‘Vibrant’ New Resto Opens in Memorial Park, Michelin-Starred Chef Arrives, and More Food News!

‘Vibrant’ New Resto Opens in Memorial Park, Michelin-Starred Chef Arrives, and More Food News!

Sol 7 at Thompson Houston Hotel

ON THIS BEAUTIFUL spring day, celebrate the outdoors — and a host of new hot spots! Whether in the mood for healthful, fun and sporty, or elegant, pull up a chair at one of these tables.


Molihua

Molihua

Houston’s newest culinary destination in the Blossom Hotel debuts tomorrow, April 23, but you can snag ressies now. Michelin-starred chef Hideki Hiwatashi and Ho Chee Boon and will offer traditional Japanese cuisine, elaborate dim sum, and artful desserts with a modern twist in the stunning second floor space. “Inspired by the beauty of the Jasmine flower and its delicate fragrance and beauty, Molihua encapsulates the essence of elegance and sophistication,” says chef Ho, who you may recall was with Houston’s Yauatchua in the Galleria. Japanese mains, raw fish tartares and crudos, and sharable plates like crispy truffle puffs — along with and sashimi, maki and nigiri, of course — headline the menu. Molihua is the third restaurant set to open under the Boon Group, following successful ventures in San Francisco, namely Empress by Boon and Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge.

Vibrant

Vibrant Cafe at Memorial Park (photo courtesy of Leonid Furmansky)

Vibrant’s original location in Montrose was a little quiet during peak-pandemic, but it’s back in action, along with a new sister spot in Memorial Park. The Houston-based café known for its commitment to health and sustainability will provide all-day dining within the new Running Complex. Although the menu will evolve over time to fit the flow and vibe of the park, expect a similar menu as the original, along with an organic coffee program and natural wines. All dishes are free from gluten, dairy, refined sugars, peanuts, GMOs and gums. There’s a chocolate-chia-banana bowl, for example, and a watercress salad with shredded chicken and pickled apples. Also find a hearty sweet-potato-noodle stir fry, tacos, and sandwiches.

Designed by local Schaum Architects with a patio and interior elements curated by Vibrant’s founder, the café’s light-filled space reflects the natural aesthetic of its surroundings. “The café's opening and the broader expansion of dining and recreational options in the Park, reflect our ongoing commitment to meet the diverse needs of all Houstonians,” says Shellye Arnold, president and CEO of Memorial Park Conservancy.

Vibrant's Rainbow Salad (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)

Sol 7 at Thompson Houston Hotel

This lively restaurant-bar on the seventh floor of the hotel overlooks a garden surrounded by the infinity pool. It embraces the outdoors with floor-to-ceiling windows, which are open during mild days. Irresistible breakfast, lunch, dinner and bar menus have something for everyone with lots of surprises. Its raw bar sports half-shell oysters, smoked salmon with crispy potato and horseradish crème fraiche, and ahi tuna tartare with macadamia nuts. Main plates include linguine with zucchini, burrata and walnut-basil pesto, grilled Ora king salmon and steaks, as well as burgers, salads and fun small plates. Located on prime real estate overlooking Buffalo Bayou Park and the Downtown skyline, the hotel also recently welcomed Maven Coffee Company, and will debut Chardon and Buck 40 restaurants soon. National concepts Toca Madera and Meduza Mediterrania are also in the works.

Holey Moley Golf Club

Holey Moley

Just in time for great spring weather, this new mini-golf club-bar-eatery from Australia-based company Funlab has bowed near Greenway Plaza. Pick up a club and take a swing at one of three nine-hole golf courses, which all have punny names and whimsical designs like the “Parber Shop.” Take a break at the 100-seat bar and restaurant named The Caddy Shack. Its menu offers a Texas spin on American comfort food such as nachos, sandwiches wings, pizzas and salads. Highlights include a chopped brisket sandwich, taco salad, and grilled elote corn ribs with cotija cheese, garlic aioli, Tajin and lime.

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MICHELLE REYNA WYMES, a distinguished name in the Houston real estate market, is the owner of the successful boutique brokerage, Reyna Group. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Michelle has deep-rooted connections to the community she serves with dedication and pride.

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MONTROSE MED SPA is consistently focused on one thing: the patient. The boutique spa is intentionally designed as haven where clients can realize their aesthetic and wellness aspirations in a secure and comforting environment. Business partners Maricela and Ashley pride themselves on their unwavering commitment to the patient and continuous learning ensuring that clients receive the most safe and effective treatments available. Intentional wellness of placing emphasis on inner well-being and self-care is the vision of the spa and they have curated a team of highly trained professionals who share this philosophy. With this vision in mind, Maricela and Ashley have developed a complete beauty and medical gym experience. Services provided include Medical Weight Loss, EMsculpt Neo, EMface, HydraFacial (face & body), Fillers, Neurotoxins, Microneedling, VI Chemical Peels, and IV Therapy. LUXURY BEAUTY & MEDICAL GYM MEMBERSHIPS available. Schedule your complimentary skin analysis consultation and receive $100 off your first treatment. 713.485.5027, 2505 Dunlavy St. Houston, TX 77006 Follow us on Instagram.


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