State of Grace — Houston, USA

Houstonians have been waiting with baited breath for the opening of State of Grace, chef Ford Fry’s first restaurant in his native city. Taking up residence in affluent mansion-strewn River Oaks, the dining room is housed in a 1950s brick build, once home to Fry’s childhood confectionary store. Best known for his popular Atlanta eatery, The Optimist, the James Beard Award nominee has paid homage to his southern upbringing with a menu that includes lobster hush puppies, shrimp a la plancha, and duck carnitas. Meanwhile, pastry chef Chrysta Poulos ups the nostalgia stakes with house-made pecan ice cream balls slathered with hot fudge sauce.
Interiors, by Fry’s long-time collaborator Elizabeth Ingram, features a colour palette of white, moss green and slate grey against open brickwork walls, walnut and leather banquettes and marble counter tops. Three custom-designed chandeliers hang from a white oak parquetry ceiling presiding over the focal point of the space; a semi-circular hand-burnished brass counter top showcasing an expansive cold bar and oyster programme. If you’re not here to join the glam crowd chucking back sea wings from the Texan Gulf, pull up a seat in the main dining room where windows frame the sprawling branches of a grand oak tree out front.
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
3258 Westheimer Rd
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
Fluid workspaces: is the era of prescriptive office design over?
We discuss evolving workspaces and track the shape-shifting interiors of the 21st century. If options are what we’re after in office design, it looks like we’ve got them
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
This collection of slow furniture is a powerful ode to time
A serene exhibition of David Dolcini's 'Time-made' collection has fast-tracked its place into our hearts and homes
By Ifeoluwa Adedeji Published
-
Is the Pragma P1 the most sustainable watch yet?
Geneva-based brand Pragma combines industrial design with real sustainable credentials
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Alba Los Angeles is an Italian vacation disguised as a restaurant
This buzzy NYC import brings a slice of la dolce vita to West Hollywood
By Carole Dixon Published
-
At Bar Etoile, Scandi-chic meets leisurely Los Angeles
This new Melrose Park joint mixes art-world references, French bistro vibes and an out-of-this-world martini
By Carole Dixon Published
-
The world's most heavenly destinations for astrotourism in 2025
We're in for a big year for celestial events. These are the world's best hotels to see the cosmos as you've never seen it before
By Anna Solomon Published
-
Printemps' New York outpost blooms with possibility – and enchanting design
Thanks to designer Laura Gonzalez, this new retail mecca blooms colour, atmosphere and narrative
By Anna Fixsen Published
-
At Bar Siesta in Los Angeles, meals linger and moods perk up
This new Silver Lake hotspot showcases Spain's design, culture, and delectable tinned fish
By Carole Dixon Published
-
New York’s only revolving restaurant is back in action
Located inside the New York Marriott Marquis, The View Restaurant and Lounge reopens following a 360 refresh courtesy of The Rockwell Group
By Adrian Madlener Published
-
An Upper East Side townhouse is transformed into a chic French bistro
At Chez Fifi, Sweden’s Joyn Studio has created an elevated setting that transports diners to 1930s Paris
By Dan Howarth Published
-
Wallpaper* checks in at Granger Hotel: an intimate, maximalist charmer in San Diego
Set in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, Granger Hotel is an oasis of design blending history with modernity
By Chadner Navarro Published