Driving down Montrose Boulevard, it's hard to ignore the tower reaching high into the sky behind La Colombe d'Or. The historic mansion began its renovation process two years ago, tapping Rottet Studio to modernize its classical French aesthetic, and breaking ground on the 34-story highrise — a Hines development that will include residences as well as 18 hotel suites — in a former parking lot. It has since announced the extended-stay-style Garden Bungalows, connecting the mansion to the tower.

Now, as the hotel prepares to reopen in “late winter," the developers behind the project have announced what Houstonians can expect in the way of food and beverage. Given its prime location near so many James Beard-winning hot spots — and its reputation for fab fine-dining over the last four decades — La Colombe d'Or's new restaurant and bar won't disappoint.

La Colombe d'Or bar

Dubbed Tonight & Tomorrow, the full-service, indoor-outdoor restaurant will adopt a locavore-chic, seasonally driven menu of “fresh twists on classic dishes." Examples of dishes crafted by executive chef Jonathan Wicks include stuffed quail with boudin, braised greens and pickled mustard seed; and a “decadent" burger for lunch. And the bar — called, well, The Bar and also located in the Mansion — will have its own menu of small plates in the evenings, plus breakfast bites and coffee service in a space deemed “an extension of the hotel's living room." Wicks, formerly with Hotel ZaZa, “brings a tremendous amount of experience and has put together a menu that celebrates the unique culture and flavors found in our city," praises La Colombe d'Or owner and real estate investor Dan Zimmerman.

AT TOP: Stuffed Quail at Tonight & Tomorrow