Tony Mandola’s Gulf Coast Kitchen, which has been vamping-until-ready in the old Rickshaw location (2810 Westheimer), will bring down the curtain tomorrow (Saturday) evening. Yes, the restaurant is finally moving into its newly completed permanent location on Waugh near W. Dallas. We’re told that Tony Mandola’s – there’s no more “Gulf Coast Kitchen” – will open Wednesday (June 29) evening. This is a career goal, notes namesake Tony Mandola, to finally own his own restaurant and the land underneath it. Upon entering, look for large framed photos of Mama Ninfa Laurenzo (honoring Mandola’s wife’s family) and Mama Mandola, which honors his own late mother … The new Tony Mandola’s is just cattycorner from the brand-new Whole Foods store, which opened on Wednesday of this week. Interesting that these two much-anticipated businesses, long held up by construction delays, end up opening just a week apart.
We hear that Sonoma Retail Wine Bar and Restaurant will be opening a second location in The Heights at 801 Studewood. The new location will have a casual neighborhood vibe, much like Sonoma’s Richmond Avenue location. Owners Farrah Fatouretchi and Dr. Kevin Lisman have some unique design features planned for the new project and report that it will have a larger kitchen and an increased focus on food. The planned opening is April 2012.
After a soft opening, Jack’s Place, a casual restaurant and bar, is now open in Oak Ridge North, across the freeway from The Woodlands. Chef Earon Gaitlin, formerly executive chef at Mo’s, A Place for Steaks on Post Oak Blvd., is creating what the Jack’s Place team calls “Texas International Cuisine” … The new restaurants under construction on White Oak in The Heights are finally beginning to open. This weekend, BB’s Cajun Cafe celebrates its grand opening at White Oak (Sixth Street) and Studewood … Sorrel Urban Bistro is opening in the old Ziggy’s Grill location at 2202 W. Alabama. Ray Salti is owner, Soren Pedersen is exec chef and Steven DiMatteo is GM. They describe the food as “innovative contemporary cuisine,” with an emphasis on prix-fixe dinners, locally produced meat, sustainable seafood and charcuterie bar.
Laurier Cafe & Wine (3139 Richmond) has a special offer through the end of this month: Monday through Thursday nights they are offering all bottles of wine at half price. One dinner entrée purchase per guest is required … Today (June 24) is Sprinkles Cupcake’s one-year birthday. To celebrate, the cupcakerie at 4010 Westheimer is giving a dozen free cupcakes to anyone whose birthday is also today. Of course, you’ll need your ID.
Congratulations to Marcelino Cantu, long-time captain at Brennan’s of Houston, who was recently notified that he has won the Front of House Award of Excellence from the Texas Restaurant Association. Cantu is the most tenured member of Brennan’s FOH staff and acts as the Number One Captain, leading a team of more than 15. He will be presented with the award during the annual TRA President’s Gala on Monday (June 27) in Dallas.