Famed San Francisco Chef Bringing His Italian Fare to Houston

This past Thursday evening at One Fifth Mediterranean, I was treated to attend Chris Shepherd’s finale dinner for his Southern Smoke foundation. It was a great learning experience for me in many ways…..certainly, to understand what Shepherd is doing for our community. However, one of the highlights was the intro for me to Chris Cosentino, who previewed some of his dishes for his new Italian restaurant, Rosalie Italian Soul, which is coming to H-town in September, while cooking a multi-course meal with Boston-based James Beard-winning chef Jamie Bissonnette, Shepherd, and his One Fifth team at the finale dinner for the Southern Smoke festival’s spring edition.

Chef Chris Cosentino, is a winner of Top Chef Masters and co-owner of San Francisco’s Cockscomb, Jackrabbit in Portland, Oregon and Acacia House in Napa Valley. He is opening his first restaurant in Houston in September 2019 with his business partner Oliver Wharton. Rosalie’s Italian Soul is named after and inspired by Chris’ great grandmother Rosalie Cosentino, a first-generation Italian immigrant who he credits for his career in cooking. Being of Italian descent as I am and named for my grandmother, Rosie, also a first-generation Italian immigrant, I warmed up to Chris’s story, his innovative approach to well-beloved Italian fare and just his warm and energetic personality as he called this a very personal project!

The 145-seat restaurant will be located in Downtown Houston’s C. Baldwin Hotel, also named for a strong woman known as the “Mother of Houston,” Charlotte Baldwin Allen. The menu will feature classic red-sauce dishes reminiscent of the lessons he learned from his great-grandmother, that will include his own interpretations. Pastas will be made fresh daily and a pizza oven will be a focal point in the restaurant. The menu is still under development but Chris is working on dishes that blend the local ingredients of Houston with his family traditions.

Master Sommelier William Sherer, wine director for all of Chris and Oliver’s ventures is building a 100-bottle list that’s fun and value-driven. The full list will be available throughout all of the hotel’s bars and lounges, as well as room service, which they will be calling “Delivery.” The cocktail program will focus on classic Italian cocktails, with multiple variations of Chris’ favorite, the Negroni. Cosentino and Wharton will be in charge of all food and beverage service in the hotel.

Other members of Chris’ team are Kate Rohrer of Rohe Creative that is developing the new space along with Lisa Hines, who are using Rosalie Cosentino’s 1970’s kitchen as inspiration. A family-style dining table anchors the bar and lounge area, symbolizing the true meaning of Italian soul. (sounds like my home!) Annie Balest, formerly of Tony’s Restaurant has joined the team as General Manager.

Rosalie will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. In addition Chris and Oliver will manage all food and beverage operations in the hotel…..from bar to room service to private events and meetings.