Ruggles Black Now Serving On Kirby Drive

Ruggles Black, the new restaurant from chef Bruce Molzan and Neera Patidar, celebrates its grand opening today after a two-month soft opening phase. The spot at 3693 Kirby Drive incorporates Asian and French-American influences, along with Paleo friendly fare.

"When we initially came up with the concept of Ruggles Black and blending these Asian and Indian flavors with French American influences, we didn't know how it would be received," said co-owner Neera Patidar.

But they did it, anyway. Since the soft opening, the team has been tweaking things and listening to guests. "We knew we were onto something because we spent months playing in the kitchen, testing out dishes, building on flavors, and incorporating Paleo items, and we really liked what we were doing."

He adds, "We got feedback from our customers on how bold the flavors were and how they never tried anything like this before, that we really knew we succeeded blending these two concepts."

Now, the team is celebrating with a grand opening today, a party to say thanks to the diners who helped push their innovative concept forward and to show the uninitiated how fun their food can be. Houstonians know Molzan is no stranger to the culinary scene in the Bayou City.

Ruggles Black builds on Molzan's experience and success from Ruggles Grill, Ruggles Green and Corner Table. The menu runs the gamut of global cuisine (short rib tacos to tandoori zataar chicken; red wine-poached pear creme brulee to chai-infused tres leches cake with pistachio meringue). Look for cocktails to pair with the dishes.

Open Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Ruggles Black is closed on Sundays. 3963 Kirby Drive; (832) 530-4493.