Story & Photos by Metta Archilla-Ishida
Owners Lini Correa and Martin Garcia had a dream and a vision. That vision is now an upscale reality located at 16010 West Road, Houston, TX, 77095. Salt & Sugar Gastro Bar is a compilation of classy lines, craft food, and contagiously delicious cocktails. “We are an international restaurant with a great influence in Italian and French cuisine, live entertainment and the best cocktails in town.”
Lini and Martin grew up in their native country of Columbia; Lini has lived in the Cypress area for over 10 years. While this is not Martin’s first business enterprise, it is their beloved flagship. In time, they have plans to replicate this eatery throughout Houston and surrounding areas.
What I’m most excited about this newly sculpted eatery are the Chefs: Executive Chef Osman Moya and his Sous Chef and Leamsi Granadilla. One can describe this dynamic duo of lifetime friends as two peas in a pod. Executive Chef Moya packs an impressive culinary track record with over 22 combined years in the industry with his formal training from the Venezuela Culinary Institute to Florida, and now they’ve landed in our humble Cypress community. While Moya and Granadilla share an expert eye in culinary presentation and elevated flavor design, their passion is truly in crafting big flavor essence from natural local ingredients.
This high-end little gem in the middle of an older established neighborhood is the perfect people temperature for Chef, and he adds, “I bring my Sous Chef with me always, we’ve been together since grade school, and I trust him in the kitchen. His nickname is ‘Chickie,’ like the little bird.” This drew a fond laugh from Moya.
What’s most impressive in my honest opinion, is that Chef Moya dropped out of high school and spent his time doing nothing for nearly a year. He was watching Gourmet TV when a commercial for the Venezuela Culinary Institute flashed across the screen. A lightbulb flashed on and he ran to tell his parents that THIS was what he was going to do, that he was going to be a Chef. His parents made him promise to finish his culinary training. Chef not only finished, but that light bulb has burned brightly every second since. Moya finished his culinary training before looping back around to finish his high school diploma. He’s been commanding and orchestrating mainstream kitchens ever since.
When I asked Chef if he could do anything else in the world, what would that be, and Chef replied with conviction, “A Chef, every single time.”
Go and check them out folks, and welcome the Salt & Sugar team to the neighborhood. Kaylynn, a phenomenal staff waitress, recommends the Angus Tenderloin, it’s her personal favorite. But to explore their food and craft cocktail menu of offerings is to take a journey into the realm of sophistication, without having to drive into downtown Houston. Full Menu: saltandsugarhtx.com.
Metta Archilla-Ishida is a contributing PinPointe Magazine writer and founder of Metta’s Local Eats FB group. On Metta’s Fork is a local Mom and Pop commercial kitchen that brings a touch of Southern comfort dinners incorporating fresh local ingredients to your table. The creator of “Mah Pahs” (a savory spin on a crusted pie) with local favorites such as the Sausage or lem-Chicken Mah Pah topped with a loaded smashed potato. But what steals the show are her ANYTIME Quiches from a Pulled Pork and Potato Hash, to Garden Vegetable and Feta, and all between. The Quiche menu rotates weekly as do their hearty Stews and Soups. This is family mealtime at its finest where all you do is heat and eat. On Metta’s Fork can be located on Facebook and services the Cypress and surrounding areas. Or you can reach out to Metta Archilla directly via her Facebook social media page. #onmettasfork
