Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1137940
W ith a wealth of n e w e a t e r i e s tempting us to book a table, we somehow let the opening of chef Ryan Lachaine's newest venture, Riel, slip by. His modern globally inspired take on Gulf Coast cuisine pulls in culinary influences as varied as his Canadian childhood and memories of cooking with his Ukrainian grandmamma. The 65-seat dinner-only eatery focuses on shareable plates. Shellfish aficionados should start with oysters Moscow: four chilly Pemaquid oysters from Maine in a shallow pool of vodka, topped with crème fraiche and ossetra caviar (market price). Or try the fried rice: steamed jasmine rice enrobed in rice flour and fried to a crunchy, puffed- cereal-like texture then tossed with Chinese pork sausage and tiny shrimp and crowned with an egg yolk ($16). The biggest seller is the vegan's answer to buffalo hot wings: cauliflower brined in mirin and saltwater for six hours before being coated in a light tempura batter and tossed with a bright orange sauce of juiced Korean kimchi ($15). Riel's much-chattered- about pierogies, inspired by his grandmother's recipe, can be ordered as an accompaniment to the hanger-steak entrée ($29) or on their own. The wine and drinks list is just as inspired as the menu, which pays homage to Houston's hip- hop scene with titles borrowed from collaborations with Lachaine's musically inclined fans. Riel, 1927 Fairview St., 832.831.9109, rielhtx.com. Laurann Claridge SO MANY RESTAURANTS … SO LITTLE TIME BRADFORD EU With something this important, trust in your Realtor® is everything. Luxury Living IN A NEIGHBORHOOD NEAR YOU 713.446.2473 sporter@heritagetexas.com ■ shellyporter.com 5-STAR CLIENT RATING ■ CERTIFIED NEGOTIATION EXPERT ACCREDITED LUXURY HOME SPECIALIST SHELLY PORTER A Proven Top Producer LIKE: facebook.com/papercitymag FOLLOW: instagram.com/papercitymag TWEET: @papercitymag FOLLOW US ONLINE F A S H I O N D E S I G N A R T & M O R E