The culinary landscape of Houston is sizzling with chef Chris Williams' latest endeavor, the grand opening of his newest restaurant, Late August, situated in the revamped tech hub, the Ion, once a Sears department store. According to a Houston Chronicle report, Late August draws inspiration from the nostalgic days when the Sears Wish Book hit mailboxes, as Williams aims to recapture a 'freer time, a time of wonderment'.
Featuring a blend of Black and Latino culture, Late August, which is gearing up to launch lunch service on March 25, marries personal storytelling with culinary expertise, a combined effort cooked up by Williams and executive chef Sergio Hidalgo. The CultureMap notes that the initial chef partnership with "Top Chef" contestant Dawn Burrell had stirred buzz with the promise of Afro-Asian flavors, although Burrell later left the project while still expressing support and gratitude for her collaboration with Williams and his hospitality group.
Within its Art Deco-adorned walls, diners at Late August can expect to indulge in dishes that fuse Williams' and Hidalgo’s unique backgrounds. 'Dim sum' style servings pepper the menu, with diverse offerings like a field pea hummus with chorizo and smoked chicken drumettes with mole. "The restaurant concept is back to what it is intended to be," Williams told the Houston Chronicle.
Adding to the cultural mosaic, the wine list curated by sommelier Danny Davis hits high notes of inclusivity, spotlighting Black and brown winemakers with selections from diverse regions, aiming to pair harmoniously with the food's tapestry, Davis has sourced quality wines that are not only affordable but also tell a great story, from countries like South Africa to Italy. "I wanted quality wines that are affordable, tell a great story, and focus on Black and brown winemakers," Davis said, intent on complementing the culinary narrative at Late August.
Although Williams' journey to opening Late August has seen its share of turmoil, including community concerns over the Ion project's contribution to gentrification, the chef remains steadfast in enriching Houston's dining scene while honoring its history. His innovative approach is not restricted to Late August alone; the chef-owner of Lucille's has been diversifying his portfolio, with prior announcements by CultureMap about the Lucille’s Hospitality Group’s initiative that includes the Rado Cafe and Hogan Brown Gallery in Houston, plus an exciting international venture with Emile's Black Point Bistro in Nova Scotia. Late August debuts its dinner service on April 8.
