Laurann Claridge. Photo by Jack Thompson.
- Posted:
- November 21, 2011
Keys to the Door: Owner Benjy Levit; chef/partner Dylan Murray.
What’s Cooking: Sixteen years ago, Benjy’s Restaurant ingratiated itself into Rice Village and gained a loyal following of diners from near and far. Now owner Benjy Levit, always spot-on-trend, has expanded next door to the space vacated by Antoine’s Import Company, to create an entirely new casual, walk-up counter concept. Local Foods, much like its hip sibling, procures ingredients for crave-worthy sandwiches, salads and bites from local farmers and community artisans who craft all manner of food and beverage, from cheese to olive oil, beer to bread, many of which are packaged to bring home, too. Open and airy, the prep area behind the gleaming counters and glass cases (which are filled with bowls of tasty sides such as Tuscan kale tossed with pine nuts and raisins, Israeli couscous and Asian cabbage slaw) features sparkling white tile, laid old-school market-style. The design-minded Levit tapped Found co-owner Aaron Rambo to help source vintage pieces as well, such as a neon sign that spells out L-O-C-A-L, and set the interior stage for a concept that will have you scheming to come back soon and dive into dishes such as truffled-egg salad sandwich on a pretzel roll and house-made pastrami with caraway sauerkraut, homemade potato chips and sweet endings baked by Levit’s adoring mom. 2424 Dunstan Road in Rice Village, 713.521.7800; houstonlocalfoods.com.
Image: Local Foods. Photo by Jack Thompson.