Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1532781
M ention The Menil Collection to the art cognoscenti anywhere in the world, and there's a hushed reverence f o r i t s o e u v r e and its forward-thinking founders, Dominique and John de Menil. Now, when sophisticated culturists pilgrimage to Houston to visit that storied Montrose campus, they can check into a hotel that's nearly as chic. Across the street from the Menil's Drawing Institute, the new Hotel Saint Augustine, a Lake | Flato- designed 71-room property spread across five small two-story buildings, blends Hotel Saint Augustine Cozies Up to the Revered Menil Collection and Rothko Chapel Above: The stunning new Perseid restaurant at Hotel Saint Augustine s e a m l e s s l y i n t o the neighborhood. Landscaped by Ten Eyck, the subdued, tranquil architecture nods to its neighbor's signature gray hue, t o o — w h i c h i s said to have been inspired by Mrs. de Menil's fondness for artist Jasper Johns' m o n o c h r o m e s , most of which were painted in shades of gray. The Hotel Saint Augustine and the restaurant Perseid were designed by the Post Company a n d B u n k h o u s e Hotels, the Austin- based hospitality group that gave us the Hotel Genevieve in Louisville, and Hotel Saint Cecilia and Hotel Magdalena in Austin, to name but three. Handling the all-day dining options in-house are James Beard- n o m i n a t e d c h e f A a r o n B l u d o r n a n d h i s f r o n t - of-the-house partner, Cherif Mbodji (operators of Bludorn, Navy Blue, and Bar Bludorn). Together, they launched Perseid (pronounced per-see-id), named for the meteor shower that rains down each August — apropos for a space-focused city. While their menu reflects global influences and ingredients culled from every corner of Houston, both men are protégés of the legendary Gallic chef Daniel Boulud's New York establishments and contend that the accent on French fare is actually stronger here than at their other Houston eateries. Mbodji has dubbed Perseid "a French bistro seen through the eyes of Houston." The dining room, painted the color of churned Brittany butter, is appointed with elegant custom moldings and Art Deco-inspired lighting. The walls are purposefully devoid of art; given the proximity to such an esteemed museum, perhaps the prevailing thought was that nothing could measure up. at By Laurann Claridge. Interiors photograph Nicole Franzen. Perseid Restaurant The New 42