Houston's dining scene is taking some hits with multiple restaurant closures making headlines, according to Eater Houston. Golfstrommen, the ambitious venture by chefs Paul Qui and Christopher Haatuft, is set to serve a final meal on February 4 before being reimagined for a future reopening. This comes after Qui's controversial past, involving a 2015 arrest for assaulting his then-girlfriend, sparked a national debate on redemption in the culinary world.
Another notable Houston eatery, Alice Blue, is on its exit trail, announcing a shutdown following dinner service on February 25; owner Claire Smith cited lease expiration, personal reasons, and existence to enjoy as the catalysts for the closure, she revealed in a statement obtained by Eater Houston. Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company also closed its doors due to non-payment of rent, leaving behind a legacy of unique beer concoctions since 2011.
In a more extensive sweep of shutdowns, Eater Houston details the closure of Urban Eats, which faced insurmountable debts and operational costs, despite community support that fleetingly lifted the Washington Avenue cafe and gourmet market. Picnik, specializing in diet-inclusive fare, shuttered its Montrose Collective location after less than a year due to lackluster community turnout. The trend continues with the closing of Dish Society's Tanglewood branch and Ingenious Brewing Company, falling victim to economic challenges post-pandemic.
On a different note, the January freeze in Houston pressed the pause button on numerous restaurants. A running list maintained by CultureMap includes spots like Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company, Gatlin's Fins & Feathers, and The Upside Pub, amongst others, that had to lock up due to the storm on January 16.
