PS-21, a French restaurant by Chef Philippe Schmit and his business partner and architect Sébastien Laval, opened March 9 at 2712 Richmond Ave., Houston, the former location of Queen Vic and Olive & Twist.

“I am excited to get back in the saddle,” Schmit said. “PS-21 will be a much more laid-back experience than my previous restaurants, as it will be more of a return to my roots and to the authentic style of cooking that I enjoy.”

The menu features French staples and influences, through dishes such as lobster bisque, steak tartare rossini and a tableside raclette experience that features warm raclette cheese, fingerling potatoes, salad crudité and charcuterie.

This comes 10 years after Schmit closed his eponymously named restaurant.

The name of the restaurant is a nod to the initials of Schmit and Laval's first names and to the year Schmit's dream of opening the restaurant "came into fruition," according to a March 2 press release.


The 3,400-square-foot space was reimagined by Laval and George Atala, another architect.

“The concept of PS-21 is to bring people together guests who are novices when it comes to French food as much as aficionados to eat delicious plates in a fun, convivial and relaxed atmosphere,” Laval said. "The staff is here to give an experience to our guests, taking them through the wealth of French culture and flavors but also the cultures that France has been in contact with for centuries.”

Laval and bar specialist Souvik Dasgupta have crafted a seasonal cocktail program, which features cocktails named for different cities of inspiration, like "The Montréal," which is a cocktail made with rye whiskey, yellow Chartreuse and maple syrup, garnished with a mini donut. The menu also offers list of 50 French-only wines.

PS-21 is open from Tuesday to Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m., and is closed Sunday and Monday.


346-571-8988. www.ps21htx.com