Quit that hibernating: New March restos are on the way

By Sarah Rufca

March 9th, 2010 at 6:45 AM

After a frenzied fall, the restaurant scene in Houston took a much needed breather from openings — with the exceptions of returning Ike victims Brennan's and Ruggles Grill. But spring is the season for all things bright and new, and restaurants are no exception. What's on the horizon?

A couple eateries from big-shot local chefs, the return of tapas to The Woodlands and a couple places to tickle your sweet tooth.

Jamie Zelko, who earned a following at Bistro Lancaster, will finally open her own place, Zelko Bistro, in the Heights this month. This is one foodies will be watching.

Lance Fegen and Shepherd Ross, the duo behind The Glass Wall, are opening BRC Gastropub in late March in the old Midtown Monuments building, referring to it as a "revolutionary American gastropub." Lee Ellis and Carl Eaves, of Belvedere and The Social, are also involved.

Up in The Woodlands, 1252 Tapas will bring traditional Spanish-style tapas, paella and sangria in a sleek setting to Market Street starting Wednesday.

Melange Creperie is one of a (somewhat) growing street food movement in Houston, and starting Monday, March 8, proprietor 'Buffalo' Sean Morrissey Carroll can be found serving up crepes — both savory (ham & cheese) and sweet (banana & nutella, pear & Texas honey, strawberry & dark chocolate) — in front of Mango's on lower Westheimer most mornings.

Those in the know have been driving out to Conroe to experience the bliss of Marlene Stubler's heavenly pie shop, Pie in the Sky Pie Co. Starting later this month, city slickers can get the pies (and cakes, breakfasts, sandwiches, and casseroles) at Pie in the Sky's second shop in the Heights. (Update: the Heights shop is open!)