Introduction to Maison Chinoise
The River Oaks Shopping Center is set to welcome a new addition to its dining scene: Maison Chinoise, a contemporary Chinese restaurant slated to open this winter. Located at 1958 West Gray, this new establishment is part of the Dallas-based Lombardi Family Concepts, a group known for its diverse culinary offerings in Houston, including Toulouse Cafe and Bar and Lombardi Cucina Italiana.
About Lombardi Family Concepts
Lombardi Family Concepts has a reputation for bringing unique and exciting dining experiences to the cities where they operate. With Maison Chinoise, they aim to introduce the vibrant city of Houston to a fresh take on traditional Chinese cuisine. According to Alberto Lombardi, founder and owner of Lombardi Family Concepts, "This wonderfully diverse city has embraced our family’s concepts, and we’re thrilled to introduce Maison Chinoise to the dynamic dining landscape here in Houston."
Menu Highlights
The menu at Maison Chinoise promises to be an exciting blend of shareable, family-style dishes, echoing the success of its original location in Dallas. Some of the standout items include Peking duck, wok-fried lamb shoulder, fried lobster, innovative pastrami egg rolls, and an assortment of house-made dumplings. These dumplings range from wagyu beef pot stickers and truffle mushroom dumplings to classic xiao long bao, also known as pork soup dumplings. This diverse range of offerings is designed to cater to a wide array of tastes and preferences, ensuring that there’s something for everyone at Maison Chinoise.
Executive Chef Jordan He
To lead the culinary team at Maison Chinoise, Lombardi has appointed Jordan He as the executive chef. Chef He brings a wealth of experience from prestigious establishments such as Wing Lei at Wynn Las Vegas and the Hakkasan Group in Miami and Los Angeles. His background and expertise will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the culinary identity of Maison Chinoise and ensuring that it meets the high standards of quality and innovation that Lombardi Family Concepts is known for.
Restaurant Design and Ambiance
The 3,700-square-foot restaurant is being designed by Houston’s NDD Design, with a focus on incorporating traditional Chinese elements to create a unique and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, Maison Chinoise will feature a spacious 900-square-foot patio, offering diners the option to enjoy their meals in a beautifully designed outdoor setting. This blend of traditional inspiration with modern design sensibilities promises to make Maison Chinoise a visually stunning addition to the River Oaks Shopping Center.
Joining the River Oaks Dining Scene
Maison Chinoise is not alone in its arrival at the River Oaks Shopping Center. Over the past couple of years, the development has seen the introduction of several new restaurants, including Zanti Cucina Italiana, Cocody, Hudson House, Pizzana, and Goode Company Kitchen & Cantina. These newcomers join established favorites like Brasserie 19 and Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, further enriching the dining landscape of the area. The addition of Maison Chinoise is expected to enhance this diversity, providing residents and visitors with an even broader range of culinary options to explore.
Conclusion
The upcoming opening of Maison Chinoise in the River Oaks Shopping Center marks an exciting development for food enthusiasts in Houston. With its contemporary take on Chinese cuisine, led by the experienced Chef Jordan He, and its beautifully designed dining space, Maison Chinoise is poised to become a significant player in the city’s vibrant dining scene. As Houston continues to evolve as a culinary destination, the arrival of Maison Chinoise is a testament to the city’s appeal for new and innovative dining concepts. Whether you’re a long-time resident of Houston or just visiting, Maison Chinoise promises to be a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of contemporary Chinese cuisine.
