At long last, Jūn – the culinary project of Top Chef star, Evelyn Garcia, along with co-owner, Henry Lu – is opening in Houston.
Located at 420 E 20th St Suite A in the Heights, Jūn is a 65-person “New Asian American” restaurant inspired by the diverse culinary upbringings of both Garcia and Lu.
The space was formerly occupied by Steel City Pops, and features a dining room area, bar, and kitchen area.
Following her performance on the last season of the Houston-based season of Top Chef, Evelyn Garcia is opening a brand new restaurant in the Heights.
Garcia is the chef/co-owner of by Kin HTX, a Southeast Asian-inspired catering concept. Her new restaurant with Henry Lu, chef/partner at by Kin HTX, Jūn (pronounced “June”) is what the chef/owners describe as a “New Asian American” restaurant with an emphasis on family.
At Jūn, the dishes are meant to be shared – hence, family. Each dish is served on handmade ceramics from Oaxaca, Mexico, accompanied by a named deceptively simply.
Here, visitors will find options such as Lamb, Beef Tartare, Sweet Potato, Grits, and Whole Fish.
As far as the libations, Jūn offers a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails. Regarding the latter, options include the Lillet Rouge Spritz, made with lillet rouge, dolin blanc vermouth, grapefruit, and vanilla; Michelada made with Modelo, fish sauce, hoisin, chili, and lime; Open Sesame with sparkling Junmai saké, toasted black sesame, lime, yuzu tonic; and more.
Zero-proof cocktail options are also available, with such options as Jūn’s Thai Lemonade made with condensed milk, piloncillo, and Thai chili and Holé Molé made with almond mole, condensed milk, dulce de leche, and Mexican Coke.
As per the website, Jūn:
“Explores the story of both chefs upbringing in a diverse household; surrounded by different people, food and culture. Garcia growing up in Houston Texas and Lu growing up in the Bronx NY, they want to share their life experiences through the food at Jūn. Jūn is a celebration of our differences and funky flavors coming together through the lens of ‘New Asian American’ food.”
Jūn opens Tuesday, February 7 at 420th E 20th st. It’s open from 5 to 10 pm Sunday through Thursday; 5 to 11 pm Fridays and Saturdays.