One of Houston’s Best Restaurants Gets Taken Over

When a James Beard award-winning chef hosts a pop-up lunch at his equally acclaimed restaurant, there’s only one thing to do … secure a reservation. Chef Justin Yu lends Oxheart for a multi-day pop-up series called LÜNCH — a collaboration between Oxheart’s Peter Jahnke (formerly of Underbelly and Anvil), master sommelier David Keck of Camerata, and pastry chef Jillian Bartolome (formerly of New York’s Bouchon Bakery and Common Bond). 

The trio has taken over Oxheart during the restaurant’s summer break, offering dishes such as a savory fig tart with vinegared figs, prosciutto, custard, and purslane; tomatoes infused with Douglas fir, citrus and crème fraîche; roasted grouper topped with togarashi broth, pickled alium and cured citrus; and confit duck served with walnut pesto, gooseberries, coffee rice, and salted grape.

Beer and wine pairings are designed via Keck and various to-go options are available.

“Please, however, don’t think of any of the selections as more or less formal,”  Jahnke says. “The impetus of this entire undertaking is a casual, lighthearted restaurant takeover.”  

The temporary restaurant invasion is supplemented by whimsical French-Japanese-themed interiors created by gindesignsgroup, Oxheart’s original design team.

What: LÜNCH pop-up

When: Through Sunday, August 7, 11 am to 4 pm daily

Where: Oxheart, 1302 Nance Street

Tariff: Prices vary per dish

Contact: For reservations, 832.830.8592 (there is a standby list, so call and try your luck!)