Introduction to Camaraderie
Houston is lucky to have such a warm, welcoming restaurant scene. Our chefs are friends, not cutthroat enemies. Diners are greeted with Southern hospitality. And now, the Heights is home to a new, self-described “fine-casual” restaurant that celebrates this mindset.
The Concept Behind Camaraderie
Named Camaraderie, which opened on March 26, the restaurant is the first solo project for Shawn Gawle, who was most recently the executive pastry chef for Goodnight Hospitality. The inspiration for the new venture stems from Gawle’s time as a restaurant worker. He feels fortunate to have made so many great relationships and memories with team members and leaders over the years, which he attributes with his lack of burnout. He jokes that there’s no greater bond than with someone you trust and know and have been in the trenches with.
The Menu
At Camaraderie, he’ll be cooking contemporary American cuisine with French techniques, offering an à la carte menu and a $75 prix fixe. He wants to create plates that are visually appealing, nostalgic, light but still filling, and have just the right ratio of salt and acidity. For example, Gawle played around with the nduja rolls on the à la carte menu for a while before he got them just right. The nduja roll resembles a cinnamon roll, but with a twist. It features Tomme-style cheese with spicy sausage and a soft roll, providing a delightful surprise for diners.
A Play on Familiar Dishes
Gawle likes to serve dishes that are a play on something that diners might already be familiar with. Available on both menus, the poached halibut is served with purple potatoes, clams, and lobster, then topped with a smoked potato espuma and a touch of smoked paprika. Gawle describes it as a loose rendition of the clam chowder he grew up eating in New England.
The À La Carte Menu
The à la carte menu is divided between “snacks” (like a tarte flambée) and a “more substantial” section, with dishes like a carrot cavatelli with carrot top pesto, mimolette, and turnip; and a hanger steak with pomme dauphine potatoes and chimichurri.
The Prix Fixe Menu
To fully create a sense of camaraderie in his restaurant, the prix-fixe menu is meant to be shared family-style, with bites such as a salt-baked celery root with apple, chile, and yuzu; sformato with asparagus, morel, and parmesan; a veal osso buco with bucatini and mirepoix entrée; and a strawberry frozen marshmallow sorbet with lemon and olive oil for dessert.
The Restaurant’s Atmosphere
The restaurant also has a beverage program with wines by the glass or bottle—mostly French and Italian—as well as cocktails, including “mini classics” for $8, nonalcoholic options, and beer. Camaraderie’s building was previously a woodworking shed, which allowed for a clean slate for the design. Thanks to Houston-based Schaum Architects, the restaurant now boasts a warm, modern vibe with skylights, built-in wood banquette seating, a dining room, bar, lounge area, and a 400-square-foot covered patio.
The Chef’s Background
Though being a chef-owner is new for Gawle, his time in the industry goes back to his childhood. His dad ran a deli in Boston that was passed down from Gawle’s grandfather. Gawle started working on Camaraderie’s business plan long before he came to Houston, but always felt that it wasn’t the right time. When the pandemic hit, he was encouraged to revisit the idea by his now-wife.
Gawle’s Experience
Gawle’s talent was evident. He soon moved up in the culinary world and worked at several Michelin-starred restaurants across the country, including L20 in Chicago, Veritas in New York City, and Saison and Quince, both in San Francisco. In 2019, Gawle made his Houston debut as executive pastry chef for Goodnight Hospitality, where he helped open Rosie Cannonball, March, and Montrose Cheese & Wine.
Conclusion
Gawle is excited to finally have Camaraderie open. He’s worked on it for a very long time and is happy and excited to put smiles on people’s faces. With its unique menu, warm atmosphere, and focus on community, Camaraderie is sure to become a favorite among Houston diners. Whether you’re looking for a night out with friends or a special occasion, Camaraderie is the perfect place to experience the best of Houston’s culinary scene.
