Mack Allen’s VIP Grand Opening Shows that Houston May Be Ready for a New Golden Age of Going Out!
Few eateries can boast 16,000 square feet, especially in luxury fine dining. Houston entrepreneur and restaurateur Mack McDonald never let worries stand in his way. He forged ahead and opened a stunning restaurant where River Oaks and Uptown meet. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Mack Allen’s!
The fabulous gathering of 500 well-heeled swells was held at the base of the 5POP office tower, where Sinatra tribute artist Rickey Davis crooned Ol’ Blue Eyes favorites to welcome attendees. Lampshade ladies and feathered-fan dancers strolled throughout the space, and a rolling beauty circulated, serving wines and champagne from her skirt!
Mack’s dream was to create a restaurant that could accommodate every aspect of his guests’ lives — from business lunches and deal-making dinners to cocktails, date nights, milestone celebrations, and large-scale events. In Mack Allen’s expansive space, his New American menu, dedicated sushi and raw bar program, extensive wine and spirits offerings, multiple bars and lounges, three distinct private dining rooms, and a nearly quarter-acre courtyard all come together. His restaurant can accommodate everything from an intimate dinner for two to receptions for up to 500 guests. Cans of “caviar” tiramisu served on pearl spoons were the evening’s final flourish.
Executive Chef Carlos Andrade and Regional Chef Manuel “Manny” Viveros helm the kitchen, which prepares lavish offerings, including: Prime Steaks and Australian Wagyu anchor the chophouse side, while seafood, seasonal entrées, and globally influenced preparations broaden the menu with standout dishes such as Seared Sea Scallops in Saffron Cream; Escargots with Bone Marrow and Garlic Scampi Sauce; Smoked Duck Confit Gumbo; Roasted Chilean Sea Bass with Jumbo Lump Crab and Sauce Américaine; Braised Beef Short Ribs with Luxardo Cherry Reduction; and Rack of Lamb and Pan-seared Snapper with Crab and Yuzu Risotto. YUM!
This dining destination is open for lunch and dinner, with brunch service planned for the future. Enjoy their Sushi and Raw Bar, featuring Petrossian Caviar service. Sushi Chef Matthew Mui is ready to draw on his twenty years of experience to make the experience truly special.
Formerly of Brennan’s, Underbelly, and Café Annie, Pastry Chef Karen Romero brings her sweetness, rolling pin and whisk to serve Mascarpone Cheesecake, Velvet Tiramisu, and decadent Five-Layer Chocolate Cake!
Don’t forget the wines! Wine Director Anthony Salazar, formerly of Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park and Nōksu in the Big Apple, oversees a 1,000-bottle collection.
Houston-based Montgomery Roth Architecture & Interior Design designed the interiors, balancing classic sophistication with contemporary luxury.
Saving the best for last, General Manager and Certified Sommelier Shaun Stockton leads the service program, drawing on experience from several of Houston’s established luxury dining rooms, including Turner’s, Truluck’s, Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse, Willie G’s Seafood, and Brenner’s Steakhouse.
Mack McDonald’s goal is to deliver polished, highly personalized service tailored to the many reasons guests visit the restaurant. The project’s scale, the breadth of the culinary program, and its ability to serve as a restaurant, bar, business-dining destination, and major private-event venue set it apart from a more traditional restaurant opening. Welcome to Houston, Mack! We are happy you’re here!
In the Social Scene: Sarah and Reza Ebrahimi, Cookie and Lee Centracco, Courtney Hopson, Joyce Echols, Samira Salman, Preet Paul Singh, James Sivco, Lauren and Kyle Courville, Washington Ho, Marcy de Luna, Jennifer Howard, Annie Amante, Amy Blumrosen, Coco Dominguez, Russ Morgan, Jack Massing, Brittany Zucker, Sherri Zucker, Beth Wolff, Cynthia Wolff, Meredith Chavez, Madyson Chavez and Rita Chavez
For more information about this fabulous new dining destination, visit Mack Allen’s website.
