The State of Grace restaurant in the Lamar-River Oaks Shopping Center is unveiling a new dining concept this fall that restaurant officials said will bring the "golden age" of dining back to Texas.

What's changing?

State of Grace is an American restaurant that typically serves Texas favorite dishes alongside oysters and craft cocktails. However, owner Ford Fry, said he is flipping a switch with a new design, concept and menu for the River Oaks staple.

Changes include a new menu with highlighted dishes such as the blue crab beignets, a 42-ounce steak, veal chop schnitzel and smoked ricotta tortaloni. The beverage menu will now feature more than 400 bottles of hand-picked wine, a variety of imported beer and classic cocktails.

The restaurant's interior design will also change from its current modern, country style with wild game on the walls to rich green walls with chandeliers and candles, artwork and ornate antiques.


In their own words

Ford said he hopes that the changes will provide a warm, welcoming hospitality for everyday neighbors and first-time visitors.

“More and more, I have found that classic is what’s current," he said. "There is a genuine enjoyment to the menus, and service style, of yesteryear, both within the industry and among guests. So why not celebrate that? In reimagining State of Grace, we’re channeling simplicity and service."