Casa Nomad
THE CONCEPT
Partners Roland Keller, Tyler Barrera and Keith Doyle, the hospitality trio behind the bungalow garden bar Wicklow Heights, have created a coastal Mexican restaurant now among the mix of dining options at the buzzy M-K-T Heights development.
THE SPACE
The sliver deck lounge, designed by Coeval of Dallas, seats 28 and has a vacation vibe with a rope canopy, blue tile walls and lush tropical plants. Tulum, Mexico, was the design inspiration.
THE FOOD
The “Mayan-inspired” menu from executive chef Vincent Forchelli offers tuna crudo tostadas, chicharrones served with spiced crema, ceviche, Tajin melon salad, tamales (green chile pork or chicken) and elote “ribs” with cotija, pickled onion and butter crema. Larger dishes include chickpea and chorizo cassoulet; skirt steak with mushroom “agridulce” and corn tortillas; bone marrow; and market fish with salsa verde and adobo sauce. There are tacos, too: grilled fish, carnitas and braised chicken.
THE DRINKS
A few wines by glass and bottle, beer and a list of tequila and mezcal. The cocktail list includes creative sippers such as Jungle Disco (reposado tequila, pineapple, serrano chile syrup and carrot juice), Te Amo (mezcal, reposado tequila, lime, cayenne cordial, agave, pineapple and Topo Chico), and Tuluminati (reposado tequila, dry Curacao, lime, agave and dragon fruit syrup).
THE WORD
“Tulum has for a long time been one of our favorite travel destinations,” Keller said. “With Casa Nomad, we wanted to bring a slice of Tulum to Houston so Houstonians can experience in their own backyard the bohemian vibe that makes Tulum such a special place for us.”
ONE MORE THING
Casa Nomad is adjacent to the partners’ Highline Park, an upscale patio bar opening soon.
THE DETAILS
At M-K-T Heights, 600 N. Shepherd; casanomadhtx.com. Open 4 p.m. to midnight Wednesdays through Saturdays.