Just when all of the long-time rodeo-goers thought that just the much loved and missed Rodeo’s coming back to life after two years, is all that needed to happen to get them all excited again, our local restauranteur and visionary, Ben Berg, gives the Houston audience something above and beyond to get them running to the Rodeo grounds.
In his latest dining venture, Berg has opened a dream-come-true for this transplanted New York Cowboy, here in Houston, Texas. A fine dining restaurant and saloon in one place and it’s on the grounds of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Several of us were treated to a grand opening preview on Day 1 of the 21 day Rodeo that was all abuzz with Houston Rodeo management and lots of happy Cowboys and Champagne Cowgirls. Special recognition was given by Berg to many of the HLSR top management and supporters of this project. Not going unnoticed with due acclaim were the Champagne Cowgirls, who with founder, Ellie Francisco, was presented with the champion junior market steer hide from the 2021 auction by Steer Committee chairman Sean LeHane. This group of powerhouse women was founded in 2009 and have combined their monies to up the ante during steer auctions for 13 years, giving considerable funds to the Houston Rodeo’s scholarship programs. Of course, these ladies were fashionably rodeo-outfitted complete with their chic signature black Western hats with interlocking rhinestone CC headbands. Riding in style, by private bus provided by Tootsies’ Donna and Norman Lewis, these ladies that include many of Houston’s biggest charity donors, Lesha Elsenbrook, Susan Sarofim, Bobbie Nau, Denise Monteleone, Kristina Somerville, Shelley Reeves, Kelley Lubanko, Elizabeth Stein, Kelli Weinzierl and DeeDee Marsh.
Even for many of us that aren’t Rodeo regulars, the total package put together in the true-Berg hospitality way complete with authentic western decor, impeccable service from many Western-garbed staff and delicious food, made to order, to accompany the Rodeo atmosphere. The end result is an on-site, never before experience for rodeo goers, first come/first serve bar and restaurant and a proper fine-dining steakhouse where tables can be secured by reservation.
All of the two years of planning was so worth it on Berg’s part and his team, that also included Elizabeth Swift of Swift + Company, who I have always admired but who even went far beyond what I ever thought imaginable in her scope and made the decor and design spectacular that you could’t help but get in the mood. Also, in the spare-no-punches strategy of this team, this tented structure boasts the largest kitchen in Berg’s empire as well as a Bar with seating of 70 inside. The open-air seating outside seats even more. Also on site is a very special corner-of-the-world Tequila Bar sponsored and designed by the magical Loya team…..Javier & Lucinda Loya who with partners Carmen and Kiki Dikmen, are co-owners of Veneno Tequila.
The Houston audience is loving it! The word is that pre-opening, peak dining times throughout the rodeo run were already sold out. Friends that have attended in few days since opening say that the crunch before and after Rodeo are wild but there is some quiet times to dine, during rodeo show hours if that is your preference.
“This means so much to be chosen to do this for the Rodeo, for the city of Houston. This is amazing,” Berg told the gathering of more than 100 people. “We have the weight of the Rodeo, the weight of Houston on our shoulders and we want to make you proud and that’s what we’re here to do. Have a really good time with you, and deliver great food and great service.” (he could have added also have a great time, as fun was in the air that day and I am guessing every day thereafter)
A few details to know…..
*The Ranch Saloon + Steakhouse, 3 NRG Parkway, will open at 4:00 pm-midnight; (final seating at 11pm) Monday-Thursday; Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight, Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday with brunch buffet 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Live music in the Ranch Saloon is 5-8 p.m. Monday-Friday; DJ music at other hours. For more information visit theranchatrodeo.com. For Steakhouse reservations availability at VIP@theranchatrodeo.com, 832-470-6519 or OpenTable.
Take a peak at some of my photos from the Monday introduction and celebration. I challenge all to not want to head over to Rodeo grounds and to the Ranch Saloon + Steakhouse…….
