Remember Teala’s?

Not Tila’s, which is at the Shepherd curve across from Backstreet Cafe, but Teala’s on West Dallas. It was also a Tex-Mex institution in the same neighborhood as Tila’s, and when referenced in conversation, the names sometimes lead to confusion.

Teala’s (3210 West Dallas) has been closed since late 2015 and is now undergoing a major renovation by Sam Governale. You may know Governale from Fleming’s Steakhouse on West Alabama where he worked until recently as operating partner. It is not clear yet what kind of food will be served at the new restaurant when it opens in the spring or who will be heading up the kitchen. However we were told “the menu will reflect Sam’s personal experiences, travel and will feature American cuisine with European refinement.”

Sam Governale

From the press release:

“The last eight years with Fleming’s have been filled with amazingly creative and passionate people and too many unforgettable dining experiences and faces to count,” said Governale. “As an operating partner at the River Oaks location, I’ve had the distinct pleasure to serve a dynamic community during its time of exponential growth … While the decision to move on was a difficult one to make, the time has come for me to pursue new opportunities and challenges as part of my further growth in the hospitality industry. I feel so fortunate to have found a one-of-a-kind location near the same vibrant neighborhood that has shown me such great affection.

Governale has brought longtime friend Ashley Putman in as creative director for the project. Putman, a Baton Rouge-native who was a graphic designer for Barney’s New York in Manhattan before transplanting to Houston and forming her own business, is bringing her talent in both graphics and interior design to the restaurant.”

We will update readers with concept details about the forthcoming new restaurant, Emmaline, as we receive them.