Ford Fry's State of Grace Teases Oyster Bar

Atlanta celebrity chef and Houston native son Ford Fry has updates to share on State of Grace, his new hill country-inspired restaurant headed for three former shops in the Lamar-River Oaks Shopping Center.

In-house designer Elizabeth Ingram is overseeing the restaurant's aesthetic: lots of steel-frame windows, a long bar, an oyster bar and reclaimed wood floors.

"The design will be slightly vintage and plush, with a members-only feel," Ford said. "We want it to be a comfortable neighborhood place."

But it's all taking a little longer than anticipated. The original opening was set for spring. Construction has lagged — as is so often the case — and Fry now says the restaurant is on track to open sometime this fall. [Sidenote: Meanwhile in Atlanta, Fry is busy with his seven existing restaurants and three others on the drawing board.]

While we know the kitchen will feature foods inspired by the Texas Gulf and regional meats, Fry says the menu is still coming together. "We’ll be inspired by the hill country, and have a heavy gulf experience, it’s something we love."

Interestingly, Fry is also moving in next to his long-time friend Sid Mashburn, of the eponymous nearby clothing store. The two became friends in Atlanta where Fry’s JCT. Kitchen & Bar is beside another Sid Mashburn outpost. They always dreamed about going to Houston side-by-side, too.

— Marene Gustin