Introduction to Hypsi
A new Italian restaurant has opened its doors in the Heights, located within the newly launched Hotel Daphne. This restaurant, named Hypsi, marks the return of chef Terrence Gallivan to professional cooking in Houston. Gallivan, known for his time as the co-executive chef of The Pass and Provisions and owner of ElRo Pizza and Crudo, brings a wealth of culinary experience to Hypsi.
Background and Inspiration
Although Gallivan isn’t explicitly known for Italian cuisine, he has significant experience in making pizzas, pastas, and other Italian-inspired dishes. After closing ElRo last year, the opportunity to work with Bunkhouse Hotels, the Austin-based company operating the Daphne, was too appealing to pass up. Gallivan mentions that he and his wife always made it a point to visit Bunkhouse Hotels’ establishments whenever they were in Austin, drawn by the company’s ability to create unique and cool experiences.
Menu Overview
Hypsi’s menu offers updated takes on traditional Italian fare, starting with starters such as lamb meatballs, black truffle arancini, and Caesar salad. The selection of house-made pastas includes squid ink radiatori with rock shrimp, butternut squash tortellini, and lumache with vodka sauce that gets a kick from nduja. For entrees, options include a roast chicken, pork Milanese, and roasted snapper with salsa verde. The restaurant also serves breakfast during the week and brunch on weekends, with items like a panatone waffle, frittata, and breakfast sandwich, and plans to introduce lunch in January.
Culinary Approach
Gallivan explains that the approach at Hypsi is to take inspiration from tradition without being traditional. He emphasizes the importance of balance, aiming to create a menu that appeals to a wide range of diners, from his mother to young foodies. This balance is key to ensuring that everyone can find something they enjoy.
Signature Features
One of Hypsi’s signature elements is the mozzarella cart that circulates through the dining room. Gallivan sources a mix of American and imported Italian cheeses that rotate every week or two. The cheese is served with a variety of pickled fruits and vegetables, olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, focaccia, and more. The cart is not only a unique feature but also a fun way to engage diners, making them eager to try whatever is on offer.
Dining Experience
The dining room at Hypsi is designed to evoke the feel of Prohibition-era speakeasies, with details such as blueberry lava stone on the bar, vintage velvet chairs, and custom Carimate dining chairs by Vico Magistretti. The outdoor patio features brick pavers, mosaic tables, and sculptures, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere for diners.
Conclusion
Hypsi brings a fresh take on Italian cuisine to the Heights, with a menu that balances tradition and innovation. Chef Terrence Gallivan’s return to Houston’s culinary scene is marked by his commitment to creating a dining experience that is both enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of patrons. With its unique features, such as the mozzarella cart, and its carefully designed dining spaces, Hypsi is set to become a notable addition to Houston’s dining landscape.
