Houston has never seen a restaurant like Sky. Opened near the River Oaks District this Friday, December 16, the restaurant combines a high level of culinary ambition with a high-energy, see-and-be-seen atmosphere.
Partners Ryan Henry, Adel Sadek and Fasl Ty have created an elegant 8,000 square foot restaurant inspired by the coastline of the French Riviera. Named after the French word for “sky,” the interior features a 360-degree Barrisol Mirror ceiling light — the first in Houston, according to a statement — which also helps with sound levels in the room. Other interior details include imported Italian porcelain floors and marble tables, blue velvet booths, and a hand-painted statue of Zeus.
A rep couldn’t provide specific details on the nightlife aspects of Ciel’s experience, but said diners should expect pop-up performances throughout the evening that could include singers or dancers. A DJ booth adds to the high-energy atmosphere.
The restaurant seats 240 people indoors, including 14 in its 35-foot marble-clad bar, and offers a private dining room for 40 people. Its 140-seat terrace will open in the spring.
On the menu, the restaurant offers an upscale mix of French and Japanese inspired dishes. Meals at Ciel can start with nigiri or maki rolls, such as king crab nigiri with black truffle, wagyu beef and lobster roll, or salmon belly nigiri with smoked trout roe. Sharing plates include karaage, tuna and salmon tartare and grilled octopus.
The French side of the menu appears in starters and side dishes. Choices include wild mushroom risotto, roasted mushroom chicken, and ribeye with bone marrow and bordelaise cream. Accompany them with smoked macaroni and cheese, yuzu asparagus bernese, roasted Brussels sprouts, etc.
Executive Chef Joseph Geiskopf runs the kitchen. A veteran of Los Angeles restaurants such as Red Medicine and Vespertine, he emphasizes sourcing high-quality, sustainable ingredients, which is reflected in Ciel’s use of beef from the Texas Dean and Peelers ranch, Jidori free-range chicken and non-GMO caviar.
“CIEL is an alluring, elegant and festive space designed for an impeccable dining, gathering and entertainment experience in Houston,” Sadek said in a statement. “We have painstakingly selected every detail of the interior to create a space designed for unvarnished fine dining with exceptional cuisine, elegant presentations and beautiful art not found anywhere else in the city, that will feel like a portal to a glamorous and fun European getaway.”
Ciel is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday. It is located at 4411 San Felipe Rd.
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