1. Auden, which originally sought to open in spring 2022, is now looking at an early summer 2023 opening in the Autry Park mixed-use development at 3711 Autry Park Drive, Houston. The restaurant will be run by the husband-and-wife duo of Kirthan and Kripa Shenoy, founders of EaDough Pastries & Provisions in east downtown Houston. The concept for Auden remains one focused on globally diverse food to reflect the population of Houston with the menu taking a "vegetable-forward" approach, according to a Dec. 12 update on the project.
2. Also slated for Autry Park is Lick Honest Ice Cream, an Austin-based artisanal ice cream shop that will open sometime in 2023. Ingredients used in ice creams sold at the shop are responsibly sourced with peak season ingredients coming from local farms and other Texas food producers. Ice creams are soy free, palm oil free and preservative free. www.ilikelick.com
3. The recently announced MaKiin is on target to open in the spring at 2651 Kipling St., Ste. 101, Houston, on the ground level of the Hanover River Oaks high-rise. The upscale Thai food restaurant is being opened by Lukkaew Srasrisuwan, co-owned of Heights Thai eatery Kin Dee. Menu items will serve as an ode to authentic Thai food and the Thai royal family. www.instagram.com/makiinconcepts
4. Underbelly Hospitality and chef Chris Davies will open Pastore in the spring at 1203 Dunlavy St., Ste. 100, Houston, bringing a menu with roots in Italian cuisine. Davies—the executive chef at another Underbelly concept, Wild Oats—is seeking to deliver high-end dishes, including rotating handmade pastas. Pastore will also feature a garden patio with fountains.
5. At first expected to open in November, all-day cafe Ojo de Agua will launch in early 2023 at 4444 Westheimer Road, St. D140, Houston, within the River Oaks District. The Mexico-based concept will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner while also offering fresh juice, fruit drinks and smoothies. The eatery will emphasize healthy options and use authentic ingredients for dishes that will range from acai bowls to lobster grilled cheese. https://ojodeaguamiami.com
