The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa announced today that it has begun construction on its new restaurant to be called TRIBUTE. The Bar at The Houstonian and pre-function Hearth Room contiguous to the restaurant will be also be a part of the entire $3 million, 8,026-square-foot renovation project planned to debut this fall.
New TRIBUTE at The Houstonian will open fall of 2018.
“TRIBUTE is a name that reflects the past, present and future of The Houstonian brand in a timeless way and allows us to pay homage to our great city, our authentic and regional cuisine, and the enduring traditions of our guests,” said Houstonian Hotel General Manager Steve Fronterhouse.
For almost four decades, The Houstonian has been serving up Texas-style luxury with its plush accommodations, private fitness club and award-winning spa. The Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star, business-centric hotel is known for its impeccable service, as a gathering place for locals, and a home for Houstonian Club members and spa lovers. It is located on 27 wooded acres in the middle of the Galleria area and is also the home of the historic Manor House restaurant, which was once the home of President and Mrs. George H. W. Bush.
Executive Chef Neal Cox, a Texas native, has been leading the culinary team at The Houstonian for eight years, having earned his way there by cooking in some of the city’s finest restaurants, including Pappas Bros Steakhouse, Trevisio, Zula, Americas and Churrascos. All the while, he has learned how Houstonians love to eat.
“People in Houston know the nuances and what they like about true Texas food, Louisiana creole versus Cajun, Tex-Mex and ingredients from south of the border,” he said. “It’s about the quality of the ingredients and, more importantly, it’s about taste. At TRIBUTE, we will faithfully create what we love about the kitchens from our neighbors and our own backyard. Our roots are here and the flavors and experiences are established.”
According to Cox, established food looks like flawlessly charred rib-eyes and fresh Gulf Coast oysters prepared on a wood-burning grill. Dishes such as braised cabrito, smoked Wagyu beef rib and redfish on the half shell will reflect strong influences of north, south and east of the border. “Houston is our home and we are inspired by it. It’s food from here. We’ve nicknamed it ‘Tex-Lex,’” Cox said.
TRIBUTE’s top team includes Houstonian Hotel General Manager Steve Fronterhouse, Executive Chef Neal Cox and Sommelier Vanessa Treviño Boyd. Forney Construction of Houston is the general contractor for the project.
Gensler’s Houston Office has been selected as the interior designer and will create a transitional, sophisticated space to complement the property’s iconic aesthetic. According to Gensler, the repositioned layout will add a casual lounge area to create a connection between The Bar and restaurant with statement lighting, bespoke furniture, onyx finishes and emerald tones throughout. The Bar front will feature rose gold and stone countertops with custom wood cabinetry with an antique mirrored glass backsplash. Plush banquettes will feature custom toile patterns depicting settings and nature found throughout The Houstonian property. Expansive windows will invite natural light and the surrounding woods into the dining area, complementing the natural wood in the furniture, exposed beams and antique gold finishes in the ceiling and branch-like light fixtures.
A new wine room with storage for over 3,500 bottles of wine will feature a vintage light fixture, allowing up to four guests to enjoy private dinner with wine pairings hosted by the resident sommelier.
Olivette restaurant, The Bar and Hearth Room, were closed on May 14, 2018. During the renovation period, Manor House restaurant service has been expanded to include breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a temporary Great Room Lobby Bar has been created for light bites, cocktails, spirits, wine and beer. The hotel has also opened a “grab and go” concept called H MARKET with fresh salads, sandwiches and house-made pastries. Center Court Café at the Houstonian Club and the poolside Arbor Grill are dining options available for hotel guests and club members only.
The name TRIBUTE is also meant to provide a feeling of strength and purpose outside the city and state.
“The Houstonian has been serving guests from all over the world, in addition to our loyal club members and community for a long time,” said Fronterhouse. “They want an authentic experience. We want to honor the chefs, food and cultures that make our city great and show the world that Houston is a proud and friendly place. TRIBUTE will present time-honored, indigenous dishes – a true representation of southeast Texas cooking at its best.”
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