We recently caught up with chef Michael Gaspard (formerly with the Pappas organization), who will be the chef partner at the new Brasserie 19 going into Tony Mandola’s Gulf Coast Kitchen’s old location (1962 West Gray). “We’ve taken the space down to the studs,” says Gaspard. He adds that the room’s long bar now completes its “U” shape, effectively doubling the bar seating. The menu will be a celebration of Texas and Gulf Coast dining presented in an international style. Among the dishes: crab bisque, onion soup with pulled oxtail, grilled octopus, large presentations of chilled seafood and house-made charcuterie. Gaspard, who is partners with Grant Cooper and Charles Clark of Ibiza and Catalan on Brasserie 19, expects the new spot to be open in late April or early May.
The One’s-a-Meal on lower Westheimer has a new owner, who is sprucing it up a bit with new carpet and tablecloths. The staff has apparently been told it will stay. Look for a name change, too, to Theo’s.