Montrose French Restaurant Gets a Major Revamp

Next month, Montrose French eatery L’Olivier will be revamped into a brand new wine bar called Avondale Food & Wine.

Owners Mary Clarkson and Oliver Ciesielski will make the change to the new restaurant in September, swapping out bouillabaisse and duck confit for a broader menu of dishes influenced by the seasons. Wine will get an even bigger focus at Avondale, which will serve as both a place to eat and drink and buy interesting wines to take away for later. “Our focus is on fresh local ingredients and small family winery partners who have little to no retail outlet in our neighborhood,” Clarkson said in a statement.

L’Olivier first made its debut at 240 Westheimer back in 2012, with the intent of bringing affordable, approachable French fare to Montrose. The city has seen a pretty significant influx of French restaurants in recent months, including Maison Pucha Bistro, La Villa Saint-Tropez, and Cafe Poetes, which could mean that L’Olivier’s move is a way to differentiate themselves from the rest of the pack.

L’Olivier will shutter on September 8 to make way for Avondale Food & Wine, which is set to debut on September 13.

• A Look Inside L’Olivier, Opening Tomorrow Evening [EHOU]
• All L’Olivier Coverage [EHOU]