Chef Ryan Lachaine’s Riel Will Blend Ukranian, French-Canadian And Texas Fare

As we head into fall, Chef Ryan Lachaine’s Riel is one of Houston’s most highly-anticipated restaurants. The 2013 Eater Young Guns winner announced that his latest concept would debut this season earlier in the year, but now we’ve got more details on when Riel will make its official debut, and what the menu’s going to look like.

Announced via release, Riel is expected to open its doors at 1927 Fairvew Street some point in November. The concept will be “dedicated to pure and unpretentious food,” which apparently means that a “streamlined and market-driven menu of shareable plates” will be on offer. At any given time, a maximum of 15 dishes — tapas, one family-style entree, and three desserts — will be on the menu.

Where things really get interesting with Riel’s cuisine is the unique blend of Ukranian, French-Canadian, and Texas-inspired dishes that will be on offer. The complete menu is still in the works, but think pierogies, borscht, and tourtière (a Quebecois meat pie), and plenty of Gulf seafood.

The space will seat 65 guests, including a chef’s counter and bar. Iconstrux Build & Design is responsible for creating the space’s “simple and understated” aesthetic (wood tables, modern chairs) that will allow the food to shine.

Stay tuned for more updates on Riel’s official opening date.