Another opening, another party. Now that the swirl of nonprofit fundraisers has petered out for the summer in Houston, restaurant openings are filling in for social butterflies who have not flitted off to cooler climes. Most recently was Japanese and sushi fine dining restaurant Azumi in River Oaks District.
This swank new Houston restaurant opened literally with a bang over two nights of partying thanks to the traditional sake barrel breaking ceremony.
The ceremony which symbolizes prosperity and new beginnings in Japanese culture was conducted by Atlas Restaurant Group founder and CEO Alex Smith, who was in from the restaurant group’s headquarters in Baltimore and Michelin-starred executive chef Timur Fazilov. In January, Atlas brought Fazilov on board as concept chef of Asian cuisine overseeing several of the group’s restaurants. Also making the trek to Houston was Atlas Restaurant Group managing partner and co-owner Eric Smith, Alex Smith’s brother.