With an impressive lineup of restaurants scattered throughout the city (think B.B. Italia Bistro & Bar, Emilia’s Havana, Turner’s and more), it’s safe to say you’ve most likely been wined and dined by the Berg Hospitality Group. Now, marking its 10th culinary concept in Houston, Benny Chows makes its highly-anticipated debut with flavorful Chinese-inspired fare and opulent design details to match. Here, we sat down with founder and CEO Benjamin Berg to get a first taste of the opening.
A red and gold hand-painted and highly acclaimed de Gournay story-telling wallpaper flows throughout the restaurant
Congratulations on this major milestone! What inspired you to open the restaurant?
Some of my first and favorite dining memories were made in Chinese restaurants in New York, and I wanted to give Houston those same moments but put a Texas touch on it with a localized, ingredient-rich menu that they can experience in a luxe and exciting atmosphere.
How would you explain the overall aesthetic of the space?
Every corner of Benny Chows is meticulously designed for a captivating experience. I am very proud of our design team, and we feel confident that every Houstonian will fall in love with the space before even trying the food. Berg Hospitality’s VP of design and experience, Sam Governale, partnered with Gail McCleese of Sensitori to create the experiential design, including procuring authentic Chinese artifacts and architectural antiques that celebrate the beauty, depth and richness of Chinese culture and lifestyle.
Crystal shrimp dumplings
How has the Houston community supported you throughout the years?
First and foremost, the Houston community has supported me and our company by continuously dining at our restaurants and supporting our causes. They inspire us to continue to give back and better the community around us by pushing our creativity and hospitality instincts to always try and create newer, bigger and better experiences for our guests.
Let’s talk food! What can guests expect from the menu?
Rooted in Cantonese tradition, dishes are enhanced with local ingredients to create a menu that has a certain playfulness to it. Under the helm of Chinese-born executive chef Shirong Mei—who brings nearly 30 years of culinary experience in Cantonese restaurants throughout Asia and the U.S.—the diverse menu offers different takes on Chinese comfort food like homemade dim sum and dumplings mixed with a New York staple, cold sesame noodles, while also presenting delicacies such as whole lobster, foie gras and white sturgeon caviar.
Cold sesame noodles
Do you have a favorite dish or drink you could share?
Some of my favorites are the Cold Sesame Noodles made with udon noodles, cucumbers, peanut, soy, and scallions, and the Crispy Orange Beef featuring marinated flank steak in orange sauce with Cara Cara (oranges and chilis). And the two sleeper dishes—the Impossible Mapo tofu and the 18 Vegetable Salad—are also just as delicious.
Anything else you would like to buzz for the upcoming season?
Later this fall, Benny Chows will expand into the space next door and add up to four additional private dining spaces before the holiday season. We are also excited to announce the upcoming opening of Annabelle Brasserie, slated for October 2023. Located in Autry Park, the restaurant will serve French American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week in a lively atmosphere with picturesque views. 1818 Washington Ave., Building A, Ste. 150
Photography by: Interior photos by JENN DUNCAN; Food photos by BRIAN KENNEDY
