ON THE HEELS of helping to open Downtown's The Nash restaurant, in the base of the historic Star (formerly Texaco) Building, young chef Omar Pereney has announced his new consultancy firm, Culinary Matters.

The business will assist food entrepreneurs in all aspects of opening a restaurant, from developing a menu to branding, food styling and interior design. He's enlisted the help of 10 team members who will together "provide a holistic approach" to startups (or establishments looking for a refresh!).

Omar Pereney

Houstonians may be familiar with Pereney from his stint with then-celebrated seafood standout Peska at BLVD Place. At the time, the Venezuela-born chef had just turned 21 — barely old enough to fully partake in his restaurant's offerings — but he'd already spent nearly a decade in kitchens, and hosted several seasons of food-television shows in Latin America.

Now, Pereney brings his worldly approach to what he deems to be a "progressive" agency. "We want clients to enjoy the process," he explains. "They need to be up to their elbows in food, cocktails, tasting wines and playing along with us as we create a solid plan, brand and concept." He describes what Culinary Matters offers as a safe environment for experimenting.

His colleagues include culinary specialist Chris Cai; beverage specialist Deidre Goodhue; wine specialist Jaime de Leon; pastry chef Jio Dingayan; creative director Kim Lewis Design; photographer Kirsten Gilliam; recruiter Niki Vu; and strategist McKenzie Loock. He's also enlisted the help of his father, Omar Pereney, Sr., as IT director.