Katsuya by Starck Set to Open Mid-February

Construction is under way at Katsuya by Starck, the glossy, "design-driven" Los Angeles sushi import slated to open in West Ave in mid-February.

The interior is still a jumble of construction materials, but areas for the lounge — to be ornamented with the signature red lip graphic — robata and sushi bar and private rooms are already sectioned out.

Chef Katsuya Uechi is in town for a few days to source seafood and other ingredients, and last night he sampled some Tex-Mex at El Tiempo. "That was good. I don't know, but somehow I'm going to try to capture some of that flavor for a few dishes," said the chef. The rest of the menu will remain similar to the one available at the original location.

The sleek Japanese restaurant is a celebrity hotspot back in California, and the bar is expected to be a huge draw in Houston as well, fitting with the overall tone of its neighborhood that now includes St. Genevieve, Ava and Alto and Roak down the street.

· Katsuya Restaurants [Official Site]
· All "Plywood Report" Coverage on Eater Houston [EHOU]