Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1420847
By Shelby Hodge. Photography Gerardo Velazquez. THE NEW corner of Kirby and Westheimer. The result is a warmth reminiscent of its Round Top predecessor which is housed in an 1870 stone brewery, but with its own character. Mexican tile floors, a narrow slatted and beamed ceiling, overhead fans, and a dreamy leather bar contribute to the Round Top ambience, while views of the fast-moving traffic on Kirby assure that this is big-city terrain. Executive chef Jose Monterrosa, who formerly worked under M i c h e l i n - s t a r re d c h e f F a b i o Trabocchi, set the fine-dining standard at Lulu's Round Top and now helms the River Oaks sister restaurant, where many of the dishes are drawn from his rich rustic creations for the original Lulu's. Braised short ribs, grilled branzino, and bucatini al'amatriciana and more are earning high praise. Open Sunday through Tuesday, 11:30 am to 9 pm, and Wednesday through Saturday, 11:30 am to 10 pm. Lulu's River Oaks, 2518 Kirby Dr., 713.590.7350, lulustx.com A nticipation had b e e n b u i l d i n g f r o m t h e m o - m e n t C i n d a a n d A r m a n d o P a l a c i o s announced the expansion of their iconic Lulu's Italian restaurant in Round Top to Houston. It's no surprise, then, that reservations are a must, as most of the 75 seats have been fully booked for both lunch and dinner at Lulu's River Oaks since its opening in early October. The talented couple who helm their namesake Palacios Murphy hospitality company also own Armandos, across the parking lot from Lulu's River Oaks, while the Round Top stable includes the new Hotel Lulu, Mandito's, and Popi Burger. For the 2,400-square-foot Houston restaurant, the duo tapped New York architect Rocco DiLeo of RDstudio to assist in reimagining the former Stone Mill Bakers locale in Avalon Shopping Center on the LULU'S RESTAURANT CHARMS Above and left: The new Lulu's River Oaks Armando and Cinda Palacios Grilled branzino at Lulu's River Oaks FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY KIRSTEN GILLIAM 106