet “Jett” Hurapan, the menu gets a fresh perspective and a Pan-Asian touch with dishes like his famed steamed edamame and truffle dumplings, Som Tam Papaya Salad, and whole Ginger Garlic Crispy Redfish. Add that to the rotation of Cantonese classics including cold sesame noodles and Truth BBQ smoked brisket egg rolls. “His stellar culinary skills combined with his electric energy makes for bold decisions in the kitchen that are reflected in his dishes,” said Benjamin Berg, owner and CEO of Berg Hospitality of Hurapan, who you may remember from Gigi’s Asian Bistro, Songkran Thai Kitchen, and Yi Peng Thai Dining.

Seemingly perfectionist proprietors Benjy Levit and chef Dylan Murray are revamping the upstairs level of their Rice Village location above Local Foods that includes Lees Den and Eau Tour. The remodel will create one cohesive new restaurant with an Italian-American theme. Milton’s will focus on house made pastas, wood-fired meats from the signature Josper grill, creative antipastos and more. After Milton’s makes its late summer debut, Lees will undergo renovation to expand the bar and seating areas, creating a cocktail-focused speakeasy with snacks. Garnish Designs spearheaded the redesign and Uncanned Music will revamp the acoustics throughout.

Known for its Texas-inspired cuisine and ample selections of whiskey, Haywire recently opened its largest location and first one in Houston. The restaurant hails from FB Society, the group behind many popular Texas concepts including The Ranch at Las Colinas, Sixty Vines and more. Connoisseurs can anticipate a collection 200 whiskey options and an award-winning wine cellar in the 20,000-square-foot multi-level Memorial space and party barn (with its own bar.) Come hungry for generous portions of farm-to-table “heritage recipes” – think Texas Gulf lump crab, Angus steaks, signature elk tacos and queso blanco. Giddy up!

Gin Design's next big project is the just-announced De Fortune lounge in Regent Square, the Allen Parkway development with Georgia James and Flight Club. “We envision a hospitality-first experience that will connect with a selective local and visiting clientele who appreciate great design, anticipatory service, cocktails that wow, plus an environment that is upbeat while still allowing for guests to easily chat across the table,” said co-founder Mayur Desai in a statement. Together with Atik Mistry, Kinjal Desai and Emish Patel, he's launched MAKE Investments, with the name coming from the first letter in each of their names. It'll be a moody and chic two-story space occupying just 1,600 square feet, serving globally inspired and new-to-Houston cocktails with a few snacks.

On June 20, MaKiin Concepts will debut its newest project, a fast-casual cafe serving creative Thai cuisine designed with Montrose urbanities in mind. Thai Tail will offer a new direction for Lukkaew Srasrisuwan, founder of Houston Thai spots Kin Dee, M Express Thai Kitchen, and MaKiin. The intimate space has seating for 24 in the dining room and for 36 on the patio. “Our menu will appeal to all guests seeking an authentic and approachable menu celebrating Thai flavors at reasonable price points,” said Lukkaew Srasrisuwan, founder and CEO. Some of those dishes include Panang Chicken Club Sandwich, the Green Curry Pork Burger, Drunken Noodles and Pad Thai. End on a sweet note with a Thai Donutdipped in condensed milk.

With this newbie tucked away in River Oaks, The Clé Group aims to redefine the lounge scene with a sophisticated ambiance, innovative cocktails, and polished service. Dark and moody colorways set the tone with luxe touches like the Roberto Cavalli textured wallpaper throughout the room. A handful of deep red chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and a large, onyx bar is an eye-catching element. While food is a secondary focus, guests can indulge in small plates that complement the beverage offerings including multiple caviar options, a selection of sushi, and fresh oysters. Sip a perfectly made martini or host an entourage with bottle service including myriad Champagnes.

Luxury Alto rideshare — a great way to get to and from dinner — has several promos in the works this summer. Not only is it the safest, cleanest and most professional rideshare company, but a fun thing to remember is that riders can legally drink in an Alto (just in case you want to get the party started early). They offer a 30-day free membership trial to unlock better rates and member perks, as well as a monthly credit when you upgrade to Premium Plus!