Fortunately, we were able to sneak into Ben Berg’s newest dining haute last night for a preview of Tavola, his newest which is opening in the converted space that was once La Table. We were delighted to get some first hand tastes of the special dishes that have been created for this new and very authentic Italian restaurant in the Post Oak area’s Boulevard Place. This upscale Italian Eatery partnered by Berg Hospitality with The Bastion Collection, is serving dishes that explore the various regions of Italy in this ultra glamorous setting.
The ambiance of this fine dining exudes sophistication with all aspects mirroring that same feel at the highest level. The glitzy scene is set by sleek interiors of rose and copper that sets off a warm glow in the main dining room. The sleek interiors were cultivated by Gail McCleese of Sensitori, along with the Bastion Collection and Berg himself who always plays an integral part in the design process. Intentionally intimate, the restaurant accomodates a seating capacity of only 118 guests in a gallery, enclosed patio and brasserie style bar. Tavola is the replacement for the former, La Table, which shuttered awhile back and the space is being reinvented into two restaurant concepts….Italian which is Tavola and first to convert and the upstairs space to be a French dining spot opening later in Spring 2024, filled with surprises to come!
Designed to be the ultimate “see and be seen” locale, it is also a place where patrons can indulge in some of the finest of Italian cuisine. Impressive to us, was the many “classic Italian dishes” that have been given a sophisticated update in small ways that added a lot to our menu choices. A good example is their version of the Italian favorite ‘Caccio Pepe” where the pasta served is ‘agnolotti’, pillows filled with the classic cream and cheese that are the signature of that dish, making for a burst of flavor for every bite!
Tavola’s celebrated Executive Chef Luca Di Benedetto showcases his esteemed talent, which was honed under his mentor Gualtiero Marchesi, a chef and restaurateur widely credited with being the father of modern Italian cuisine. It should also be noted that in Berg Hospitality‘s collaboration with The Bastion Collection, there is a partnership with Michelin-Starred Corporate Chef Salvatore Martone, a Joel Robuchon protege. All of this makes for a menu that you will find at Tavola with much anticipation for high-quality ingredients from both Italy and the United States, that have been expertly sourced. It was delightful to chat with Chef Luca whose background in Italy is from both Puglia and Milan……two areas known for amazing culinary expertise. Last but not least, in this talented team is a key player on the Tavola scene…….General Manager, Valerio Lombardozzi, whose resume is with some of the finest restaurant and hotels internationally. He has has been with the Bastion Group since the early days of La Table and has remained as a trouble shooter for the restaurant group’s holdings in Houston, New York and Miami. Ben Berg has been known to say “Valerio is the best service manager in the market.” His warmth and expertise, along with the many talented people that he has gathered; i.e. Anna, Andreas and other talents, adds much to the dining experience at Tavola.
Below…..first, some interior shots taken with my very own Iphone……
Tavola, enclosed patio space
Last but definitely not least was the FOOD……so many dishes (see below, only a sampling) again, taken with my Iphone
Housemade focaccia bread topped with cherry tomatoes, onions served with olive spread
With the holidays upon us very quickly, I couldn’t wait to visit Ben Berg’s newest adventure and knew that spreading it to my readers who are always looking for the next big treat, especially in this exciting time of year……hence the Iphone photos to get this experience out to you as soon as possible.
Don’t miss Tavola……the address is 1800 Post Oak Blvd., phone 713-840-1111 and it’s just opened and ready to greet you, just make resys on Open Table now!
Happy Holidays, Good Eating and Buon Natale!!
