Already a neighborhood favorite in River Oaks, a second location of Relish recently opened in Memorial's Town & Country Village. The restaurant, founded by husband and wife team Dustin and Addie Teague in 2016, has grown into an approachable but elevated go-to for American food with a Mediterranean influence. Diners can expect a menu with offerings similar to its River Oaks counterpart, including a robust wine list, hand-crafted cocktails, and rotating specials.
One of the menu standouts at the new location is the Butternut Squash Cavatelli, which is perfect for a cold February evening and paired with a glass of wine. relishhouston.com
The Pasta
According to executive chef Dustin Teague, Relish uses wonderful dried cavatelli made from durum wheat semolina imported from Italy. "It has a great texture similar to a gnocchi. The pasta's ridges allow it to soak up all the delicious sauce."
The Sauce
To achieve the perfect flavor profile, the sauce is made a la minute (made to order). Teague and his team brown shallots, onion, garlic, and sage, and then add Relish's homemade pomodoro sauce and a drop of cream and butter.
The Toppings
Striving for a delicious umami bite, Teague elevates the pasta by adding toasted and salted pumpkin seeds for nuttiness and crunch, along with aged parmesan.
The Mix-Ins
The pasta dish contains delicious Italian pork sausage, roasted butternut squash, and sage, making a perfect fall and winter flavor combination. "These mix-ins make the dish a little sweet, salty, herby, and very comforting," said Teague.