Master Sommelier David Keck Says Goodbye to Goodnight Hospitality

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Goodnight Hospitality Founding Partner Leaves Houston

Master sommelier and restaurateur David Keck will leave Goodnight Hospitality, the restaurant group he co-founded, and Houston entirely. A release yesterday announced that Keck will resign and move home to Vermont.

“After over a decade of living and working in the hospitality business in Houston, I have decided to relocate to my home state of Vermont,” said David. “I’m excited to get my hands in the dirt and work on a different side of the beverage business while continuing my own studies. I couldn’t be more proud of the Goodnight Hospitality endeavor, and am very excited for the next steps for both of us. I’m also so impressed with how the sommelier community has grown—and continues to grow—in Houston, and hope to continue that spirit of education and hospitality in a new city.”

Keck turned Camerata into one of Houston’s best wine bars, then went on to launch projects like classy honky-tonk Goodnight Charlie’s, Montrose Cheese & Wine, and chic Italian spot Rosie Cannonball. The latter two restaurants will continue on, while the future is less certain for Goodnight Charlie’s. The release reads: “Goodnight Charlie’s is a passion project of David’s, and the team is evaluating the best way to move forward with this concept.”

Mayor Sylvester Turner is going out to lunch in Asiatown today

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner will take his staff to lunch today, the Houston Chronicle reports, in an effort to alleviate fears over novel coronavirus. Unfounded rumors and misinformation have resulted in empty dining rooms and layoffs at restaurants in the neighborhood over the past week. “Let’s not be paralyzed by fear,” the mayor stated. “We have to continue to move forward.” News broke yesterday that a Fort Bend man is “presumptively confirmed” to have COVID-19, the first case in Texas through community transmission.

Downtown’s retooled food hall is open for business

Conservatory Hall, one of Houston’s first food halls, announced plans in January to transform into Underground Hall. The basement venue planned to bring in a cocktail and wine bar called Underbar and a Beer Market outfitted with 30 taps. Underground Hall just opened this week, boasting Tres Leches cakes, brisket eggrolls, tacos and ceviche, pizza, burgers, and more.