Officials with the Ismaili Center in Houston announced Sept. 3 that they have partnered with Jackson & Company, a high-end event production and catering company, to launch a new all-day café at the cultural landmark.
The setup
Tapestry at Ismaili Center is an approximately 2,000-square-foot café located on the street level that offers continuous service from morning through late afternoon, with extended evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays, according to a Sept. 3 news release.
The space can accommodate up to 70 guests, with additional outdoor seating near the center's Thomas Woltz-designed gardens.
On the menu
Per the release, the menu blends international influences with "familiar local sensibilities." Morning offerings include fresh pastries such as:
The menu will also offer globally inspired breakfast dishes, including shakshuka, avocado toast, egg bhurji croissants, beef kolaches and breakfast tacos served on flaky paratha.
Throughout the day, guests can expect salads, shareable plates, sandwiches, wraps and entrees that showcase Houston and the Ismaili Center. Highlights include butternut squash hummus, samosas with house chutneys, crispy fish tacos, vegan biryani and lamb kofta burgers.
Quote of note
“We are honored to bring Jackson & Company’s signature standard of hospitality to a space designed to unite people,” said project manager Sébastien Laval via the news release. “Tapestry at Ismaili Center helps extend that mission into everyday life using food as a common denominator—whether someone is stopping in for morning coffee, meeting friends for lunch, enjoying the gardens after a walk along Buffalo Bayou, exploring the Center’s exhibitions or attending one of its many public programs.”
More information
In addition to the food offerings, Tapestry's beverage program will draw inspiration from international traditions with choices such as house-made masala chai, teh tarik, specialty coffees, fresh juices, mango lassis and smoothies.
Handcrafted lemonades and iced teas are among other popular choices at the cafe, with flavors such as lemongrass-lychee, passionfruit and peach available for purchase.
Before you go
The cafe will operate Tuesday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tapestry will be closed on Mondays.
