food

Large Resto-Lounge The Kennedy, Touting a Piano Bar Vibe and Warm Socializing, Has Opened

Large Resto-Lounge The Kennedy, Touting a Piano Bar Vibe and Warm Socializing, Has Opened

Outside The Kennedy (photo by Tarick Foteh)

A RESTAURANT OFFERING “refined, classic cuisine in an elevated, cocktail-lounge experience to Montrose and River Oaks” has opened where Montrose meets River Oaks.

The Kennedy, a live-music-savvy new eatery and lounge, has taken up residence in the former Emmaline space on West Dallas near the intersection of Waugh Drive. Partnering with Prime Meat Markets, the kitchen serves up premium cuts as part of its menu of shareable plates. Expect also “a range of hand-crafted cocktails, an impressive international wine and Champagne list, creative mocktails, and more,” adds the rep.

“The Kennedy merges the sophistication and elegance of River Oaks with the energy and artistry of Montrose and delivers a one-of-a-kind experience,” says Ninety3 Hospitality Group owner and native Houstonian Andres Castro, who conceptualized The Kennedy. “We are excited to highlight elevated, classic cuisine with an inventive menu of signature spirited and non-spirited cocktails, martinis, wine, entertainment, and more in our beautiful and artistic restaurant and piano bar.”

The name purposely invokes JFK, to call to mind a crisp, classic American energy — hip Americana in the form of meaty snacks and posh environs. Chef Adriana Maldonado’s offerings include a ribeye tartar, a mozzarella stick topped with caviar, truffled deviled eggs, and lobster bisque. “Entrees include a wagyu smash burger, gremolata lamb chops, a wagyu ribeye, lobster spaghetti, and more,” notes the Kennedy rep. “A mix of signature cocktails and martinis complement the mix of plates on the menu.”

In term of ambiance, the 7,000-square-foot space boasts a baby grand piano as its focal point. Other unique flourishes include and a dual-sided fireplace that transforms into a DJ boot. Cozy seating areas abound, with some 40 works of regionally sourced art on the walls. The outdoor space — it’s two stories and expansive, with its own bar — is sure to be a draw.

“Bringing The Kennedy to life has been a labor of love over the last year,” Castro adds, “and I’m excited to share our warm and cozy restaurant and piano bar with our guests. We’ve gathered an incredible team of industry veterans that have made The Kennedy a world-class, day-to-late night destination that feels like an energetic extension of your home.”

Cucumber Hibiscus Smash (photo by Rebecca Wright)

Wagyu smash burger (photo by Rebecca Wright)

Cozy banquettes for dining at the bar (photo by Tarick Foteh).

Mango Ember cocktail (photo by Rebecca Wright)

Mozzarella Stick with caviar (photo by Rebecca Wright)

The fireplace is also a hidden DJ booth (photo by Tarick Foteh).

From Your Site Articles
Food+Travel
promoted

Cool for ‘Schools’! CIS Wants to Transport You to a Whimsical ‘Wonderland’ at Milestone Gala

Cool for ‘Schools’! CIS Wants to Transport You to a Whimsical ‘Wonderland’ at Milestone Gala

CIS 2024 Gala Honorary Co-Chair Judy Tate, Co-Chair Lauren Brollier, Co-Chair Cassie Milam, Honorary Co-Chair Kirby McCool

WHETHER YOU PREFER Alice, the Mad Hatter or the Queen of Hearts, Communities In Schools of Houston’s A Night in Wonderland 45th Anniversary GalaA Night in Wonderland 45th Anniversary Gala is not to be missed! Join in the celebration for a whimsical good time on Thursday, April 4th, at the luxurious Post Oak Hotel.

Keep Reading Show less
music

With New Concept Album, Jacob Hilton Processes Mental-Health Struggles

Dakota Garrett

Jacob Hilton, a.k.a. Travid Halton, at home in his kitchen, where he enjoys cooking as a form of therapy.

PINK FLOYD'S THE Wall. Sinatra’s In the Wee Small Hours. Beyonce’s Lemonade. Three divergent examples of the album as a cathartic, psychological, conceptual work, meant to be experienced in a single sitting. Houston singer-songwriter Jacob Hilton, 37, who records as Travid Halton, a portmanteau of his mother and father’s names, might balk at being mentioned in such company. (This is a thoroughly unpretentious man, who describes himself as an “archaeologist turned singer-songwriter.”)

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment
promoted

Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

Al Torres

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

Keep Reading Show less