Punk's Simple Southern Food to Open in March

When Punk's Simple Southern Food posted pictures on its Facebook page of plywood and floors being laid, and how its patio seating was going to look, fans of the about-to-open eatery, the latest installment from Clark Cooper Concepts and headed by chef Brandi Key, were excited to see progress, praising it for looking like a promising new spot in a place crowded with restaurant options.

Designed to bring a chef-driven approach to comfort food, Punk's takes up shop right next to the recently opened Coppa Osteria, also owned by Clark Cooper Concepts and helmed by Key. Expect a menu inspired by Gulf Coast flavors, from Mississippi to Texas, nods to Georgia and the Carolinas. Hoping to evoke the feeling of screen doors slapping in a summer breeze and freshly baked pies cooling on the window sill, Punk's draws on Key's own family recipes and Southern roots.

An avid lover of Italian cuisine, the menu here reflects her below-the-Mason-Dixon-Line heritage and she'll be serving up oyster shooters, fried catfish, butter pickles and smothered pork chops, just to name a few. The comfort food vibe comes with a dedication to fresh, farm stand ingredients, an homage to Key's time spent in the kitchen and garden with her mother and grandmother. Grant Cooper's already gone on record saying that the dishes here will have plenty of Southern soul, without the heaviness associated with the cuisine. And to further showcase that this is homestyle spot with roots in a community, there's a pre-opening party on Saturday, February 22 takes shape as a street carnival. All the proceeds from the event benefit the Texas Children's Cancer Center and donations are accepted at the door.

Festivities take place from Noon – 4:00 p.m. and include cotton candy, a lemonade stand, street performers, games and prizes, and a performance by The Voice star Brian Pounds. All that excitement should be the perfect teaser for what's likely to be a fun addition to the Village's food scene. No opening date has been set, but all indicators point to early March.

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