Relish Fine Foods business partners and newlyweds Addie D’Agostino and Executive Chef Dustin Teague transitioning well from former San Felipe location to heart of Upper Kirby area to fulfill a lifelong dream of theirs!
For those of us here at My Red Glasses, we have been waiting with great anticipation for Addie D’Agostino’s expanded ‘Relish Fine Foods‘ to open its doors in its brand new location in the heart of Upper Kirby area. This 5-year old eating establishment that has been nested next to Cotton Club and Ouisie’s Table on San Felipe has been a fave lunch spot where gourmet goodies, seasonal salads and soups and amazing sandwiches were and still are the base of its menu. Much to our delight, Addie decided a year ago to make a move and quite a big one at that to a larger space at 2810 Westheimer, just two miles from where she began.
For now, the couple are opening with an expanded lunch menu for weekdays and weekend brunch dining, available as fast, casual counter service as before, except with her new digs Addie can offer you a seat at a table to dine. There is also a great expansive bar that you can sit and have a quick bite if that’s your preference. Starting soon (shooting for mid to late November), Relish will begin night time, more elegant full service dining with an equally full service bar. (now beer and wine only but that’s about to change!)
Below some highlights (there are many more great choices!) of their newly expanded menu for the newly expanded location……..
Salads remain one of the mainstays of this eating establishment that takes great pride in all of its healthy choices made with natural ingredients and a great flare for the unusual that Teague brings to the menu. The salad above is a new addition at Upper Kirby and it is the Fig Salad. What can I say, if you are a fig lover you will fall in love with this salad. Prosciutto, burrata, butter lettuce and hazelnuts and lots of fresh figs dressed with a light lemon/olive oil mix…..divine! Some other choices: beets, kale, classic caesar plus more are many in the salad section of the menu….cannot go wrong with any of them, I’ve had them all!
Not one to order a lot of sandwiches in eateries, I find Relish’s sandwich choices irresistible beginning with my all time favorite BLT, which is like no other I’ve ever had (aoili pesto could be the key?). Also, there is pimento cheese, which is considered by many to be the best in the city and either on its own or most likely in a sandwich it has become a signature from San Felipe that will be an even bigger success to its expanded audience. The chicken sandwich above is ever so tasty and her home-cut fries make a little bit of sinning, worth it. A new addition to this location is the home-made Hot Dog below that is all-beef and dressed with their special recipe relish that is so pleasing to the pallet.
A little bit of home-fried chicken….a healthy version of this southern favorite
Home made granola and fresh berries…great brunch choice
The Space: the interior of this spot has always had a great dynamic to it…..a high-energy vibe that is part of the space itself. I remember the days of its former tenants like Ouisie’s and Tony Mandola’s and though different with each…always very positive. Well, Addie’s collaboration with my friend and neighbor, the very talented Julie McGarr of McGarr Design and Interiors, who is responsible for many of the modern interiors of some of Houston’s hippest restaurants (Brasserie 19, Coppa, Drexel House, etc.) has created another dynamic space. that is uniquely Relish! The look is clean, simple and modern….a perfect reflection of both Addie and Dustin’s food creations.
Lastly, about the people behind this restaurant…..Addie, Dustin and Addie’s family that I have known for many years. One of the joys of being a life-long Houstonian is seeing people that I have known and care about succeed in businesses that they love. Earlier this week it was Johnny Carrabba. Now Addie and Dustin who are products of the culture of which they now serve…….grew up in the area and went to schools nearby. Both have been connected to food since childhood and are truly living their dream. Addie also comes from a family where her talented mom, had her own culinary success with Elegant Edibles (click to check online site, divine!) that creates a special treat called ‘Come and Take It’ that I have purchased at Kuhl-Linscomb for years and is always a hit at parties. (p.s. when Relish opens to full-bar, it will be the complimentary snack served at the bar, you must try it!)
All-in-all Relish Fine Foods is the new kid on the new block, but clearly one that brings a great reputation and following of five years to that location. Stop in and check it out….if you’re a regular you will be pleased with the newest packaging of Relish and its yummy food offerings and if you’ve never tried i