I was in Austin this week and was a guest at Uchi to sample a 12-course tasting menu (my first meal there ever, and long overdue) and to hear an update on the Houston version that is going into the old Felix Mexican location on lower Westheimer. As you’ve read everywhere, the Austin-based Uchi is under the direction of James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole, and its spawn in Houston is big news in the local restaurant world. Uchi Houston, which was previously set to open November 1 has been delayed by construction hiccups. Here are six factoids about Uchi Houston:

1. The first friends-and-family service is planned for the week after Christmas. The soft opening is now scheduled for January 2, and the official opening is January 9. However, these dates are “fluid.”

2. There will be a “hiring event” here in Houston Nov. 7-9. Visit uchiaustin.com for more details.

3. Dan Allen, currently assistant GM at the Austin original, will be GM here. He’s been with the Uchi group (the other restaurant, a spin-off, is Uchiko) for about 16 months, and moved to Texas from California. Janice Rivas, formerly at Oceanaire Seafood Room, will be co-GM.

4. The Houston menu will be a combination of Uchi and Uchiko.

5. As with the Austin location, Uchi Houston will serve beer, wine and sake only, no spirits.

6. More Uchi locations are in the plans for both inside and outside Texas.