Called Benny Chows, the eatery opened June 28 in a Lovett Commercial development at 1818 Washington Ave., Houston, near other Berg concepts B&B Butchers & Restaurant, and BB Lemon.
Food offerings are "rooted in Cantonese tradition," according to a June 23 news release, with some menu items incorporating elements of barbecue and comfort food. Options include the smoked brisket egg roll—which features brisket from the Houston-based Truth BBQ—and the Holy Trinity Fried Rice, which is served with Chinese sausage and housemade char siu pork.
A drinks menu will feature Japanese whiskeys and eight signature cocktails infused with select luxurious teas by the tea store Tealeaves.
The restaurant will be led by Executive Chef Shirong Mei, who brings nearly 30 years of culinary experience in Cantonese restaurants, according to the release.
“Some of my first and favorite dining memories were made in Chinese restaurants in New York,” said Benjamin Berg, founder and CEO of Berg Hospitality Group, in a statement. “I want to give Houston those same moments but put a Texas-touch on it with a localized, ingredient-rich menu that they can experience in a luxe and exciting atmosphere.”
Other restaurant features include the "Peking Duck Room," one of two private dining spaces named after another menu highlight, a Jurgielewicz duck that requires three days of preparation. The venue will also feature a patio for dining with ornate lanterns, recreated Chinese storefront signs, and "a massive late 1800s fortress set of iron and wood doors sourced from China’s deep collection of well-preserved antiquities," according to the release.
Future plans include expanding into the space next door to Benny Chows, which will be used to add four additional private dining spaces this fall, according to the release.
346-888-1818. www.bennychows.com
